(7 Sep 1999) Eng/Portu/Nat
The leader of the East Timorese Rebel movement, Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, has been released from house arrest in Jakarta - ending seven years of imprisonment.
It's hoped that his eventual return to East Timor can calm the violence that has sent thousands fleeing the half-island territory.
However, his imminent arrival in Dili has been put off for security concerns and the fear that he would be a prime target for the wrath of the pro-Indonesia militia.
Speaking at the British Embassy in the Indonesian capital, Gusmao appealed for the international community to act in defence of his people.
The amnesty given to Gusmao by the Indonesian government did little to quell his anger toward the administration's handling of East Timor, despite their decision to place the province under martial law.
SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
"What do you think these battalions are going to do in East Timor? When everybody knows that they are themselves who kill, persecute, destroy, massacre and loot the population."
SUPER CAPTION: Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao, East Timor resistance leader
The 53-year-old rebel leader is massively popular among the pro-independence majority and commands the respect even of many of his pro-Indonesian enemies.
But he is conscious of the fact that he has no direct control over the forces involved in the current violence.
He also blamed the Indonesian military for creating the current situation.
SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
"I appeal to the conscience of the Indonesian authorities to put an end to violence that the armed forces of Indonesia are creating. I appeal to the conscience of Indonesian politicians to think that they are killing defenceless people. I appeal to the Indonesian generals to tell them (militia and troops), enough is enough."
SUPER CAPTION: Jose Alexandre 'Xanana' Gusmao, East Timor resistance leader
With much criticism befalling the Indonesian's inability to safeguard the East Timorese, Gusmao urges the international community to lend in a strong hand.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I appeal to the international community to help this heroic, this brave, but so defenceless people. Help to stop the violence, to stop the killings. Help to save lives; children's lives; elderly people's lives; youths; everyone.
SUPER CAPTION: Jose Alexandre 'Xanana' Gusmao, East Timor resistance leader
Gusmao is determined that East Timor will eventually see itself as an independent nation despite of the crisis.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The destruction taking place in East Timor is to persuade East Timor to be slaves forever. My people (have) proven, during twenty four years, their determination to achieve their freedom, because only with freedom can we create peace and prosperity."
SUPER CAPTION: Jose Alexandre 'Xanana' Gusmao, East Timor resistance leader
The rebel leader, popularly known as Xanana, was captured in 1992 and sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of leading an insurgency against Indonesian rule in East Timor.
Twenty four years after Indonesia took over the former Portuguese colony, East Timor voted for independence in an historic plebiscite held on August 30th.
But it was the announcement of that overwhelming vote that sent the anti-independence supporters and militia into a frenzied campaign of revenge that is now ravaging the province.
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