"In this regard the Security Council expresses serious concern that the Secretary-General, in his assessment, concludes that the necessary conditions do not yet exist to begin the operational phases of the consultation process, given the security situation throughout much of East Timor and the absence of a `level playing field'. It is especially concerned that the militias and other armed groups have carried out acts of violence against the local population and exercise an intimidating influence over them, and that these activities continue to constrict political freedom in East Timor, thus jeopardizing the necessary openness of the consultation process. The Council notes the Secretary-General's assessment that while the security situation has severely limited the opportunity for public expression by pro-independence activists, pro-autonomy campaigning has been actively pursued.
