Rights commission arrives in Dili

DILI, East Timor: A team of the National Commission on Human Rights led by deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman arrived here yesterday to investigate the riot at the University of East Timor last Friday.

Antara quoted commission member Clementino dos Amaral as saying that there had been many conflicting reports on the incident, confusing the public. Along with Amaral, Sugiri and B.M. Marbun will also take part in the investigation.

A clash took place last Friday between students and security personnel. The students were holding a demonstration in commemoration of the Nov. 12, 1990 riot that, according to official statements, led to the death of 50 residents while scores of others went missing.

According to Amaral, the university and residents said students were shot dead in the incident, while the military said no one died.

"The conflicting statements confused the public," he said.

The commission members will stay for several days, and will meet with East Timor Military Chief Col. Salamat Sidabutar, police chief Col. Atok Riswanto, the university's rector, Paulus Kaju, students and local people. (swe)