Security concerns on the road to East Timor's reconstruction

February 25, 2000
Web posted at: 1:23 p.m. HKT (0523 GMT)

From Correspondent Maria Ressa

DILI, East Timor (CNN) -- Nearly six months after militias armed and backed by the Indonesian military destroyed the cities of East Timor, the tiny nation- in-waiting faces a raft of obstacles to reconstruction.

But aid officials say East Timor remains in a state of ground zero and will need to be rebuilt brick-by-brick.

In order to rebuild, the new commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces says security is key. Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos told CNN stability was also high on his agenda ( Listen to Lt. Gen. de los Santos discuss East Timor's future with CNN's Maria Ressa) .

MESSAGE BOARD Indonesia and East Timor     RESOURCES TIME: Victory Signs TIME: Extended Interview - General Wiranto TIME: Exclusive Interview - Juwono Sudarsono Asiaweek: The Taming of the General     ALSO       QUICK VOTE Do you think East Timor can survive as an independent nation? Yes No View Results

"For the people to have peace of mind, have psychological and physical security. They can move around their country without fear, and they can indulge in any activity of their liking," he said.

Meanwhile, aid organizations are moving swiftly to piece East Timor back together.

World Food Program Executive Director Catherine Bertini is appalled by the prevailing conditions.

"Until you see the devastation first hand, it's hard to believe. Houses totally destroyed, and no rooms, no furniture. Nothing throughout the area," Bertini said.

Wendy Rappaport of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said the euphoria that swept East Timor in the wake of the successful independence ballot in August last year was undergoing a reality check.

The initial jubilation has been tempered by the reality of rebuilding the country and jumpstarting the economy.

"The country is theirs now, and everyone had bright hopes and ideas for the future. Now I think there is a growing frustration the jobs are not there, the economy is not picking up, the humanitarian aid is not getting out to the people fast enough.

"Part of the problem: a lack of good roads, transportation and coordination," Rappaport said.

But food, homes and jobs are only the first step, for the next two to three years. The U.N. and other international aid groups will help East Timor create its civil, justice, political and economic systems. The goal is to do all that without leaving behind an aid-dependant society.

The former Portuguese territory of East Timor was invaded by Indonesian forces in 1975 and declared an Indonesian province the following year.

A low-level guerrilla war was waged by independence fighters until the independence ballot was allowed by former Indonesian President B.J. Habibie last year.

U.N. peacekeepers take control of East Timor
February 23, 2000
East Timor receives international aid for reconstruction
February 22, 2000
Aceh rebels deny leader wounded by Indonesian military
February 21, 2000
U.N. chief says international court possible for East Timor
February 18, 2000
Indonesian defense minister asks Wiranto to resign
February 4, 2000

United Nations Home Page
United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
CIA -- The World Factbook 1999 -- Indonesia
Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights

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