Xanana says repatriation will boost reconciliation
Xanana says repatriation will boost reconciliation
Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang
East Timor President Xanana Gusmao visited on Sunday more
refugees who fled the former Indonesian province to West Timor in
1999 (photo above), renewing calls for them to return home and
reconciliate.
Xanana arrived in Atambua, the capital of Belu regency next to
East Timor, and stayed overnight before leaving for East Timor on
Monday by land.
Earlier on Sunday, Xanana met with nearly 2,000 East Timorese
refugees in Kefamenanu and asked them to return home.
"My visit here is to unite the people of Lorosae (East Timor)
for a reconciliation. This is for the sake of our children,
grandchildren, and our nation," said Xanana who was accompanied
by East Timor Parliament President Francisco Guterres, secretary
of Indonesian ministry for people's welfare Tejo Yuwono, and East
Nusa Tenggara Governor Piet Talo.
Xanana said East Timor people would not take the law into
their own hands to deal with ex-members of the pro-Jakarta
militia, who are widely accused of atrocities before and after
the UN-administered ballot in favor of independence.
Instead, he said East Timor authorities would implement a fair
trial for those who committed murder or other crimes in the past.
"For the sake of justice, there must be a fair trial for those
involved in crimes," Xanana added.
During his visit to Indonesia's West Timor, Xanana brought
with him singers to entertain the refugees.
Before leaving Belu regency via Mota'ain on Monday, the East
Timor president will inspect a traditional market built in the
border area in the district of Tasifeto.
About 250,000 East Timorese fled their homes following the
self-determination ballot in August 1999.
The UN's refugee agency has estimated 30,000 refugees remain
in West Timor. Most of them are former militia members, military
officers, police, government officials and their followers.
Xanana's visit is the last-ditch effort to convince the
remaining refugees to return home before the Dec. 31 deadline.
As of Jan. 1, 2003, international organizations will cease
their returnee assistance program and the Indonesian government
has also announced that its own program will also end.
East Timorese who decided to stay in Indonesia after that date
will no longer be considered refugees.