Thousands of jubilant East Timorese poured onto the streets of Dili yesterday to watch the opening of a new headquarters for pro-independence forces and the first public raising of the free East Timor flag.
In a ceremony that mixed military solemnity with singing and dancing, the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT) raised its blue, green and white flag outside a seafront bungalow that will serve as its new base.
The CNRT's president, Mr Xanana Gusmao, sent a taped message from his prison house in Jakarta for the ceremony in Dili. He spoke of respect for others and the need for unity among the people.
"Without invitation, people came here in the thousands, compared to the pro-autonomy campaign yesterday which was attended only by several people," Mr Manuel Carrascalao, a CNRT official, said.
On August 30th, some 450,000 East Timorese, both within the territory and elsewhere in the world, will be asked if they accept an offer of autonomy under Indonesian rule.
Saturday's pro-autonomy rally attracted about 1,000 people, but some suggested they had attended out of fear. The opening of the CNRT office was the first public event by supporters of independence for East Timor since the two-week referendum campaign opened on Saturday.