East Timor
Key Documents
Draft of Text for the Constitution of East Timor
The draft version for the constitution of the sovereign Democratic Republic of East Timor
(August 2001-2005) -East Timor's first election on August 30, 2001 and the gradual withdrawal of UNOTIL
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
2005
Complicity Shown in East Timor Takeover (December 1, 2005)
Documents released by the US National Security Archive show how the US, Britain and Australia secretly supported the Indonesian invasion and occupation of East Timor through policies of silence and diplomatic assistance to Jakarta. Washington wanted to avoid any conflict with Jakarta because the US had "considerable interests in Indonesia and none in Timor." US officials acted to avoid a controversy that would prompt a congressional ban on arms sales to Indonesia. (International Herald Tribune)
UN Troops Leave East Timor (May 21, 2005)
The last United Nations peacekeeping forces have departed from East Timor, leaving only 130 UN administrators, police and military advisors in the country until 2006. The US had urged the Security Council to end its mission in East Timor, saying it was "no longer needed." However, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned that "a hasty withdrawal could jeopardize the investment made by the international community" towards stabilizing the world's youngest nation. (World News)
UN 'Must Extend East Timor Stay' (February 24, 2005)
Addressing the Security Council, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called for an extension of the UN peacekeeping operation in East Timor until May 2006. Despite remarkable progress, Annan said, the mission must continue its support to control the border with Indonesia and monitor human rights. The Secretary General added that the number of troops participating in the prolonged mission in East Timor could be halved, leaving fewer than 200 peacekeepers in the region. (BBC)
2004
Australia's Offshore Oil Grab in the Timor Gap (December 2004)
Le Monde Diplomatique details the long-standing dispute over maritime frontiers between Australia and East-Timor and exposes an intricate web of state and corporate oil interests in the boundary negotiations. Following East Timor's independence in 2002, the United Nations Transitional Administration renegotiated the maritime boundaries fixed under Indonesian occupation. Oil companies pressured East Timor to strike an agreement, as Australia threatened to withdraw aid to the UN-administered area if it did not receive its share of royalties.
East Timor Urges UN Not To Pull Out Peacekeepers (August 25, 2004)
The Security Council is considering further downsizing of the mission in East Timor (UNIMSET). East Timor, however, is urging the UN to refrain from further cutbacks, citing the importance of UNIMSET's presence as a deterrent to instability. (Reuters)
East Timor Struggles to Find Its Feet (May 20, 2004)
The prolonged dispute with Australia regarding the open sea oil field has overshadowed East Timor's second independence anniversary. East Timor's President Xanana Gusmao has accused Canberra of unjustly punishing his country for its rigid stance on the dispute by reducing humanitarian aid. (BBC)
Six-Month Extension for East Timor (May 14, 2004)
The UN Security Council is due to renew the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in East Timor (UNMISET) for six months. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, said an extension of UNMISET's presence would serve to "accomplish essential tasks and reinforce those accomplished." (Herald Sun)
East Timor Calls for Extended UN Presence (January 12, 2004)
A UN assessment team arrives in Dili to make recommendations to the Security Council on whether the situation in East Timor continues to require a UN presence. Some local leaders voice concerns that the country still needs help strengthening its defense forces, provide stability, security, and "safeguard its border from former militia." (Associated Press)
2003
East Timor Wants UN to Retain Presence (December 10, 2003)
Fearing that the achievements gained in East Timor could "unravel with a hasty retreat" by UN peacekeepers, the Foreign Minister urged the UN to maintain a small but visible presence in the country. Plans for continued UN involvement may include a "rapid response" police force and governmental advisors. (Reuters)
UN Failed to Act Effectively in Dili Riots, Inquiry Finds (November 19, 2003)
The head of East Timor peacekeeping mission UNMISET defended his decision to authorize UN troop involvement in a December 2002 riot. The UN police commissioner faced the most blame, as police under his command killed two student demonstrators. (Age, Australia)
East Timor's Future in the Balance (November 15, 2003)
UNMISET has a scheduled departure date of May 2004. This author predicts that East Timor will suffer a slump in professional expertise when the UN leaves, a daunting prospect for a state so dependent on the assistance of the UN and foreign NGOs. (Korea Herald)
Anger in East Timor as Australia Plays Tough over Gas Reserves (October 14, 2003)
After significantly backing East Timor's struggle for independence, Australia now constitutes the main barrier to Timorese hopes of breaking free from poverty. Australia refuses to adhere to principles of international law, knowing that it would return huge underwater reserves of natural gas to East Timor. (Guardian)
East Timor Learns How to Go It Alone (October 12, 2003)
