26 June - 9 July 2000 Vol. I, No. 10

Tais Timor is a public information service of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET)

UNTAET seeks aadditional UUS$16 mmillion ffor EEast TTimorAt the conclusion of a two-day conference in Lisbon,

Portugal, where donor nations reviewed progressin East Timor over the first six months of 2000, coun-tries expressed support for an additional US$16 mil-lion sought by UNTAET to help the territory meet itsbudget commitments for the coming fiscal year.

The money is in addition to the US$522.45 mil-lion that was pledged at the previous donors meetingin Tokyo in mid-December, of which US$148.98 mil-lion was for humanitarian activities and US$373.47million for civil administration, reconstruction anddevelopment.

Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN transitional adminis-trator for East Timor, said that “the responsesreceived from member states and international organ-izations constitute a vote of confidence and a clearindication that donors appreciated the responsible andrealistic budget submission made by the EastTimorese and UNTAET, particularly for the revisedconsolidated budget.”

Donors expressed support for the activities of theWorld Bank-administered Trust Fund for East Timor(TFET), and endorsed a work program for July toDecember 2000. The meeting resulted in additionaldonors joining the TFET.

“The donor community and the East Timoresehave worked with an incredible speed in the first sixmonths of reconstruction of East Timor,” saidJemaluddin Kassum, World Bank Vice President forthe East Asia and Pacific region. “Now we need tofocus our attention on the quality of the developmentprocess. We see East Timorese participation and lead-ership in the coordination of development agencies askey to a sustainable development process. This is par-ticularly important as we move into this new phase:the implementation of reconstruction plans.”

Xanana Gusmão, President of the NationalCouncil of Timorese Resistance (CNRT), was quoted ascalling the conference a “great success” in that itendorsed a concrete work programme for the recon-struction and development of East Timor.

“We are profoundly moved by the fact that theinternational community has responded swiftly to themessage brought to Lisbon by us, the East Timorese,and knew how to express their unequivocal support for

the people of East Timor, in a spirit of generosity andtrust,” Mr. Gusmão said.

“This process must include East Timorese peopleof all political persuasions, including those who are stillliving in West Timor,” he said.

Mr. Vieira de Mello said several countries had notbeen able to make a firm commitment at the latestmeeting since their contributions would be subject toapproval by their own parliaments. But he was confi-dent the funds would be forthcoming.

The UN Transitional Administration in EastTimor (UNTAET) sought the additional US$16 millionto enable it to implement its US$43 million budget forthe 2000-2001 fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Meanwhile, UNTAET and the World Bank signedgrant agreements on education and agriculture at theLisbon conference, bringing to seven the number ofprogrammes under TFET.

The Emergency School Readiness Project (ESRP)is aimed at reopening schools in time for the academicyear, which begins in October. US$8.7 million will bespent on rebuilding classrooms while another US$3.2

MMaannyy rreeffuuggeeeess iinnWWeesstt TTiimmoorr ssttiillllaaffrraaiidd ttoo ggoo hhoommee

After last September's spasm of violenceand destruction forced hundreds of thou-

sands of East Timorese from their homes,more than a third of those who were trans-ported to West Timor continue to live insqualid refugee camps, in many cases tooafraid to return to their hometowns.

While approximately 160,000 of the300,000 people who were taken - oftenagainst their will - across the border havereturned to East Timor, another 120,000remain unable or unwilling to leave thecrowded and dirty camps.

In recent weeks, the United NationsTransitional Administration in East Timor(UNTAET) has retaken the initiative to find-ing a solution to the refugee problem, step-ping up contacts with West Timor authorities

So who are the street kids of Dili?“Dollar, dollar, mister!” the scruffy pair of boys pleaded as they trailed Faith Mburu, a

staff member with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor(UNTAET), down a Dili street.

In a hurry to get dinner at the Olympia Hotel, Ms. Mburu took little notice of the advanc-ing duo until they became outright menacing.

“It was dark by the time I left theoffice,” she says. “But the boys confront-ed me at the intersection near theGovernor’s Building. One of themreached for my handbag but a male col-league who was walking a short dis-tance behind me chased him away.

“It was somewhat terrifying,” Ms.Mburu recalls, describing the momentas a wake-up call. “Now, I’m very cau-tious, especially in the evening.”

Nearly a month after the incident inthe capital’s Central Business District(CBD), a number of boys ranging in agefrom six to their late teens continue toroam the streets of Dili, begging for food

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million is earmarked for buying teaching material.According to World Bank officials, the ESRP’s

main goal is to assure that all East Timorese childrenwho seek access to primary and secondary educationwill be able to enrol in a school that meets basic oper-ational standards in terms of physical infrastructure,furniture, school equipment, textbooks and otherteaching materials.

The first step in the ESRP will be to rebuildschool physical infrastructures and acquire and dis-tribute learning-teaching materials. The second andthird stages of the Project will involve developingsocial mobilization and communications campaigns,supporting policy development and providing manage-ment and implementation support.

The US$18.2 million Agricultural Rehabilitationand Development Project will try to improve the foodsecurity of selected poor households, increase agricul-tural production in selected areas and promote ruralgrowth.

Compiled from wire service reports.

