The Indonesian Government deeply deplores the decision of the EU Foreign Ministers imposing an embargo on the export to Indonesia of arms, munitions and military equipment for a period of four months. It also deplores the suspension of bilateral military cooperation between Indonesia and member States of the EU. Such unilateral measures are unwarranted and they undermine Indonesia's efforts to deal with the unfortunate incidents of violence that have occurred in East Timor following the announcement of the results of the popular consultation.

Indonesia's commitment to the 5 May 1999 Agreements is unequivocal. In order to deal more effectively with the escalating violence, the Government of Indonesia proclaimed a state of military emergency in East Timor, thereby establishing a legal framework for the armed forces to take the necessary measures to reinstate law and order. This decision resulted in the gradual improvement of the security conditions in the province. However, moved by a sincere desire for a more expeditious return of public order, and after a reappraisal of the overall situation in East Timor and a close monitoring of the developments on the ground, the Indonesian Government decided to invite the assistance of United Nations peacekeeping forces in the endeavour to restore peace and security in East Timor, to protect the people and to implement the 5 May 1999 Agreements in the light of the result of the ballot. This decision was prompted solely by Indonesia's determination to bring order and conditions of normalcy as quickly as possible to East Timor.

Indonesia will continue to cooperate with the UN-authorized multinational force so that it can effectively discharge the mandate entrusted to it. Indonesia will also continue to take measures to facilitate the operations of international humanitarian organizations in East Timor.

In spite of all the cooperation that Indonesia has extended, the EU has decided to carry out punitive actions that are wholly unjustified, especially in light of the mutually beneficial working relationship that has long characterized the friendly ties between Indonesia and the member States of the EU. The actions taken by the EU member States are counterproductive and do not augur well for the future. The Indonesian Government will neither be coerced nor intimidated.

The Indonesian Government will do everything within its power and resources to ensure that the question of East Timor is resolved in a peaceful, honourable and fair manner, in line with the 5 May 1999 Agreements.

Jakarta, 22 September 1999