Cory warns Timor leaders of transition gov't difficulties

Former President Corazon Aquino warned visiting East Timorese leaders Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta yesterday of the difficulties of transition from oppression to democracy.

Mrs. Aquino recalled her experiences in hurdling coup attempts and an economic crisis during her term as the two pro-independence leaders were honored yesterday by the EDSA People Power Commission in a luncheon at a Makati City hotel.

Gusmao and Ramos-Horta were on the last day of a four-day visit to Manila. They have been touring Asian countries seeking financial assistance for their country's recovery from the devastation at the hands of pro-Indonesia militias.

The luncheon in their honor coincided with the commemoration of the Feb. 7, 1986 snap presidential elections that led to the people's power revolt at EDSA.

"EDSA would be a picnic compared to the bloodshed in East Timor's bid for independence," Mrs. Aquino said.

She pointed out that the Filipino experience was "practically benign and less difficult than what the people of East Timor went through."

Pro-Jakarta militias and troops in East Timor unleashed a wave of violence after its people voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from Indonesia last year.

Prior to the tribute, the visitors met privately with Mrs. Aquino, whom they consider an icon of democracy.

Gusmao and Ramos-Horta sought her advice, particularly on the process that led to the Philippine transitional government in 1986.

Deedee Sytangco, Mrs. Aquino's spokeswoman, said the former president recalled the difficulties she faced during her six-year term, particularly the threat from those seeking to overthrow her government.

The visitors told Mrs. Aquino how her late husband, former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, served as an inspiration in their fight for East Timor's independence from Indonesia.

Gusmao said they had followed the life of Aquino, noting that the former senator had tackled the East Timor issue as early as 1982 during a speech at a US university.

Ramos-Horta pointed out that he once asked Aquino not to forget East Timor if ever he became president.