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East Timor leader urges refugees in West Timor to return home

East Timor's independence leader, Xanana Gusmao, has urged more than a thousand refugees in neighbouring Indonesian West Timor to return to their homeland.

Mark Bowling reports Mr Gusmao's three-day visit is aimed at promoting reconciliation.

"Xanana Gusmao spoke to East Timorese refugees in a packed gymnasium in the provincial capital, Kupang. Many of the refugees were former pro-Indonesian militiamen, their families and supporters -- some of an estimated 60-thousand East Timorese still living in camps in West Timor. It's more than two years since East Timor's independence vote, which was followed by militia violence and an exodus of an estimated 250-thousand people to West Timor. Xanana Gusmao says those who remain in West Timor will be welcomed home, while amnesties must be considered for some of those who led the deadly violence."

29/11/01 8:16:24 | ABC Radio Australia News

More Asia Breaking News 14/12/01 20:31:13 The formation of a new government for Afghanistan is underway in Kabul 14/12/01 20:31:21 Government minister to visit Australian troops in East Timor 14/12/01 20:30:56 India's parliament to resume despite attack 14/12/01 19:11:11 The formation of a new government for Afghanistan underway 14/12/01 12:46:29 Afghanistan's interim government leader spends day in Kabul 14/12/01 12:46:31 Western nations condemn violence at India's Parliament

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