UNHCR holds talks with Indonesian officials to resolve issues that slow returns to East Timor
2 December -- The United Nations refugee agency today said it was seeking ways to resolve outstanding
issues that prevent the return of tens of thousands of Timorese associated with the Indonesian rule in East
Timor.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in Geneva that it was discussing the matter with
Indonesian officials in the West Timor province capital of Kupang and in Jakarta. Consultations are also
held with the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and the newly formed Consultative
Commission for East Timor, a group composed of representatives of Timorese political and religious groups.
Meanwhile, UNHCR reported today that the rate of return continued to drop with only an estimated 1,500
heading home in the last 48 hours. On Thursday, about 600 people returned overland - way below the daily
average of 4,000 two weeks ago, the agency said. Returns to the Ambeno enclave were "down to a trickle"
following reports of harassment of returnees.
According to UNHCR, the rate has not improved despite the 22 November signing of an agreement
establishing a joint border commission between the Indonesian military and the International Force in East
Timor, an accord brokered by US Ambassador to the UN Richard Holbrooke.
The UN agency believes that the majority of the Timorese want to go back but are unsure of the security
conditions in East Timor. The remaining refugees also want to thresh out several other outstanding issues,
such as the payment of pensions owed by the Indonesian government and the settlement of property rights.
Unless these issues are resolved, these people want to remain close to the border with East Timor, UNHCR
said.