STREET TOUGH — A few of the children who hang out in frontof the UNTAET Headquarters at the Governor’s House.

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See ppage 77 ffor sstory aand mmore pphotos.

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Published bi-weekly in Tetun, English, Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesia and distributed free of charge

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26 June - 9 July 2000 Tais Timor

and engaging in a campaign meant to counter rumour and falseinformation.

However, the reasons for the delay in the return of the refugeesare fairly clear, says Colin Stewart, an UNTAET political affairsofficer based in the West Timor capital of Kupang. “Many of themare still under the influence or intimidation of pro-autonomy polit-ical leaders who do not, in fact, wish them to return,” he says.

These leaders, who have lost the power and lifestyles they oncehad under the Indonesian regime, are not eager to return to EastTimor to face uncertain careers,and, in many cases, criminalcharges. So they and their fol-lowers intimidate those whoexpress the desire to go home,and spread disinformation aboutterrible things that happen torefugees who go home.

“In the volatile, rumour-filled environment of the refugeecamps, stories are quickly circu-lated whether they are true ornot,” Mr. Stewart says.

In other cases, some refugeeswho were civil servants, police orformer members of theIndonesian military face financial disincentives to returning home.They are still receiving small salaries or pensions from theIndonesian government, which they would lose if they returnhome. Since their careers are uncertain should they return, eventhese small benefits encourage them to stay in exile, Mr. Stewartsays.

What is certain is that while most of the concerns about repa-triating refugees have centred around militia members who mayhave been responsible for much of last September's destruction,most of the refugees have committed no crimes, says UNTAET'sMr. Stewart. “Twenty per cent - or 90,000 of the 450,000 who voted

- chose autonomy,” he says, “yet almost 300,000 people were displacedto West Timor. So in fact, most of the refugees were people who votedfor independence.”

Yet, in some case, they have been subject to harsh treatment upontheir return, as if they were criminals. While the vast majority of therefugees have returned safely, any incidents of violence against therefugees have been quickly publicized and exaggerated in the WestTimor media, supporting those who produce negative propaganda, Mr.Stewart says.

To counter the false information circulating in the camps, UNTAEThas been trying to facilitate politicalreconciliation between EastTimorese by arranging meetingsand other contacts.

“This process is essential forthe long-term stability of EastTimor, since an unhappy group inexile will only continue to causetrouble,” says Mr. Stewart. “This isa difficult issue that depends uponthe East Timorese themselves, butuntil it is resolved, innocent EastTimorese refugees will continue tosuffer. Incidents of violence againstreturnees harm the reconciliationprocess and discourage further

repatriation.”UNTAET has also been working with other international organiza-

tions to try to spread reliable information on the true situation in EastTimor. The more personal contacts there are with people in East Timor- through letters, phone calls, border meetings or visits - the more con-fidence the refugees will have that the situation in East Timor is fine forthem to return, says Mr. Stewart.

UNTAET has been negotiating with the Indonesian Government tohave it pay East Timorese pensions in East Timor. Aside from provid-ing those in East Timor with the money which is properly theirs, thiswould remove the need for people to stay in West Timor to claim suchbenefits, says Mr. Stewart.

Many refugees...continued from page 1

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WWee sshhoouulldd rreecceeiivvee rreettuurrnneeeesswwhhoolleehheeaarrtteeddllyy aanndd hhaappppiillyy

UNHCR

There is much work to be done in East Timor! Houses must be rebuilt and cropsplanted. Children must return to school. Communities must organise themselves

and work together to improve their lives. Leaders must prepare themselves to take onnew roles and responsibilities. These important activities require peace, stability andcooperation.

Everyone must participate in rebuilding East Timor, including the refugees in WestTimor who still want to return home. After all, they are our brothers and sisters andmost of them want to return to help reconstruct their country. The sooner the refugeescome back, the sooner reconciliation and reconstruction can take place and the morestable and peaceful East Timor will be.

Maintaining peace, stability and cooperation will require reconciliation with thosewhose political opinions may be different. It will require understanding and accept-ance of those who fled or were forced to go to West Timor against their will. It is not acrime to have escaped to West Timor. Even refugees who were involved in crimes per-petrated by the militia have the right to return to their country. Those suspected ofcrimes will be judged in a court of law. Do not take the law into your own hands. If youhave been a witness or have any information relating to crimes you should contactCivPol for investigation. This will facilitate the application of justice and prevent furtherviolence.

The East Timorese people have suffered great losses. But those people who con-front returnees with violence, threats or insults are making the wound last longer. Thiswill create more difficulties for the community and for the country.

The East Timorese society will not reap the positive benefits of independence ifthere is no peace, stability and cooperation…

A mmessage ffrom tthhe UUnited NNations HHighh CCommissioner ffor RRefugees ((UNHCR)

An East Timorese refugee couple (above) speak-ing with a member of the Indonesian Army (TNI)while a UN Military Observer watches. At right,East Timorese returning to West Timor at the bor-der crossing in Batugade after visiting relatives inEast Timor during the family reunion visits.

Tais Timor 26 June - 9 July 2000

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The rehabilitation of the Central Payments Officebegan on 15 of June and is expected to be complet-

ed in two months. The work is carried out by anAustralian company, TIC East Timor, and will costUS$416,000. The amount will cover full rehabilitation ofthe destroyed building, as well as the installation of highstandard security systems and the reinstallation of bankvaults. Fifty people are working on the project, 38 ofthem East Timorese.

