Try inaugurates projects in East Timor

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)