WT Press Summaries March 12

Subject: WT Press Summaries March 12 - April 9 2002

Please find attached, and below as text, summaries from the West Timorese press from the last two weeks. Apologies for the late posting.

Charmain

West Timor Press Summaries 12th March - 31st March 2002

NTT X ? NTT Eks pres; PK ? Pos Kupang; ST ? Surya Timor; RT ? Radar Timor; SP ? Sasando Pos

Tuesday, 12 March

PK: Provincial Police Chief of East Nusa Tenggara, Col. M. Moesanip, told the press on Monday (11 March) that during an Inter Command Meeting held in Denpasar on 5-6 March 2002, Commander of UNPKF, Lt. Gen, Vinar Patiakal revealed his willingness to give security warranty for the returning East Timorese. Col. Moesanip stated further that according to UNHCR, the number of returnees as of February 2002 is 194, 437 persons and those who are still residing in West Timor is assumed to be around 70, 000 persons.

PK: Spokesperson of Provincial Administration, Drs. Johanis Kosapilawan told Antara on Monday (11 March) United Nations Transitional Administration for East Timor (UNTAET) deported 6 Indonesian fishermen last week. They were captured by UN Civilian Police on 1 March 2002 for entering the territory illegally. The fishermen entered East Timor's territory aboard two ships and were captured in Tibar seaport, 25kms west of Dili. Based on the information from UN CivPol, the fishermen are from Wetar island and came to Dili to deliver timbers to a trader in Dili.

RT: The demand made by the refugees for the government to cover their travel expense to Jakarta was responded by Governor on Friday 8. Governor, Piet. A. Talo gave Rp. 2.5 million to a number of camp leaders to facilitate them to Jakarta. Jose Gutterres, one of the camp leaders, conceded this but complained that the money is not enough to cover the travel expense of 20 refugees to Jakarta. He added that they wanted to meet with President Megawati to get clarification of the plan to dismantle all the camps in West Timor. 3rd Assistant of Provincial Secretary, Ir. Th Salean, who met with the refugees yesterday, stated that the money is not from Provincial Government but from Governor, Piet A. Talo as a private donation. Provincial Government does not have a special fund to help facilitate the travel of these refugees to Jakarta. When meeting with refugees yesterday, Head of Social Bureau of Provincial Government, Stanis Tefa informed to the refugees' leaders that there is an NGO named Yayasan Peduli Timor Mandiri that has already proposed to get fund for the NGO to convey the voice of refugees to Central Government. Refugees' leaders were surprised and revealed of not knowing the NGO, let alone its mission to represent refugees to Jakarta.

Saturday, 09 March

RT: Provincial Police Chief of East Nusa Tenggara in his press release on Friday (8 March) hailed the East Timor refugees for willing to accept the government's decision to stop all the assistance as of 31st December 2001. By accepting the decision, refugees have proven that they have self-pride of not begging for assistance all the time. He stated that there has not been any security disturbance throughout the areas in West Timor as it was feared before when the government stopped the assistance.

RT: Village head of Manusasi, Filipus Sau told Radar Timor in Eban that the people of Manusasi would disagree if the tactical military coordination line made by INTERFET and TNI before would be used as the borderline of the two countries. The people disagreed since, should the tactical military line be used, most of the village areas would be within East Timor's territory. Manusasi village is adjacent to Pasabe of Oecusse, East Timor.

Monday, 11 March

NTT X: Pedro de Sousa, an East Timorese community leader, called on the East Timorese refugees in Belu not to be influenced by the human rights tribunal to be conducted on 14 March. He said this in Atambua on Saturday (9 March) during talks with the refugees at camps. He admitted that many of the refugees from Liquica are worried with the postponement of the reconciliatory meeting among the people of Liquica due to the convening of the trial on 14 March. A refugee, Anonio de Aroujo stated that many of the people living in camps are worried the ongoing reconciliation talks among the people of Liquica would be influenced since former District Head of Liquica, Leoneto Martins, is among those to face trial.

