Darwin solidarity group joins ASIET
By Sibylle Kaczorek
DARWIN — This city's East Timor-Indonesia Solidarity Group (ETISG) decided, at its first meeting for the year on January 26, to join the national solidarity group, Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET).
ETISG was formed last May to unite a broad range of activists and organisations who wanted to prepare for the international day of action for East Timor on May 22. ETISG then continued to organise mobilisations in support of the pro-democracy movement in Indonesia and for independence for East Timor. While the Indonesian military were torching East Timor, ETISG tirelessly organised the people of Darwin, work which culminated in the biggest demonstration in the city since the Vietnam War, on September 10.
ETISG members recognised that most of the group's actions were linked to the national activities organised by ASIET and that, for other local actions, ASIET national resources were being used. They therefore decided to make the group part of ASIET's nationwide network.
The January 26 meeting, as well as planning for the national speaking tour by Budiman Sujatmiko and Avelino da Silva (see advertisement this page) and the national day of action for refugee rights in May (see page 3), also discussed local activities, including a possible solidarity brigade from Darwin to East Timor. To get involved in ASIET Darwin, or for more information, phone Sibylle on 8941 7080 or 8981 4714.