-
Portugal retains possession of East Timor
The Island of Timor is divided into East and West. Portugal retains possession of East Timor -
Self-Government
The Portuguese recognise East Timor's right to self-government and declare their intension to withdraw after more than 400 years of rule. -
War
War between Indonesian forces and the pro-independence group Fretilin. -
Xanana Gusmao
Xanana Gusmao emerges as the East Timorsese independence leader. -
Massacre of Independence Supporters
Massacre of East Timorese independence supporters at Dilli's Santa Cruz cemetery. -
Jailed for Life
Xanana Gusmao captured by indonesian troops and jailed for life for subversion. -
Nobel Peace Prize given to Leaders of East Timorese Independence Movement
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the leaders of the East Timorese independence movement. Bishop Carlos Belo and Jose Ramos Horta. -
East Timor Is Given Autonomous Status
Indonesia’s President B.J. Habibie proposes a special autonomous status for East Timor. -
Fretilin is Declared Winner in Parliamentary Elections
First democratic parliamentary elections are held to elect the members of East Timor’s first Constituent assembly. Pro-independence party Fretilin is declared the winner. -
East Timor is Officially Declared a Nation
Xanana Gusmao is announced the President-elect of east Timor, the worlds newest nation.