This is the first major reconstruction project on apublic building carried out by UNTAET. Several otherbuildings are being renovated and the works are cur-rently out for tender. In Dili, these include: the JudicialAffairs Office, Education warehouse, the Court ofAppeal, the Employment Service Centre, installation of akitchen at the Police College and the renovation of toiletand septic system at the airport.

In Baucau, rehabilitation works are underway for theprison, the district court, the Public Prosecutors Officeand the market.

In Suai, repairs are planned for the governmentbuilding.

RReehhaabbiilliittaattiioonn ooffcceennttrraall bbaannkk ssttaarrttss

The CConstitution aand tthe RRebirth oof EEast TTimorOver the coming months, you, the people

of East Timor, need to decide what willbe the structure of your future government.You will deliberate about democracy, therule of law and respect for human rights -standards of government that must serveyou well not just today or tomorrow, but longinto the future. In this and subsequentissues of Tais Timor, I will write a columnabout these issues, and, perhaps, I can offersome useful observations.

In determining the structure of yourfuture government, it is crucial that youmaintain a serious commitment to the goalof establishing democracy, the rule of lawand respect for human rights. Without sucha commitment, democracy cannot survive.But if there are many individuals, groupsand organizations willing to work and sacri-fice for that goal, then it will happen.

But the country as a whole can also com-mit itself officially to these goals - and to anyother goals and principles that it chooses -through a constitution. A constitution is notjust a text on a piece of paper. It is an officialcommitment to your ideals, and it establish-es in detail the form of government thatwould help achieve those ideals, including alegislature, the judiciary and an executive. Itcan be thought of a bit like marriage. A coun-try makes a long-term commitment to itsideals; it promises to do some things (to runthings democratically, for example) andpromises also never to do other things (toterrorize its population, for example).

A constitution is an official commitment,by the people and by the government for thepeople, to protect and uphold certain princi-ples - most importantly democracy, the ruleof law and respect for human rights. Freeand fair elections are central to democracy.Independent courts are central to the rule oflaw. And a constitution, if it is given suffi-

cient force, can be central to the protection ofhuman rights.

These are pretty abstract ideas.Philosophers have written about them forcenturies, and lawyers have tried to definethem more precisely, in order to put theminto law. When that happens with ideas, wecan easily forget their connection to our ownexperiences; I don't want to forget that con-nection. So I will also talk about the experi-ences from which these ideas emerged: aboutfear and hope, danger and opportunity, andabout the imperfection of all human beings.These are elements of our everyday experi-ence, including very much the recent bitterexperience of East Timor.

The ideas of constitution, democracy,rule of law, and human rights are our inher-itance from the experiences of previous gen-erations. They were first put forward in asimpler form in Europe in the second half ofthe seventeenth century, although they havea more ancient history too. They were devel-oped and have evolved since then. And final-ly, after World War II, the international com-munity, through the United Nations, official-ly adopted these principles.

The end of the 17th century in Europeand the end of World War II were in someways similar moments in history. In both, aperiod of horrific destruction and violencewas ending. The 17th century was marked bymassive wars all across Europe. People wereshocked and horrified by violence on a scalenot seen before. And 250 years later theworld wars of the 20th century again usheredin a new scale of destruction and human suf-fering.

At the end of each period, the vivid mem-ory of the past combined with hope for thefuture. Most people wanted to do everythingpossible to reverse the destruction they suf-fered in their immediate past, and to prevent

a return to violence. But they were alsoready to begin rebuilding - not just materialrebuilding, but the rebuilding of the humanspirit. These were also periods of greatrebirths.

East Timor just went through a time ofgreat violence and destruction. But thattime is over, and the attention is turning torebuilding. It is, we all hope, a moment ofgreat rebirth for East Timor. It is from suchmoments in the past that the ideas of con-stitution, democracy, rule of law and humanrights have emerged.

So I will be talking with you about theseideas that come out in periods of rebirthwhen human experiences - both fears andhopes - seem somehow more intense. Inmoments of rebirth, when fear is still vividbut hope has returned, the need for democ-racy, rule of law and human rights is espe-cially clear.

A good constitution makes the period ofrebirth more permanent. It limits destruc-tion and diminishes fear. It protects us asfar as possible from the danger that violencewill return again to politics and to life. Itmakes it easier for as many people as possi-ble to improve their world, each in their ownway. And, when a constitution works well, itstrengthens hope.

The author, Karol Soltan, is the Deputy Director of theUNTAET Office of Political, Constitutional andElectoral Affairs. He speaks with some experienceabout the importance of democracy and of a constitu-tion. Mr. Soltan was born in Warsaw, Poland, fiveyears after it was completely destroyed in World War II.

“The memories of playing in that city's ruins as achild came back forcefully to me on my arrival in Dili,”he says.

Recalling that time, he adds, “The Germans hadplanned to completely destroy my city, so that no build-ing remained standing, and they almost succeeded.”

Today, Warsaw is completely rebuilt, and avibrant city. Poland and its capital have been reborn.“The people have changed, too,” says Mr. Soltan.“Germans are now among Poland's closest friends inEurope.”

