Horta denies involvement in terrorist activities

Horta denies involvement in terrorist activities

KRUMBACH, Austria (Antara): East Timor separatist and Nobel
laureate Ramos Horta has admitted knowing members of Associacio
Socialista de Timor (AST), accused of making bombs in Demak,
Central Java, but denies supporting the organization.

"I have no connection at all. They were even furious with me
at one time for not giving them my support," Horta said here
Tuesday when asked about his alleged involvement with the
terrorist group.

"I am totally against the use of bombs for anything," said
Horta, who is attending the ongoing third-round of the All
Inclusive Intra-East Timorese Dialog (AIETD).

He said he knew nothing about an Australian being sent to
Semarang to train people in bomb making.

Indonesia's military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Wahab Mokodongan,
told journalists in Jakarta that Horta was indirectly involved in
the group's activities.

A homemade bomb which was being made by the AST exploded in
Demak on Sept. 13.

The AST is said to be headed by its Secretary-General Avelino
Maria Coelho da Silva, 35, alias Dr. Shalar Kossi; and Nuno
Vicente Pereira Saldanha.

East Timor Governor Abilio Soares, who is among the 34 people
attending the dialog, said there was evidence to support the
accusation.