Doing justice in East Timor<\/p>\n
It would be tragic, after the consensus on sending in a
\nmultinational peace-keeping force, if the question of a tribunal
\nwas allowed to become an East-West debate. Ideologies differ, but
\nthe most basic human rights are universal: the right to life,
\nfood and shelter. These have been shamefully denied to the people
\nof East Timor in recent months. Before that, for 24 years since
\nIndonesia invaded the province, the people's freedom was severely
\ncurtailed.<\/p>\n
Rebuilding the stricken province and establishing a stable
\ngovernment may take decades, but justice can be done more
\nquickly. Whether or not agreement can be reached in (Tuesday's)
\nUN session, the means must be found to punish those responsible
\nfor the destruction of East Timor, no matter how high their
\nposition may be.<\/p>\n
There have been international tribunals for the former
\nYugoslavia and Rwanda; there is no reason why there cannot be one
\nfor East Timor. Those who have committed barbaric crimes in East
\nTimor should understand that there is no hiding place.<\/p>\n
Ideally they must face an international panel with a balance
\nof experts from Asia and the West. However, if that cannot be
\nagreed upon, the UN must continue to look for alternatives. The
\nSecretary-General has the authority to appoint an inquiry
\ncommission, and, if necessary, he must take that step alone.<\/p>\n
-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/doing-justice-in-east-timor-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }