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CONTENTS:
  NEWS, ARTICLES & REPORTS
  * Military Aid to Indonesia (Czech Rep. / Australia)
  * Calls for Indonesia to set deadline for prosecutions
  * Meetings between Timor, Indonesia and Australia
  * Refugee Update
  * Public Constitutional consultation
  * Presidential elections
  * Independence celebrations
  UPCOMING AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
  Nat'l & Int'l-A.C.T.-Brisbane-Melb-Perth-Sydney
  ABOUT BACK DOOR
  EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

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NEWS, ARTICLES & REPORTS

* Military Aid to Indonesia

Czech Republic:

Feb 13 Prague Post: Human rights groups want limits on Czech arms to Indonesia  Article added Feb 16
“It [military aid to Indonesia] would send a signal that the international community and the Czech government is happy to endorse the military when it is not under effective civilian control, ... (The Czech government) must insist on getting assurances that these weapons would not get into the hands of units (in disputed regions) and that it also would have the ability to track where these weapons are going, ... Giving a blank check to the Indonesian military would be irresponsible.” Lisa Misol, Human Rights Watch
"The Czech Republic continues to play an important role as a [world arms] supplier and middleman. Murky deals with Sri Lanka and Yemen have provoked skepticism from human rights groups and even some of the country’s NATO allies. Still, with EU countries also selling weapons to Indonesia, there is little chance Kavan’s move will face domestic opposition." Michael Mainville, Staff Writer, The Prague Post

Australia:

Feb 13 AFR: Megawati's stunt may haunt Howard  Comment and Analysis added Feb 13
"The surprise decision by the Indonesian Government to propose a Memorandum of Understanding with Australia for combating international terrorism is one of the cleverest diplomatic initiatives yet made in South-East Asia. ... The MOU is Jakarta’s response to pressure from the United States to clamp down harder on militant Islamists - Jemaah Islamiah, for example - who may have links with Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network. ... It has six significant effects: ... It accelerates the rebuilding of military ties between the Indonesian military (TNI) and the Australian Defence Forces, much to the delight of senior ADF officers. ... Before signing up, Canberra should have reflected on the moral value of an agreement with a government whose armed forces are better known for perpetrating, rather than preventing, acts of terror." Scott Burchill, lecturer, international relations, Deakin University’s School of Australian & International Studies

Feb 12 Asia Times: Indonesia-Australia: Shaking hands with clenched fists  Analysis added Feb 13
"Signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on counterterrorism with a country so internally inconsistent and fragile, while at the same time expecting solid and sustainable outcomes, will hardly keep Australia-Indonesia relations at a “realistic” level. ... the bilateral MoU includes the provision for the training and education of Indonesian officials. Could not that training and education also be used against Acehnese and West Papuan secessionists? Australia once before crossed over this line of aiding the Indonesian internal security apparatus when it allowed its Special Air Service (SAS) to train and exercise with Indonesia’s special forces, Kopussus. Kopussus used the knowledge gained by their joint training with the SAS against many local anti-Javanese insurgents, including the East Timorese, much to the embarrassment of the Australian government and the outrage of Australian and international human-rights groups." Purnendra Jain, professor, Center for Asian Studies, Adelaide University & John Bruni, adjunct lecturer, Politics Department, Adelaide University, Australia

Feb 10 SunHerald: Snub Kopassus  News added Feb 13
"The Indonesian Army now admits its brutal special forces unit, Kopassus, was involved in the recent murder of West Papuan independence leader Theys Eluay but Prime Minister John Howard appears to have opened the door for Australian SAS troops to again train Kopassus. ... At the time, the Nine Network’s Sunday program revealed details of a joint SAS/Kopassus training exercise in which captured East Timorese independence fighters were forced to act as targets. The Australian public did not support this sort of training." Sun Herald (Sydney)
 

