Title: Ceremonies of Reconciliation as Prelude to Violence in Suai, East TimorSubmitted by: James J. Fox, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, The Australian National UniversitySuai was the scene of some of the worst violence to occur in East Timor. In response to violence in the lead-up to the popular referendum there was a conserted effort, led by local Catholic priests, to achieve some form of reconciliation between pro-integrationist militia groups and supporters of East Timorese independence. A large ceremony was held on the Sunday before the vote to proclaim this reconciliation, which included both a mass of reconcilation and a rally attended by members of both factions. A week later, the church, where the mass had been held, was destroyed, those sheltering inside were killed, and the all of the priests involved in the reconciliation effort were murdered. This paper looks at this event within the context of local society, the political situation prompted by the opportunity of the vote, and comments made by participants at the ceremony. Return to Abstracts menuCarol Burnett Phone: 61 - 3 - 9349 1899 Email: c.burnett@asialink.unimelb.edu.au
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