RT: Sister, Irmagardis of Jesuit Refugee Service informed that reconciliation meeting among the people of Bobonaro is to be held on Tuesday, (12 March) in Batugade. There will be 280 people to attend the meeting, she added. The meeting is facilitated by Satlak PBP of Belu, UNHCR and JRS.

Tuesday, 12 March

Wednesday, 13 March

NTT X: Udayana Military Chief, Maj. Gen, Willem da Costa lambasted District Government of Kupang of showing less attention to the refugees at camps. He urged district government officials to go to camps and hold dialogues with the refugees to help resolve the problems the refugees are facing. He also called on the former militias to become the role models for other refugees at camps to create a favourable situation. He added that at camps in Noelbaki, Tuapukan and Naibonat, tents were built for military members to secure the camps in anticipating possible disturbance with the cease of assistance by the government. Separately, Provincial Police Chief of East Nusa Tenggara, Col. M. Moesanip, lambasted UNTAET for not really committed to accept all the returning militias. He argued that this is because based on the discussion at the Inter Command Meeting in Denpasar, Bali recently, the plan to pay the compensation fund for the former militias and civil servanst is the 5th priority. He stated further there are 26 former militias and civil servants among 203 other refugees to be repatriated today (13 March) and their compensations are not yet paid.

RT: Director of NGO, Peduli Timor Mandiri, Demmy Leunupan defied the accusation made by several refugee leaders who stated that his organisation did not receive any consent from refugees to voice out their aspirations to Jakarta. He stated that the organisation had already obtained legal approval from 1, 973 families/ 11,221 to struggle for their fate to the Central Government. A number of refugees who came to the Governor's office on Monday (11 March) were very surprised when, Head of Social Bureau, Stanis Tefa revealed that there is an NGO that is prosing to get fund from Provincial Government to convey the voice of refugees to Jakarta.

Thursday, 14 March

RT: Chief of Satlak PBP of South Central Timor District (TTS), Lt. Col, Pieter Lobo informed that 163 refugees (91 families) residing in SoE are scheduled to return to East Timor today. He is positive that by the end of March, all the camps in TTS could be closed down. Meanwhile, according to spokesperson of Provincial Administration, Johanis Kosapilawan, Satlak PBP of Kupang facilitated the returning of 58 families or 232 refugees yesterday (13 March), this is bigger than the initial registered number of returnees: 51 families/203 persons.

RT: Udayana Military Chief, Maj. Gen, Willem da Costa stated that TNI would suspend all border crossing activities days prior to the presidential election in East Timor in April. Special attention will be given to the rat passages where the perpetrators used to take to cross the border.

RT: Head of Social Department office of NTT, Husein Pancratius stated that the refugees' repatriation fund amounting to Rp. 9 billion had been returned to the central government. The Rp. 9 billion fund, out of Rp. 12 billion, was allocated for the ongoing repatriation process. During the months of October to Desember 2001, approximately Rp. 3.2 billion was used for the repatriation.

Saturday, 16 March

PK: At least 75 East Timor refugees joined in a forum called 'The organisation for families of Victims of Fretilin/Falintil' came to the office of provincial attorney on Thursday (14 March). They came to reveal their rejection towards the human rights tribunal held in Jakarta. They read out 7 points of statements and among which is the strong rejection towards the ongoing trial of Military officials and pro integration leaders since it is considered discriminative, unjust and not transparent. They demanded a thorough investigation of human rights violations cases starting back from 1975.

Monday, 18 March

NTT X: According to the report made by the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara to Minister of People's welfare on 13 March 2002, as of 8 March 2002, at least 13, 140 persons or 4, 105 families had repatriated to East Timor since 6 June 2001. Concerning the repatriation fund, out of Rp. 12, 4 billion allocated for the repatriation, around Rp. 3,3 billion had been distributed to Satlak PBP in the districts.

Tuesday, 19 March

RT: Sister Irmgardis of Jesuit Refugee Services informed that JRS coordinated with Satlak PBP, UNHCR and IOM had just facilitated the returning of refugees who also brought home the remains of their relatives who had passed away. 14 remains of the dead refugees were dug out and brought back home to East Timor last week (15 March).