* Calls for Indonesia to set deadline for prosecutions

Feb 8 CCET: Freedom without justice in East Timor?  Statement added Feb 14
"An international support network of Christian groups and churches at the Twelfth Christian Consultation on East Timor, held in Antwerp from 7-9 December, joined its voice to a mounting international campaign and called for Indonesia to set a deadline of July 2002, after which an international tribunal should be set up to deliver justice. This would allow the East Timorese a chance to move on from the events of the Indonesian occupation." Catherine Scott for Christian Consultation on East Timor (CCET)

Portuguese:
Jan 25 OTL: A Indonésia arrasta o julgamento dos crimes cometidos em Timor Leste
Reportagem de 14 fevereiro 2002
"Quanto tempo a comunidade internacional vai conceder ao tribunal para apresentar resultados? Já passaram mais de dois anos sobre os factos. A total ausência de balizas favorece a estratégia de arrastamento. ... O julgamento não é vingança: “é indispensável para abrir caminho a uma verdadeira reconciliação em Timor Leste” afirmou a comissão de inquérito das NU, mas também para “encorajar as reformas democráticas na Indonésia e ajudar a evitar que os oficiais das FA responsáveis pela destruição de Timor Leste, a maior parte dos quais continuam a ter prestígio e poder, continuem a cometer atrocidades contra os cidadãos indonésios” (carta de 30 congressistas americanos a Colin Powell, 30-1-01)." Observatório Timor Leste

Jan 25 ETO: Indonesia delays East Timor atrocities trials  Report added Feb 14
"How much time is the international community going to give the [Indonesia’s ad hoc] tribunal to come up with results? Over two years have already elapsed since the atrocities occurred. A total absence of time limits serves to encourage further delay tactics. ... The trial is not an exercise in vengeance, but rather essential: “to open the way forward to genuine reconciliation in East Timor” (UN Commission of Inquiry), and “to encourage democratic reforms in Indonesia and help prevent the armed forces officers responsible for the devastation in East Timor, most of whom are still in positions of prestige and authority, from continuing to commit atrocities against other Indonesian citizens” (letter from 30 members of the US Congress to Colin Powell, 30-1-01)." East Timor Observatory
 

* Meetings between Timor, Indonesia and Australia

Feb 15 MFAC: Upcoming meetings with Indonesia  Release added Feb 16
“The forthcoming meetings in Jakarta, the bilateral meetings between East Timor and Indonesia and the trilateral between East Timor, Indonesia and Australia, are a milestone both in the history of East Timor and in Regional relations. The East Timorese side pledges that, as a new country in the region, that we will work constructively with our neighbours to promote peace, stability and cooperation in this part of the world.” Dr Ramos-Horta
 

* Refugee Update

Feb 12 JRS: Repatriation of ETimor Refugees from WTimor  News added Feb 14
"On 30 January JRS Betun and Atambua (West Timor) attended a meeting to evaluate the current state of play concerning repatriation efforts of East Timor refugees. The meeting, held in Belu military district was attended by local officials, such as the Deputy head of the Belu district administration, the district military commander, and prominent figures from amongst the East Timor refugees. It was reported at the meeting that only 401 families had returned to East Timor, or only ten per cent of original predictions of 4000. In the last three months alone another 85 families have moved on to Sumatra according to the Belu officials. The JRS delegation felt that the meeting was not overly productive and did not bear any fruit as to possible solutions for the repatriation of the East Timor refugees." Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)
 

* Public Constitutional consultation

Feb 15 Constituent Assembly: 15 February 2002 press conference  Release added Feb 16
"Our main task is to listen to the people. ... We are always open to other opinions and criticism provided the criticism is constructive, based on facts and not destructive or just for the sake of criticizing. ... It will not make a difference if just one person is objecting to a provision in the constitution. But if the same issue would be raised in all districts, then the CA-members will take note of that point and discuss it later during the plenary session after returning to Dili" Arlindo Marçal, the vice-President of the Constituent Assembly

Feb 12 Constituent Assembly Consultation schedule revised  Release added Feb 14
"The members of the Constituent Assembly approved today a new calendar for the remaining part of the constitutional process. The previous timetable, which included 9 March 2002 as deadline, had proved to be too tight. ... From 23-25 February the CA-members will depart to the districts in order to be there in time for the public consultations which will take place between 25 February and 2 March 2002. ... Before the consultation process a total of 50.000 copies of the constitution (in Portuguese, Tetum, Bahasa Indonesia and English) will be distributed throughout the country. ... After the public consultations the members return to Dili to write reports about their meetings throughout the country. ... The constitution will be signed on 16 March." Assembleia Constituinte, Timor Leste

Feb 11 SMH: East Timor approves draft constitution  News added Feb 13
"In another step towards nationhood, East Timor’s constituent assembly has approved a draft of a constitution guaranteeing basic civil liberties and a mixed economy for the new state that will emerge on Australia’s doorstep in May. The 168-clause document establishes a semi-presidential system of government. Under it an elected president can dismiss the prime minister and veto legislation, but in a framework of strong checks and balances." By Jill Jolliffe, Herald Correspondent in Dili
 

* Presidential elections

Feb 14 LUSA: Fretilin Leader Offers Gusmao 'Unconditional' Presidential Backing  News added Feb 16
"The president of East Timor´s dominant party, Francisco Guterres, told Lusa Thursday that Fretilin would give Xanana Gusmao “unconditional” support in April 14 presidential elections, regardless of what form his candidacy might take. Guterres, who is on a visit to Lisbon in his capacity as speaker of Dili´s Constitutent Assembly, said, however, that as a “national figure” he doubted Gusmao would stand for the presidency with the backing of opposition parties." Lusa

Feb 13 LUSA: East Timor: Gusmao Rejects Fretilin ‘Pressure’ To Run as Independent  News added Feb 16
"Independence leader Xanana Gusmao said Wednesday he had not yet decided whether he would run for the presidency of East Timor in April 14 elections, adding that he would not bow to “pressures from anyone” to stand as an independent candidate. ... With 10 days left to the deadline for formalizing presidential candidacies, Gusmao reiterated that he would not run as an independent nor as a candidate of the dominant Fretilin party, which he once led." Lusa
 

* Independence celebrations

Feb 8 Reut: East Timor plans independence celebrations  News added Feb 13
"This is primarily a national celebration, ... Festivities are being planned at all levels, with events at sub-district, district, national and international levels." Caroline O’Brien, media liaison officer for Independence Day Celebrations
"A preliminary schedule is expected to be posted on the East Timor website next week."

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UPCOMING AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
Nat'l & Int'l-A.C.T.-Brisbane-Melb-Perth-Sydney
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/events.htm

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL EVENTS:

Access details of Nat'l & Int'l Events at:
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/national.htm
 

Dateline (SBS TV program) - Lafu - hero of Oecusse
Co-producers: Bernadette D. Connole bernie@triode.net.au; David Bradbury ffilms@mullum.com.au
This story belongs to the brave people of Oecussi who for 20 days were being brutilized by TNI from West Timor. Lafu took the message over 22 days to General Cosgrove - he was interrogated by Fanatil commanders - watched by TNI border patrols and through his savvy made the 180 km trek to Dili.
Wednesday, February 20, 8.30pm
See: Bano: A Peace Zone: An Option for the Future of the Timor Enclave
The Isolation of Oe-cusse: http://www.etan.org/lh/bulletin02.html#_05

ABC-TV’s ‘Australian Story’ is profiling Kirsty Sword, wife of East Timor leader Xanana Gusmao
Monday 25th February, 8pm

Return from Aceh: A Peace Brigades International Speaking Tour
Australian activist, Kim-Louise van den Nouwelant has just returned from Aceh in Indonesia’s far north-west. At a series of information sessions around Australia, Kim will report on the courageous work of Acehnese human rights, social justice and women’s’ organisations and on the escalating political and human rights situation in Aceh.
Info: Peace Brigades International (PBI) 03 9415 6642 or email pbiet@clear.net.nz
http://www.peacebrigades.org
Melbourne: 7pm Thursday 28 February, Trades Hall, Victoria St. Carlton.

