Expressing deep concern over reports of spiraling violence in East Timor following Monday's United Nations-organized popular consultation, Mrs. Robinson said a substantial United Nations peace-keeping force might be needed to protect Timorese civilians and United Nations staff given the inability of Indonesian security forces to control the situation.

"The reports out of East Timor tell of pro-integration militia groups on the rampage in Dili and elsewhere", the High Commissioner said. "The situation is characterized by extra-judicial killings, displacement of populations, destruction of property, illegal detentions and intimidation, with Indonesian security forces reacting in a wholly inadequate manner".

"If the Indonesian authorities are unable to fulfil their responsibility to ensure the security of the Timorese people, then there must be urgent consideration in the Security Council of the deployment of international or regional forces to protect the population", Mrs. Robinson said, adding that she was encouraged that the Indonesian Government had indicated it might consider accepting an international security presence in East Timor.

Mrs. Robinson said the current violence threatened to derail the consultation process and seemed aimed at denying the East Timorese their right to determine their own future.

"It is essential that the progress achieved until now in East Timor not be reversed", she said. "The consultation process has been designed to allow the East Timorese to exercise their fundamental human right to self-determination. Whatever the outcome of the vote turns out to be, it will represent the will of the people of East Timor and must be respected".

Mrs Robinson also expressed deep sadness over the United Nations staff members killed, at least four, in East Timor since Monday's ballot and said she was concerned about those reported missing.