RT: At least 161 families or 400 refugees were facilitated to repatriate to East Timor yesterday. The refugees went home aboard 65 trucks going through Motaain checkpoint. According to Staf Chief of Belu Military, Major Sapriyadi, there is an increase number of refugees decided to return recently prior to the presidential election in East Timor. Regarding reconciliation meeting between refugees and people from East Timor, Major Sapriyadi added that although, reconciliation meeting of the people of Bobonaro failed to materialize, a number of community leaders from Raifun village of Bobonaro are scheduled to come to visit the refugees in Belu starting from 20 March 2002 requesting the refugees to return home. He stated further that there will be 26 community leaders who will come to Belu.

Wednesday, 20 March

RT: Tens of refugees residing in camps in North Central Timor district (TTU) came to the office of District head of Belu demanding accountability of the government regarding its promises of settlement, education and health services for the refugees. They also demanded clarification on settlement houses in Maurisu and Pantau, which they considered unfair. Some of the refugees stated that the refugees were upset because during a dialogue between the refugees and government officials on 4 February, the officials promised to pay more attention on the above issues but none was materialized. They were also upset since the government officials failed to keep its promise to continually hold dialogues with refugees at camps. None had come to the camps, said Miguel Ati bau, one of the refugees. They also demanded the clarification on the settlement houses in Maurisu and Pantau. He added that itt was known that the proportion of the houses would be 40% for refugees and 60% for locals but in reality, locals are given a bigger proportion of the houses, up to 80%.

RT: Five refugee leaders of Bobonaro have begun disseminating results of their visit to East Timor for the refugees at camps in Belu. According to Alberto Leite, the chief of delegation, the members of entourage disseminated results of the visit on the real situation in East Timor and agreements reached by the delegation with the people in three districts in East Timor, Maliana, Bobonaro and Atabae. He added that the people in East Timor warmly received the delegation and they expressed their longing to meet with relatives who are taking refuge in West Timor.

Cendana Pos: Feliciano da Costa, a member of Mediating Team for reconciliation and repatriation requested around 900 East Timorese families residing in South Sulawesi to return home prior to East Timor's independence proclamation on 20 May 2002. He stated this during meeting with Governor of South Sulawesi, Zainal Basri on Tuesday (19 March) in Makassar. He proposed two options for the refugees either to return to become citizens of East Timor or to stay to sustain Indonesian citizenship. There are at least 6.700 refugees residing in two transmigration places in South Sulawesi; Mamuju and Malili.

Thursday, 21 March

PK: Australian government through its AusAid agency assisted the government of Indonesia in funding a project called Women Health and Family Welfare that would be launched at five districts in Flores and Lembata. The agreement was officially signed by Deputy of AusAid, Judith Ascroft and District heads and speakers of District Parliament of Flores and Lembata in Maumere, Flores on Wednesday (20 March). The implementation of the projects would be to provide health assistance collaborating with Health Department offices, Hospitals, Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) and clinics through training of medical staffs, procurement of medical tools and medicines.

NTT X: Provincial Police Chief, Brig. Gen, Jacky Uly stated that around 42 refugees of East Timor could face trial in Kupang, should the investigation by the Police prove that they were involved in the fraud and had inflicted losses to the country. The Police apprehended these refugees at dawn on Friday (15 March) attempting to run away from embarkation point in Fatululi Kupang after having received incentives amounting to Rp. 750.000 each. They were among hundreds of refugees scheduled to return to East Timor on Friday (15 March).

RT: Secretary for Development Sector of Canadian embassy, Stephan Weaver visited camps in Belu where the government of Canada is distributing its assistance through Care International. Weaver also met with District Authorities including Deputy District Head, Bria Johanes and Police Chief, Adj. Snr. Comr, Agus Nugroho.