East Timor has a small, ethnically homogeneous population and a respected president known as the "Nelson Mandela of East Timor." Yet despite these fortuitous factors, the country still struggles to train its police forces and manage its democratic institutions. (Washington Post)
East Timor's New Sheriff (July 8, 2003)
Sandra Peisley, the UN's first female Chief of Police, takes over a force troubled by problems of partiality and alleged complicity in the trafficking of prostitutes. (Asia Times)
Timor PM Slams UN on War Criminals (May 15, 2003)
Mari Alkatiri, East Timor's Prime Minister, criticized the UN for not fulfilling its responsibility to prosecute Indonesian generals. A statement by the Secretary General's representative angered East Timorese human rights advocates by claiming "the UN does not have any legal authority to issue indictments." (Asia Times)
Between a Rock and a Hard Place (March 12, 2003)
The UN withdrawal from East Timor may force the country to confront several worsening problems in isolation. "The UN and its international donors must not walk away from this problem, nor should the Indonesian government," says the East Timor Action Network. (Asian Times)
Briefing to Security Council Members on Policing and Security and Timor-Leste (March 6, 2003)
This Amnesty International briefing highlights areas for improvement in the legal framework and procedures of the National Police of Timor-Leste and the UN Police.
UN Indicts General for East Timor Crimes (February 25, 2003)
The United Nations indicted former Indonesian armed forces commander, General Wiranto, for war crimes committed during East Timor's final steps towards independence. In spite of this, the Indonesian Government has questioned the UN's authority to put any Indonesians on trial and is unlikely to extradite him. (Guardian)
UN Haste Puts East Timor at Risk (February 24, 2003)
The UN Security Council should not focus so exclusively on Iraq that it loses sight of its important, and unfinished, commitment to East Timor. The nascent state needs more financial and technical support before it can fully function independently, and its success and failure will indicate the Security Council's willingness to see its resolutions through. (International Herald Tribune)
UN Peacekeepers to Stay in East Timor (February 13, 2003)
In response to riots in December 2002, the UN has decided to extend its peacekeeping force in East Timor, while simultaneously strengthening the country's police force. (Stuff)
East Timor's President Warns that Defence Force Unable to Cope With Security Problems (January 13, 2003)
East Timor will be unable to cope with security problems when the UN peacekeeping forces leave the country as scheduled in 2004, says the president of the country. (Associated Press)
2002
Justice Denied for East Timor (December 20, 2002)
Thousands of East Timorese lost their lives or fled to seek refuge during the crisis that followed the UN administered referendum in September 1999. Human Right Watch urges the UN to bring the responsible people to justice. (Human Right Watch)
Social Discontent Boils over in East Timor Protests (December 6, 2002)
Tense protests oppose the UN presence in East Timor and call for full independence of the country. While UN troops and officials are paid allowances of $100 a day, the few who have jobs in East Timor earn an average of about $6 a week. (World Socialist Web Site)
East Timor's Biggest Threats Now 'Law and Order' (October 7, 2002)
The UN peacekeeping mission in East Timor will most likely end in 2004 as scheduled. With the threat of Indonesian intrusion gone, the mission's mandate now focuses on the promotion of economic, legal and social infrastructures. (Daily Yomiuri)
East Timor Points a Way for Mideast (September 2, 2002)
Citing the UN success in East Timor as an example, this article suggests a reengagement of the UN in the steadily deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories. (Angeles Times)
East Timor: Troubles Ahead, Troubled Behind (June 10, 2002)
Indonesia's East Timor ad-hoc human rights tribunals appears unlikely to ease the Timorese trauma. Jakarta is preoccupied with reviving military relations with the US. "For the East Timorese, coming to terms with a blighted history and reconciling with their Indonesian neighbors may well prove a tougher challenge than winning independence". (World Press Review)
US Must Examine Its Role in New Nation's Bloody Past (May 20, 2002)
Declassified documents reveal US support for the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975. In light of this information, the author believes an apology should accompany the US's congratulations to East Timor on its recent independence. (Pacific News Service)
Celebrating the Birth of a Nation (May 7, 2002)
Kofi Annan warns that the independence of East Timor "is just the beginning," and "daunting challenges" mean "the world must not abandon [the new nation] at this critical juncture." (Cnristian Science Monitor)
Annan Wants Longer UN Role in East Timor (April 22, 2002)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan recommends that the UN remains actively involved in East Timor's post-war reconstruction and development efforts for an additional three years. (New York Times)
Untie SDF's hands for PKOs (April 18, 2002)
As the largest contingent of Japanese peacekeepers heads for East Timor, the Daily Yomiuri argues that the Japanese government should incorporate UN peacekeeping missions into one of Japan's Self Defense Force's (SDF) main duties.
