The Jakarta Post, January 07, 2006
Bishop calls for amnesty for militia
KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Atambua Bishop Anton Pain Ratu has called on the
Timor Leste government to grant amnesty to former pro-Jakarta militia as part of
efforts to end refugee problems in West Timor, East Nusa Tenggara province.
"The Timor Leste government should make a breakthrough, they should tell
pro-Jakarta militias that they will be given amnesty when they return home. The policy
could encourage the refugees to return home in order to help resolve refugee problems
in West Timor," said the bishop on Thursday night.
Thousands of pro-Jakarta militias are still living in refugee shelters in West Timor
regency after a UN-sponsored ballot in 1999, which ended in Timor Leste separating
from Indonesia.
They are living in decrepit tents and barracks where communicable diseases are rife.
The refugees also have no access to employment.-- JP
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