The Role of the United Nations
From 1975 until 1982, the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly passed and reaffirmed 10 resolutions
recognising the East Timorese people's right to self-determination, and calling for the withdrawal of Indonesia¹s armed forces.
In 1982, the General Assembly charged the Secretary General to seek a just resolution of the East Timor conflict by consulting with 'all parties directly concerned.' These talks have so far involved only Portugal and Indonesia.
The UN has also hosted 'Intra-Timorese Dialogue' talks which have brought together pro-and anti-integration East Timorese. Indonesia has tightly controlled the selection of people who attend from within East Timor.
In April 1997 a majority of members of the UN Human Rights Commission supported a strong resolution calling for Indonesia to give unhindered access to East Timor for a UN human rights monitor.
In January 1997, the new Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Kofi Annan appointed as his special representative for East Timor, Mr Jamsheed Marker.
Marker has met with Xanana Gusmão, and now chairs the ongoing talks between the Foreign Ministers of Portugal and Indonesia. Both Marker and Annan have met with President Mandela over East Timor and welcome his input into the new momentum for negotiations.