CNRT President Xanana Gusmão and Cristina Carrascalão during the 27 June dedication of his library, thefirst to open since the popular consultation last August.

The Xanana Gusmão Reading Room, located in the historical building that once housed the formerIndonesian consulate in Dili, displays books and paintings by the independence leader as well as lettersthat were sent to him and medals that he was awarded and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The library has a collection of books on East Timor, as well as children books, travel guides, novelsand dictionaries, all in Portuguese, Tetun, Bahasa Indonesia and English.

The building also houses the Timorese women’s network OMT and the Le Ziaval student organisation.The Yayasan Murak Rai cultural industries centre opened three shops-in the back of the building sellingcolorful handicrafts.

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Street kids...continued from page 1and money from foreigners, and occasional-ly using more forceful tactics.

The minors, who station themselves atstrategic spots where internationals fre-quently pass by, are gaining notoriety forOliver Twist-type tactics that are familiarin many developing countries.

“The other day I was insulted by one ofthe boys when I declined to offer himmoney,” says a journalist based in Dili. “Hehurled an unprintable English expletive atme. It was a first!” he adds. A Vietnamesenational working with the United Nations,who has herself been victimized, says thetrend is perturbing. “It’s kind of a shock tome, knowing the gentle nature of mostTimorese, whether old or young,” she says.

Carlos Ximenes, a former Timoreseuniversity student, agrees with these senti-ments. Venturing an explanation, he says,“What we are witnessing in this country isprofound cultural shock - the foreigners,the flashy cars and other things. This maybe misguiding to some youths, especiallythe vulnerable ones without close familyguardians.” He adds that he finds “outra-geous” recently reported cases of elderlyTimorese men begging for food on thestreets of Dili.

While it is likely that the presence ofthe international community in East Timormay have precipitated a social change ofsorts, experts also say that the impact oflast year’s massive population movementcreated a destabilizing influence on theTimorese family.

“Almost all families were divided eitherin order to protect women and children, orbecause militia and military forcibly sepa-

rated them,” says a joint report prepared bythe United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF), the International RescueCommittee (IRC) and the ChristianChildren’s Fund (CCF) published in March.“One result is a number of children whohave been separated from their parents.”

These separated children are “especiallyvulnerable and may not be receiving thesame care and support as other children intheir temporary family,” the report says.Some of these separated youngsters haveundoubtedly ended up on Dili’s streets.

But, a distinction must be made betweenhonest, hardworking boys who are vendorsand the young street idlers who spend theirtime begging, taunting, and sometimesstealing.

A familiar sight in Dili is young menhawking cigarettes, fruit, sweets and otherfoodstuff. It has been a way of life in EastTimor’s capital city as long as anyone canremember. “Since the Indonesian period myfriend and I have been selling fried bananasand peanuts prepared by our parents,” says12 year old Arsino Costa Araujo, flanked byMarselino do Rego. “It is our contribution tofamily income.” The third graders say theirwork is done strictly, “after school time.”Arsino estimates the number of other youngDili street peddlers to be in the hundreds.

“If children have opportunities for edu-cation and entertainment but are also doingsome work that is not hazardous, I do notthink it is a problem,” says Richard Koser, aUNICEF Information Officer based in Dili.He quickly adds, however, that UNICEFplans to soon establish child and youth cen-tres in Dili and Oecussi for those children

who, for whatever reasons, are not inschool and living principally in the streets.

Joao da Costa, 12, is an orphan. Theboy now lives with his grandmother. Tomake ends meet, “she asks me to sellthings like bananas and cigarettes to sup-port her in getting food, vegetables,clothes,” Joao says. “I cannot refusebecause we need the money.”

Aware of the plight of children likeJoao, the UNTAET administration is keento intervene. “We realize the need to arrestthe situation before it gets out of control,”says Faith Harding, Director of the Officeof the Deputy SRSG. “Most of the childrenare mentally and physically wounded,” sheadds, “and therefore, require some help.”

The plan, says Ms. Harding, is to focuson establishing community-based pro-grammes linked with other groups like theChurch and non-governmental organiza-tions (NGOs). A committee comprising thetop brass of the Department of SocialServices has been formed to specificallyaddress the problem and its members aresoon expected to make public their find-ings.

Meanwhile, a ray of hope alreadyshines for the street children. It’s theefforts of the Saleasian sisters. The nuns,backed by 30 volunteers, opened a centreat the former Gedung Kejaksaan (legaloffice) on 26 May to provide support to dis-placed children. “Some of the street chil-dren have parents, others do not, whilemost do not go to school,” says Sister AureaFreitas. “What we are doing at the momentis to provide a place for them to come, playand for us to counsel them.”

giving them money. “I would rather give them aloaf of bread,” said the counselor, echoing sen-timents of most such professionals includingmany social workers who contend that givingout doles to the poor tends to foster a depend-ency.