Gusmao's Win Another Step to Nationhood (April 16, 2002)
Former independence leader Xanana Gusmao's victory in East Timor's presidential election marks a major step in the country's path to nationhood. However, problems including widespread poverty, a devastated infrastructure, and the contentious issue of relations with Jakarta cloud the horizon. (Inter Press Service)
East Timor Chooses Political System (February 9, 2002)
In preparation for independence, East Timor's parliament voted to establish a political system based on the Portuguese model. Nobel peace prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta described the draft constitution as "one of the most progressive in the world." (BBC News)
Greater UN Contribution to East Timor Sought (January 31, 2002)
Australian Prime Minister John Howard will ask the Security Council to assist in raising more contributions for peacekeeping efforts in East Timor. (Asia Times)
$5 Million Project To Tackle Poverty in Rural East Timor (January 22, 2002)
The UN approves a $5 million initiative to continue work on poverty reduction programs in some of East Timor's poorest areas. The five-year project aims to increase food security and living standards for nearly 20,000 households in Ainaro and Manatuto districts. (UNDP)
UN Extends Role in East Timor (January 21, 2002)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan recommends extending the UN mandate in East Timor until the country declares independence in May 2002. Mr. Annan stresses that a close partnership between East Timor and the international community is necessary to ensure the continued stability of the country. (BBC News)
UN sets East Timor Election Date (January 17, 2002)
The UN announces that East Timor will hold the first presidential election on April 14, 2002. The UN is also setting up a commission of truth and reconciliation to ease the country's transition to independence on May 20, 2002. (BBC News)
Malaysian Quits as UNTAET Chief-of-Staff (January 9,2002)
Malaysian diplomat Datuk N. Parameswaran resigned as UNTAET Chief-of-Staff, in protest against what he describes as "a white mission, an Eastern mission with a western face." He cites frustrations with the lack of Asian representation and his continual exclusion from key policy decisions as the main reasons for his departure. (Kuala Lumpur Star)
2001
Countdown to Timor Elections
UN page on election updates. Although all seems to be going smoothly, there is still concern over the void that UNTAET will leave when it withdraws from East Timor following the election.
