TIMOR LESTE APPOINTS CONSUL GENERAL TO E NUSA TENGGARA

12/11/2005 08:15:22 PM EST

Antara

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, Dec 11 (ANTARA) - Timor Leste has appointed Caetano Muniz as its first consul general to East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesian Ambassador to Timor Leste Achmad Bey Sofyan said here over the week.

"The opening of the consulate general will be conducted in the near future," he said on Saturday.

He added the consulate general has actually been operating since last month, but it has yet to be officiated due to administrative constraints.

He said the establishment of the office would be very helpful in settling problems relating with Timor Leste, including the repatriation of the former East Timorese people.

Thousands of East Timorese people flew to the neighboring region following the United Nations-sponsored people ballot or independence in August 1999.

Bey added crimes and other legal violations occurred in the bordering area between the two countries would hopefully be settled with the opening of the consulate.

Timor Leste which was known as East Timor in the past was the former Indonesian 27th province.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)

11-12 2005