In response to press queries, the MFA Spokesman said:
"The result of the East Timor ballot announced today is an important step towards the resolution of the East Timor question. The UN and Indonesia should be commended on the peaceful vote and high turnout on 30 August 1999.
"The result of the voting cannot be changed by resort to violence by any party in East Timor. The people of East Timor should be allowed to continue to determine their future in the peaceful manner in which the voting took place on 30 August 1999."
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
4 SEPTEMBER 1999