A group of 33 East Timorese who sought refuge in Jakarta's Austrian embassy have left the complex for an undisclosed destination.

An embassy spokeswoman says the youths left of their own will and were picked up by the police shortly after they emerged. The spokeswoman says the Indonesian Foreign Ministry has promised that the group will be treated well.

The group entered the embassy last Tuesday to try to meet with visiting United special envoy on East Timor, Jamsheed Marker.

Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese colony of East Timor in 1975 and annexed it the following year, however the annexation has NOT been recognised by the international community.