Subject: Internecine strife
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 19:17:24 +1100
From: Geoffrey Heard <gheard@surf.net.au> União Democrática Timorense TIMORESE
DEMOCRATIC UNION MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release: 6 pm AEST, Sunday 10/1/98 Hundreds
flee to Dili as Indonesia promotes internecine violence Hundreds of East Timorese opposed
to the continuing occupation of their country by Indonesia have fled from outlying centres
to Dili to escape the threat of pro-integrationist gangs armed and backed by the
Indonesian army. At least two people have been killed and another eight wounded, four
seriously, in an attack by Indonesian-backed and armed gangs on East Timorese independence
supporters at the inland centre of Ainaro, south of Dili. Similar attacks have been
reported from Alas, following the recent Indonesian army massacre of more than 40 people
there, Same, Suai, Fohoren, Laclubar, Viqueque and some smaller centres. The General
Secretary of UDT (Timorese Democratic Union), Domingos D'Oliveira, said the Movement for
Reconciliation and Unity for East Timor had reported more than 1000 known refugees had
fled to Dili in the past four days. About 300 are camped in and around the home of
Movement member, Manuel Carrascalão. Others are with family and friends. With food short
throughout East Timor, the Movement has appealed to Timorese overseas for financial help
to support the growing number of refugees from the escalating violence. Mr D'Oliveira said
the Indonesian army has armed pro-integrationist Timorese with "white weapons" -
knives and spears - and set Timorese against Timorese in its latest attempt to squash the
movement attempting to peacefully end the 23 year old Indonesian occupation of the Island
nation. At night, criminal gangs armed with these weapons and masked to avoid recognition
were breaking into homes and attacking unarmed East Timorese families who were known
supporters of the movement calling for the withdrawal of Indonesia from East Timor and the
right of East Timorese to a referendum on their future. Mr D'Oliveira appealed to
democratic governments throughout the world to support the East Timorese in their
struggled to rid themselves of the horror of daily attack, rape, torture and murder
inflicted on them by the Indonesian army and its lackeys. He appealed to humanitarian
bodies to provide help to the refugees now streaming into Dili, particularly food and
medical assistance, as the Bidau hospital in Dili is now reported out of medicine and
lacking competent doctors. FURTHER INFORMATION: João Carrascalão, President, UDT % (08)
9384 7943 Issued on behalf of UDT by Geoffrey Heard & Associates Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
Back to January Menu
Main Postings Menu
Postings of Human Rights Violations in Timor |
