Xanana says repatriation will boost reconciliation<\/p>\n
Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang<\/p>\n
East Timor President Xanana Gusmao visited on Sunday more
\nrefugees who fled the former Indonesian province to West Timor in
\n1999 (photo above), renewing calls for them to return home and
\nreconciliate.<\/p>\n
Xanana arrived in Atambua, the capital of Belu regency next to
\nEast Timor, and stayed overnight before leaving for East Timor on
\nMonday by land.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Sunday, Xanana met with nearly 2,000 East Timorese
\nrefugees in Kefamenanu and asked them to return home.<\/p>\n
\"My visit here is to unite the people of Lorosae (East Timor)
\nfor a reconciliation. This is for the sake of our children,
\ngrandchildren, and our nation,\" said Xanana who was accompanied
\nby East Timor Parliament President Francisco Guterres, secretary
\nof Indonesian ministry for people's welfare Tejo Yuwono, and East
\nNusa Tenggara Governor Piet Talo.<\/p>\n
Xanana said East Timor people would not take the law into
\ntheir own hands to deal with ex-members of the pro-Jakarta
\nmilitia, who are widely accused of atrocities before and after
\nthe UN-administered ballot in favor of independence.<\/p>\n
Instead, he said East Timor authorities would implement a fair
\ntrial for those who committed murder or other crimes in the past.<\/p>\n
\"For the sake of justice, there must be a fair trial for those
\ninvolved in crimes,\" Xanana added.<\/p>\n
During his visit to Indonesia's West Timor, Xanana brought
\nwith him singers to entertain the refugees.<\/p>\n
Before leaving Belu regency via Mota'ain on Monday, the East
\nTimor president will inspect a traditional market built in the
\nborder area in the district of Tasifeto.<\/p>\n
About 250,000 East Timorese fled their homes following the
\nself-determination ballot in August 1999.<\/p>\n
The UN's refugee agency has estimated 30,000 refugees remain
\nin West Timor. Most of them are former militia members, military
\nofficers, police, government officials and their followers.<\/p>\n
Xanana's visit is the last-ditch effort to convince the
\nremaining refugees to return home before the Dec. 31 deadline.<\/p>\n
As of Jan. 1, 2003, international organizations will cease
\ntheir returnee assistance program and the Indonesian government
\nhas also announced that its own program will also end.<\/p>\n
East Timorese who decided to stay in Indonesia after that date
\nwill no longer be considered refugees.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/xanana-says-repatriation-will-boost-reconciliation-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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