The UNTAET staff counselor, who has spentconsiderable time in Haiti and Latin America,reiterates his belief that “the solution is politicalas well as social. It will not be solved on an indi-vidual basis.” It calls for a multi-disciplinaryapproach, he says. “The ideal would be a holis-tic system, involving the total welfare of people,including their health, and physical and social

needs.”Calling for a true understanding

of the plight of Dili's street kids,Beaudoin targets poverty as themain culprit. It has created achain reaction of problems likerural-urban migration, clusters ofdispossessed and displaced aswell as prolonged family separa-tion. For many, “this is not living,it’s survival.” The problem is exac-erbated by the breakdown of tra-ditional social support structureslike the extended family, whichsuffered a severe blow followingthe protracted war last year. The international presence has

also aggravated the problem.“You can see many people con-

gregating near the boat [Olympia Hotel]because they see it as a sign of wealth,”Beaudoin observed, terming the sight of rela-tively affluent-looking foreigners with theirnumerous possessions as a crucial attraction.

“One thing to remember is that this isn'tHaiti or the streets of Rio,” concludes the staffcounselor. “There's no glue sniffing, or childprostitution or serious abuse of these kids.There is still time to help them.”

WHAT YOU CAN DOWhen you come across such street kids,rather than giving them handouts, youmight advise them to seek assistancethrough the Salaesian congregation sis-ters who have a center at Balide-Crystal(in Gedung Kejaksaan, a former court-house) which provides counseling and pro-grams.

You might also refer the children totheir church or youth group which can pro-vide assistance. In addition, UNICEF isexpected to soon open a Comoro child andyouth center. The organization plans toestablish other outlets in Balide andBekora, in addition to district-based reha-bilitation centers.

But above all, avoid stereotyping orstigmatizing victims of a situationwrought by circumstances that, to quoteBeaudoin, “are beyond their control.”One of the young boys who is without a home in Dili.

JUST WWHO AARE TTHESE KKIDS?

The street children are a by-product of acomplex societal situation and therefore an

individual approach to the problem simplycannot work on its own, says Alain BeaudoinUNTAET’s staff counselor. “The whole (social)system has collapsed. It's not out of choice thatthey are in the streets,” the UNTAET staffcounselor remarked, describing the currentsituation as “a society in crisis.”

Beaudoin decries what he calls the “cashhandouts syndrome,” in which people helpperpetuate the street existence of the kids by

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Bodies of UNAMET staff exhumed: Thebodies of two UNAMET personnel, killed inthe violence last September, were exhumedin Ermera on 10 June. This is the first exhu-mation in connection with investigations intothe deaths of UNAMET staff.

The decomposed bodies are being held atthe morgue at UNTAET's Human RightsCenter in Dili. Forensic experts are examin-ing the bodies and will issue death certifi-cates shortly.

The bodies, both males, were found ingraves, with one of them exhumed from a cof-fin in the village of Babolete, Atsabe sub-dis-trict.

Six Timorese working with the UnitedNations Mission in East Timor were killedduring the violence. The six killed were JoãoLopes, Orlando Gomes, José ErnestoMariano, Ruben Barros Soares, DomingosPereira, and Leonardo da Silva da Oliveira.Álvaro Dias Lopes, also a UNAMET staffmember, was seriously injured.

First foreigner arrested on drugcharges: An Australian construction workersuspected of possessing and dealing drugs

‘You have earned our affection’

CNRT Vice President Jose Ramos Horta and Jordanian commander Col. AhmadFarajat chat over tea at the battalion's headquarters in Oecussi (photo below)

on 18 June.In a day-long visit to the East Timor enclave of Oecussi, hosted by Col. Farajat,

Mr. Ramos Horta spoke to villagers in Sacato — only 1.5 kilometres from the WestTimor border — and Junho, where an estimated crowd of 2,000 people warmly wel-comed the CNRT leader.

Surrounded by residents of Sacato, Mr. Ramos Horta expressed appreciationfor the professional dedication of the Jordanian forces. “You have made lives herein Oecussi more peaceful,” said the CNRT leader, who had been critical of theJordanian deployment when it was announced in January. “You have given thepeople tranquility, given them safety and given them comfort.

“You have truly earned the affection and trust of the people of Oecussi,” Mr.Ramos Horta said.

Since its arrival, the 900-strong battalion has been instrumental in cleaningup the District, repairing schools and homes and bringing stability to an area thatwas 98 per cent destroyed in the aftermath of last August’s vote.

News Briefs was arrested on 17 June in Dili. He is the firstforeigner to be arrested in East Timor.

The arrest followed the detention of aCivilian Police officer from Egypt suspected ofdrug dealing. He was held and questioned on16 June and subsequently repatriated toEgypt.

CivPol searched the Australian suspect'spremises and found a significant amount oforganic matter, believed to be marijuana, aswell as paraphernalia and money. The case ofthe Australian citizen, who is being held inBecora prison in Dili, has been turned over tothe investigating judge.

A full report was sent from Dili to UnitedNations Headquarters in New York, where adecision will be made shortly about where thecase of the CivPol will be tried.

Bulk fuel to be sold at lower prices:Following talks between officials fromPertamina and UNTAET, the Indonesianpetroleum company announced that it wouldsell bulk petrol and diesel at the price of 3,000rupiahs per litre.

The price will apply to purchases of atleast five drums of fuel or 1,000 litres. Taxidrivers and others who use smaller quantitiesof fuel could form groups to buy the fuel inbulk..

