East Timor protesters mull asylum in Portugal

JAKARTA (JP): Twenty nine East Timorese students occupying the U.S. embassy compound said yesterday that they are considering seeking asylum in Portugal.

In Lisbon, Portuguese Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva said on Monday the foreign ministry was trying to arrange for the group to go to Portugal.

"We appreciate it but we have yet to make a final decision about it since our main aim is to have our leader 'Xanana' Gusmao released from prison," said Domingos Sarmento Alvez, the spokesman of the students.

Xanana is serving a 20-year sentence for subversion.

Kompas daily reported that the spokesman of the Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Syarwan Hamid, said that it was impossible to fulfill the protesters' demand because Xanana was sentenced through a legal procedure.

Syarwan added that the students' action discredits Indonesia's reputation on the international scene.

Domingos thanked all foreign journalists whose presence drew international attention.

He denied rumors of the group being divided over what action to take next.

Yesterday was the fourth day of their protest after climbing the steel fence of the U.S. embassy on Saturday morning.

Domingos said there were 78 East Timorese who intended to protest at the embassy but only 29 were able to enter.

Shortly after entering the embassy compound, they told journalists they wanted to meet President Clinton or his State Secretary, Warren Christopher, to submit a petition.

Wednesday

Clinton remains in Indonesia until Wednesday night for a state visit following Tuesday's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Afterwards the students changed their minds and asked to see the U.S. Ambassador Robert L. Barry but changed their minds again saying they insisted on meeting President Clinton.

Yesterday they read aloud satirical poems, sang songs and then proceeded to hold a press conference.

Domingos said he had not discussed the asylum offer with embassy officials.

Reuter reported that the U.S. embassy spokeswoman said the students had made no request for help in seeking asylum.

Domingos said that he and the other friends do not want to continue their dialog with the National Commission on Human Rights.

The commission, which was represented by East Timor born Clementino Dos Reis Amaral, spoke with Domingos on Monday, but the talk ended with no significant result.(mas/yns)