E. Timor remains international issue

E. Timor remains international issue

DILI, East Timor: Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares said East Timor will remain an international issue next year.

As long as the United Nations and Portugal refuse to recognize Indonesia's authority over the region, East Timor will remain in the international limelight, he pointed out.

Abilio told Antara yesterday that Indonesia should do its utmost to convince both the UN and Portugal to finally accept East Timor's integration into Indonesia. The first step to be taken, he said, is to convince the youth of East Timor that integration is the best solution to the problem.

In addition, the government needs to handle the serious problem of unemployment in the region, he said.

East Timor was integrated into Indonesia in 1976. The UN still recognizes Portugal as the administrative power over the region. (swe)