Bahasa Indonesia Headlines ­ Monday 23 April 2001

1. Xanana: “The success of the elections are my priority” 
2. Foreign activist stabbed 
3. Conditions of IDPs in Vivequeque disturbing 
4. David Ximenes: Don’t worry about security in Timor Lorosae

1. Xanana: “The Success Of The Elections Are My Priority” (Timor Post, Front Page lead

The President of CNRT, Xanana Gusmao said Satruday that the success of the general election this year was still the number one priority of CNRT.

He said this when talking to reporters on his arrival back from Jakarta.

He said giving priority to the elections was more important than an international court for Timor Lorosae.

He said if an international court was talked about right now, more important issues like economic development, education, health and jobs would be overlooked.

“We are now in the process of having elections. So why don’t we concentrate our energy on it?” asked Xanana.

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2. Foreign Activist Stabbed (Timor Post, Front Page third lead)

A woman foreign activist helping teach Renetil and IMPETIL English was stabbed last night while walking along Farol road.

According to witnesses she was just outside the Talitakum office at about 9:30 pm when three men suddenly assaulted her. One of them stabbed her from behind. All three then fled the scene.

The foreign activist was just identified as Helen.

Passers-by then took the injured activist to the Military Hospital in Comoro. It is understood that today she will be evacuated to Darwin General Hospital for further treatment.

Timor Post tried last night to contact the Civpol spokesperson for further comments, but to no avail.

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3. Conditions Of IDPs In Viqueque Disturbing (Suara Timor Lorosae, Front Page lead story)

Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who seeking shelter in the Viqueque Parish Church, because of the March 15 disturbances, are living in squalid conditions.

The IDPs have only the bare floor to sleep on and many of the children are down with respiratory infections and malaria.

This was stated by CNRT’s Refugee Coordinator Mario Martins Miranda in an interview with STL yesterday.

According to Mario, five tons of food had been received from donors, NGOs and aid agencies but the bulk of it was still in CNRT.

The coordinator of Viqueque Parish, Helena Gomes said the aid was from NGOs like OMT, OPMT, Caritas Baucau, UNHCR, Timor Aid, Yayasan Hak and CNRT.

“The number of people affected by the 15 March incident was 259 ­ comprising of 43 families,” said Helena.

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4. David Ximenes: Don’t Worry About Security in Timor Lorosae (Suara Timor Lorosae, Front Page third lead)

CNRT’s Security Coordinator David Dias Ximenes urged the Timor Lorosae people not to allow the current security situation to disturb them because Civpol and PKF were well-equipped to protect the country.

“Don’t be unduly worried about the security situation. We always had our own security before there was PKF or Civpol in the country. Now with Civpol and PKF we should be better off,” said David Ximenes.

David Ximenes was commenting on predictions that there could be election violence in the lead up to the 30 August vote, and also on recent threats to the life of CNRT President Xanana Gusmao.

“I think there are people out to terrorize the Timorese. People are doing these things because they want Timor to be integrated back into Indonesia,” added David Ximenes.

The CNRT Security Chief, however, said it was wishful thinking that the pro-integration people could have their way.

“Indonesia is already in a big mess. President Gus Dur, Megawati, Amien Rias and Akbar Tandjung are all fighting with each other,” said David Ximenes.

Commenting on attempts against Xanana’s life, David Ximenes said that was to be expected if one was a leader.

“But I urge the people not to distort things out of proportion. They should be matured in their political thinking,” he added.

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