Word: gusmão
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Dates: during 2001-2001
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...overseen the reconstruction effort so far, they can expect massive tasks?and expectations. "Independence will mean nothing, and all the sacrifices and deaths and suffering will be in vain, if, in 10 to 15 years we do not improve a little the living conditions of our people," says Xanana Gusm?o, the former resistance leader who looks certain to become his nation's first President. Is East Timor ready for self-government? After centuries of colonialism and repression, it's time, Gusm?o says, for the country "to be making its own decisions, and its own mistakes...
...TIME: Do you believe it's necessary for East Timor to address the past in order to move forward? Gusm?o: In terms of justice, I have told people, yes, they burned your house. They killed people. These men: they will go to trial, they will go to prison. Who will pay for their daily life in prison? The money that you pay in taxation, instead of going to teachers and nurses, will go to prisoners. Do you accept this? What we have discussed is that if we need to repair buildings, the people who burned the buildings will repair them...
...TIME: Are you worried that the election will proceed badly? Gusm?o: I had been very worried about violence. So far, we don't have any reports...
...TIME: Some people say that you yourself need to account for alleged crimes committed by Fretilin and Falintil members. Gusm?o: In May last year, at the conference of Fretilin, I asked members (to) apologize to the people for many crimes. I am ready also because I was central commander of Fretilin. Sometimes, I think we should have a tribunal. If I have to go to trial...
...TIME: Are you worried that TNI (Indonesia's army) might return to East Timor with the aim of retaking the country? Gusm?o: I don't believe TNI will. The militias, yes, they could come (and) infiltrate. But in my perception, TNI is already going toward the right way. East Timor is an international issue now. If the TNI were to come again, it would be suicide. I don't believe Mega (Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri) would allow this. I don't believe the generals would allow this...