Thousands march in East Timor

Thousands march in East Timor

DILI, East Timor: Thousands of East Timorese supporting
integration marched to the governor's office here yesterday to
express their opposition to any referendum in the province and to
call for more autonomy.

Calling themselves the Front for Pro-Autonomy and Integration
Defenders, they presented a statement to the governor welcoming
reforms in the province which they believed was the first step to
improve welfare and prosperity.

They opposed any kind of referendum in the province, arguing
it could trigger civil war.

In their statement, they opposed and condemned any group which
forced its interests in the name of the people by manipulating
the truth for personal benefit.

A delegation from the demonstrators was received by East Timor
Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares in his office.

"We realize the national, regional and even the international
political dimension of the East Timor issue," they said,
stressing that their views upheld the belief of national unity
and democratic values.

The governor pledged to relay their demands to the central
government in Jakarta.

The pro-integrationists earlier peacefully marched through the
city before proceeding to the governor's office.

A small incident occurred in Culuhun, in the eastern part of
Dili, when some bystanders started throwing stones at the
marchers.

No serious injuries were reported, though an elderly woman
sustained a head wound, Antara reported.