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)