4,504 officers sent to protect refugees

4,504 officers sent to protect refugees

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): No less than 4,504 security
personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police have been
deployed to safeguard Wednesday's registration when East Timorese
refugees will decide whether they wish to return to the territory
or retain Indonesian citizenship.

Two soldiers and two policemen will be stationed at each of
the 507 registration points, East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Police
chief Sr. Comr. Gories Mere said at a ceremony to inspect the
readiness of the security force here on Monday.

Gories instructed security personnel to take stern measures
against any disturbances that might hamper the registration
process.

"Do not hesitate to take stern measures to save people's lives
when they are in danger, in accordance with the prevailing
procedure," Gories said, reading out a statement made by East
Nusa Tenggara Police chief Insp. Gen. Yakobus Jacky Uli.

"This registration (for refugees) is being watched by the
international community, so anything that happens here will have
international repercussions," Gories said.

As of Monday 12 out of 20 international observers named for
the registration have arrived here.

Data released by the registration committee said there are a
total of 224,154 East Timor refugees residing in refugee camps in
East Nusa Tenggara's 12 regencies.

Only those who are at least 17 years old or are married will
be eligible to register.

The refugees fled East Timor following violence that erupted
soon after the results of a United Nations-sponsored ballot in
August 1999.

Many have expressed fear that the registration would end up
like the 1999 ballot in East Timor. (30/emf)