Belo acknowledges differences with Horta

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.