Aussie envoy visits E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: The first secretary to the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bassim Blazey, praised the East Timor administration Monday for its efforts to maintain political stability ahead of the May 29 general election.

Blazey was speaking at a meeting with East Timor's governor, Abilio Soares, after his eight-day visit to the province.

The Australian diplomat visited remote areas like Baucau, Viqueque, Bobonaro and Aileu, to look at security and order in the towns and the progress of Australian-donated projects.

Blazey is the first foreign diplomat to visit the former Portuguese colony for such a long time.

Responding to Blazey's call for the provincial administration to maintain the politically favorable conditions until polling day, Abilio guaranteed the coming election would run as smoothly as the previous three.

East Timor made its general election debut in 1982, six years after Indonesia integrated the province.

Blazey also met with East Timor's military commander, Col. Mahidin Simbolon, the province's chief of police, Col. Yusuf Mucharam, and other public figures. (33)