East Timor mystery

The United Nations Assessment Mission on East Timor has arrived in East Timor. It is organizing its facilities and staff in preparation of the ballot in East Timor to be held on Aug. 8, 1999.

In connection with these activities, the mission's spokesman in Dili said the UN was still concerned over the increasing violence, intimidation and terror campaigns against local people.

Based on the spreading news on related matters, I have not noticed the leader of a proindependence group, Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, displaying a proactive attitude. On the other hand, the Indonesian government is always asked to be responsible for disarming the two conflicting groups (prointegration and proindependence).

In fact, East Timor is legally still part of Indonesia and therefore is subject to Indonesian laws and regulations. Consequently it would be reasonable if the Indonesian government was obligated to ensure security in East Timor.

However, it is unfair if the proindependence leader does not participate in helping the creation of secure climate in East Timor. The unwillingness of proindependence groups to hand over their weapons to the police is evidence of such.

In my opinion, the good and fair solution proposed and agreed upon by both conflicting parties under the tripartite agreement signed in New York will not succeed. Furthermore, I suspect that Xanana is not a recognized leader of the proindependence group, since he does not have the power to control its members. This is reflected in their unwillingness to hand over their arms.

If Xanana is their leader, why doesn't he do anything for the preparations for the ballot in East Timor? However, if Xanana is not the leader of the proindependence group, who organizes their movement? Is it a part of the game? Who plays the game? It is a mystery.

ISMET SUKARDI

Jakarta