Bahasa Indonesia Headlines ­ Wednesday 27 June 2001

Xanana cancels trip to meet refugees in West Timor

Suara Timor Lorosae

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Former President of CNRT Xanana Gusmao cancelled his trip to meet with refugees in West Timor because the Indonesian government could not give assurances for his safety in the Indonesia-controlled province.

Xanana said this yesterday when he met reporters at the Komoro International Airport.

The independence leader said his team was scheduled to leave today for Mota Ain to meet with several militia leaders and refugees.

However, he said, the Indonesian government and TNI could give assurances for his safety.

“On Monday morning, I received a call from UNTAET Chief of Staff N Parameswaran who advised me that the situation in West Timor was not conducive for meeting with refugees and militia leaders to be held. He added Jakarta could not guarantee my safety,” Xanana told reporters.

According to Xanana, Parameswaran also told him that in Kupang there were tensions between the refugees and locals.

Parameswaran, said Xanana, wanted the meeting postponed to a later date.

“The Indonesian government in the initial stages supported the meeting. But I think because of the current political climate there, they [Jakarta] did not want to take any risks,” said Xanana.

See also:
BD: 'Refugees' & Missing Persons - A collection of recent information, reports, articles and news