-
1980
Gusmao became leader of Falintil, the armed wing of Fretilin. -
Period: to
East Timor
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1991
The massacre of over 270 civilians, gathered at the funeral of a young man killed by Indonesian troops was witnessed by reporter Allan Nairn. Nairn was arrested, beaten and banned from the country. -
1991
Indonesian troops under Lt. Gen’l. Sintong Panjaitan killed at least 50 demonstrators in Dili, East Timor. -
1992
Gusmao is captured in a safehouse near Dili a major setback for the resistance to indonesian rule -
1993
Gusmao is convicted of subversion and given a life sentence -
1993
East Timorese people start to seek political asylsum in foreign embassies in Jakarta. -
1993
Konis Santana took over leadership of the Fretilin Party after the jailing of Xanana Gusmao -
1996
The Bishop of Dili, Carlos Belo, and resistance leader Jose Ramos Horta are both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for their efforts in raising international awareness on East Timors fight for independence -
1997
East Timor rebel leader, Alex, died of gunshot wounds in Dili. Rebels claim that he not killed by the wound but died under interrogation -
1998
After Suharto‘s departure, various independence movements gained momentum -
1998
A young timorese boy who was gathering wood was shot dead by a soldier. Officers apologized and the soldier was charged. -
1998
An agreement is made between Indonesia and the UN to allow human rights observers access to East Timor. -
1999
Indonesia says it will consider independence for East Timor if people reject autonomy. -
1999
Gusmao moved from Jakarta prison to house arrest. Because of increasing violence by anti-independence activists, Gusmao orders guerrillas to resume independence struggle -
1999
Indonesia and Portugal sign agreement to allow East Timorese to vote on their future. -
1999
It is estimated that 40 to 60 thousand people were driven from their homes in East Timor by 13 anti-independence militia groups. -
1999
99% of 450,000-strong electorate votes in UN-organised referendum. -
1999
Result of referendum shows 78% voters favoured independence. -
1999
Gusmao released and the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor is established -
1999
International donors at a Tokyo conference agree to provide US $520 million in aid to help rebuild East Timor.
