Portugal: "Don't make the same mistake twice!"
Over 100,000 people have filled the streets of Lisbon,in Portugal's largest demonstrations since the 1975 revolution. Although part of the appeals for these demonstrations came from the Portuguese media, government and state institutions, these mobilisations were so huge and spontaneous that there was no possible centralised political direction.
The traditional political parties were completely overtaken during the process.
The main demand of the masses was the respect for the results of the referendum held in East Timor and a UN intervention in East Timor as the only immediate way of stopping the massacres.
Until September 12, when Jakarta finally accepted the UN intervention, these demonstrations were also accompanied by a very visible anti-American feeling. The contrast in American positions on East Timor and Kosovo was clear to everyone. [SV] Sarisgest of trator
Left bloc statement
According to a leaflet issued by Portugal's radical Left Bloc, "President Habibie's acceptance of the entrance of a United Nations peace force into East Timor constitutes a significant defeat of the Indonesian dictatorship that has occupied the territory for 24 years, with the complicity of the United States of America and the whole "international community".
This defeat was possible, on one hand, thanks to the heroic resistance of the people of East Timor, and their decades-long fight for self-determination and independence.
The massive mobilisations, and the results of the referendum of August 30th, show clearly what the East Timorese people want.
The amazing popular international mobilisation of the last few days helped achieve the defeat of the Indonesian position.
In efforts that took new forms of expression, revolt took the streets forcing the most powerful governments of the world to look at East Timor, and stop the return of the silence of the cemeteries.
10
Through our mobilisations, we have encouraged the reinforcement of diplomatic pressure for the end of the massacres and for the respect of the will of the Timorese people. This first success proves that popular mobilisation was and still is the great force that can determine the course of history. The deployment of a UN peace force cannot, must not stop this struggle of solidarity.
The murderers are still in the territory, developing their politics of burned land, forced deportations of thousand of Timorese A and physical elimination of the leaders and fighters of the resistance, of CNRT and FALINTIL.
Those responsible for these massacres are still freely walking through the corridors of international diplomacy, gaining time in order to pursue their genocide plan. Enough wasted time! It is necessary to act now!
Humanitarian help can arrive immediately to the territory and to the refugee camps of East and Western Timor if the necessary means are deployed... The army, the police and the militias cannot continue killing. The international community cannot accept-under any conditions- the maintenance of more than 20,000 murderers of the Timorese people in its territory. One cannot make the same mistake twice.
The entrance of the UN force must be accompanied by the total and immediate retreat of the Indonesian forces that occupy East Timor! The UN forces have to assure the immediate and safe return of the thousands of refugees, of the leaders and speakers of the resistance, and of commander Xanana Gusmão, as well as the immediate disarmament of the pro-integration militias.
Those responsible for the massacres and deportations must respond to a International Court for the accusation of genocide and extermination of the people of East Timor.
Bloco de Esquerda Lisbon, 13 September 1999
International Viewpoint #315 October 1999 5
* East Timor