Doing justice in East Timor

Doing justice in East Timor

It would be tragic, after the consensus on sending in a multinational peace-keeping force, if the question of a tribunal was allowed to become an East-West debate. Ideologies differ, but the most basic human rights are universal: the right to life, food and shelter. These have been shamefully denied to the people of East Timor in recent months. Before that, for 24 years since Indonesia invaded the province, the people's freedom was severely curtailed.

Rebuilding the stricken province and establishing a stable government may take decades, but justice can be done more quickly. Whether or not agreement can be reached in (Tuesday's) UN session, the means must be found to punish those responsible for the destruction of East Timor, no matter how high their position may be.

There have been international tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda; there is no reason why there cannot be one for East Timor. Those who have committed barbaric crimes in East Timor should understand that there is no hiding place.

Ideally they must face an international panel with a balance of experts from Asia and the West. However, if that cannot be agreed upon, the UN must continue to look for alternatives. The Secretary-General has the authority to appoint an inquiry commission, and, if necessary, he must take that step alone.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong