ABC
Last Update: Sunday, August 24, 2003. 9:18pm (AEST)
E Timor President attempts reconciliation talks
The President
of East Timor, Xanana Gusmao, has held the first in a series
of reconciliation talks with former militia leaders near his country's
border with Indonesian West Timor.
Many ex-militia
did not show, but Mr Gusmao took advantage of the border
visit to convince refugees to come home.
Four ex-militia
leaders accused of crimes against humanity had been given
temporary immunity to cross the border for talks, but they and six other
anti-independence leaders failed to show.
Mr Gusmao
pressed on regardless, pleading with more than 100 refugees and
ex-militia to return home to East Timor.
Cross-border
clashes earlier this year and the impending withdrawal of
United Nations peacekeepers next June have highlighted the need for
reconciliation.
There are
still about 28,000 East Timorese refugees living across the
border in Indonesian West Timor.
Mr Gusmao
plans to make several more visits to the border in the next few
months.