Militia sprer terror i flyktningeleirene

EAST TIMOR MILITIAS SPREAD TERROR IN REFUGEE CAMPS Volunteers Say There Is Lack of Water and Food

RIMINI, OCT 3 (ZENIT).- In one of the main refugee camps the militias killed 15 people, 12 of whom were pregnant women. "In another camp, 3 children died of dysentery, caused by polluted water. Humanitarian aid has arrived, but what worries the 200,000 refugees in East Timor most is their safety, because there are bands of militias who continue to raid with impunity, killing all (those) believed to be in favor of East Timor's independence."

This information was given on the telephone by three members of "Operation Dove," a project of the John XXIII Association of Rimini. "Operation Dove" went on a peace mission to East Timor fifteen days ago to help the refugees. The three volunteers telephoned before taking a plane to East Timor loaded with humanitarian aid, to be distributed by Italian nuns.

Alberto Capannini, responsible for the operation, said: "An atmosphere of much fear and uncertainty reigns among the more than 200,000 refugees. They can be classified in three categories: those housed in private homes. We have seen and visited homes housing 50 people who sleep everywhere, packed like sardines. Then there are those housed in parishes, who are the most fortunate, because the parish buildings are protected from the militias' incursions by a number of volunteers. Finally, there are those who are the worst off, the largest number, who live in refugee camps. The earth is their floor, and nylon and branches their roof. Often, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the heat is unbearable here and, in the camps, life is (also) unbearable, because of the lack of water, sanitary facilities and food. The refugees' only desire is to return to their homes in East Timor. But, for the time being, they have to wait."

A few days ago, Operation Dove's "white helmets," directed by Fr. Benzi, had an interview with the Nuncio in Jakarta, and with Bishop Peter Turang of Kupang. "One of our objectives is to be there where opposition fronts emerge, to live with those suffering in war. In this way, and even risking our life, we believe we can contribute to opening unimaginable paths of hope for peace and reconciliation," Capannini said. ZE99100301

Zenit