Fretilin separatists kill four youths, military says

DILI, East Timor (JP): The Armed Forces accused yesterday Fretilin separatist rebels of the recent murder of four youths from Sare village, Maubara district in Liquisa regency.

East Timor Military Commander Col. Salamat Sidabutar told the press yesterday that the badly wounded bodies of Imersio, Fernando, Fatrecio and Bendito were found buried in a hole near their village Wednesday morning.

Salamat said that the victims were tied to one another.

He said that the four youths had been acting as guards for a religious ceremony on Nov. 18 in their hometown, led by Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, when they were approached by a group of men claiming to be from Ermera regency.

When the ceremony was underway, the visitors suddenly pounced the Liquisa youths, and took the four hostage.

Sidabutar said he regretted the fact that the villagers failed to promptly report the incident to the authorities.

He said several security personnel had been patrolling the area, outside of the ceremony venue, because it had been requested by the Catholic youths.

He said Bishop Belo was shocked by the news, and urged the authorities to talk to the head of the parish in Liquisa, who was away yesterday.

Sidabutar promised the local police would investigate the murder.

East Timor integrated into Indonesia in 1976, but the United Nations still recognizes Portugal as the administering power. Among those who led the campaign against the integration was Jose Ramos Horta, cowinner of the Nobel peace prize last year along with Belo.

It was also reported yesterday that an Indonesian student had been attacked in London by a group of Horta's supporters. The student was on his way to a meeting at Oxford University where Horta was due to give a speech.

In Jakarta, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas called the attack an act of terrorism targeting Indonesian citizens and representatives abroad.

"They were afraid that the Indonesian students (attending the meeting) would reveal the true facts through their questions," said Alatas.

He said the incident should not have happened as freedom of speech was respected among the academicians.

"What kind of concept of democracy is held by Horta and his group if they curb the freedom of speech, and how can a man with such a vague concept (of democracy) be trusted?"

Alatas also said the case of jailed labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan had been blown up to place Indonesia in the international spotlight.

"For example, certain countries announced they were concerned about Pakpahan's medical treatment (something) that was reportedly neglected by the Indonesian government. It's totally incorrect," he said.

He said the government had done its best to provide medical assistance for Pakpahan. (33/09/aan)