Subject: PUB: "Eurico Guterres should be
arrested"
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 11:38:11 -0400
From: Comissão para os Direitos do Povo Maubere <cdpm@esoterica.pt>Source:
Publico Date : 13 May 1999 Dateline: Jakarta Byline : Luciano Alvarez Original language :
Portuguese Headline : "Eurico Guterres should be arrested" Interview with
Francisco Lopes da Cruz, Indonesia’s itinerant ambassador
Yesterday, Lopes da Cruz, itinerant ambassador for Indonesia and leader of the
pro-integration movement East Timorese People’s United Front, came out in support of
the arrest and trial of Eurico Guterres, second in command over all the pro-integration
militias who has publicly admitted direct involvement in recent violence in East Timor.
Lopes da Cruz said: "Indonesian law has to be obeyed…", "it was
clearly stated in the Peace Agreement", signed in Dili on 21 April, that "all
those committing or ordering to commit acts of violence" would have to be put under
arrest."
Never before has a pro-integration leader been so explicit in references to the man who
has spread terror throughout East Timor. Mention of the name "Eurico Guterres"
is usually completely avoided by those in favour of Indonesia continuing as administering
power of East Timor. However, as the violence with which he and the militias operate
intensifies and becomes increasingly uncontrolled, pro-integrationists are beginning to
add their voice to calls from independence supporters for perpetrators of crimes to be
brought to justice.
The East Timorese People’s United Front, set up about 2 weeks ago, is composed of
pro-integration leaders representing Timor’s 13 "councils" or
administrative areas. The Front’s leader, Lopes da Cruz, is unequivocal: "I have
always condemned the militias’ use of violence. They go against our
"socialisation" policy for the territory. That is why the Forum for Unity,
Democracy and Justice (FPDK, the political wing of the militias) has not yet joined the
United Front. "All those who commit crimes must be arrested and tried." In
answer to Publico’s question as to whether that should include Eurico Guterres, who
has admitted responsibility for many violent attacks in which several people have been
killed, Lopes da Cruz replied: "Yes, Eurico Guterres must he arrested and sentenced.
He and all the others who commit acts of violence, whatever side they happen to be
on."
Indonesia’s itinerant ambassador, who is very well-connected with the Jakarta
Government, said that "the peace accord signed in Dili is clear" with regard to
those responsible for violence, and referred to the fact that the Indonesian Foreign
Minister, Ali Alatas, was unequivocal in statements he made two days ago. "The
violence has to stop so that the consultation on 8 August is not put in jeopardy.
Indonesia is determined that it should proceed properly, and is not going to allow its
international image to be affected".
Lopes da Cruz went as far as to say that, as well as deserving condemnation, militia
violence was proving "detrimental to those in favour of integration", who want
to undertake "socialisation" activities among the people to raise their
awareness in a peaceful way"
Back to May Menu
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu
June '98 through February '99 |
