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Subject: Lusa: Dili, Jakarta said 'on alert' for re-emergence of
militia activity
20-05-2004 10:58:00 GMT . Fonte LUSA. Notícia SIR-6045197 Temas:
East Timor: Dili, Jakarta said 'on alert' for re-emergence of militia
activity
Dili, May 20 (Lusa) - Both East Timor and Indonesia are "on
alert" for any resurgence of anti-independence militia activity
following Dili's assumption of full security control from the United
Nations, says East Timor's foreign minister.
José Ramos Horta, in comments to Lusa Thursday, shortly after the
formal handover of security responsibilities, underlined that East Timor's
border populations, police and defense force were watchful for any sign of
renewed militia activity from across the border with Indonesia.
Ramos Horta also expressed confidence that Indonesia would continue
good-neighbor relations, including in the security field.
"Indonesian authorities", he said, "are on alert to
prevent any infiltration and destabilization action in East Timor",
which broke from Jakarta's rule through an UN-sponsored plebiscite in
1999.
The most radical anti-independence militiamen, who remain in Indonesian
West Timor, have "no popular support" and do not have a
"secure sanctuary" in Indonesia, the foreign minister said.
Ramos Horta described the heavily reduced United Nations' UNMISET
mission, which gave up responsibility for security matters Thursday, the
eve of the country's second independence anniversary, as "entirely
adequate" for Dili's needs.
But given the mission's limited timeframe, he said Dili must intensify
the formation" of its police force and its rapid deployment unit.
The extended UNMISET mission now has a six-month mandate, which may be
prolonged for a further six months.
Ramos Horta acknowledged that the country's long-term security was
inextricably linked to economic development and the creation of jobs for
the large number of unemployed youths.
"Economic development and the reduction of poverty are vital to
creating a climate of peace and stability in the country", he told
Lusa.
EL/SAS Lusa
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