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)