E. Timorese want insurance payments

E. Timorese want insurance payments

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Twenty-seven East Timorese
demanded on Wednesday PT Sinar Mas insurance company pay their
claims from the unrest in the East Timor capital of Dili
following the Aug. 30 self-determination referendum in the
territory.

"The incident in Dili, the fires and the destruction of
buildings, is a catastrophe. None of us wanted this to happen,"
Simon Marcelinus, one of the customers, said on Wednesday.

Each customer paid a Rp 40,000 per month insurance premium
since Feb. 2 this year, with their coverage due to expire on Feb.
2, 2000. Each of the customers can file claims for up to Rp 40
million.

"We want the insurance company to be fair to us," Simon said.

The company rejected the claims, saying in a letter to the
customers dated Sept. 29 that the incident in Dili was "a state
of emergency" and therefore not covered, Simon said. (yac/edt)