The UN demanded yesterday that Indonesia crack down on armed anti-independence militias trying to disrupt Sunday's vote on the future of East Timor and insisted the ballot would go ahead.
The Security Council meanwhile prepared to debate a resolution doubling the strength of UN military and police contingents in East Timor to a total of 760. The resolution is expected to be adopted today.
UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan said he was "appalled by the widespread violence in Dili" where at least five people were killed yesterday. A statement said the secretary general "demands that the Indonesian authorities take immediate steps to restore and maintain law and order".
"It is crucial that, even at this late stage, concrete and effective steps be taken by Indonesia to control the militias who, it is increasingly clear, are intent on disrupting the popular consultation.
"Those who are responsible for planning and carrying our these acts of violence and lawlessness must be arrested."
The UN is determined to fulfill its responsibilities to the people of East Timor and would not be deterred by "threats and intimidation from lawless elements," Mr Annan said.
The council interrupted its schedule to hear a briefing on the situation in East Timor and issued a statement condemning the violence.
The statement "called on all parties to stop the violence and to co-operate in measures designed to ensure that the ballot will go ahead in conditions of peace and security on 30 August".
The council is due to debate a resolution today extending the mandate of the UN Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) until November 30th.
If adopted, it will authorise an increase in the number of UN civilian police from 280 to 460. It will also authorise the sending of 300 military liaison personnel to the territory. UNAMET at present has about 50 military observers in East Timor.
The resolution follows recommendations from Mr Annan to the Security Council on August 10th when he said:
"United Nations's efforts must be redoubled following the ballot to build confidence and support stability in the territory and reassure all groups, in particular those who were in the minority in the ballot, that they have a role to play in the future political life of East Timor."
The General Assembly has already appropriated $52.53 million for UNAMET's operations from May 5th until August 31st.
Echoing Mr Annan's message, US State Department spokesman Mr James Foley demanded that Indonesian authorities take action against groups "that are fomenting violence and creating a climate of fear on an ongoing basis in East Timor".
"Indonesia must create an environment free of intimidation in which to hold the vote and, furthermore, reassure all parties that it will accept and uphold the decision of the people of East Timor."
Referring to the pro-Indonesian armed militias, Mr Foley said Indonesian authorities "have insufficiently acted against those groups".