Bahasa Indonesia Headlines ­ Thursday 24 May 2001

1. Xanana: “I don’t believe only 5 per cent know about 30 August election 
2. More violence in Qulicai; 2 hurt and 25 houses burnt 
3. Xanana: “I want the press to help socialize elections”

1. Xanana: “I Don’t Believe Only 5 per cent Know About 30 August Election” (Timor Post, Front Page second lead)

CNRT President Xanana Gusmao said yesterday he did not believe the survey results put forward by the East Timor NGO Forum indicating that only 5 per cent of the people knew the actual objectives of the 30 August election.

“I don’t believe the data,” he told reporters, when asked for his comments on the survey funded by the Asia Foundation.

According to Xanana, UNTAET, CNRT and NGOs ­ including women’s organizations ­ have started giving information and carrying out civic education programs in all the districts.

He also reminded all civil society groups, which intend to develop Timor Lorosae, to disseminate proper information on the forthcoming Constituent Assembly election.

“This is what I had been saying all along, if you know anything please pass the information on. The information can be disseminated among your friends, among your family members, in your neighbourhoods. Just don’t keep the information to yourselves,” the CNRT President told reporters.

back to top

2. More Violence in Qulicai; 2 Hurt and 25 Houses Burnt (Timor Post, Front Page headline)

There have been continued clashes between groups of youth in Quelicai. Yesterday two were injured and 25 houses burnt in Laukuliu village.

Civpol spokesperson Luis Carrillho told the Timor Post in a telephone interview that the clashes started on Tuesday after there was a breakdown in mediation efforts by local leaders and Civpol.

He added that there were clashes all day long yesterday. Carrilho admitted that Civpol had difficulty controlling the situation because both parties ignored police orders.

“Some of the people are taking shelter in the Church and they are traumatized. The Rapid Response Unit comprising Jordanian Civpol are providing security for these people,” said Carrilho.

As reported in the Timor Post yesterday, the clashes started after a Saturday night dance in the area.

back to top

3. Xanana: “I Want Press To Help Socialize The Elections” (Timor Post, Page 2 lead)

CNRT President Xanana Gusmao urged the press to help the Transitional Administration and Timorese society to socialize the 30 August election.

Xanana made this appeal to all local and foreign journalists yesterday.

“The press must help motivate all Timorese people to take part in the 30 August election,” said Xanana.

Xanana wanted radio to at least devote 5 minutes to election coverage and the print media to allocate half a page daily.

“The press must remind the people that it is their responsibility to take part in elections,” he added.

back to top

May Menu
April
World Leaders Contact List
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu