INTRA-EAST TIMORESE DIALOGUE ADOPTS '1996 BURG SCHLAINING DECLARATION'; CALLS FOR CONTINUING TALKS
Press Release
SG/2021
INTRA-EAST TIMORESE DIALOGUE ADOPTS '1996 BURG SCHLAINING DECLARATION'; CALLS FOR CONTINUING TALKS
19960322 STADT SCHLAINING, Austria, 22 March (UN Information Service) -- Concluding an all inclusive intra-East Timorese dialogue at Schlaining castle, Austria, today, 29 East Timorese, representing a broad cross-section of political opinion from inside and outside the Territory, called for a continuation of the discussion, which was initiated by the Secretary-General in connection with his efforts to resolve the question of East Timor.In a signed declaration, participants noted the "positive atmosphere" that had prevailed during the dialogue and expressed interest and readiness to continue the sessions in the same framework in order to consider practical measures conducive to settling the question of East Timor.
Adopted by consensus, the declaration expresses interest in the establishment of an East Timorese cultural centre in Dili to research the culture, language, customs and tradition of the Territory. It welcomes Portugal's support for East Timor University as well as practical training for East Timorese youth and proposes that Indonesia provide further opportunities for East Timorese to have a greater role in the administration of the Territory.
The 1996 "Burg Schlaining Declaration" pays special tribute to the "invaluable role" of the Catholic Church in East Timor and its positive cooperation with other religions.
Facilitated by the United Nations, the intra-East Timorese dialogue served to explore practical ideas that could have a positive impact on the situation in East Timor and assist in creating a conducive atmosphere for a solution of that question. The Government of Austria provided meeting facilities and accommodation for all participants. A number of other governments also extended financial support to this initiative.
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