Openness promised in E. Timor talks

Openness promised in E. Timor talks

JAKARTA: Indonesian Ambassador-at-Large on East Timor Lopes da
Cruz says he is confident the forthcoming All-Inclusive East
Timorese Dialog (AIETD) in Austria will be marked by more
openness as a consequence of the reform movement in Indonesia.

"The spirit of reform offers a great opportunity for more
openness (in the talks). The participants may discuss sensitive
issues," he said following a meeting with Minister of Defense/
Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto here on Thursday.

Lopes da Cruz promised to hold an honest discussion with
dialog participants about the latest developments in human rights
in the province. He said he would explain that various efforts
were being made to improve the quality of life of the East
Timorese.

"We will explain our efforts in promoting human rights," he
said.

Lopes da Cruz said the topics to be discussed in the dialog
included the establishment of an East Timor cultural center,
reciprocal visits of AIETD participants and efforts to develop
the province's human resources.

He said that during his meeting with the ABRI chief, Gen.
Wiranto explained the presence of military officers in East
Timor.

"The ABRI chief's decision to pull out military personnel from
the province was not merely a political maneuver," the envoy
said.

The AIETD is scheduled to be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 in
Austria. It will be attended by prominent East Timorese figures
based in Indonesia and abroad.