NTT X – "Presence of UN civil police in Kupang questioned"

ATAMBUA – Natarcia Soares, a member of the national parliament’s Commission VII said she will question the presence of UN civil police (Civpol) originating from Portugal who have been given duties in Kupang. "It is proper to question the placement of Civpol from Portugal at the UNTAET office in Kupang because they could spy on refugee activities," Soares told reporters in Atambua on Tuesday (25/4). The younger sister of former E. Timor governor, Abilio Jose Soares said that it made sense to be suspicious of Portuguese civpol stationed in Kupang because they were the ones who often created problems for E. Timorese. The Indonesian government may receive the placement of UNTAET civpol in Kupang, but those personnel should first be approved by the govt. "UNTAET can’t just place personnel as it pleases in Indonesia, including in Kupang," she said.

Belu Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Simatupang said that the placement of civpol personnel still needed further discussion as follow-up to the MOU signed in Dili not long ago. "UNTAET may place its personnel, such as UNMO and civpol, in Indonesia, while there has never been agreement for military observers and Indonesian police to be placed in E. Timor, so it’s not fair," he said.

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