Macau – The vice-rector of the University of East Timor, and other three Timorese, are currently under surveillance and may be detained by the Indonesian authorities, local resistance sources have said.

They told Lusa on Tuesday that vice-rector Armindo Maia, as well as deputy Mario Carrascalao, Protestant Pastor Arlindo Marcal and another Timorese identified as David Ximenes, could be detained by the Indonesian authorities because they were seen as individuals capable of "damaging the image of Indonesia".

The arrests could take place anytime after today's inauguration of the Baucau bishop, D. Basilio do Nascimento.

Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed it one year later in a move not recognised by the United Nations that still regards Portugal as the territory's administering power.

Lisbon has demanded that East Timor be given the right to self-determination.