Jakarta – Leader of the National Council for East Timorese Resistance (CNRT) Xanana Gusmao hails the Aug. 30 ballot results as a victory for all East Timorese and calls for an immediate presence of an international force in East Timor to protect the people from the Indonesian Military (TNI).

"TNI has not abided by the May 5 agreement and has 15,000 TNI 'troops, 8,000 policemen and 2,000 members of the Army's Elite Forces [Kopassus] in the territory. Indonesia might as well deny East Timorese people their freedom," a pensive and glassy eyed Xanana told reporters Saturday following the announcement of the ballot results.

He said the presence of Indonesian security forces in the territory showed that either TNI Chief Gen. Wiranto was unable to control his men or was unwilling to do so.

TNI spokesman Brig. Gen. Sudradjat meanwhile said TNI accepted the ballot results with all sincerity.

Sudradjat said TNI and the police would remain in East Timor until the end of November as mandated by the May 5 tripartite agreement. Until then, they would work closely with the United Nations to maintain security and peace in East Timor, Sudradjat said as quoted by Antara.

Dili Bishop Belo appealed on all East Timorese to forgive each other and as brothers accept the ballot results with an open heart.

"Let's forget the bitter past and welcome a promising future," the bishop said in an interview with Antara. "East Timor belongs to all people with goodwill, people who want a peaceful, just, democratic and prosperous East Timor," he said.