Military backs Aussie rejection of Timorese

Military backs Aussie rejection of Timorese

JAKARTA (JP): A senior military official proposed yesterday
that Indonesia close its territory to young East Timorese whose
political asylum bid has been rejected by Australia.

"They'd better seek political asylum in other countries like
Portugal," Chief of the Udayana Military Command Maj. Gen. Adang
Ruchiatna, who oversees security in East Timor, Nusa Tenggara and
Bali, told journalists.

Adang was commenting on press reports that the Australian
government has rejected a request for political asylum by East
Timorese who entered the neighboring country using tourist visas.

Visiting Australian Minister for Immigration and Ethnic
Affairs Senator Nick Bolkus said Tuesday, "They have come as
tourists, they have sought asylum and my understanding is that
they have been rejected for asylum status."

Also yesterday, Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret)
Edi Sudradjat welcomed the Australian government's turning down
the request for asylum made by the Timorese.

"This is a gesture that signifies the improving bilateral ties
between the two countries," he said after attending the ceremony
commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the Special Forces
(Kopassus).

In the East Timor capital of Dili, a local senior legislator
also hailed Australia's refusal of the asylum seekers.

"The Australian government's refusal is just natural and the
asylum seekers deserve it," deputy chief of the provincial
legislative council Maria L.V.C. Quintao told Antara.

She argued that the 700 East Timorese came to Australia on
tourist visas and they were not under political pressure of any
kind from the Indonesian government.

"They have lived comfortable lives in East Timor ... They went
to Australia for pleasure and meant to exploit Australia's
acceptance for political asylum. That doesn't make sense," she
said.

Late last year, 30 East Timorese were granted asylum by
Portugal, the colonial administrator of East Timor until 1976
when the territory integrated into Indonesia. (rms/pan)