EAST TIMOR ON THE BRINK OF FREEDOM OR CHAOS?
By Rob Durbridge, Federal Secretary, AEU
In chaos theory there's the beat of a butterfly's wing in the forest which
can cause a hurricane or nothing at all...it feels a bit like that in East
Timor today. Everyone is hanging between hope and despair, victory or
chaos. Whenever stones are thrown or shots are heard at night people
wonder, "Is this it? Will the military move in now?"
Despite these fears the process continues to move forward a little
further. All observers believe that if the people get the chance to vote
freely, they will vote overwhelmingly for independence. The main factor
staying the hand of the Indonesian military is world opinion, with the
knowledge that the people will fight on forever if necessary as the grim
alternative.
The independence umbrella organisation CNRT is running a successful
low-risk campaign which involves the tried and true "doorknock" method of
successful elections. The spirit and discipline of the supporters who
gathered for the independence campaign launch on Sunday last was inspiring
and confidence-building.
Currently the independence army, Falantil, is in cantonments created by the
UN Agreement. The 25th anniversary of this force will be celebrated on the
20th of August when people will converge on these areas to celebrate and
pay tribute to the sacrifice the fighters have made. While Falantil has
been observing the agreement, it is apparent that the pro-integration
militias are not, with provocations in the western border areas and some
cold-blooded murders of independence supporters.
The Indonesian military have a new commander in East Timor who is
projecting a non-intervention policy. A billboard on the ABRI headquarters
in Dili reads, "If you love East Timor, whether pro-autonomy or
independence, you will keep the peace." The Fretilin leadership has met
with the commander and is participating in a Security Commission under the
auspices of UNAMET.
After 30 August, an interregnum between Indonesian and UN authority will
occur pending the Indonesian Congress decisions. That now looms as a
dangerous period for provocations designed to panic the UN out of the
country and leave it to the warlords. CNRT are working on a reconciliation
approach to prevent retaliation on both sides and to undermine those
Indonesian interests who are using the cover of pro-autonomy Timorese.
The Australian union movement is recognised by the independence leadership
for the material and political support we are providing to the campaign. We
can be proud of our contribution to the freedom of what should be the first
new nation of the new millennium; it is in the highest traditions of our
movement.
The CNRT opened its campaign at its new headquarters on the seafront in
Dili with an inspiring combination of traditional dance and music,
flagraising, popular music and speechmaking on Sunday 15th August.. The
atmosphere was electric...for the first time since 1975 there was open and
legitimate mass political activity. Great joy was shown at the songs of
the Falantil guerilla army choir and at the taped message from Xanana
Gusmao from detention.
The first edition of "Vox Populi" the campaign newpaper was distributed at
this launch, containing messages of support and reports on various aspects
of the campaign. A message was composed from the ACTU to be run in "Vox
Populi" on the basis of ACTU policy in support of independence and
non-violence. This paper costs around several thousand dollars per day,
is published by a commercial printer and will run throughout the period
leading up to 30 August.
Time has been booked on a local radio station run by the Catholic Church to
address the population which will cost around $4000. Another need is for
communications equipment for campaigning and for security. These sets cost
approximately $500 and donations for them can also be made direct to the
CNRT account.
Contributions to the campaign can be made at the bank account number
provided by CNRT. This can be obtained from Alan Matheson, International
Officer at the ACTU, or from the writer.
The Campaign directors have asked for the maximum number of observers to be
present particularly in the Western regions of the country, such as the
troublespot in Maliana. The Australian Council for Overseas Aid has
representatives in Dili and the countryside to assist in this work and will
accredit observers for UNAMET which is the body supervising the poll. One
difficulty with this process is the lack of seats on flights to get into
East Timor. However, volunteers willing to undertake this role before,
during or after the ballot, should contact ACFOA for details through Pat
Walsh at 03 9417 7505. ACFOA can provide the best outline of health
requirements and equipment needs.
The ACTU has become the only non-Timorese organisation to be directly
involved in the campaign through the provision of office and computer
resources and a full-time worker who speaks English and Bahasa and can
liaise with international media.
Rob Durbridge has visited East Timor twice in recent months for the AEU and
the ACTU, , and returned on the 16th of August.
--
Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html
Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop
Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink
Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
