Repatriation the best option<\/p>\n
ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: Repatriation and relocation of
\nEast Timorese refugees are considered to be good options to solve
\nthe problem of food scarcity as its distribution from the
\nIndonesian government is reducing.<\/p>\n
\"As the government can no longer provide an adequate quantity
\nof food, repatriation or relocation to other regions are
\nconsidered to be the appropriate courses of action,\" Blasius J.
\nManek, deputy speaker of Belu Legislative Council said on
\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
He added that he had continually explained to the refugees
\nthat the fertile areas in Belu would not be enough to accommodate
\nthat many refugees.<\/p>\n
Refugees intending to stay in Indonesia should be willing to
\nbe repatriated to other regions like Kalimantan or Sumatra, while
\nothers intending to return to their home country could join the
\nrepatriation program, Blasius said.<\/p>\n
Ansesso Sessas, one of the refugees, admitted that most
\nrefugees were suffering from the food shortages. \"We know the
\nIndonesian government's ability is limited,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"There could possibly be a larger number of refugees who will
\ndecide to go home, especially after the peaceful election in East
\nTimor on Aug. 30,\" he said. The repatriation flow would reach its
\npeak next month, the start of the rainy season, which also means
\nthe start of the planting season, he said.<\/p>\n
Ermelinda Martins, another refugee, said that many had decided
\nto return to East Timor to improve their economic prospects after
\nliving in temporary tents for two years. -- Antara<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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