'E. Timor should be self-sufficient'

'E. Timor should be self-sufficient'

DILI, East Timor: Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares says it
is high time Indonesia's youngest province becomes self-
sufficient and ceases to rely on privileges granted by the
central government.

"We must not be dependent on privileges anymore, because this
stance only cultivates dependency, poor work ethics and
indiscipline," Abilio was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.

He did not specify the privileges. However, ever since it was
integrated into Indonesia in 1976, the former Portuguese colony
has been the recipient of enormous development project grants
compared to other eastern Indonesian regions.

Addressing a ceremony at which a number of government
officials were sworn in, Abilio said the East Timorese should
strive to work harder and be well disciplined, in a manner worthy
of the province's 20 years of integration into Indoneisa.

"Good work ethics and professionalism would help the province
keep up with other provinces's achievements," he said. (imn)