RT: 418 more refugees return to East Timor through Motaain checkpoint (Atambua) Satlak PBP of Belu reported that 146 East Timorese families/ 418 persons residing in both Belu and North Central Timor districts repatriated home on Wednesday (20 March) through Motaain checkpoint. It was reported that 161 families/ 400 persons repatriated home on Monday (18 March) through Motaain and 32 families/109 persons through Metamasin checkpoint on Tuesday (19 March).

Friday, 22 March

PK: Staff Chief of Military Command of Belu, Major. Sapriyadi confirmed that 2 East Timorese were apprehended on Thursday (21 March) in their attempt to enter into Indonesian territory. Both East Timorese were identified as Filismina de Jesus (60) and Fernanada de Jesus Guteres (20).

RT: A group of refugees from Haliwen camp in Belu launched attack to a local's residence in Salore Kampong in East Tasifeto sub-district on Wednesday midnight (20 March) due to a private quarrel between families of refugees and locals. A worse incident was prevented due to the quick response of both Military and Police members of Belu.

Monday, 25 March NTT X: Refugees of Liquica origin residing in Belu expressed their readiness to give moral support for those facing human rights tribunals in Jakarta. The refugees are planning to stage a peaceful rally to Belu Parliament on the day when former District Head, Leoneto Martins, faces the trial in Jakarta.

Tuesday, 26 March

PK: Provincial Military Chief, Col. M. Moesanip estimated that the number of remaining refugees residing in West Timor is only around 70.000 persons. He added that this was based on the data held by ministry of people's welfare in February. Given that repatriation has been going on smoothly, the number of refugees would be around 60.000 only, he predicted.

PK: Around 200 former students of East Timor University, joined in a forum called, 'The Caring Forum of students of East Timor University (UNTIM)", staged demonstration at State Attorney's office of Kefamenanu and Parliament Building on Monday (25 March). These former students of UNTIM rejected the human rights violations tribunal held in Jakarta that would try a number of East Timorese leaders such as former Governor, Abilio Soares, Eurico Guterres and Mauel da Souso. Demonstrations also involved at least 50 refugee leaders. The protesting mass was received by Head of state attorney's office of Kefamenanu, Harlan Tampubolon and Deputy Speaker of district parliament, Raymundus Fernandes.

PK: Chief of Repatriation Team, Lt. Col, Didi Sudiana reported that on Monday (25 March) 294 persons/106 families repatriated home to East Timor going through Motaain checkpoint aboard 65 trucks. The refugees came from camps in five districts in Belu; district of Atambua city, Central Malaka, East Malaka, East Tasifeto and West Tasifeto heading for districts of Bobonaro, Ermera, Licquica, Dili, Same, Ainaro and Manatuto in East Timor. Lt. Col, Sudiana also reported that military had just captured 9 former refugees who penetrated into West Timor areas. They had been deported back to East Timor, he added.

RT: Viqueque Chieftain questions refugees' reluctance to return home (Viqueque) Speaking to the press in Viqueque, Liurai (Chieftain) Joao Matheos da Costa expressed his concern over low interest of refugees of Viqueque origin to return to East Timor despite bigger numbers of returns during the past weeks. He called on the refugees of Viqueque origin to return home since there is neither intimidation nor security disturbances in the area. Meanwhile, District Head of Baucau, marito Reis, stated on Sunday (24 March) that the number of refugees of Bacau origin in West Timor is around 600 families.

PK: During a dialogue with refugees at Military Base of Kefamenanu on Monday (25 March), Udayana Military Commander, Maj. Gen, Willem da Costa called on the refugees to make decision whether to stay in Indonesia or return home to East Timor prior to the independence proclamation on 20 May 2002. He also appealed on those who chose to stay in Indonesia to uphold the law.

NTT X: Provincial Military Chief, Col. M. Moesanip revealed that military had identified many bogus East Timor civil servants in West Timor who receive salaries that they are not entitled to. Military will help the police in identifying and apprehending the alleged civil servants. Some ex-civil servants who are now residing in Timor Lorosae have also misused the Temporary Travel Document to come to West Timor areas trying to get the salary, he added.