Australia Rejects Timor Asylum Claims (December 27, 2001)
Australia's Immigration Minister believes the situation in East Timor is safe enough for 1,600 East Timorese to return. However, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) asserts some East Timorese "could face problems because of links to the former administration, or simply because of the amount of time already spent away." (BBC News)
New Peacekeepers Off to East Timor (December 18, 2001)
The UN is accepting an offer from New Zealand to provide another group of peacekeepers to serve in East Timor from May to November 2002. (New Zealand Herald)
1975 East Timor Invasion Got US Go-Ahead (December 7, 2001)
Newly declassified documents from the US National Security Archive reveal that Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger gave Indonesian President Suharto permission for the 1975 invasion of East Timor which resulted in 200,000 deaths. (Washington Post)
UN Peacekeepers Begin Pulling Out of East Timor (November 14, 2001)
Because the peacekeepers are departing from East Timor, it appears that the border situation is improving. Nonetheless, the UN plans to maintain some presence for several more years to ensure security. (Associated Press)
Indonesia, East Timor Agree to Demilitarize Border (October 31, 2001)
Freedom of movement will be granted between Indonesia and East Timor in line with the planned establishment of an independent East Timor early next year. (Jakarta Post)
Timor Says it's Time to Stand Alone in the World (October 24, 2001)
The new East Timorese President says that the country will be ready to come out from under UN protection and exercise its own sovereignty next May. (Daily Telegraph - Sydney)
Japanese Confident East Timorese Welcome Self Defense Force (September 20,2001)
Some Asian countries squirm at the thought of Japanese SDF deployed as peacekeepers. However, the newly elected Timorese government expresses confidence that the SDF will contribute to the rebuilding efforts of the new nation. (Kyodo News Service)
East Timor Economy Dependent on Foreign Investors (September 17, 2001)
The UN has gradually begun to turn over the Timorese administration to the newly elected government. But the country remains dependant on foreign aid despite the potential revenues of oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea. (United Press International)
Independence Party Wins in E. Timor (September 6, 2001)
Fretilin, the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor, which played a key role in East Timor's struggle for independence, has garnered 57 percent of the vote and received 55 seats in an 88-member assembly that will write East Timor's first constitution and steer the territory to independence next year. (Associated Press)
Lagging Tribunal Is Called a Threat to a Viable East Timor (September 2, 2001)
As everybody celebrates the first democratic election in East Timor, some people criticize UNTAET's weaknesses in regard to justice. (Boston Globe)
Secretary-General Calls East Timor Elections "A Glowing Example to World Community" (August 30, 2001)
93% of the population voted in East Timor's first election - "far greater, in fact, than that of most democratic nations" said UN Secretary Genreal Kofi Annan. (UN Press Release)
Blood and Ballots (September 2001)
A feature from Time Asia on the trials of East Timor. Includes an archive of Time.
Here Is a Big Day for East Timor (August 29, 2001)
At the eve of the first Timorese elections, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the special representative of the UN Secretary General, assesses the situation in East Timor for the International Herald Tribune.
Security Council Meets on East Timor Elections, Urges Large Voter Turn-out (August 23, 2001)
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hédi Annabi, addressed the Security Council, stating that so far, the electoral campaign had been conducted in a peaceful manner. Political parties and the population at large have shown strong support for the pact of national unity. (UN News)
UN Appeals for Calm as East Timor Gears Up for Election (August 19, 2001)
Analysts expect Fretilin, the largest political party in East Timor and the spearhead of the independence movement, to win in the August 30 election. In preparation for independence, Portugese and Australian UN military advisors are training a fledgling defense force consisting mainly of former Falintil troops. (Channel News Asia)
Militias Rebound
Troops Charged Over Timor 'Extermination' (September 28, 2001)
Two years after the massacres committed in East Timor, UN prosecutors have indicted suspects for "planned mass murder" committed between April and October 1999. (Guardian)
Militias Still a Barrier to East Timor Refugee Repatriation (November 21, 2000)
The report of the UN Security Council mission to East Timor confirms that intimidation by militias in refugee camps in West Timor still exists, and calls for "decisive action to deal with the remaining militias." (Agence France Presse)
