Foreigners start leaving Timor Leste
KUPANG (Agencies): Dozens of foreigners living and working in Timor Leste have begun leaving the country for East Nusa Tenggara province, following a riot by deserters from the armed forces, an Indonesian Military officer said Friday.
Reports said at least 54 Indonesians and 18 other foreigners from the U.S., Portugal, Australia, the Philippines, China and South Korea have arrived from Timor Leste in Indonesia.
"There are about 18 foreigners from the capital Dili whose documents are being checked (by immigration officials) in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara," Col. APJ Noch Bola was quoted by Antara as saying Friday.
The deserters -- more than one-third of the Timor Leste's soldiers -- went on strike Feb. 8 complaining about poor living conditions and selective promotion.
The rioters on Wednesday ransacked the residence of the deputy chief of the Timor Leste police, which is located near the Indonesian Embassy in Dili. They also pillaged houses in several towns.
Indonesia annexed East Timor in 1976 after its colonial master, Portugal, pulled out in 1975.
The annexation got tacit approval from Western countries, especially the United States and Australia, fearing a communist domino effect following the American defeat in Vietnam.
During Indonesia's rule, the deserters belonged to Timor Leste President Gusmao's left-leaning Fretilin resistance group.
Meanwhile, Sonora radio reported that three battalions of the Indonesian Military were told to intensify border patrols to prevent a possible exodus of Timorese to Indonesian territory if the situation worsens. (**)
Reports said at least 54 Indonesians and 18 other foreigners from the U.S., Portugal, Australia, the Philippines, China and South Korea have arrived from Timor Leste in Indonesia.
"There are about 18 foreigners from the capital Dili whose documents are being checked (by immigration officials) in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara," Col. APJ Noch Bola was quoted by Antara as saying Friday.
The deserters -- more than one-third of the Timor Leste's soldiers -- went on strike Feb. 8 complaining about poor living conditions and selective promotion.
The rioters on Wednesday ransacked the residence of the deputy chief of the Timor Leste police, which is located near the Indonesian Embassy in Dili. They also pillaged houses in several towns.
Indonesia annexed East Timor in 1976 after its colonial master, Portugal, pulled out in 1975.
The annexation got tacit approval from Western countries, especially the United States and Australia, fearing a communist domino effect following the American defeat in Vietnam.
During Indonesia's rule, the deserters belonged to Timor Leste President Gusmao's left-leaning Fretilin resistance group.
Meanwhile, Sonora radio reported that three battalions of the Indonesian Military were told to intensify border patrols to prevent a possible exodus of Timorese to Indonesian territory if the situation worsens. (**)
posted by novski | 8:20 AM
|
0 comments
