Early Independence
The immediate events leading to the genocide in East Timor began after World War II, when Portugal resumed control of it's colony after a brief period of Japanese rule. Portugal continued its policies of destruction and neglecting the island nation. In 1974 Portugal's fascist regime collapsed and a new democratic government emerged. The new government encouraged independence for East Timor. Portugal then sent a new governor to East Timor. One of Mario Lemos Pires's first decrees upon arriving at East Timor was to legalize political parties. Portugal would then declared that elections would start a few month later.
Political Parties
- Timorese Democratic Union (UDT): This party was supported by the local elites. The party wanted to be "in the shadow of the (Portuguese) flag." Later the party would assume a gradualistic view on independence. The party was originally supported by Portugal
- Timorese Social Democratic Association (ASDT): Considered Marxist by the Indonesian and Australian authorities it rather followed a liberal Christian interpretation that resembled Marxism. Second, this was the party that favored independence the most. The party would later be called The Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (FRENTLIN).
- Timorese Democratic Association (APODETI): This party favored integration with Indonesia after independence. The party never established roots in any particular province but gained support from the Muslim minority and the East Timorese who had cooperated with the Japanese during World War II
FRENTLIN Gains Power
UDT and FRENTLIN emerged as the largest parties. Although UDT and FRENTLIN had major differences in their political ideology they decided to form a coalition to usher Timor-Leste to independence. During this time Australia and Indonesia became worried about the communist leaning regime and that East Timor's independence might inspire other cultures to try to break away from their countries. At the same time Portugal became increasingly detached to the developments in East Timor. They were more interested in the colonial developments in Africa and holding their remaining colonies. The United Sates at the same time was worried about the leftist regime and having just signed a military alliance with Indonesia believed that East Timor would destabilize the region. Indonesia's intelligence agency then set up Operation Komodo. The goal of Operation Komodo was to destroy the coalition and increase the support of ADOPETI. During this time the Indonesian Military and Goverment began discussing with the UDT leaders that a FRETLIN led East Timor would not be accepted.