U.S. diplomat visits Dili

U.S. diplomat visits Dili

DILI, East Timor: Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares briefed a
visiting official from the U.S. State Department on Wednesday
about the circumstances surrounding this month's death of a
prominent East Timor separatist rebel leader, Antara said.

The visitor, Douglas Hartwick, raised the issue during a
meeting with the governor.

David Freitas, alias David Alex, was shot when he attempted to
escape after his arrest in Baucau district. He later died in
hospital.

Governor Abilio told the American visitor that David Alex
would still be alive if he had not tried to escape.

Antara said Hartwick was in East Timor to look at development
in the former Portuguese colony. He also wanted to gather
information from officials and people here. (10)