Padang – Influential Indonesian Moslem leader Amien Rais on Friday backed a referendum on the future of East Timor. Rais, leader of the 28-million-strong Islamic group Muhammadiyah, said a referendum could be held under the supervision of international agencies.

"But if the results show that the majority wish to integrate with Indonesia, the East Timorese should accept that without fuss," Rais told a gathering of some 10,000 loyalists in this city on Sumatra island. While Rais backed a referendum, he deplored foreign political pressure on Indonesia to hold such an exercise, describing it as "outrageous."

He believed such a strategy was part of attempts to fragment Indonesia. "If their scenario succeeds then they will be able to divide and rob... Indonesia," Rais added.