Subject: 'austraLasia' #251

INTERVIEW WITH THE RECTOR OF LOS PALOS

(Fr. Agostinho Soares)

ANS (unofficial translation!)

Note: Fr. Soares has just arrived in Rome from East Timor. He had, anyway,

been expected there to commence a course in catechetics and Youth Ministry.

ANS - How was it for you personally from the time that the Militias began to

attack?

A - I had gone to Dili on 1st September, and the militias were beginning

then to set fire to buildings. I actually saw them myself that evening;

they began up on the mountain, then moved towards the city burning

everything in their path. The people were in a state of terror and sought

refuge in the Bishop's House, in our house at Comoro, in other houses,

especiallythose of the Sisters. They needed protection. They had nothing

with them other than the clothes they wore - they were too much in shock and

only seeking to escape the violence.

On 7th Septemebr I returned to Los Palos to gather my things. I had noticed

anything in particular, but they advised me that there was a plan... they

said that the greater problems came from the Indonesian soldiers who wanted

everyone out of Timor. So after getting to Los Palos I headed for Laga in

order to be away from a dangerous spot. Once at Laga, where there is

another Salesian presence, I stayed with them there because they told me the

soldiers and militias were looking for me. I had gone to laga but on that

very day the burning started at Los Palos.

ANS - So they were looking for you. But why?

A - While I was at Los Palos I had done what I could to defend the people.

The militias had told me I was meddling in politics! That's the reasons

they weren't too happy with me. I had been there seven years. Now they

wanted to imprison me.

ANS - And what about when you began to share the life of the refugee with

other refugees?

A - In practice I began to understand that Timor had suffered too much; hat

the militias and Indonesian soldiers were out to execute a general plan to

eradicate the Timorese. Hence the present rampage. Many found themselves

with no option but to flee into the mountains or go to Atambus or to Kupang

in West Timor. Thoe who headed for the mountains took nothing with them.

They simply wanted to escape the soldiers and militias. I saw the suffering

of young people alone up in the mountains; we were able to understand

something of the situation because we'd had some years of living under

difficulties, but this was much worse. I felt myself to be a refugee even

though I hadn't left East Timor, because I'd had to go to Laga then to

Fatumaca where I waited until things got better...it was a long wait!

ANS - When you eventually returned to Dili to come out, what did you notice?

A - I saw just about all the homes burnt. The Bishop's House too, and other

buildings.

ANS - What struck you most forcible of all there in Dili?

A - I found myself faced with chaos. Everything detroyed. But the

international force weas already trying to restore some order. Some of

those who had fled were now returning. Those I saw had nothing.

ANS - How did the people seem to you? Could you see from their faces?

A - They had nothing, but despite their ordeal they were not sad. It seemed

to me they could even have been a little glad that now they could prepare to

be independent. And there was hope that many organizations and people would

help them.

ANS - From what you know, what is the situation of the Confreres still in

Timor?

A - The confreres are sharing their difficulties with the refugees. Some

are in Kupang if I am not mistaken. Fr. Carbonnel is trying to help them.

None of the confreres has been hurt. They are all well.

_____________________________________________

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