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.