EAST TIMOR: DILI: GUSMAO RETURNS HOME

(22 Oct 1999) Indonesian/Nat

Pro-independence leader Xanana Gusmao has returned to East Timor.

His secretive arrival comes just days after the Indonesian parliament endorsed the results of East Timor's independence referendum, effectively relinquishing control of the province.

Welcomed by hundreds of people, Gusmao gave an emotional speech in the capital Dili.

Trucks with loudspeakers drove through the city streets announcing the homecoming of revered pro-independence leader Xanana Gusmao.

Hundreds of people ran out onto the street to greet him.

Just a few days after the Indonesian parliament endorsed the results of East Timor's independence referendum, Gusmao slipped back into the country aided by Australian troops.

Xanana Gusmao, who for many is the father of East Timor, is likely to become the new country's first president after a period of transition under United Nations control.

His followers were full of emotion as they celebrated his return.

The charismatic 53-year old is the symbol of East Timor's struggle against twenty-two years of Indonesian rule.

He gave a choked address to his followers outside the Governor's house in the capital Dili.

SOUNDBITE: (Tetun)
"To all my brothers, my heroes, to everyone that died, we give respect to them. But the people of East Timor have already shown what they want and we already know what is going to happen now."
SUPERCAPTION: Xanana Gusmao, East Timor Rebel Leader

Gusmao praised the people of East Timor for their courage during the long struggle and urged for reconciliation between the pro and anti-independence factions.

Considered a common criminal by the Indonesian government, Gusmao was imprisoned in 1992 and transferred to house arrest under a proposal by the United Nations.

Peacekeeping commander Major General Peter Cosgrove gave a press conference following Gusmao's return, calling it a joyous day for East Timor.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think all people will be uplifted by seeing somebody who is so important to all of East Timor arriving back here among his people. Those of you who saw the rally will understand that they see that one of their leaders is back with them. We must all acknowledge this as a joyous day for the East Timorese and to hope that with his wise and mature leadership, and together with the other leaders of East Timorese society, that they can actually help the UN manage the transition to nationhood."
SUPERCAPTION: Major General Peter Cosgrove, Peacekeeping force

The people of East Timor have waited a long time for independence - no doubt the celebrations will last for more than one day.

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