The event saw widespread violence engulf the small nation and resulted in an Australian-led peacekeeping force being deployed. A diplomat, an activist and an SBS journalist who were there, recall the crisis unfolding in Dili.
Timor Anniversary
Timor Leste's President Francisco Guterres at a ceremony to mark the independence of Timor Leste anniversary. Source: AAP
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It's been 20 years since a historic independence referendum took place in Timor Leste, one of Australia's closest neighbours.
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