SENIOR EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE BRIEF

Created: 4/7/1999

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DATE: MAR

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rader Taking Dangerous Gamble

Timorese leader Xanana's surprise puMic call for new attacks on Indonesian milUary units and prointegrationist civilian militias may be an attempt to hasten UN involvement in the province. Xanana's lawyer on Mondayress conference rhai the jailed guerrilla will revoke his call to arms if the UNresence in East Timor to disarm tbe militias.

A lop Habibie aide warned that Xanana's declaration could undermine UN-sponsored tripartite talks with Portugal scheduled for next weekJ

Xanana has been under pressure from supporters to modify his longstanding call for bis guerrilla fighters to exercise restraint in the face of provocations by the militia or tbe army, according to press reports. He admittedritten statement that the new policy couldbloodbaJT bu noted be had no alternative. The policy reversal foCows attacks on his supporters this week

it cannot confirm that Indonesian forces joined tne atiacKS rjy prolntegration militias but notes the militiasain road leading to the provincial capital of Dili, presumably with the military's rwrrnissionl-

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