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  The island of Timor is divided into East and West. Portugal retains possession of East Timor.
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  'Timor and dependencies' are included on the United Nations list of non-self-governing countries.
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  The Portuguese recognise East Timor's right to self-government and declare their intension to withdraw after more than 400 years of rule.
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  Indonesia declares East Timor its 27th Province.
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  War between Indonesian forces and the pro-independence group Fretilin.
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  Xanana Gusmao emerges as the East Timorsese independence leader.
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  Massacre of East Timorese independence supporters at Dilli's Santa Cruz cemetery.
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  Xanana Gusmao captured by indonesian troops and jailed for life for subversion.
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  Indonesia's President B.J. Habibie proposes a special autononmous status for East Timor.
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  UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and foregn ministers of Portugal and Indonesia agree on a political settlement for East Timor. East Timorese to vote for either complete independence from Indonesia or autonomy within Indonesia.