EU backs calls for referendum on E. Timor

EU backs calls for referendum on E. Timor

VIENNA, Austria (AP): In a decision welcomed as a landmark by Portugal, European Union (EU) leaders backed calls on Saturday for a referendum to decide the fate of East Timor, the former Portuguese colony which was integrated into Indonesia in 1976.

"A definitive solution to the East Timor question will not be possible without free consultation to establish the real will of the East Timorese people," the 15 EU leaders said in statement after their year-end summit.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama said the statement marked the first time the EU had backed Lisbon's call for the East Timorese to vote on whether to opt for independence or remain under Indonesian rule.

Indonesia has resisted such calls for a referendum and maintains the presence of troops to keep order in the half-island territory.

The EU statement also urged Indonesia to bring about a "real and substantial reduction" in troop levels and called for the establishment of a permanent UN presence in East Timor.

Late July, Indonesia began the pulling out of hundreds of combat soldiers from East Timor, citing improved security situation. The remaining troops are said to be territorial troops usually deployed to help with public works and social projects, from road and bridge building to conducting classes in schools.

Meanwhile, the EU leaders repeated a demand that Indonesia release jailed Timorese rebel leader Xanana Gusmao and all political prisoners.

The United Nations does not recognize Indonesian rule in the territory.