DATE=8/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=EAST TIMOR VIOLENCE / S
NUMBER=2-253213
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=DILI
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: There have been more attacks by armed militias
against pro-independence groups in East Timor. The
disputed territory is set to hold a referendum Monday
to decide whether its 800 thousand residents want to
remain a part of Indonesia -- nearly a quarter century
after Jakarta forcibly annexed the former Portuguese
colony. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports from the
East Timorese capital, Dili.
TEXT: Villages and towns outside East Timor's capital
are still being terrorized by what the United Nations
says are anti-independence militias bent on disrupting
Monday's U-N / sponsored referendum. At least four
people have been killed in various attacks since
Friday. Reports reaching the capital say more than a
score of homes were destroyed in on-going violence,
believed to be carried out by pro-Jakarta militias who
do not want East Timor becoming a separate country.
The United Nations Spokesman here is David Wimhurst.
///WIMHURST ACTUALITY///
This seems to be the last attempt by the militia to
destabilize the situation before we go to the polls on
Monday.
///END ACTUALITY///
Reports reaching Dili say many people living in
outlying areas have either fled or gone into hiding
fearing that violence of this type will continue
through referendum day -- especially if, as expected,
the vote registers a strong support for independence.
(Signed)
NEB/WTW/NS/DWJ-T / wd
28-Aug-1999 02:54 AM LOC (28-Aug-1999 0654 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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