Dili -- The Secretary-General's Special Representative (SRSG) in Timor-Leste, Sukehiro Hasegawa, today flew to the Eastern District of Baucau to meet with military and civil leaders in his continuing effort to forge a dialogue for peace.
He also visited a displaced persons camp to assess the needs of the people housed there.
In Baucau, 65 kilometers from Dili, he conferred with Colonel Lere Anan Timur, Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces (F-FDTL -- Falantil-Forca de Defensa de Timor-Leste), District Administrator Luis Aparicio, and former guerilla fighter and opposition politician, Cornelio da Gama "L7".
Col Lere explained that he had been asked by F-FDTL Chief, Brig Gen Taur Matan Ruak, to carry out an inventory of all weapons in the F-FDTL. Col Lere stated that he was willing to be transparent and cooperate with the international forces and the UN, particularly because there were many rumours being spread about him being involved in weapons distribution to civilians, which he denied.
SRSG Hasegawa reiterated the importance of overcoming this crisis in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law in a peaceful manner, while stressing the importance of maintaining national unity and solidarity.
The encounters were part of a series of meetings the SRSG has held with government officials and rebel groups with a view to facilitating a peaceful dialogue. Last week he met separately with two rebel leaders from the Western part of the county, and he maintains close contact with the government, having met with President Xanana Gusm=E3o Thursday.
As before, the aim of Friday's visits was to gain perspective of the parties in this Eastern region of the nation.
Since violence broke out in late April at least 100,000 persons have fled their homes and are in makeshift camps.
In a displaced persons camp in Baucau, the SRSG spoke with a large number of camp dwellers to learn first hand their assessment of their conditions.
For additional information, please contact:
Donna Cusumano, Chief, Public Information Office, UNOTIL; +670 723 0749 or Spokesperson Robert Sullivan at 670 331-2210, extension 5165