The people of East Timor have spoken. The majority vote for independence last August 30, 1999 leaves little doubt of the Timorese people's choice and collective desire for self-determination. It is disheartening that such an overwhelming voice has fallen on deaf ears. Up to this day, a few weeks after the vote, the pro-integration militia members (in complicity with the Indonesian military and police) continue to reject the people's choice and instead have waged a series of violent activities against pro-Independence citizens, UN staff and journalists.

We strongly condemn the rampage, killings and anti-democratic acts perpetrated by pro-autonomy forces.

We commend the vigilance of international groups, both non-governmental and governmental in providing full support to the cause of democracy and the Timorese people.

We call on the international labour movement to continue its solidarity actions in putting pressure to the Indonesian government to end its support to the militias and recognise the voice of the majority in East Timor.

IFWEA joins the international community in promoting democracy and human rights in the Asian region and world-wide. We believe that there can be no democracy without self-rule and we stand by the Timorese people in their struggle for a free and independent nation.