UN Mission Questions Slow Pace of Reconstruction in East Timor (November 21, 2000)
Criticising the lack of progress in reconstruction, the report of the UN Security Council mission to East Timor calls for "increased flexibility" in UNTAET's use of resources. (Agence France Presse)
Indonesian Army Led Timor Violence: UN (November 20, 2000)
UNTAET's special rapporteur investigating war crimes in East Timor has traced some post-referendum violence to the Indonesian military. His full report will be issued in January. (The Age)
UN Delegation Declares East Timor Ready for Independence (November 14, 2000)
Martin Andjaba of Namibia, leading the Security Council delegation, lauded progress in East Timor, but the delegation has been told of underfunding for reconstruction and the justice system. (Agence France Presse)
Timor Militias Threaten Refugees (November 13, 2000)
A delegation from the Security Council is in East Timor to check whether the militias are being disarmed and disbanded. But they have been told that militias are still intimidating refugees wanting to move back to East Timor from the West. (BBC)
Whose Future Is It Anyway? (November 9, 2000)
Frustration mounts as UNTAET is criticized for not involving local people in the blueprint of the new nation. Less should be spent on foreign workers and business contracted by the UN, employing East Timorese instead to keep money in the local economy. (FEER)
East Timor Receives First Royalty Payment from Oil Exploitation in Timor Gap (October 24, 2000)
In a sign that the UNTAET administration is working, $3 million in funds from the Timor Gap oil fields have been transferred to East Timor without a fight from Indonesia. (UN News)
UN Invited to Observe Progress on Disarming East Timorese Militia (October 23, 2000)
Indonesia invites a Security Council delegation to travel to West Timor to monitor progress on Resolution 1319. (Xinhua)
Indonesian Is Under Fire for Comments About Timor (September 24, 2000)
In a cabinet shuffle, anti East Timor unrest has reared its ugly head. Now in charge of defense, Mohammad Mahfud, a "law expert", has said repeatedly that the people of East Timor want to return to Indonesian rule. Is that why 78.5% voted for independence Mr Mahfud? (New York Times)
Indonesia Puts Militia on Notice (September 21, 2000)
Indonesia has invited UNTAET to observe, but not to play an active role in dealing with the West Timorese militias. The Wahid government has ordered the militia to surrender their arms or have them forcibly removed, as the country tries to avert the threat of economic and military sanctions. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Jakarta's Shame (September 15, 2000)
Even though President Wahid of Indonesia received an award for his "lifetime contribution to humanity", he still seems to have trouble commanding the military to resolve the problem of marauding militias in West Timor. Apparently he doesn't really know what is going on. Indonesia is losing control. (Far Eastern Economic Review)
Indonesia Rejects Meeting With UN Officials Investigating Timor Deaths (September 12, 2000)
Indonesian Defense Minister, Mohammed Mafud, portrays Indonesia's view of the militia 'incidents' being an 'internal problem' for Indonesia, and that a UN Mission is not welcome. This has a terrible ring of 'déja vu' - similar sentiments were issued when the independence ballot was considered. (New York Times)
World Bank Chief Warns Indonesia On Militias (September 12, 2000)
In an unusually overt political move, the World Bank wrote a letter to the Indonesian government stating that their cooperation was jeopardized if Indonesia failed to crack down on West Timorese militias. (Washington Post)
Indonesia Pledges to Disarm Militias (September 11, 2000)
Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid was criticized at last week's UN Millennium Summit for not doing enough to control the militia gangs terrorizing UN workers and refugees in West Timor. (BBC World News)
UN - Indonesia Must Disband W.Timor (September 8, 2000)
A UN Mission is to be sent to East Timor to discuss UN demands to remove the militia threats. It is considered that there are definately elements within the Indonesian military that are directly or indirectly responsible for the militia attacks that murdered 3 UN workers. The resolution was robust in its demand that Indonesia act, and act now. (Reuters)
Guerrillas Growing Restless in East Timor (September 1, 2000)
Pro-independence Falintil guerrillas are growing frustrated at the apparent inability of UN forces to counter the militia threats. Stratfor reports that there have been "political squabbles" between East Timorese leaders and UN officials - differences now threatening to destabilize the situation with the possibility of cross-border conflict into West Timor.
