Subject: RTP: Portuguese envoy Ana Gomes says people
petrified
Date: Sat, 01 May 1999 08:58:45 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>BBC Summary of World Broadcasts
Portuguese envoy Ana Gomes says people petrified Source: RTP Internacional TV, Lisbon,
in Portuguese 1200 gmt 29 Apr 99
[Presenter] Generalized panic - this is how the head of the Portuguese interest section
in Jakarta, Ana Gomes, described the situation in East Timor. She visited the territory
last month, but she is far more worried after this visit...
[Reporter] Ana Gomes has ended her second visit to Dili by listening to the
pro-integration groups. The Forum for Freedom, Justice and Peace said it wanted to know
Portugal's true intentions with regard to East Timor and said it was against the 8th
August consultation.
[Herminio Silva da Costa, Forum for Freedom, Justice and Peace - recording] Firstly,
time is too short. The Timorese people should be given time to campaign, for example. We,
the integrationists, must have time to campaign. If we cannot campaign, in these
circumstances, it is clear something unexpected will happen.
[Reporter] The governor of East Timor is also against the consultation. He thinks it is
not necessary.
[Abilio Osorio Soares, governor of Timor] For me it would be better if Portugal,
Indonesia and the UN were to implement this autonomy which they have agreed on and are
going to sign in May. Why isn't this implemented in Timor? Then we can see if it is good,
if we can resolve the divisions here with the autonomy.
[Reporter] The morning ended with a meeting with the Dili military commander. One and a
half day of contacts, a very different visit for Ana Gomes.
[Gomes] I have found a very different atmosphere from that of a month ago. People are
petrified. And everyone, including the military commander and the police commander,
recognize that this is the situation. We have to have hope and we are confident that soon
the situation will change when the UN is here.
[Reporter] The diplomat asks the Timorese to be patient and asks that the criminals be
punished.
[Gomes] President Habibie and Gen Wiranto have made statements in the last few days in
Bali, which show their commitment to observing the agreement, including the disarmament of
these criminals on the loose.
Back to April Menu
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu
June '98 through February '99 |
