East Timor mystery

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