History of East Timor

Division

Jan 1, 1913

The island of Timor is divided into East and West. Portugal retains possesion of East Timor.

Self-Government

Jan 1, 1974

The Portuguese recognise East Timor's right to self-government and declare their intension to withdraw after more than 400 years of rule.

27th Province

Jan 1, 1976

Indonesia declares East Timor its 27th Province.

War

Jan 1, 1977

War between Indonesian forces and the pro-independence group Fretilin.

Xanana Gusmao

Jan 1, 1979

Xanana Gusmao emerges as the East Timorsese independence leader.

Massacre of Independence Supporters

Jan 1, 1991

Massacre of East Timorese independence supporters at Dilli's Santa Cruz cemetery.

Jailed for Life

Jan 1, 1992

Xanana Gusmao captured by indonesian troops and jailed for life for subversion.

B.J.Habibie

Jan 1, 1998

Indonesia's President B.J. Habibie proposes a special autononmous status for East Timor.

Independence

Jan 1, 1999

May-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and foregn ministers of Portugal and Indonesia agree on a political settlement for East Timor. East Timorese to vote for either complete independence from Indonesia or autonomy within Indonesia.
August-98.6% of voters in East Timor cast ballets in the referendum. 78.5% choose independence.
September-Militia groups supporting Indonesia attack pro-independence supporters.
October-Indonesian government agrees to recognize the vote fro East Timorese indpendence.

New Nation

Jan 1, 2002

Xanana Gusmao is announced the President-elect of East Timor, the world's newest nation!