Chinese evacuees airlifted from riot-torn East Timor arrived in east China's Fujian Province yesterday evening.

 

Two Boeing aircraft carrying 246 of them landed at Gaoqi International Airport in Xiamen at around 9:30 PM. The evacuees, most of whom were businessmen, are from Guangdong, Fujian and Shandong provinces.

 

Liu Laiyan, 50, from Fujian, spoke of the terrible impact of the troubles. "The violence has left me penniless," he said. "Without the help of the government it would be impossible for us to get over the calamity."

 

Wang Deren, who returned home with five relatives, told reporters he felt a feeling of warmth when he saw officials from his hometown of Pingtan in Fujian waiting for him at the airport. "It feels so good to be home," he said.

 

Most Fujian natives residing in East Timor earn a living selling household electrical appliances and groceries.

 

In Beijing, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing urged consular officials to intensify efforts to protect overseas Chinese. He was speaking at a launch ceremony for the Division of Consular Protection under the Department of Consular Affairs.

 

Before the violence erupted there were some 500 Chinese people living in Dili. More than 200 had departed before the evacuation planes arrived, according to Chinese Ambassador Su Jian. With yesterday's airlift only a few Chinese remained to take care of their shops in case of looting, he added.

 

The violence, which escalated last week, has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people to date. Reports said that the current riots were triggered by factional clashes between the military and the government and there was a danger of the violence escalating into civil war.

 

(China Daily May 30, 2006)