CNRT Timor-Leste
xanana gusmão

Message from Xanana Gusmão on the occasion
of the launch of the Scotland East Timor Support Group

Dear friends,

It is with much emotion that I wish to associate myself to the launch of the Scotland East Timor Support group. I regret that I am not able to join you today, but I would like you to know how much your initiative means to the people of East Timor. It is indeed the generosity and perseverance of solidarity groups like yours that has kept the issue of East Timor alive on the international scene during the past 23 years.

The thought that people around the world cared about what was happening to us, amidst the indifference of the international community and their governments, has been a constant source of comfort and strength for us.

The question of East Timor is now entering a decisive phase. For 23 years we have fought for our right to self-determination to be recognised. On 5 May 1999, we achieved this recognition when the Portuguese Republic, the Republic of Indonesia signed an Agreement providing for the holding of a popular consultation by which the people of East Timor could chose to become an autonomous region of the Republic of Indonesia or become independent.

A milestone was then reached, however the wave of renewed intimidation and violence against the civilian population perpetrated by the militia groups set up, armed and backed by the Indonesian military that followed the announcement by President Habibie on 27 January 1999 that Indonesia would consider letting go of East Timor should a majority of East Timorese vote against the autonomy option has hindered and delayed the ballot preparations.

Our People trusts in the determination of the United Nations to see their mission through to its rightful end in East Timor, however, for this to happen, they need the continued support of member nations and this is where, my friends, you can make a difference by showing your government that you firmly believe that they should demand of the Republic of Indonesia that it honours the engagements it took before the international community in New York last May.

The Republic of Indonesia demanded that the responsibility for security in the territory be entrusted solely to the Indonesian Police. Reality on the ground shows that the militia groups continue to act with impunity and with the backing of the military as the Police stands by, unable or unwilling to do anything to stop them. Further pressure needs to be exerted on Jakarta for:

• the immediate end of all Indonesian military interference in the process, namely demanding that Zacky Anwar, Tono Suratman and the Military Commanders of the Liquica, Maliana and Suai Dandims, implementing the strategy of destabilisation of the Consultation process, not be allowed to remain in East Timor - Gen . Wiranto should be made to realise that he should not miss this window of opportunity to prove his good faith and put into practice his repeated claims to respect of the New York Agreement
• the reduction of the number of Indonesian troops stationed in the territory to a maximum of 1000 men, and their confinement to military unit barracks;
• the dismantling of Indonesian military BTT posts (village level units);
• the disbanding and disarmament of the armed civilian groups, commonly referred to as militias;
• the full implementation by the Indonesian authorities of the New York Agreement;
• a firm commitment on the part of the Indonesian authorities to a free, fair and democratic Consultation in East Timor, namely with the participation of all East Timorese in the process, thereby releasing ALL East Timorese political prisoners.

Support democratisation in Indonesia.
Support a free and fair consultation in East Timor.

Salemba, 10 July 1999

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

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