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The island of Timor is divided into East and West. Portugal retains possesion of East Timor.
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The Portuguese recognise East Timor's right to self-government and declare their intension to withdraw after more than 400 years of rule.
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Indonesia declares East Timor its 27th Province.
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War between Indonesian forces and the pro-independence group Fretilin.
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Xanana Gusmao emerges as the East Timorsese independence leader.
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Massacre of East Timorese independence supporters at Dilli's Santa Cruz cemetery.
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Xanana Gusmao captured by indonesian troops and jailed for life for subversion.
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Indonesia's President B.J. Habibie proposes a special autononmous status for East Timor.
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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. -
Xanana Gusmao is announced the President-elect of East Timor, the world's newest nation!
