Pro-independence guerillas have freed a captured Indonesian army officer, clearing the way for Jakarta to withdraw its last remaining troops from East Timor.
The UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (Untaet) said Captain I. G. Hartawan had been released to UN staff by the Falantil guerillas on Tuesday after being held since September 7.
East Timor was formally placed under Untaet control on Tuesday to prepare the territory for full independence.
The chief military liaison officer of the UN Assistance Mission in East Timor (Unamet), Brigadier-General Rezaqul Haider, oversaw the handover with Falintil chief Xanana Gusmao at the guerilla base at Remexio.
'The officer was then brought to Unamet headquarters in Dili and dressed in a TNI [Indonesian military] uniform. Captain Hartawan was officially handed over to authorities of the Indonesian task force,' Unamet said.
About 1,000 Indonesian troops had remained in the East Timor capital Dili and officers had reportedly told Unamet they would not leave until Captain Hartawan was safely in their hands.
Colonel Mark Kelly, of the international force Interfet, could not give a firm date for the departure of the last troops, but he said 'there are indications it will be soon'.