Move to reconcile E. Timorese families

Move to reconcile E. Timorese families

JAKARTA (JP): A Portuguese business delegation has arrived to
promote better understanding of their country, and facilitate the
reconciliation of East Timorese families.

President of Fundacao Timor para a Reconciliacao e
Desenvolvimento (Timor Foundation for Reconciliation and
Development), Abilio Araujo, said the visit was aimed at
heightening awareness of Indonesia in Portugal.

Araujo was speaking just prior to Saturday's opening of
Portuguese Cuisine Week at Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Central
Jakarta. It will run until Friday.

"We believe that there is a lack of information about
Indonesia and East Timor in Portugal," he said.

"The lack of information is the main obstacle to promoting
mutual understanding between the two countries," he added.

Portugal and Indonesia do not have diplomatic relations.

The two countries are embroiled in diplomatic talks over the
former Portuguese colony of East Timor which was integrated into
Indonesia in 1976.

Araujo said many Portuguese were interested in developing
better ties with Indonesia.

He said the culinary exposition was just the beginning of
cultural exchanges between the two countries.

"An Indonesian cuisine promotion will be held in Portugal
soon," he said.

Saturday's proceedings also marked the formal establishment of
the foundation's Jakarta chapter.

"The Jakarta branch of the foundation is the first branch
abroad. Similar branches will be established in the United
States, Britain, the Netherlands and Australia," Araujo said.

Attending Saturday were senior officials from Indonesia's
foreign ministry -- Director General for Political Affairs
Nugroho Wishnumurti, Director for International Organizations
Hasan Wirayuda and Ambassador at Large Lopes da Cruz. (imn)