Belo acknowledges differences with Horta

By Lela E. Madjiah

OSLO (JP): Winners of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo of East Timor and Fretilin leader Jose Ramos Horta acknowledged yesterday their differences by appearing in separate press conferences in conjunction with the prize presentation today.

In earlier plans, Belo and self-exiled Ramos Horta were to appear together at a press conference at the Nobel Institute.

"However, due to their differences, there will be two press conferences," Gunnar Johan Stalsett, Secretary General of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told about 200 local and foreign journalists at the event.

Stalsett said Belo is a spiritual and moral leader who lives in East Timor, while Ramos Horta is a political leader who operates on the international level.

By having two press conferences, journalists would be able to ask them questions on relevant issues, said Stalsett.

Committee chairman Francis Sejersted denied the separate press conferences were arranged due to pressure from the Indonesian government.

"The laureates made the decision," said Sejersted.

Belo repeatedly refused to answer "political" questions, saying they were for Horta to answer.

Belo also denied rumors that he would not be allowed to return to East Timor if he did not go home directly after the prize presentation.

"Where I go depends on me," said Belo.

Belo is scheduled to visit Germany where he will meet Chancellor Helmut Kohl and the Vatican where he will meet Pope John Paul II.

Earlier, Indonesian ambassador to Norway Amiruddin Noor told The Jakarta Post such rumors were absurd.

"Bishop Belo is an Indonesian citizen, holder of an Indonesian passport. The Indonesia government cannot stop him from returning home," said Amiruddin.

Belo said he had mixed feelings about the prize.

"The world will now see me as a peace prize awardee, not as a bishop. But I am a bishop and will remain a bishop," he said.

"I ask the media not to manipulate the words of Bishop Belo," Belo said, smiling.

He was referring to an article which appeared in German magazine Der Spiegel and had caused friction with the government.

The task of a bishop is, first and foremost, to give pastoral guidance to the faithful, whatever their condition or nationality, he said.

"As a religious and spiritual leader of East Timor, I am deeply hurt every time my fellow men are treated without respect for their human dignity," he said.

"Let us join hands to condemn the way people are treated without respect to their human dignity. Defending human dignity and the fundamental rights of people must be our common goal," he said.

Belo said the Catholic church has demanded he stay out of politics.

"But as a Christian I have the moral duty to speak out for the poor and the humble, who are terrorized but do not dare to raise their voices."

Belo dedicated the prize to all East Timorese who long for and work for justice and peace.

"And for Indonesians, as individuals or groups, who have strived for peace and justice," he added.

Belo acknowledged the efforts of the Indonesian government to develop East Timor, but warned that development without participation of the local people would not be appreciated.

Meanwhile anti-integration activists have organized a series of activities to draw international attention to their cause.

A small group of about 15 people, including two East Timorese, held a peaceful protest demonstration in front of the Indonesian embassy yesterday. They disbanded peacefully after an embassy staff member accepted their written statement demanding an independent East Timor.

Also yesterday a seminar on East Timor was held at the University of Oslo. Among the speakers were Dr. George Aditjondro, self-exiled critic of the Indonesian government, and Prof. John Taylor of London.

The seminar was highlighted by a documentary on Bishop Belo entitled Sometimes I must speak out. The documentary, which tells the story of Belo, the Nov. 12 incident in Dili and other incidents involving Indonesian troops in East Timor, was also screened on the Norwegian broadcasting cooperation NRK, Sunday night.