Indonesian investigators to East Timor:A 15-member team from the IndonesianAttorney General's office is scheduled to visitDili in early July for 10 days of interviewingwitnesses and collecting material evidence.

Legal and political representatives fromUNTAET and their Indonesian counterpartsagreed that UNTAET investigators alonewould question witnesses in a number ofselected cases. The results will be handedover to the Indonesian Attorney General'soffice.

UNTAET seizes illegal ammunition:UNTAET Civilian Police (CivPol) and cus-toms agents have seized a shipment of illegalammunition in a cargo container in Dili. Theammunition, 200 rounds of soft-nose bullets,was concealed in a box with several packagesof curtains. The investigation is ongoing.

On 1 June, UNTAET's Border Controlofficers stopped two trucks at the Batugadecrossing point. The importer initially pre-sented customs officers with invoices for theshipment, which indicated a value of ninemillion rupiahs. During a routine inspection,however, a second manifest was found show-ing the goods valued at 39 million rupiahs.The trucks were escorted to Dili port, sincethey were too large to unload at Batugade.

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RADIOUNTAET99FM

• News in English at 6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.• News in Tetun at 7 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.• News in Portuguese at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.• News in Bahasa Indonesia at 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

For the latest news and information about East Timor, tune in to Radio UNTAET.

East Timor has extensive coral reefs. The reefs areimportant fishery and nursery areas and provide pro-

tection to coastlines from erosion and even sand for beach-es. One of the most diverse and fragile ecosystems, coralreefs are often referred to as the 'rainforests of the oceans'.In the future, coral reefs may also prove to be very impor-tant economically to East Timor as tourist attractions.However, the reefs in East Timor are showing increasingsigns of stress, particularly along the northern coastline.

Aileu: Three Protestant churches were burned in the villagesof Name Lesso, Fahisoi and Berilau in the Lequidoe sub-dis-trict.

The Protestant pastor in Berilau was physically assaultedand his motorbike burned. The incident was apparentlysparked when Protestant youths jeered at a Catholic proces-sion. In East Timor, the month of June is dedicated to theSacred Heart of Jesus and nightly processions are a commonoccurrence.

District CivPol are investigating the incidents and havecalled on all parties to exercise religious tolerance. TheCatholic priest in the area referred to the incident in a Sundaysermon and called for reconciliation between Protestants andCatholics.

Baucau: UNTAET delivered 1,200 tonnes of fish to approxi-mately 600 people and provided 105 plastic sheets and 100ration packs to about 150 families in the villages of Laisoro,Adu and Maluru which were affected by a recent mudslide.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) brought in 6.2tonnes of rice and corn while CARITAS, a non-governmentalorganization (NGO) gave 108 families a month's supply ofcooking oil and beans.

The mudslide was caused by heavy rains and erosion in amountainous area that had severe deforestation. Besidesdestroying homes, the mud drenched rice paddies, coconuttrees and cassava crops. There were no reports of casualtiesalthough 6,000 people across six villages were affected.

The biggest mudslide occurred between the villages ofBualale and Laisoro Lai, covering an area estimated to havebeen about one kilometer long and 100 meters wide.

District news round-up

COORRAALL: ''THHEE RAAIINNFFOORREESSTTSS OOFF TTHHEE OCCEEAANNSS'BBE AAWARE::•• bbuuyyiinngg aanndd sseelllliinngg ooff ccoorraall iinncclluuddiinngg ““ddeeaadd”” ccoorraall iiss IILLLLEEGGAALL•• ccoolllleeccttiinngg ooff ccoorraall ffrroomm tthhee rreeeeff iiss IILLLLEEGGAALL•• ddeessttrruuccttiioonn aanndd ddeeggrraaddaattiioonn ooff ccoorraall rreeeeffss iiss IILLLLEEGGAALL•• aannyyoonnee eennggaaggeedd iinn tthhee aabboovvee aaccttiivviittiieess iiss lliiaabbllee ttoo ffaaccee aa ssuubbssttaannttiiaall FFIINNEE

AAnndd pplleeaassee rreemmeemmbbeerr,, ccoorraall bbeelloonnggss iinn tthhee sseeaa nnoott iinn yyoouurr hhoouussee oorr ooffffiicceeaass ddeeccoorraattiioonn!!

FFoorr ffuurrtthheerr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn oonn tthhiiss oorr aannyy ootthheerr eennvviirroonnmmeenntt iissssuuee,, pplleeaassee ccoonn-ttaacctt tthhee UUNNTTAAEETT EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall PPrrootteeccttiioonn UUnniitt oonn eexxtt.. 55333355 oorr vviissiitt iittss ooffffiicceeiinn ““tteenntt cciittyy”” bbeehhiinndd tthhee GGoovveerrnnoorr’’ss HHoouussee..

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadorto East Timor Agnes Chan

during an 18 June interview inDili. The Hong Kong-born musi-cian toured refugee camps inKupang and Atambua, West Timor,where the plight of childrentouched her deeply. “I saw a lot ofbabies in the camps…the situationis not good at all,” she said,describing the refugee settlementsas “very stressing.”

