From: Julian Fox [jbfox@is.com.fj]

Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 9:37 AM

Subject: 'austraLasia' #218

FROM DILI VIA FMA

A few little bits if information filtering in from Dili via the FMA who are still there:

* Bishop Belo has phoned the Sisters in Dili to keep himself informed of what is happening there and to them

* Things are quieter, especially around the Sisters' community there. Soldiers are providing a minimum of security but especially at night time.

* It would seem that members of Caritas International are due to return to Dili (this news from Sr. Lina in Jakarta).

* From other sources, we know that at Baucau, Venilale,Fuiloro and Laga, where there are other communities of Sisters (and SDB's), things are much quieter, and we are able to hope that there hasn't been violence.

ELSEWHERE (Rome - where else?) the following is happening:

BISHOP BELO'S PROGRAMME -

13TH - arrival in Rome from Portugal. Immediately received by the Pope then stays at the General House (Pisana) during which time he meets with others members of the Vatican Secretariate of State, and Italian political figures.

14th - the Bishop will hold a press conference at the Vatican Press Office.

BBC and RADIO VERITAS have both sought to interview people who have recently come out of East Timor. They have been put in contact with Fr. Jojo in Darwin who is now helping to look after the Timorese community that is in that city.

A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: if there is someone who reads this news item and is able to directly be in touch with someone who knows of the whereabouts and safety of Fr. Jose Vattaparampil in Timor (probably at Fuiloro) could that person please let me know? Fr. Jose's brother who lives in Samoa is understandably anxious having received no direct information since the violence began.

Julian Fox sdb

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