Separatists surrender

DILI, East Timor: As many as 21 sympathizers of the separatist Fretilin group living in the western part of East Timor have surrendered to the Maubara district military command in Liquisa district.

"Eighteen of them surrendered last Thursday and the rest last Sunday. They are now under the guidance of the district military command," chief of the Wira Dharma regional military command, Lt. Col. Supadi, told journalists here yesterday.

Supadi said they would not be brought to court since they surrendered on their own free will.

They will be sent back to their families soon, he added.

The guidance program they are currently taking is aimed at preventing them from being influenced by groups seeking to disrupt stability and order in the province, Supadi said, as quoted by Antara. (mds)