East Timor activists targeted
The persecution of East Timorese activists in Indonesia and West Timor, as well as in East Timor, who braved overwhelming odds to campaign for an independence vote, continues. The Indonesian regime is intent on eliminating them. Journalists working in the region report seeing militias with lists of names with details of those who the military has targeted. Without international intervention the nation of East Timor could face the tragic prospect of being deprived of many of the next generation of leaders because of the vengeful and murderous activities of the Indonesian regime, says the Campaign for an Independent East Timor (CIET). It remains very dangerous for East Timorese who are presently in Indonesia. "Supporters of independence and peace in East Timor are grateful for the international effort to create security", said CIET, "but call on the international community to redouble their efforts to protect almost a quarter of East Timor's population currently in Indonesia." Following the murder and mutilation of Dutch journalist Sander Thoenes it is abundantly clear that the regime is still prepared to deal ruthlessly and barbarically with those who would stand in its way. CIET said such behaviour cannot be tolerated any longer and called on Australia, the UN and world leaders to take action to prevent further bloodshed. The most immediate tasks include: * an urgent increase in the emergency drops of food and other humanitarian supplies to refugees in remote areas of East Timor; * the immediate withdrawal of all remaining Indonesian troops and the disarming of the militias; * Australia to immediately abrogate its recognition of Indonesia's annexation of East Timor; * the establishment of a UN Special Committee to determine the compensation to East Timor and its citizens who have been victims of the wanton destruction of homes and infrastructure. This to include compensation to the families of those killed; * The UN Special Committee to arrange for the repatriation of East Timorese citizens presently in Indonesia; * While calling for the punishment of those responsible for the atrocities committed this, and other actions by the UN forces and national governments, to be based on respect for the sovereignty and independence of East Timor and Indonesia. Union Aid Last Saturday a ship carrying food and medical supplies organised by Union Aid Abroad — the overseas agency of the ACTU — left Darwin for East Timor. The Mercy Ship, a joint venture of several aid agencies, is carrying 300 tonnes of urgently-needed food and medical supplies for the people of East Timor. Part of the medical supplies on board are a result of a nation-wide campaign by the Australian Nursing Federation which collected the medicines from hospitals, health centres and pharmaceutical companies as part of the Nurses Union Aid Appeal. Combining with the nurses are 1,600 pharmacies throughout NSW who, with the assistance of the NSW Pharmacy Guild, are acting as collection points for donations of funds for the Nurses Union Aid Appeal. For information ph 1300 653 238. Donations to help the East Timorese may also be made through the ACTU humanitarian aid organisation, APHEDA, on 1300 362 223 or Box 3, Trades Hall, 4 Goulburn St, Sydney, NSW 2000. Web sites to visit: http://www.freetimor.com http://www.actu.asn.au http://www.apheda.org.au
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