Ms. Chan, who is also ateacher and writer, said the chil-

dren were innocent victims of last year's turmoil and that it was importantsome people speak up for them. “I remember when the UNICEFCommittee asked me to become the Goodwill Ambassador to East Timor,”the singer recalled. “The Committee said there were very small voices inthe world that needed to be heard and asked if I would like to join in lend-ing support to their cause. I replied 'Yes, of course, I would like to joinyou.'”

As for the possible role that neighboring Asian nations like Japan -where Ms. Chan is a major pop star - could play in East Timor's future, theartist said: “I think the kind of country or identity the East Timorese willchoose depends on themselves. They deserve their dignity and independ-ence.” However, she said, there is a need to educate the public to think forthemselves, a pre-requisite to nation-building. “But this is a process that Ihope will really liberate the hearts of the East Timorese from the long yearsthey have suffered.”

Pop star lends voice for East Timor’s children

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to EastTimor Agnes Chan.

U N C i v P o l 2 4 H O U RE m e r g e n c y N u m b e r i n D i l i( m o b i l e ) 0 4 0 8 0 3 9 9 7 8

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Sports NewsTennis: Mary Pierce won the French Open tournament after defeating Spanishrival Conchita Martinez while on the men's side, Gustavo Kuarten of Brazilwon his second French tennis title after beating Swede Magnus Norman in afive-set final.

Basketball: The Los Angeles Lakers won their 12th championship, beating theIndiana Pacers 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. Center Shaquille O'Nealscored 41 points in the title-clinching game and was named “Most ValuablePlayer” of the series.

Euro 22000: The tournament kicked off on 10 June, when Belgium won theirfirst game in Group B action against Sweden, 2:1, while Italy beat Turkey, 2:1.In other games, Germany tied Romania, 1:1, while Portugal beat England,3:2, in Group A. Group C matches saw Norway down Spain, 1:0 andSlovenia play to a 3:3 draw with Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, France shutoutDenmark, 3:0 and the Netherlands whitewashed the Czech Republic, 1:0.

France and Holland qualified for second round with identical 3:0 victo-ries over the Czech Republic and Denmark, respectively. Group A qualifiers

include Portugal, which beat Romania, 1:0, on a final minute goal.England kept its hopes alive by putting down Germany with the lone goalscored by Shearer.

Transfer mmarket: Raul Gonsalez and Roberto Carlos signed new contractswith Real Madrid to play another five years. Currently Raul is reportedly thehighest paid player, receiving 4 million pounds a year. Madrid is alsoreportedly in negotiations with Roberto Pirez offering him a move after hewas previously linked with Arsenal. Fiorentina is reported to be interestedin Slovenian international skipper Zlatko Zahovic, after signing Fatih Terimfrom Galatasaray…Hakan Sukur is in the process of negotiating his moveto Inter Milan, while Lazio is reported to have a strong link with Barcelona'sPortuguese midfielder, Luis Figo, and is ready to pay 30 million pounds forhis move…After signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Middlesborough alsopaid a 3 million pound transfer fee for signing Clarence Seedorf away fromReal Madrid. The squad also spent 6 million pounds to bring on ChrisSutton from Chelsea…Meanwhile, Aston Villa is reported to be in negotia-tions to move French international midfielder David Ginola fromTotenhamhotspur for a price of 3 million pounds. Spurs' manager GeorgeGraham is hoping Ginola will stay and help him fight against Man Unitedand Arsenal next season.

OOllyymmppiiccss:: International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President Kevan Gosper arrived in Dili on17 June to help establish East Timor's Olympic Committee and to identify potential candidates tocompete in the Sydney Games.

Accompanying Mr. Gosper was Pere Miro, director of Olympic Solidarity. The two sports repre-sentatives were warmly welcomed by East Timor Olympic Committee Chairman Jose Ramos Horta.

“We have already identified Victor Ramos as a potential starter in the Sydney Games,” Mr. Mirosaid. “Identifying an athlete who can move up to Olympic competition so quickly is very difficult.”

Mr. Miro said that he hoped to be able to identify “three or four [athletes] to build up aroundthat group as a squad. We've already got an agreement in principle with the Australian Institutionof Sport (AIS) to assist us and we hope to have Mr. Ramos on a plane within days. The IOC will fundall that through a scholarship program.”

Mr. Gosper added that the IOC was prepared to provide immediate funds to re-roof the heav-ily destroyed public sports gymnasium in Dili.

Olympic hopeful Victor Ramos (left) was a medalist in the Asian Games and the Southeast AsianGames. Below, some of the athletes and their coaches who have been invited to train in Australiaprior to the Sydney Olympic Games, which begin 15 September. Only two of the athletes will actu-ally compete in the Games. Lower right, marathon runner Aguida Amaral in training.Ph

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The name Tais Timor conjures the image of the careful, time-honoured process that goes into making the traditional Timorese cloth used in all important life events. As the different“ingredients” that make up East Timor come together during the transitional period to rebuild the country, Tais Timor aims to record and reflect those events that weave the beautiful tap-estry that is Timor Lorosa’e.A bi-weekly public information service of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). Published in Tetun, Indonesian, Portuguese and English. Written, edit-ed and designed by the UNTAET Office of Communication and Public Information (OCPI). Circulation 75,000. UNTAET-OCPI, c/- PO Box 2436, Darwin NT 0801, Australia. Tel: +61- 8-8942-2203 Fax: +61-8-8981-5157 email: untaet-ocpi@un.org Not an official document. For information purposes only.

