A high-level delegation from the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs briefed SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello today on its new policy on refugees and said that the refugee camps in West Timor would be closed down within three to six months in coordination with the United Nations.
The SRSG welcomed the initiative to expedite the repatriation or resettlement of more than 120,000 refugees still in West Timor, Indonesia.
The SRSG, however, stressed the need for greater security for the refugees and international staff in the camps in West Timor. He also said that it was of great importance that members of the militia and criminal elements are separated from the remaining refugee population.
The Indonesian delegation, led by Hasan Wirajuda, the Director-General of Political Affairs from the Department of Foreign Affairs, said that Jakarta shared the concerns and would its utmost to assist in the repatriation process. The Indonesians also briefed UNTAET staff on a plan to repatriate the refugees from the camps. The plan should be finalized in two to three weeks.
The transit passageway between Oecussi and East Timor proper was also discussed during the hour-long meeting in Dili. It was decided that a joint survey would be carried out to further examine the implementation of such a passageway.
The establishment of a Joint Border Committee, already agreed to at the meeting between UNTAET and Indonesia in Surabaya in July, was also on the agenda. This committee, consisting of civilian representatives from UNTAET and the Indonesian Government, will be established to demarcate the boundary between West Timor and East Timor. It was decided that the final agreement would be signed once it has been endorsed by East Timor’s transitional Cabinet.
The delegation also met with CNRT President Xanana Gusmão before returning to Indonesia.
