Originally posted by CenturionMBT:
look at it this way, east timor was under the dutch all the way until 1975. It was given independence and then invaded. For Aceh, it has been part of Indonesia since its independence. So to the rest of the world, this is a civil war, not an invasion. Clear enough?
I a friend of Mr President Xanana Gusmao and Mr Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.
Mr Mari Alkatiri is the only Muslim Minister in the cabinet. I am also very close to the Prime Minister's brothers Mr Ahmad Alkatiri, Umar Alkatiri amd the son of Ahmad Alkatiri, Mr Helmi Alkatiri. I have also ever joined the president's body guards Mr Alfonso and Mr Liano arms shooting fun. Friends included Minister of Finance and Minister of Development
I know in and out of the history of East Timor. I have lived in East Timor for two years. I have been to many provinces; Maliana, Bobonaro, Suai, Bacau, Manatuato, Liquica, Baubessi, Manufahi, Lautern and almost every part in East Timor and also been to West Timor's Kupang.
East timor was under Portugese colonial since 1627.
West Timor was under Dutch colonial. Portugese were there for the sandal woods and other spices.
I was there for business and with the help by UNTAET; United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor. Of course, I know Mr Xanana Gusmao first before I went there.
Politics are bloody dirty; everyone is fighting out of their nation and as well as personal interest.During Portugese colonial, there were numerous churches built but fewer roads and schools were constructed. As in late 1974, Portugese deemed that East Timor was a burden to their country and so they left.
Indonesia took over and in fact, the Indonesian had built many schools, roads, medical centres, government offices and etc.
Due to the fact, East Timor are quite ''rich'' in minerals, gas and oil. East Timorese knew that and had always wanted to opt for independent after when Portugese left them.
Finally, thru' protesting and majority of East Timorese had voted and won independent. Thus, they wanted Indonesian government to leave the country. But, the Indonesian gov was very upset, despite that they had put so much effort in construction and building of the country and now which will be down the drain and to leave. So....Indonesian Gov ordered to take drastic actions to gain control again but failed. The hit up had force the Indonesian militias to burn all schools, Gov offices, medical centres, houses and etc but no killings at that moment. Unfortunately, the strong resistance of East Timorese was so intense and hence, manslaughtering by indonesian militias began in 1999.
At that time Xanana Gusmao was jail in Jarkata and with the Australian Female journalist, Ms kristy sword who visited him very often and tried to contact and sought United Nation help and now she is married to Xanana Gusmao.
Wah....freaking long story. I am going to sleep now.