Governor allows rallies to go on in East Timor
Governor allows rallies to go on in East Timor
JAKARTA (JP): East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares
said he would allow mass rallies to be held in the province today
but warned he would order an immediate clampdown if they become
unruly.
"If people have a plan to stage a demonstration, go ahead, as
long as they do not disturb public order. Once they do, the
security forces will take stern action," Abilio said in Dili,
East Timor, yesterday.
Abilio said he had instructed all 13 regencies under his
administration to monitor people's demonstrations today.
"I have told them (the regents) to bar demonstrations once
they disturb public order," he was quoted as saying by Antara.
Rampant rumors in Dili over the past two weeks have said that
big demonstrations will be staged by pro- and anti-
integrationists today, the 22nd anniversary of East Timor's
integration as Indonesia's 27th province.
Any demonstrations would also coincide with the visit of
United Nations special envoy for East Timor Jamsheed Marker.
The former Portuguese colony was integrated in 1976, however
the UN still recognizes Portugal as the administrating authority.
The rumors, exacerbated by reported terrorism against
civilians by mysterious "ninjas" at night, have driven more than
7,000 migrants to flee the province for fear of possible violence
today.
It has been reported over the past few days that Dili has been
calm but tense with a heavy security presence. Soldiers have
regularly been checking identification cards.
Many shops and commercial centers remain closed as many of the
migrants were the main economic actors in the province.
Yesterday, Abilio joined the latest chorus calling for people
to stay in town and not to believe rumors that "bloodshed" would
occur today.
East Timor Police chief Col. GS Timbul Silaen made the same
appeal, calling on migrants who have fled the province in the
last two weeks to return and resume their daily activities.
"We guarantee their safety," he said.
Silaen said security forces had intensified their patrols and
would be ready to prevent any disturbances.
A number of people have been arrested for allegedly stoning
the governor's official car, office buildings and houses, he
said, adding that his forces are tracing people who terrorize
others.
Envoy
Marker arrived here yesterday morning. His mission is part of
the ongoing mission given to him by UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan to help facilitate a peaceful and internationally
acceptable solution to the question of East Timor.
"On this visit, I am hoping to meet as many shapes of opinion
as I can, as I have done in the past, and to try to move the
process forward," Marker said on his arrival at Soekarno-Hatta
International Airport yesterday morning.
Marker, who met Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas later
in the afternoon, said he would meet President B.J. Habibie and
jailed East Timorese rebel leader Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao
today.
He is also scheduled to meet with Dili Bishop Carlos Felipe
Ximenes Belo.
Marker said that he intends to visit Dili although the exact
timing is still being discussed.
On Wednesday Belo asked the UN envoy to postpone visiting the
troubled province, fearing clashes might erupt as rallies were
held to welcome him.
Marker called on the East Timorese yesterday to a maintain
calm and a peaceful atmosphere.
"It is my sincere request and hope that all sides during my
stay here and of course at all times, that the peaceful
atmosphere is maintained," he said.
He said that the best route to solution over East Timor is
what is agreed upon by the people concerned.
"I am here to find out what is negotiable, what is possible
and how we can proceed," Marker said.
Marker said that he had conveyed the Indonesian government's
proposal on a special status for East Timor to Lisbon recently
and the response was positive and satisfactory.
"They want to enter this dialog, so let's take it from there,
he added.
Since 1983 UN secretaries-general have sponsored a dialog
between the Indonesian and Portuguese foreign ministers.
Belo said yesterday that he could not accept East Timor's
status as Indonesia's 27th province until the East Timorese
themselves are free to decide their own fate.
"More and more East Timorese are demanding a referendum while
the number of pro-integration people is relatively small," he
told reporters after addressing a seminar called How to Regain
the People's Confidence in the Government in Jakarta.
Belo, who also met Alatas yesterday, said the special status
proposal has been rejected by most East Timorese.
"The Dili diocese is now initiating a dialog between the pro-
integration group and the pro-independence group to find a
solution," he said.
"Let the groups settle the differences on their own," he
added. (aan/mds/imn/byg)