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.