FED: Democrats express concern for Timor violence

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-1999
FED: Democrats express concern for Timor violence

The Australian Democrats say they're concerned for the safety of all on East Timor in the
ballot to decide the future of the territory.

Party leader MEG LEES says Democrats Senator VICKI BOURNE is a member of the observer
group, as are many other Australians.

She says the major concern is safety, not just for Senator BOURNE but for all the observers
and for all those in East Timor at what is a critical time.

Senator LEES says she hopes the ballot can be a true and fair decision and that it won't be
marred by violence.

She says Australia has a significant role to play whatever the outcome but particularly if
East Timor opts for independence from Indonesia.

AAP RTV mb/rsm/msk

KEYWORD: TIMOR DEMOCRATS (CANBERRA)

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