Tiu aansweers qqueestions aabout...

The pplight oof rrefugeesDear readers: Last September when the

violence broke out following the 30August vote more than half of the Timoresewho were forced to flee ended up in WestTimor, many against their will. Many of therefugees have returned to East Timor. Butthousands remain in refugee camps on theother side of the border. Their continuingplight bothers many of my young friends,and we discussed it recently. Listen in:

Friends: Hello Katuas, diak ka la’e?Tiu: Good thanks, but what’s up with youthis time?Joao: Well Tiu, I guess you know that ifwe’re here, it means we’d like to talk. Haveyou the time?Tiu: Of course, I’ll make it for all of you.Gracia: Tiu, to be more specific, we wouldlike to know something about what’s hap-pening with the refugees in West Timor.Aluci: Yeah, how many people went over toWest Timor and how many are still there?Tiu: The UN High Commissioner forRefugees (UNHCR) and international agen-cies say anywhere from 150,000 to 280,000people went to West Timor. Those sameorganizations say that about 90,000 peopleare still there. The Indonesian Government,however, cites a figure of about 126,000.Joao: How are living conditions in WestTimor, especially regarding food, health, andshelter?Tiu: Well my friend, refugees in West Timorare living in very difficult conditions, butthey vary from site to site. Some refugeesare renting houses, even running small busi-nesses, but others are living with families inonly bamboo huts. The situation for manygot worse during the heavy flooding in May.Many had their huts and their possessionswashed away. More than 20 refugeesdrowned.Aluci: What do they eat Tiu?Tiu: A small rice ration is issued to eachfamily, but there are difficulties, and some-times not everyone gets it regularly.

Refugees also receive free care at healthposts and hospitals, but in places like Betun,which was badly hit by the floods, a lot of theclinics were destroyed so now the Churchand doctors are treating patients inmakeshift housing.Gracia: Wow, it sounds terrible. But Tiu,why don’t they just come back to TimorLorosa’e and resume life back home.Tiu: Well Gracia, you know as well as I do

that it’s not as simple as that. For starters,some of the refugees are militia membersand others former civil servants. Theyremain somewhat hesitant to return.

Adding to all this is an outright intimi-dation and misinformation campaign in therefugee camps. It leaves some with the sensethat East Timor is in chaos and a frighteningplace to be.Gracia: But Tiu that’s not accurate!Tiu: Of course not, Gracia. Our friends andfamilies need reliable and honest informa-tion about conditions here in Timor Lorosa’eand they need assurances that they would besafe if they chose to return, and that theywould be able to earn a living, give their kidsan education and have adequate health care.

Many of them are also waiting for localleaders who went with them to West Timorto give them reassurances that the time isright for them to return home.

We can all help those that want to comeback by telling them what exactly is happen-ing here. For example, guys, send letters andphotos to them through organizations suchas UNHCR, the Jesuit Refugee Service(JRS), the International Committee of theRed Cross (ICRC) and the InternationalOrganization for Migration (IOM). Showthem conditions have improved.Liza: But Tiu, a lot of us have already donesuch things. So why do so many refugeescontinue to stay there?Tiu: Well, as I said before, there is still a lotof intimidation and misinformation occur-ring. We just have to be patient and trustthat in time, all those who want to returnwill become better informed and will return.That process is happen-ing, if only slowly.Liza: Now Tiu, whatabout those refugeeswho had migrated toother Indonesianprovinces? How manyof them have beenrepatriated?Tiu: I’m sorry, I can’treally say that I know.But overall, the totalnumber of peoplewho’ve been repatriat-ed to East Timorstands at more than160,000.Aluci: Tiu, have anymilitia members been

repatriated to East Timor? And how wasthe reintegration process?Tiu: Well sure, many of them have comeback. Some of them were easily reintegrat-ed into the community when it was foundthat they had not committed any crimes.But for those who were suspected of takingpart in some of the violence and killings,they’ve been taken by the UN CivilianPolice (CivPol) and are being held in deten-tion centers.Joao: Then Tiu, how are those people goingto be reintegrated into society?Tiu: Joao, the best way to support the rec-onciliation process in Timor Lorosa’e is forcommunities to be informed ahead of timeabout the possible difficulties returneesmight have with reintegrating into society.

Communities are encouraged to talkabout whether the returnees committedany crimes and involve CivPol, humanrights groups, the church, NGOs andUNTAET officials as well.

Nevertheless, there have been somewho were rejected by the community orwere attacked and harassed by others.That’s not good, as you kids know twowrongs don’t make a right.Gracia: Tiu do you have any informationregarding the living conditions of refugeesonce they return from West Timor?Tiu: Virtually all of them get some helpwith the transition. Most returnees comewith few possessions, but they receive food,shelter and other assistance on theirarrival. Vulnerable individuals receive spe-cial assistance.

Anyway my friends, I have to run, butwe should talk again sometime soon. It’salways a pleasure.Friends: Obrigado barak, Tiu. We alwaysenjoy talking to you as well. Bye!

A pair of brothers reunited at the monthly family gatherings in Batugade on the EastTimor-West Timor border.

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