PK: Chief Brig, Apolinario da Silva, as the Chief of the Border Post, stated yesterday the he had just received a letter from the Director of Police Academy of East Timor, Superintendent, Paulo Fatima Martins, requesting all former police members in East Timor to return home. Apolinario said that he is considering returning to East Timor.

NTT X: Some 26 East Timor refugee leaders from North Central Timor district ended their 3-day reconciliation visit in Oecusse, East Timor. The visit produced a pact to convene a traditional ceremony at the border on 31 March 2002 marking the committed will among the people of Oecusse from 18 tribes to build Oecusse towards a brighter future. The administrator of Oecusse district explained to the reconciliation delegations from West Timor that infrastructures and public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and community health centres are already in place. Regarding security, a police base is available assisted by 5 police sectors throughout the district. Marques appealed to the refugees residing in West Timor to return home.

NTT X: Armindo Soarez Mariano stated in a press briefing on Tuesday (26 March) that UNTAS consultative assembly's meeting held on 5 March had produced a recommendation to establish a caretaker team that will prepare for the convening of Bitibot Congres II in the coming weeks. There is yet a definite date when the congress will take place. Bitibot Congress is a reconciliation effort promoted by refugees' leaders in West Timor joined in an organisation called UNTAS. East Timorese leaders in UNTAS believe that a true reconciliation will not be achieved except by an approach that they term as Bitibot Timorese where all aspects of reconciliation such as culture, politic, or amnesty will be discussed without any interference from outsiders as the conditions to achieve a true reconciliation among East Timorese. Armindo Soares also gave statement that the plan to dismantle the camps in West Timor needs to be appraised further for not creating a new type of conflict. Armindo also gave statement that hundreds of refugees who repatriated to East Timor returned back to West Timor.

Saturday, 29 March

PK: Two returning families (6 persons) facilitated by Satlak PBP Kupang to East Timor were rejected by UNHCR to enter East Timor as returning refugees on Wednesday (27 March) in Batugade, Bobonaoro, East Timor since the two families were not of East Timorese origin. The two families were among 71 families (259 persons) scheduled to repatriate to East Timor through Motaain checkpoint. They were then escorted back to Kupang by members of Satlak PBP. According to Satlak PBP Kupang, the rejection was made since the two families were not able to show evidence as East Timor origin.

PK: According to Secretary of District administration of Belu, Drs. Joachim Lopez, some high ranking government officials are scheduled to visit the East-West Timor border on 1-2 April to assess the potential of cross-border trading. The officials expected to come are Deputy IV of the Coordinating Ministry of Economics and the Directorate General of Customs of the Department of Finance. The central government officials will hold a meeting with district authorities and related department officials before visiting the border.

Monday, 1 April

RT: The planned visit by Xanana Gusmao on 4 April to the border was welcomed by the district government of Belu. The Deputy District Head of Belu, Drs. Bria Yohanes hailed the visit for it could encourage more repatriation of refugees and reconciliation among East Timorese. To make the visit a success, the District government is to hold a coordination meeting with TNI and Police to ensure security measures of the visit.

West Timor Press Summaries 1st April ? 9th April 2002 NTT X ? NTT Eks pres; PK ? Pos Kupang; ST ? Surya Timor; RT ? Radar Timor; SP ? Sasando Pos

Tuesday, 02 April

PK: Provincial Military Chief, Col. M. Moesanip alleged that some elites of East Timor refugees are behind the case of former East Timor civil servants residing in East Timor coming to Kupang to claim for their pension payment. He informed that there has been cases of former East Timor civil servants who did not take refuge in West Timor after the referendum in 1999 but has returned to Kupang to claim for their pension payment. Col Moesanip was quoted as saying, "It is strange that these former civil servants had with them NTT identity cards (KTP), forms to receive pension, and an Indonesian Passport." He added that some of them even had two types of passports (issued by thr Indonesian and the Timor Leste governments).

RT: As witnessed by Antara, 91 refugee families/225 persons, mostly of Ermera origin, residing in camps throughout the district of Belu repatriated home on Monday morning (1 April). Chief of Satlak PBP Belu, Lt. Col, Didi Sudiana stated that the big return was triggered by the decision taken by refugee leaders. He exemplified a former village chief in Ermera, Dominggos de Deus, who decided to repatriate yesterday and this repatriation encouraged his villagers to follow suit. He added in comparison to the refugees going through Motamasin checkpoint, a bigger number of returnees was shown recently going through Motaain checkpoint heading for the western areas in East Timor.

Wednesday, 03 April RT: Speaking to the press in Kupang, prominent refugee leader, Joao Tavares lambasted the planned visit by Xanana Gusmao to Belu and North Central Timor (TTU) districts calling it as a way to win popularity before the presidential election. Tavarez admitted to be upset with the visit since Xanana did not coordinate with the refugees' leaders in West Timor of the visit but instead with the government.

Thursday, 04 April

RT: Hundreds of refugees from Noelbaki and Tuapukan camps in Kupang district staged a demonstration at the parliament yesterday (3 April) protesting against the convening of human rights violation tribunal in Jakarta and the plan to dismantle all the camps in West Timor as of 1 May 2002. The refugees, joined in a forum called, The Forum of Caring East Timor Refugees' Fate" and accompanied by Forum of students of Timor Lorosae University (Formatil), met with Deputy Speaker of the parliament, Dr, Nico Wolly and a parliament member, Drs. Frans Lebu Raya. To the parliament members, the refugees revealed their rejection against the trial held in Jakarta calling it unjust. In addition, they revealed indication of intimidation from the military in the ongoing repatriation program. They also protested against the cessation of assistance and the plan to dismantle the camps as of 1 May 2002 by the government without providing settlement houses for the refugees. Deputy Speaker of the parliament, Nico Wolly promised to convey the protests to the central government.

PK: According to the spokesperson of Provincial Police, Adj. Comr, I Wajan Dana, UN Civpol in East Timor is to conduct visit in Kupang from Wednesday (3 April) to Friday (5 April). Delegations will conduct visit to Police academy and Mobile Brigade base in Kupang. He also informed the visit by Xanana Gusmao that will take place today (4 April) in Belu and North Central Timor district to meet with the refugees before continuing the travel to Ambeno, East Timor.

NTT X: The chief of Police Academy of Kupang, Adj. Snr. Comr, Nender Yani requested the provincial government to pay more attention to the 25 refugee families (133 persons) who have been residing in school compound for more than two years. The situation in which the school has to accommodate the refugees at the school barracks has negatively influenced the well running of school activity, said the Police School Chief.

NTT X: Hundreds of refugees in Kupang and Belu repatriated to East Timor in the past two days. Based on the observation of Antara on Tuesday (2 April) 100 refugees from Naibonat and Tuapukan in Kupang had already been accommodated at the embarkation point in Fatululi in Kupang and were scheduled to return on the following day. From Belu, it was reported that 491 refugees returned to East Timor going through Motaain checkpoint on Wednesday morning (3 April).

Friday, 05 April

PK: Charismatic leader of East Timorese who is also a strong candidate for the first president of East Timor, Xanana Gusmao, said to the refugee crowd in Atambua that there would be no more killing in Timor Lorosae due to different political principles. Xanana stopped over in Atambua and Kefamenanu to meet with the refugees before continuing his travel to enclave Oecusse. He reiterated that his visit to Atambua and Kefamenanu was not to force the refugees to return home but to inform the real situation in East Timor and encourage those who want to return to witness the historical event to come; the independence day. For those who want to stay in Indonesia, he appealed them to become good Indonesian citizens.

PK: There have been 320 former Indonesian Police members recruited to be Police members of Timor Leste. Provincial Police Chief, Brig. Gen, Jacky Uly said this after meeting with delegations of UN Civil Police on Thursday (4 April). Among other things discussed during the meeting was regarding the need of coordination between the two forces to handle the crimes around the border area.

PK: Head of Sub-section of Foreigner's control, H. M. Pandjaitan, S.H. said on Saturday (30 March) that the office of Immigration in Atambua has deported at least 30 East Timorese who had entered Indonesian territory illegally. These East Timorese were once refugees who had repatriated to East Timor but came back to Indonesian territory through illegal crossing and tried to apply for Indonesian passport to escape from visa application payment.

