Close the camps<\/p>\n
The visiting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Richard
\nHolbrooke, has spoken out, calling for rapid repatriation of all
\n(East Timorese refugees) who wish to return to East Timor. This
\nfinally may prod the Indonesian authorities into controlling the
\nmilitia mobs. Police in the camps do nothing to protect the
\npeople, and only in recent weeks have foreigners been able to get
\nnear them.<\/p>\n
Deprived of adequate food or medical care, and without
\nsanitation, the misery and fear of those inside increases by the
\nday. Those bold enough to speak out put their lives in danger. So
\nfar, only about 30,000 of 260,000 known refugees have been able
\nto return.<\/p>\n
The new Indonesian Government is trying hard to restore the
\ncountry's damaged reputation. But until it controls the
\nmilitiamen and hastens repatriation the international community
\nwill continue to doubt its resolve. The camps are a reminder of a
\nbrutal history in East Timor. The sooner they are closed and the
\nepisode concluded, the quicker the recovery process will be.<\/p>\n
If the camps were not gone by the year's end, Mr. Holbrooke
\nwarned, "you will know that the wrong people are still
\ncontrolling events in the military in Indonesia".<\/p>\n
Xanana Gusmao and other East Timorese leaders have shown great
\nwillingness to put the past behind them and establish friendly
\nties with Jakarta. But while leaders prolong this last blot on
\ntheir East Timor record, they jeopardize the goodwill which has
\nbeen extended.<\/p>\n
-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/close-the-camps-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }