E. Timorese athletes to wait for MPR rule

E. Timorese athletes to wait for MPR rule

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung
Laksono said on Monday East Timorese athletes could choose
between serving their country or moving to Indonesia if the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) formalizes the separation.

"If there is no decree from the MPR, our country still
consists of 27 provinces," he said.

East Timorese voted on Saturday against integration with
Indonesia, paving the way to an end of Jakarta's 24-year rule of
the 27th province.

The MPR is expected to endorse the separation in a meeting in
November when it will also elect a new president. President B.J.
Habibie had indicated a formal separation could begin as of Jan.
1, 2000.

Separately, National Sports Council (KONI) deputy chairman
Arie Sudewo refused to comment on the status of East Timorese
athletes, saying KONI would wait for the MPR decision.

"We will wait for the MPR decision. We don't want to come
before them. Besides, our decision should be in tune with the
government's policy," he said on Monday.

The contribution of East Timorese to national sports
achievements is particularly notable in track events. Local
popular athletes include Sebastian DaCosta (tennis) and Miro
Baldo Bento (soccer). (ivy)