U N I T E D N A T I O N S     N A T I O N S   U N I E S

U N T A E T

United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor

Headquarters Peacekeeping Force

27 September 2000

To:                                          Cmd  Sector East

                                              Cmd Sector Central

                                                Cmd Stector West

                                                Cmd JORBATT

For Information:   PIO in each Sector HQ

From:                                      Force Commander, PKF

Subject:                 FORCE COMMANDER'S GUIDANCE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION

General

1.             As a result of recent media coverage of PKF activities, it has become apparent that guidance is required to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken for the provision of Public Information (PI). It is essential that we garner and maintain public support for PKF efforts to support the UNTAET mandate. We must therefore seek out opportunities to deliver a synchronized, unified messages to target audiences. This will facilitate the commander's objectives and the main means to accomplish this will be through the media. Co-ordination of PKF PI efforts are a prerequisite for the maintenance of peace in ET; the avoidance of panic and miscalculation caused by rumor; the support of PKF Operations by the public; and to demonstrate resolve and cohesion.

Guidance

2.             I wish therefore to provide the following guidance on the provision of PI:

a.                   PI is a command responsibility. At all levels, the goal of the commander on PI activities is to enhance public understanding of the mission, its goals and capabilities. Every effort must therefore be made to disseminate accurate, complete and timely information to the public through the news media. PI operations are to be coordinated to ensure that all target audiences are fully and accurately informed.

b.                  The Chief PI Officer (CPIO), HQ PKF, is to supervise and co-ordinate all PKF PI throughout the mission area. This is to be closely coordinated with each Sector appointed PIO.

c.                   Consistent with PKF security regulations, appropriate information about PKF activities will be released to the public. The content of releases should be confined to matters within the competence and authority of the originating command. All significant information, whether intended for release in written, oral or visual form is to be cleared and coordinated with the CPIO. In essence:

(1)               No interviews are to be given with non-accredited media representatives.

(2)               All members of the press are to be escorted at all times by unit PIOs.

(3)               Personnel interviewed are not to speculate, nor express opinions beyond the scope of their experience or duties.

d.                  PI and Civil Military Affairs must be closely coordinated. PI will assist CMA in dealing with local media and in providing information to the local audience. PI and CMA staff must coordinate their actions to ensure that messages, methods and actions are truthful and consistent.

Media Handling

3.             When dealing with the media, the following guidance is given:

                a.                   Avoid overly orchestrated activities.  The media will quickly know it.

b.                  UN operations are transparent.  Any attempt to prevent media access to soldiers will lead them to believe that we are hiding something however all troops must be trained to ensure they remain firmly within their area of expertise or duties.

c.                   Everything you say is “on the record”.  You will be quoted and your name will be used.

d.                  Do not discuss operational matters unless cleared by the Force Commander through the CPIO.

e.                   Do not comment on policy.

f.                    Be honest.  If you don’t know the answer to the question then say so. Do not speculate and stay within your expertise.

g.                   Keep your answers brief and to the point.

h.                   Avoid military or technical jargon.

i.                     Listen to the question.  If you are unsure of the question then ask the reporter to clarify what he means.

j.                    Respect Host Nation sensitivities and speak slowly.

Instructions for PIOs

4.         The following guidance is provided for Sector and Unit PIOs:

a.                   PI staffs must maintain constant liaison with higher PI echelons. PIOs at each level will also maintain contact with adjacent PIOs in the area.

b.                  PIOs at all levels are to register media reporting to their location.

c.                   Subordinate commanders will provide escort officers to all media representatives in their AO.

d.                  Media representatives will not be permitted access to operationally sensitive areas unless approved by the appropriate commander and escorted.

e.                   Transportation will be made available for accredited correspondents where appropriate.

Summary  

5.         Careful management of media resources will ensure not only that we present a coherent and factual representation of our activities but will also enhance our ability to assist in the achievement of the UNTAET mandate. It behoves all commanders to ensure that this guidance is disseminated to the appropriate levels of command and that PIOs at all levels work in unison to achieve the mandate.