Kerry B. Collison, Saturday, December 17. 2005
E. Timor truth commission to evaluate general's role in violence
(Kyodo) - Members of the Commission of Truth and Friendship of Indonesia and East
Timor said Friday they expect to examine the role of retired Gen. Wiranto in human
rights violations committed in East Timor in 1999
"About the position of Wiranto, it is clear we will review it. Be patient," said the chair
of the commission, Benjamin Mangkudilaga, referring to the former head of the
Indonesian armed forces.
Human Rights activists have long demanded that Wiranto, who was in charge of the
security situation in East Timor before and after a U.N.-organized referendum on
independence in 1999, should be held accountable for the killings and demolition
campaign in the then Indonesian territory.
Achmad Ali, a member of the commission, said that the commission does not have
the authority to force anyone to testify.
"The commission is not a judicial body. So this process is not going to lead to a
formal tribunal," Ali said.
Besides recommending amnesty for those involved in human rights violations who
cooperate fully in revealing the truth, the commission also recommend the
governments to give compensation to the victims, Ali added.
The commission, consisting of 10 members, five each from Indonesia and East Timor,
has worked since Aug. 11 and has a mandate for a year that can be extended one
more year and is based in the Bali provincial capital of Denpasar.
A campaign of burnings and killings occurred in East Timor after it voted in the
referendum to separate from Indonesia.
All 17 military and civilians officers charged with human rights abuses in East Timor
have been acquitted, while a pro-Indonesia militia leader is still having his case
processed.
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