Thirt Army soldiers to return to E. Timor

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Wirasakti Military Command chief Moeswarno Moesanip said here on Thursday that some 30 former Army soldiers and their families had decided to return to their hometowns in East Timor.

He said that the soldiers were currently waiting for money from the government as the Belu regency administration had used up the Rp 2.4 billion fund provided by the central government for East Timorese refugees who chose the repatriation program.

"I have suggested some ideas about the payments to East Nusa Tenggara Governor Piet A. Tallo. They will be given based on the rank and the length of their service," Moeswarno said.

He said that the soldiers would be classified into three groups. The first group is expected to receive some Rp 5 million, the second Rp 10 million and the third Rp 15 million.

The Belu administration reportedly used the funds to rehabilitate 150 houses and evacuate refugees from Haliwen Stadium in Atambua to other areas, and to purchase some seedlings. --Antara