JAKARTA -- The world's youngest democracy will have to stand on its own feet from Sunday. On this day East Timor will become the first newly independent nation of the 21st century. After more than 400 years of colonial rule by Portugal, 25 years of Indonesian occupation and over two years under U.N. administration, the wish of its people is being fulfilled. This is cause for celebration, but not an occasion to ignore some real worries.
The sun burns relentless over the field of Taci Tolo just outside the country's capital, Dili. This was where the Indonesian Army usually buried its East-Timorese victims. Now locals are building a platform under supervision of Japanese members of the U.N.-forces. At midnight on Sunday, it is on this stage that the secretary general of the U.N., Kofi Annan, will declare the sovereignty of East Timor and hand over power to the recently elected president, former freedom fighter Xanana Gusmao.
Organizers are frantically preparing for 200,000 local and foreign visitors. Estimates vary but the ceremony could cost about $1.4 million. "Some say it's a waste of money, but this is not a ordinary party," says Margherita Tracanelli, project manager responsible for attracting money from sponsors. "This is a celebration of the courage of the East Timorese people and a token of appreciation for the international community. It is to show how far East Timor has come."