PK: Military Chief of SoE, Lt. Col, Pieter Lobo bid farewell to 126 refugee families (265 persons) residing in North Central Timor district when they repatriated to East Timor on Friday (5 April). >From North Central Timor district, it was reported that 200 refugee families had also registered to repatriate home.

NTT X: Julio da Costa Hornay, delegation of Civpol from East Timor informed that the security situation in Dili is similar with the situation in Kupang. People could comfortable go out even at night. He added that prior to the presidential election on 14 April, security measures would be tightened to prevent any kind of disturbance.

Saturday, 06 April

PK: Speaking to the refugees in Kefamenanu on Thursday (4 April), Xanana asserted that the human rights trial held in Jakarta is not East Timor government's matter but is a full authority of Indonesian government. He stated this in response to the question asked by spokesperson of a Forum of former East Timor University Students who requested Xanana to be concerned of the trial held in Jakarta, which tries a number of former East Timor government officials such former Governor, Abilio Soares. Xanana added that, as a civilian, he would want to focus on encouraging reconciliation among East Timorese and to build East Timor for the welfare of the people instead of interfering with Indonesian Government. He called the refugees to return to East Timor.

PK: Kupang district Military Chief, Lt. Col, W. Aritonang underscored that there was no intimidation towards the refugees to return to East Timor in the repatriation. Lt. Col, W. Aritonang stated this defying the accusation made by refugees who indicated that there was intimidation towards refugees in the repatriation program. As it was reported before, some hundreds of refugees staged demonstration at the parliament's building on Wednesday (3 April) protesting against the plan to dismantle the camps and revealed intimidation by Military in the repatriation.

Monday, 08 April

PK: Provincial Military Chief, Col. M. Moesanip stated that the border checkpoints are to be closed for 6 days during the presidential election period in East Timor. The checkpoints will be closed three days prior to and after the Election Day. The decision to close the checkpoints was supported by UNTAET, said Col. Moesanip. He added that the reason to close the checkpoints temporarily is to ensure the election process to run smoothly without any social political disturbance.

NTT X: In a press briefing in Kefamenanu recently, Udayana Military Chief, Maj. Gen, Willem da Costa stated that there is no plan to add more military post at the border. The current presence of the military posts at the border is only for a temporary basis with the presence of refugees in West Timor. The posts are likely to be gradually reduced in later days as the refugee problem resovled.

NTT X: In a report of Satkorlak PBP of East Nusa Tenggara dated on 3 April 2002, it was stated that the number of refugees to have returned to East Timor as of 30 March since the refugees' census on 6 June 2001 is 5, 291 families/ 16, 242 refugees.

Tuesday, 09 April

PK: Going through Motaain checkpoint in Belu, 180 East Timor refugee families/546 persons repatriated home to East Timor. The returning refugees were dominated by refugees of Ermera origin who resided in the camps in Haliwen, Karantina, Atambua in Belu. Chief of Satlak PBP, Lt. Col, Didi Sudiana admitted that this repatriation involved the biggest number of returnees facilitated so far. A number of reasons contributed to the big number of returning such as the returning of refugee leaders, which then triggered their followers to follow suit. Another big number of returning is scheduled for the second week of April, Lt. Col, Didi Sudiana added.

RT: Central government has approved the building of 1,200 settlement houses in several districts in East Nusa Tenggara such as Kupang, West Sumba, Ngada, Belu, South Central Timor, Alor and Sikka during the year of 2002. Subsection head of areas empowerment of Manpower and Transmigration office in Kupang, Ir. Putu Yudha said on Monday (8 April) that the building of the houses would follow two approaches namely; centred settlement and self empowered transmigration settlement. In centred settlement approach, Nakertrans would be the one to build the houses but in self empowered transmigration settlement, the building of the houses would be handled by related departments in the districts. The settlement houses are to be allocated 60% for locals and 40% for refugees.

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