Campaign for an Independent East Timor (South Australia) Inc.
(Affiliated to the International Federation for East Timor, the East Timor
Relief Association, the Australian Coalition for a Free East Timor and the
Australia East Timor Network)
c/o Development Education Centre first floor 220 Victoria Square
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5000
ATTENTION: CHIEF OF STAFF
VIGIL & MASS TO COMMEMORATE THOSE WHO DIED IN THE DILI SANTA CRUZ MASSACRE
- 2 SIGNIFICANT DAYS TO AUSTRALIANS & EAST TIMORESE:
11 NOVEMBER & 12 NOVEMBER
The Information Officer of the Campaign for an Independent East Timor,
Andrew Alcock, released the following statement on the eve of the eighth
anniversary of the Dili (Santa Cruz) Massacre:
"Australians who have been following the tragedy in East Timor over the
past 24 years and know something of Australia's involvement in East Timor
during World War 2, must have felt a certain amount of pride on Remembrance
Day 1999. It was a very emotional experience to see Rafino Alvez Carrera,
an elderly East Timorese man who supported Australian commandos against the
Japanese fascist occupation of his country during World War 2, participate
in a Remembrance Day ceremony with Australian soldiers in East Timor.
Mr Carrera was glad that Australians were in his country with the UN
mission to help restore some semblance of normality to East Timor after 24
years of slaughter and destruction wreaked on his country by the Indonesian
neo nazi dictatorship.
Between sixty and seventy thousand East Timorese lost their lives during
World War 2 because they supported Australia. Over 250,000 have lost their
lives during the Indonesian occupation.
Mr Carrera could well have asked (but apparently didn't) why it took
Australia so long to help East Timor while it was illegally occupied and a
third of its population was systematically wiped out by the Suharto regime.
Australians who are grateful for the sacrifice made by their East Timorese
friends during World War 2 can support them on 12 November and stand
alongside of them as they remember those who were murdered on that day in
1991 by members of the Indonesian military during the Dili (Santa Cruz)
Massacre. On that day, 276 East Timorese civilians were machine gunned to
death while participating in a funeral procession. A further 370 people
were wounded. The Indonesian military committed follow up massacres of
those who witnessed the original massacre and 500 people are still
unaccounted for.
This significant day coincides with moves by the Federal Government to
return East Timorese refugees from their secure situation in Australia to a
very insecure one in their homeland.
Australians who feel a sense of solidarity with the East Timorese and who
care about their plight do not want recently-arrived refugees to be sent
back to East Timor with undue haste. In many cases, their homes have been
destroyed during the recent campaign of terror and destruction. In
addition, the monsoons season is soon to begin in SE Asia. Without adequate
shelter, this could make conditions intolerable for people who have just
survived genocide, massive human rights abuses and the loss of their homes
along with many basics essentials.
It would be very inhumane and callous for the Australian Government to
commence sending East Timorese refugees home now.
The 12 of November is now known as the International Day of Mourning for
East Timor. This day is observed by East Timorese communities and their
supporters around the world. In Adelaide there will be a protest vigil to
commemorate the Massacre in Victoria Square near the St Francis Xavier
Cathedral. It will commence at 4.30 pm Friday 12 November.
The Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, the Very Rev. Dr Ian George will
attend the ceremony as will the Moderator of the Uniting Church.
At 5.45pm, the Catholic Church will hold a commemorative mass in the
Cathedral.
All who wish to show their support for East Timor and the East Timorese
refugees in Australia are asked to come and show their support and to call
on the Howard Government to show some compassion".
Andrew (Andy) Alcock
Information Officer
CIET (SA)
Phone: 61 8 83710480 (home) 61 8 82053259 (work)
Pager: 61 8 82734382
Facsimile: 61 8 82236509
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
COMING EVENTS TO SUPPORT EAST TIMOR
FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER 1999
EAST TIMOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING
(8th anniversary of the Santa Cruz/Dili Massacre)
4.30 pm Protest Vigil
Victoria Square
(Organised by the Campaign for an Independent East Timor SA Inc)
5.45 pm Commemorative Mass
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
(Organised by the Catholic Church)
SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER 1999 5.45PM
SANTA CRUZ COMMEMORATIVE MASS
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
(Organised by the Romero Community)
SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER 1999 7PM
JAZZ BENEFIT FOR EAST TIMOR
Featuring Agostino Moniz & the Timor Oan Culture Group
Elder Hall
University of Adelaide, North Tce
(Proceeds to Community Aid Abroad East Timor Appeal)
SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 1999 7PM
EAST TIMOR INDEPENDENCE DINNER
(28 Nov is the 24th anniversary of the declaration of independence)
Unley Senior Citizens Centre, Arthur St, Unley $20 $15 (concession)
(Organised by the Campaign for an Independent East Timor SA Inc)
SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER 1999 2 - 4.30PM
EAST TIMOR BENEFIT CONCERT
Maughan Church, Franklin St, Adelaide
$6 (including afternoon tea)
(Organised by the Catholic and Uniting Churches)
SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 1999 11 AM
INVASION DAY RALLY
(24th anniversary of the invasion of East Timor)
Gawler Place near Rundle Mall
(organised by CIET, unions, churches, community groups)
SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER 1999 7PM
"ROAD TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE IN EAST TIMOR" DINNER
Ukrainian Community Hall
66 Orsmond St, Hindmarsh
Ring 84457292 for further information
(organised by the Organising Committee of the East Timorese in SA)
--
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