ABRI captures separatist

DILI, East Timor: The Armed Forces (ABRI) arrested last Thursday Geronimo Soares, a 31-year-old rebel, in Fatubolu village in the Ermera regency, Antara reported yesterday.

Local military chief Col. Mahidin Simbolon said that Geronimo, also known as "Si Gondrong" for his long hair, was member of the Sahen group of anti-integrationists who roam the forests of the regency.

"They have become weak and they are always moving from place to place, but we'll continue pursuing them," Simbolon said.

He said all captured dissidents are eventually let go, but only after being provided with information about what Indonesia stands for and how every citizen should defend the country.

East Timor was integrated into Indonesia in 1976. The United Nations still recognizes Portugal as the administering power of the island. A number of anti-integration groups, including Fretilin, continue to resist Indonesian rule. (swe)