United Nations – Portugal and Indonesia reviewed proposals for autonomy for the disputed territory of East Timor but came to no decision during three days of talks ending on Thursday, a UN official said. The two sides will meet again in New York from November 19-21 after another round of expanded talks with East Timorese leaders in Krumbach, Austria, from October 31 to November 3.

Mr Jamsheed Marker of Pakistan, the special UN representative for East Timor, said two foreign ministry negotiators, Mr Nugroho Wisnumurti of Indonesia and Mr Fernando Nevis of Portugal, had discussed new UN proposals for autonomy. He did not disclose details. "The basic position of both sides remains," he said, adding that the proposals would be reviewed by government leaders in both countries over the next three weeks.

Mr Marker said his proposals on autonomy were not identical to those Indonesia had put forward several months ago. He said there had been progress but "we have a great deal to do as yet and a long way to go".

Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese colony in December 1975 and annexed it the following year. This action has never been recognised by the international community, and UN-sponsored talks have been held sporadically since 1983, seeking an acceptable solution.