A New Nation
Visiting East Timor, One Bittersweet Year After (August 31, 2000)
Reflecting on the first year of independence, the East Timorese have generally been quite positive about the UN presence. While not being able to satisfy every need of the population and sometimes accused of colonial practices, the UN, however, is laying a foundation for this country-in-the-making. (CNN)
East Timor Urges Foreign Troops to Stay (August 30, 2000)
There is a consensus on the part of the UN and the Australian government to continue its military presence in East Timor until pro-Indonesian militias operating in West Timor leave. Such a resolve comes at a particularly important time when the militias have stepped up their aggression. Reuters
East Timor's Birth Pains (August 26, 2000)
As the emerging state of East Timor moves slowly towards claiming its rightful place in the world community, everything, from its political to economic and social infrastructures, have to be built literally from scratch. Many are beginning to worry about the country's future after UNTAET leaves. (Economist)
East Timor: Pipe Dreams (Issue of August 31, 2000)
Asserting its newly found independence, East Timor cannot count on its former colonizer, Portugal, or its former and present aggressor, Indonesia. It is in East Timor's best interests to cooperate closely with its big neighbor to the south, Australia. (Far Eastern Economic Review)
East Timor: Ghosts in Paradise (Issue of August 31, 2000)
Its land potentially self-sufficient in rice and maize, its seas full of gas and oil, the emerging state of East Timor has an undeniable chance to avoid becoming a third-world country and to achieve a certain level of prosperity. However, this shall be a long and treacherous road, and the curves ahead must be heeded. (Far Eastern Economic Review)
Timor Militias Grow Stronger (August 24, 2000)
With a belief that militias in East Timor are operating "independently", UN peacekeeping troops now have more to contend with than "the rag-tag thugs who rampaged through East Timor following last year's independence referendum". (Far Eastern Economic Review)
UN Chief in Timor Says Militia Groups Operating Under Single Command (August 12, 2000)
The head of UNTAET, Sergio Vieira de Mello, has stated that pro-Indonesian militia are now operating inside East Timor under a single command structure. This implies that the militia have become an autonomous unit, causing grave security concerns. (BBC)
Nepalese Death in Timor Evidence of More Danger (August 11, 2000)
The recent death of a Nepalese soldier came as another piece of evidence of pro-Indonesian forces' attempts to destabilize East Timor. Laurie Brereton, Australian Opposition foreign affairs minister, holds the Indonesian military responsible. (AAP Information Services)
Peacekeeper Says Indonesia Afraid of Cracking Down on Timor Militias (August 6, 2000)
"Indonesia is unwilling or incapable of clamping down vigorously" on anti-independence militias in West Timor "for fear of creating wider community disruption," says a senior UN peacekeeper in East Timor.(Associated Press)
Indonesian Cooperation Insufficient in East Timor, UN Council Says (August 3, 2000)
The UN Security Council acknowledges Indonesia's efforts of cooperation. Yet closer collaboration with the UN mission in East Timor is encouraged in order to transform persistent problems into "concrete progress." Link to UN Press Release SC/6905 (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
Funding for East Timor: Charity or Justice? (July 19, 2000)
In the short term, East Timor will need generous donations to begin reconstruction. Yet a high official of UNTAET's argues that East Timor will have to stand on its own feet, and not be sustained by permanent "charity." ( La'o Hamutuk Bulletin )
Messy Land Disputes Hampering East Timor's Development (July 16, 2000)
"No one knows who owns what" in East Timor. With the lack of recorded land ownership or land laws, foreigners are reluctant to invest long-term. Without these much-needed foreign investments, how can the new nation sustain itself after independence? (Associated Press )
E Pluribus E. Timor (July 13, 2000)
How can East Timor, after years of Indonesian and Portuguese colonialism, find its own national identity? With the new official currency, the US dollar and the language is Portuguese. Arguments abound over the choices for basic elements of this new nation. (Washington Post)
Inventing East Timor (July/Aug 2000)
James Traub examines East Timor, the first test-tube baby of a nation built from scratch. UNTAET's competency as a "benevolent" colonial master remains a mystery. The feasibility of transition of administration from UNTAET to East Timor independence in a short-time frame is unknown. (Foreign Affairs)
Coffee is Backbone of Devastated East Timor's Economy (July 11, 2000)
Luckily, the coffee factories and crops weren't destroyed in last year's violence. East Timor hopes to revive their economy by profits from this high quality, organically grown coffee. US coffee-giant Starbucks is already one of East Timor's best clients. (www.easttimor.com/ Associated Press )
