"The bloody road to independence"

by Richard Stone

"The bloody road to independence", was how Abel Guterres, President of the 
East Timor Relief Association (ETRA) described recent developments in East 
Timor.

He was visiting South Australia to address the United Trades and Labour 
Council, its International Committee and the annual East Timor Independence 
Dinner. He also met political leaders and various support and solidarity 
groups.

Opening the annual independence dinner for the SA Campaign for an 
Independent East Timor, Crystel Halliday stated, "what a year it's been!"

Welcoming guests for the event she thanked Sandra Kanck and Ian Gilfillan, 
two Democrat MPs, for their attendance and long-time support for the 
campaign. Richie Gunn, also for the Campaign, spoke of the "special 
occasion" which had arisen giving cause for much celebration as the 
Indonesian military finally departed from East Timor.

Having just returned from the newly proclaimed free and independent country 
where he had met many of the leaders, Abel Guterres spoke movingly about 
developments during the past year and the many problems which have arisen.

Opening his speech with the statement "here among friends", Abel provided 
an up-to-the-minute account of developments in East Timor, and an 
historical account of East Timor's initial independence in 1975.

"That freedom [1975] under the leadership of FRETILIN was short-lived", he 
said. Within a mere nine days the Indonesian military had invaded the 
country, "crushing the newly won freedom".

He gave insights into the development of the guerrilla movement and 
training in the late '70s and early '80s. Abel paid particular attention to 
aspects of ideological training.

Paying his respects to the many fallen heroes of the long and bitter 
struggle against the Indonesian military he referred to "the trauma of 
returning to a normal society".

Guerrilla struggle

Following a national liberation and guerrilla struggle which lasted 24 
years, the people of East Timor now begin a much harder battle: the 
development of a free and democratic society where political and economic 
structures will reflect the immediate and long-term needs of the people.

There is an urgent need for large-scale and widespread international 
solidarity to defend the newly independent country.

"We are starting at a level below zero", he explained. The recent 
destruction by the Indonesian military and their supporters on the basis of 
"low intensity warfare" has destroyed much of the country's infrastructure.

East Timor urgently needs the most basic of utensils and necessities to 
survive. Extensive looting by the pro-Indonesian groups has created a 
situation where serious shortages of most items exists.

Abel spoke of problems arising with the various aid agencies which have 
moved into the country. Not all their activities have been as productive as 
many Australian citizens would like to think.

Over-riding well-developed and established local structures and networks, 
aid agency officials have opened opportunities for corrupt practices and 
black-marketeers.

Food urgently required for starving families has found its way onto the 
black market as a result of their ineptitude. "Many thousands are missing 
out in the food distribution", Abel stated.

Abel also paid attention to the urgent problem of shelter. While 
construction volunteers from Australian unions such as the CFMEU have 
provided much needed help, official agencies have not been as forthcoming.

Still missing

Abel spoke of the constant concern which haunts many families, because 
large numbers of East Timorese are still missing. Only when the last of the 
refugees return from various temporary camps in West Timor will the full 
extent of the problem be known.

During the period of the militia attacks, thousands of people fled without 
time to inform others where they were going. The destruction has also 
reduced usual communication systems to nearly zero.

On an ever optimistic note, Abel spoke of "the enormous goodwill around 
Australia". He hoped that effective twinning agreements could be 
established between Australian towns and cities with East Timor 
counterparts.

The development of sister city arrangements would open vital opportunities 
to train East Timorese people.

Throughout the evening there was much talk around the tables of future 
plans for East Timor involving members of the local East Timorese 
community.

Great attention was also placed upon the effective international solidarity 
work which had been conducted through the Campaign for an Independent East 
Timor for the past 24 years and in particular the "unswerving dedication" 
of Andy Alcock, one of the principal organisers.

Without doubt, 1999 has been quite a year for the people of East Timor.