E. Timor University may be moved

BANDUNG: The Rector of East Timor University, Theo T Balella, said here on Monday that if conditions forced the closure of the only university in the province, then it should be moved to the neighboring town of Atambua in East Nusa Tenggara.

Theo said academic activities had been suspended until Sept. 20 due to the ballot, however he admitted that the situation may not be conducive to reopening the university.

"We are currently collecting data on the students and just where they are," he explained.

Established in 1986, the university has four faculties: Economics, Teaching, Social and Political Sciences, and Agriculture.

It currently has 4,000 students enrolled.

He conceded that the gravity of the situation may force students to move.

"I have proposed to the Minister of Education and Culture to facilitate students who need to move to other universities to complete their studies," he said.

"In fact if possible I hope East Timor University doesn't perish, even in the transition period. Hopefully, if East Timor becomes independent it can move to Atambua." (43)