September 10, 1999

Kiyoshi SASAMORI
General Secretary
Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO)

Information coming from East Timor about terrorist attacks and destruction by armed groups who oppose independence after despite the decision of the electorate is deeply felt among the members of RENGO.

If peaceful independence of the East Timor is not achieved, the trust of both the United Nations and Indonesian government will disappear among international society.

Indonesia's president clearly agreed to respect the wish of the majority of the East Timorese. However, East Timor needs peace before the independence. Indonesia has first responsibility for stability and peace in East Timor. Indonesia declared martial law
East Timor to end the disturbances, however after several days under martial law, there is no sign improvement.

RENGO strongly demands peace and the fast independence of East Timor.

The United Nations bears an important responsibility, and a major role in the vote for independence. RENGO demands an United Nations inquiry into the situation in East Timor as quickly as possible. If the commission judges that Indonesia can't handle the confusion, the Security Council should handle the situation.

RENGO demands the Japanese government respond to the Indonesian government and United Nations and call for immediate peace and independence for East Timor.