Try inaugurates projects in East Timor

DILI, East Timor (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno started his two-day visit here yesterday by inaugurating several development projects worth Rp 10.8 billion (approximately US$4.8 million).

In a ceremony at the East Timor Museum, Try officiated the opening of a bridge and a training center building for health workers.

In his speech, Try told the East Timorese that they have developed rapidly in their 19 years of integration with Indonesia.

"Such a speedy process cannot be separated from the high spirits and hard work of the government apparatus and all of the East Timorese people," Try said.

Earlier in the day, Try told representatives from government agencies in the province that officials should act as "good servants for the people" and improve coordination among government institutions.

"You should strengthen your commitment..to develop and improve the welfare of the East Timorese people," he said.

Try also called on all parties in the former Portuguese colony that they should work to preserve unity.

"If we succeed in maintaining unity and security, then this nation will be intact and won't be affected by various attempts to destroy us," he said.

"Don't listen to rumors...they are useless," he told local leaders, including Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares.

Try also addressed the province's inability to meet its own need for staple foods.

"I have never heard that East Timor has become self-sufficient in food production. Have you?" Try asked, to which his audience promptly answered with a resounding "Not yet".

"If you are not self-sufficient, then everybody has to work even harder to reach that status," he told his audience. "I heard you still import rice from other provinces, despite the fact that East Timor has great natural resources which are not yet developed."

Try is being accompanied by his wife, Tuti Try Sutrisno, and eight cabinet ministers, including Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M, Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar and Minister of Population Haryono Suyono.

Try is scheduled to lead a meeting with officials at the Aileu regency while his wife will meet leaders of local women's organizations. (yac/swe)