Call to reopen diplomatic links

Lisbon - The Timorese Nobel peace laureate, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, urged Portugal and Indonesia yesterday to renew diplomatic links…

Lisbon - The Timorese Nobel peace laureate, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, urged Portugal and Indonesia yesterday to renew diplomatic links after a jailed resistance leader, Mr Xanana Gusmao, said he backed the resumption of ties.

Earlier, Mr Gusmao said from jail in Jakarta that Indonesia and Portugal could establish a form of diplomatic relations previously blocked by Lisbon's demands for his release from prison. Portuguese officials were not immediately available for comment.

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