Subject: DPA: Xanana Gusmao registers for U.N.
ballot
Date: Sat, 07 Aug 1999 09:58:33 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>Deutsche Presse-Agentur
August 4, 1999, Wednesday, BC Cycle Detained East Timor rebel leader Gusmao registers
for U.N. ballot
Jakarta
Detained East Timorese rebel leader Xanana Gusmao registered Wednesday for an upcoming
United Nations-run autonomy ballot, saying independence was the best way to restore peace
to the troubled Indonesian province.
Gusmao, escorted by Justice Ministry officials and his attorney from the Jakarta
residence where he lives under house arrest, registered for the August 30 ballot at the
U.N. headquarters.
"I expect the balloting to be fair and free," Gusmao told reporters. "I
also call on all East Timorese to take part in the election."
As many as 400,000 East Timorese are expected to cast ballots to decide whether the
former Portuguese colony should remain part of Indonesia with wide-ranging autonomy, or
move toward independence.
The U.N. Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) has registered some 380,000 people
since July 16, a figure officials called successful despite ongoing violence between
pro-integration militias and pro-independence groups.
The U.N. announced Wednesday that Secretary-General Kofi Annan had agreed to extend
voter registration through Friday in Dili, East Timor's capital, and through Sunday in
locations outside the city.
The extention was given to allow U.N. staff to accommodate East Timorese who have been
unable to register due to logistical problems or violence.
The U.N. has twice delayed the ballot because of security concerns.
Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed it a year later, sparking a civil war
that has claimed as many as 200,000 lives.
The U.N. never recognised the territory as part of Indonesia, and helped negotiate the
ballot among the Indonesian and Portuguese governments, and pro-integration supporters and
pro-independence rebels in East Timor. dpa jc jh
Back to August Menu
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu |
