
Issue No 20		02 July 1999

News

Direct Links to Timor Militia Revealed

A delegation of trade union officials has returned from East Timor with documentary proof the Indonesian Government is funding the militia groups who are threatening the vote on independence.

The revelations are contained in an Autonomy Socialisation proposal for the Manufahi Regency prepared by the Governor of East Timor, obtained by and translated for by the delegation.

Outlining a plan to spend US$400,000 in the province promoting the pro-autonomy case (the alternative to outright independence), the Governor specifically targets militia groups as being "community organisations" which should play a role in "educating the public about the details of the autonomy plays".

Militia groups the BRTT, FPDK, Kilbur and ABLAI are all earmarked for funding in the document.

The money would be spent on "socialisation activities" including: traditional activities, trucks and vehicles, and the employment of 150 full-time workers for the campaign".

Labor Council senior industrial officer Chris Christodoulou, a member of the delegation, said the documents confirmed what all the group suspected.

"When we were flying from Dili to Jakarta we were adjacent to Enrico Gutteres, the leader of the FPDK," Christodoulou recalls.

"He was surrounded by what could only be described as Indonesian military intelligensia who were armed with mobile phones, lap-top computers and cameras.

"There was clearly an organised and well-funded infrastructure being developed around the militia leaders."

For a full account of the Dili delegation see Chris's report in "From Trades Hall"

   to view more photos of the trip.

  View entire issue - print all of the articles!

  Issue 20 contents

Interview: They�re Not All Bastards
The Australian Industry Group�s Roger Boland is one employer representative who believes trade unions will continue to play an important role in the economy - and society - of the future.

Unions: Always the Pay is No Good
Fair Wear's campaign for clothing industry homeworkers is changing the way we think about consuming.

History: A Refreshing Advance
Women workers organising in the NSW Rail and Tramways Department Refreshment Rooms in the 1920s.

International: MAI Back on the Agenda
After being ditched in the wake of an international cyber-protest, the World Trade Organisation is trying to salvage the MAI from the ashes.

International: Courage Against the Odds
A Cuban trade union leader urges for a 30 year blockade to be lifted, with a fundraiser to be held this Thursday.

Review: Without You I'm Nothing
British pop music doesnt come any better than Placebo.

» Direct Links to Timor Militia Revealed

» Child Laws Cause School Camp, Sport Chaos

» False Advertising Complaint on Second Wave

» Its Official. Howard's Public Sector Cuts Hurt Everyone

» Hard-Hats Only as Builders Strip for Outworkers

» Unions Unite to Protect Jobs in the Bush

» Square Eyes Workplace Warning

» WorkCover Scheme Has Passed Use-By Date

» Bruised Not Beaten: FSU Battles On

» Gordonstone Miners Win Battle, But Robbed of Justice

» Currawong Spots Up For Grabs

» Workers Online Turns 21!

» Guest Report

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Piers Watch

» Thanks from the Hyde Park Hyatt

» The Chant of a Jilted project Co-ordinator

» Have the Times Really Changed?

» You've Got to be Kidding!

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