August 14, 1999
Web posted at: 12:58 p.m. EDT (1658 GMT)

In this story: 'We're not ready for independence' 'We don't need to campaign anymore' RELATED STORIES, SITES

DILI, Indonesia (CNN) -- East Timorese who back autonomy within Indonesia staged a public rally Saturday, the first day of the campaign for East Timor's future.

The historic vote, where the East Timorese will choose between autonomy and independence, is set for August 30. The U.N. Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) is supervising the vote.

"The people of East Timor, whatever side of the issue they are on, are determined to have their say in this ballot," said UNAMET chief Ian Martin.

Representatives of both positions signed a code of conduct last week promising to remain peaceful, although the days before the campaign saw a wave of violence sweep the former Portuguese colony.

Nearly 450,000 people registered to vote despite continued violence

Indonesia annexed the territory in 1975 and agreed last January to hold the vote: Indonesia's government says it will grant the province independence if a majority of its people favor it.

But pro-Indonesian militias sprang up in the wake of that announcement, and pro-independence activists accused them of violence and intimidation.

The militias deny any such tactics.

"We're only taking care of security," said one member taking part in Saturday's rally.

The demonstrators wore red and white -- the colors of the Indonesian flag. Organizers handed out T-shirts and headbands and distributed fliers.

One of the demonstrators said East Timor has no other choice but to vote for integration with Indonesia.

"We're not ready for independence," he said.

Basilio Dias de Araujo of the Forum for Peace, Security and Justice, predicted victory for autonomy.

"East Timor is still under the control of integration," he said. "We will win."

The demonstrators spent hours in a dusty field, then paraded without incident around the streets of the capital Dili.

Some of those at the rally, however, said intimidation and bribery played a part in their decision to attend. One woman told CNN she was told to come by her village chief; another said she was promised money.

Noticeably missing from the campaign opening were proponents of independence.

Deep in the jungles of East Timor, Rebel commander Taur Matan Ruak said the independence movement won't be demonstrating.

"We've campaigned for the past 23 years," he said. "We don't need to campaign anymore."

Independence, he said, will win the vote overwhelmingly.

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