Partai Asosiacao Social Democrat Timor (ASDT) will this week try to get itself registered with the Independent Election Commission. They intend to use Fretilin symbols and the party's political ideology.

This was stated yesterday by ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral in an interview with STL at his residence in Lecidere. "As an old man, and all this time, I had been waiting for them [Fretilin central committee] to unite Fretilin. But sadly till now nothing has been achieved. Because of that, I have decided to form the ASDT Party which will take part in the 30 August elections," said Xavier Amaral.

Xavier Amaral said he had already made preparations to register the party with the Election Commission. "I am psychologically prepared for registering ASDT and we will defend the 28 November 1975 Unilateral Declaration of Independence," said Xavier Amaral.

Xavier Amaral also urged Fretilin leaders to unite, and then register the party with the Election Commission after a declaration of unity had been made. Xavier Amaral warned that if this was not done Fretilin would be split into two or three factions. "If Fretilin is united, I will surrender all my power to the party. A united Fretilin will be the bridge to this country's independence," he said.