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)