E. Timorese groups trade blame for exodus<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The pro-integration East Timorese calling
\nthemselves Besi Merah Putih (Red and White Iron) denied on
\nWednesday intimidating hundreds of Maubara residents in Liquica
\nregency into fleeing their town.<\/p>\n
Coordinator of the group Manuel Sousa claimed the exodus of
\n300 Maubara residents from the regency, which is 38 kilometers
\nwest of Dili, was in fact triggered by the terror launched by
\nmembers of the pro-independence group, Falintil.<\/p>\n
He was quoted by Antara as saying Falintil has been
\nthreatening to kill Maubara residents who want East Timor to
\nremain part of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\"On the contrary, the people of Maubara have sought protection
\nfrom us because they want East Timor to remain a part of
\nIndonesia since they have enjoyed the results of the government's
\ndevelopment programs,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Since Sunday, waves of people have fled Maubara to take refuge
\nin primary schools, a Dutch colonial building and people's homes
\nin various other areas.<\/p>\n
Some 97 Maubara residents have also reportedly taken refuge in
\nAtabae subdistrict, Bobonaro district, some 138 km west of the
\nEast Timorese capital of Dili, staying in local government
\noffices, elementary schools and people's homes.<\/p>\n
Sousa claimed that in Maubara people who support integration
\nare being intimidated by Falintil.<\/p>\n
East Timor, a Portuguese colony for 400 years, became part of
\nIndonesia in 1976 following the issuance of the Balibo
\nDeclaration a year earlier.<\/p>\n
The integration however has not been recognized by the United
\nNations, which continues to recognize Portugal as the
\nadministering power in the troubled territory.<\/p>\n
Indonesia and Portugal under the auspices of the UN Secretary
\n-General Kofi Annan have been discussing a lasting settlement to
\nthe East Timor question.<\/p>\n
Jakarta has so far offered two options in order to settle the
\nissue -- a UN-backed wide-ranging autonomy for the province or
\nseparation from Indonesia if the proposal for autonomy is
\nrejected.<\/p>\n
The offer has caused tensions to grow between those wanting to
\nremain with Indonesia and those wanting a separation. In some
\ncases, these tensions have degenerated into clashes as both
\ngroups have access to weapons.<\/p>\n
In a related development, Antara reported that Canadian
\nForeign Minister Lloyd Axworthy has expressed support for East
\nTimorese anti-integrationist leader Jose Alexander \"Xanana\"
\nGusmao's proposal for a peacekeeping commission in East Timor
\nwhile the territory decides on its status.<\/p>\n
The commission will be a forum for pro-integration and pro-
\nindependence groups as well as the Indonesian government in
\neliminating tension in the province, Axworthy said in a press
\nrelease.<\/p>\n
He said the process of disarming all parties in East Timor,
\nincluding the militia, should begin soon.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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