E. Timorese groups trade blame for exodus

E. Timorese groups trade blame for exodus

JAKARTA (JP): The pro-integration East Timorese calling
themselves Besi Merah Putih (Red and White Iron) denied on
Wednesday intimidating hundreds of Maubara residents in Liquica
regency into fleeing their town.

Coordinator of the group Manuel Sousa claimed the exodus of
300 Maubara residents from the regency, which is 38 kilometers
west of Dili, was in fact triggered by the terror launched by
members of the pro-independence group, Falintil.

He was quoted by Antara as saying Falintil has been
threatening to kill Maubara residents who want East Timor to
remain part of Indonesia.

"On the contrary, the people of Maubara have sought protection
from us because they want East Timor to remain a part of
Indonesia since they have enjoyed the results of the government's
development programs," he said.

Since Sunday, waves of people have fled Maubara to take refuge
in primary schools, a Dutch colonial building and people's homes
in various other areas.

Some 97 Maubara residents have also reportedly taken refuge in
Atabae subdistrict, Bobonaro district, some 138 km west of the
East Timorese capital of Dili, staying in local government
offices, elementary schools and people's homes.

Sousa claimed that in Maubara people who support integration
are being intimidated by Falintil.

East Timor, a Portuguese colony for 400 years, became part of
Indonesia in 1976 following the issuance of the Balibo
Declaration a year earlier.

The integration however has not been recognized by the United
Nations, which continues to recognize Portugal as the
administering power in the troubled territory.

Indonesia and Portugal under the auspices of the UN Secretary
-General Kofi Annan have been discussing a lasting settlement to
the East Timor question.

Jakarta has so far offered two options in order to settle the
issue -- a UN-backed wide-ranging autonomy for the province or
separation from Indonesia if the proposal for autonomy is
rejected.

The offer has caused tensions to grow between those wanting to
remain with Indonesia and those wanting a separation. In some
cases, these tensions have degenerated into clashes as both
groups have access to weapons.

In a related development, Antara reported that Canadian
Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy has expressed support for East
Timorese anti-integrationist leader Jose Alexander "Xanana"
Gusmao's proposal for a peacekeeping commission in East Timor
while the territory decides on its status.

The commission will be a forum for pro-integration and pro-
independence groups as well as the Indonesian government in
eliminating tension in the province, Axworthy said in a press
release.

He said the process of disarming all parties in East Timor,
including the militia, should begin soon.