THE INDONESIA HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

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TAPOL welcomes Xanana's initiative

30 May 2006

We have followed with increasing apprehension the crisis that has gripped Timor Leste for the past few weeks. The source of the crisis has been the divisive fractures within the Defence Force and the widespread presence of
firearms. The decision earlier this year to sack almost half the army only helped to exacerbate the problems besetting the country.

This crisis has resulted in tragic loss of life and has caused thousands of people to flee their homes in search of sanctuary in the hills or in churches, reminiscent of the worse days of the occupation. It has seriously damaged the prospects for a solution to the economic problems which have confronted the people of Timor Leste for the past several years.

The people of Timor Leste gained a stunning reputation internationally for their decades-long struggle against the Indonesian occupation and the peaceful establishment of a new state. We still recall the powerful images of people queuing up in their thousands to take part in the referendum in August 1999 which resulted in an overwhelming vote in favour of independence.

As the country has descended into chaos, we feared that the chances of the Timorese enjoying the benefits of basic democratic and peaceful values in the regulation of state affairs may have gone up in smoke.

We therefore welcome the bold initiative of President Xanana Gusmao to take full responsibility for defence and national security for a period of thirty days as a hopeful move to resolve the crisis. We recognise that it will take time to heal the wounds of the past few months.

Xanana Gusmao emerged from more than two decades of struggle as a power symbol of the resilience of the Timorese during the days of the occupation. The divisions within the armed forces can only be resolved by means of reconciliation and dialogue. Much now depends on Xanana Gusmao to resolve
the deep-rooted conflicts and restore law and order to the country.

We fervently hope that the people of Timor Leste will successfully emerged from the present crisis as a more united country and be able to restore order on the basis of their own resources without having to rely on the presence of foreign forces for longer than is absolutely necessary.

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