Indonesia to Back Xanana for East Timorese Presidency (July 6, 2000)
Vote Xanana Gusmao for President says the Indonesian Foreign Minister. Indonesia deems the East Timorese leader as a "good man…[with] a good relationship with the Indonesian government." (Xinhua News Agency/ www.easttimor.com)
UN Chief Predicts East Timor Elections and Independence in 2001(June 28, 2000)
East Timorese leaders strive to solve current problems in security and poverty to build a strong civil and social infrastructure. They are set to reach the goal post of East Timor independence in the year 2001.(Associated Press )
Not Independent Yet: East Timor (June 9, 2000)
After rebuilding the infrastructure, the next challenge for East Timor is cultivating education and employment to build civil society. (Christian Science Monitor)
East Timor's Muslims Bemoan New Hostility (June 8, 2000)
Religious and political toleration in is another challenge in East Timor as Muslim and Chinese minorities face verbal and physical intimidation from the majority of Catholic and native-born East Timorese. (International Herald Tribune)
We Need Our Own Forces: Ramos Horta (June 8, 2000)
Mr. Ramos Horta, an independence leader in East Timor, states that although East Timor will need a defense force, the ultimate guarantee of security derives from good relationships with neighboring countries, including Indonesia. (Sydney Morning Herald)
East Timor Tells UN to Hurry Transition (May 24, 2000)
Frustration and disillusionment is mounting towards the UN in East Timor. Dr. Jose Ramos Horta, one of East Timor's leaders, has appealed to the UN Secretary General to replace the current UNTAET administration with East Timorese people. (Melbourne Age )
A Country Rebuilt from Ashes and Mud - Calling in the Judges (May 2000)
Once again, after a human catastrophy, the balancing of prosecution is attempted. UNTAET has to deal with the blurred lines of international law versus a domestic Indonesian criminal tribunal, and the hypocrisy that Generals who ordered massacres of East Timorese are now playing a part in negotiations with the provisional administration. (Le Monde Diplomatique)
Re-Creating East Timor (May 10, 2000)
In this UNTAET briefing by Director of the Civil Service Department, Andrew Whitley, we gain some insight into the questions involved in creating the basic infrastructure for a nation from scratch. (UNTAET)
Questioning of Generals Commences (May 2, 2000)
In an effort to deter pressure for the creation of an international tribunal, the Indonesian government is questioning senior military officers believed to have played a role in last year's violence in East Timor. (South China Morning Post)
UN Inaugurates New Public Service Commission for East Timor (March 24, 2000)
The UNTAET plans to hire 7,000 people to set up a civil service for East Timor. (UN Newservice)
Indonesia Faces Dual Assault (March 5, 2000)
It is a tough time for Indonesia's military as separatists and people indigenous to islands they are now minorities on simultaneously mount angry challenges to government policies. (Le Monde Diplomatique)
East Timor Resistance Accepts Apology (March 3, 2000)
Indonesian President Abdurrahman paid a landmark visit to East Timor where he laid a floral wreath at the Santa Cruz cemetery, the site of the 1991 massacre. (Star Publications Bhd.)
UN Mission's Representative Francis Deng Shares Findings (March 1, 2000)
A press release detailing the displacement crisis that occurred in East Timor after the violence surrounding the people's vote for independence. (UN Press Release)
Australia and UN Mission Sign $1.4 Bill. Gas Exploration Accord (February 23, 2000)
With this new deal, the young nation of East Timor will have a source of foreign earnings with which it can build up an economy. (UN Newservice)
World Bank Disburses Reconstruction Funds (February 22, 2000)
The World Bank starts disbursing funds it has made available to East Timor. (UN Wire)
Links on East Timor
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Photo:Sam Martins/AP
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- East Timor's Independence (December 2000 - July 2001) - the process of building the new governance of East Timor, with commentary on the role of UNTAET and the interim East Timorese Cabinet.
- Militias Rebound (September - November 2000) - the struggle to keep the peace in the new territory.
- A New Nation (February -August 2000) - the complete rebuilding of the nation of East Timor.
- Enter the Peacekeepers (September 1999 - February 2000) - first an Australian-led international force, followed by the UN mission (UNTAET)
- Ballot (May - August 1999) - the consequences of the lead-up to the ballot and the aftermath,
- Discussion (January - May 1999) - the February 1999 talks for East Timor's autonomy.
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