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Reconciliation Process Already Final
Saturday, 06 August, 2005 | 01:09 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The reconciliation process between Indonesia and East Timor is already final with the setting up of the Commission for Truth and Friendship.

The East Timorese government only wishes to receive apologies from those who committed acts of violence in East Timor.

According to Foreign Minister Nur Hassan Wirajuda, all cases related to alleged human rights violations before and after the 1999 ballot in East Timor will be discussed by the commission and not taken to trial.

However, Wirajuda continued, this does not mean that clemency would be given to those accused during any trials.

However, both Indonesia and East Timor have agreed to conduct the reconciliation process through the Commission of Truth and Friendship.

“Regarding compensation or clemency, there will be a package containing this,” Wirajuda said after holding a press conference together with East Timorese Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta.

The Commission of Truth and Friendship was initiated by the leaders of both Indonesia and East Timor.

The commission was set up following a meeting between Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao in Tampak Siring, Bali, on December 14, 2004.

Three months later, on March 9 this year , the working guidelines for the commission were prepared.

As it was formed by sovereign countries, the commission will be responsible to the Indonesian and East Timorese Presidents.

Therefore, Wirajuda and Horta said they wished for support from the international community. (Rilla Nugraheni-Tempo News Room)