March 8  International Women's Day
See: BD: East Timorese Women's Issues

March 15, 2002: East Timor’s Presidential electoral campaign begins

March 16, 2002: Completion and final approval of first Constitution of Timor Lorosae
See: Feb 12 2002 Constituent Assembly Consultation schedule revised

UN Commission on Human Rights
The next session of the Commission will require concerted lobbying to ensure that pressure for justice for East Timor through an international tribunal is maintained.
Info: Paul Barber, TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign
Tel +44 020 8771 2904 fax +44 020 8653 0322 Email: tapol@gn.apc.org
Venue: Geneva
March/April 2002
See: October 2001 LHB: Justice for East Timor?
 

Sunday, April 14, 2002: Election of East Timor’s first President

Volunteers for the PBI Indonesia Project wanted
Info: Peace Brigades International (PBI) 03 9415 6642 or email pbiet@clear.net.nz
http://www.peacebrigades.org
10-day residential Training April 1-10 2002, in Victoria

Sunday, April 14, 2002: Election of East Timor’s first President

20 May 2002: East Timor Declaration of Independence on the 28th anniversary of the founding of its first political party, the Timorese Social Democratic Association, which gave birth to Fretilin, the resistance movement against Indonesian rule.
Newly elected president takes office.
Major events in Timor and around the world including music festival. Meeting in Dili of Donor Nations to fund post-independence period for up to 2 years.
See: BD: FRETILIN - Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor & BD: East Timorese Political Parties

A.C.T. EVENTS:

Access details of Canberra Events at:
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/ACTEvents.htm

Canberra Community Meeting to explore the possibility of a
Canberra-Dili friendship city relationship
A friendship city is about building a relationship between the communities of two cities. It could involve community organisations, associations, schools, churches, cultural groups and individuals. This is a chance for the Canberra community to explore a new way to support the people of East Timor. All welcome.
Speakers: ACT Chief Minister John Stanhope; Etervina Groenen, East Timor Liaison Office; Kangaroo Valley – Remexio district partnership; Australian Council for Overseas Aid
Meeting convened and chaired by ACT Greens MLA Kerrie Tucker
Info: Justine Caines in Kerrie Tucker's office on 6205 0161
Reception Room, ACT Legislative Assembly, Civic Square
Tuesday 26th February, 7.30-9.00 pm
See: Feb 7 2002 Woodcroft-Lee: Overview of Relationships between Cities and Districts in Australia & Timor Lorosa'e
Sep 27 2001 Woodcroft-Lee: Canberra Plans for Sister City Relationship with Dili

Tetum Language Course (Introductory - East Timorese)

BRISBANE EVENTS:

Access details of Brisbane Events at:
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/brisbane.htm

Australia West Papua Association Brisbane (AWPAB) - Meeting
Info: Rachael Harrison Email: legoullon@powerup.com.au
AWPAB: http://www.geocities.com/awpab
West Papua Information Kit: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/cline/papua/core.htm
West Papua referendum petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/westpap/petition.html
Emma’s Bookstore, 132 Boundary Street, West End
Meets first Saturday of each month. Next: Sat 2nd March at 2pm.

MELBOURNE EVENTS:

Access details of Melbourne Events at:
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/melbourne.htm
 

PERTH EVENTS:

Access details of Perth Events at:
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/perth.htm

deckchair theatre and PLAY IT SAFE present:

SYDNEY EVENTS:

Access details of Sydney Events at:
http://www.pcug.org.au/~wildwood/sydney.htm
 

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* supports East Timorese self-determination and
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