Japanese MPs meet with Abilio

Japanese MPs meet with Abilio

DILI, East Timor: A group of Japanese members of parliament,
met with governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares and placed a wreath
at the Santa Cruz cemetery on Thursday.

The MPs asked Abilio how many people were killed and missing
in the bloody incident which took place Nov. 12, 1991, in which
troops opened fire on demonstrators at the Santa Cruz cemetery.

The guests also asked the governor for details on the July 13-
14 student demonstrations at East Timor University, which were
violently dispersed by the security forces.

Abilio promised them that he would consider their request to
visit the Baucau and Covalima regencies.

He explained to the Japanese that the education program
developed by the government since East Timor joined Indonesia 18
years ago had enabled 95 percent of children and youths to attend
schools, as compared to seven percent during the Portuguese rule.
(yac)