Rights in Timor better respected

Rights in Timor better respected

JAKARTA: Social and political tensions in East Timor are less
this year, giving a boost to respect for human rights, a rights
activist and a councilor said.

Clementino Dos Reis Amaral, a member of the National
Commission on Human Rights said yesterday East Timor is less
tense than it was last year. In the capital Dili, restaurants and
amusement centers are open until as late as 8 p.m.

A year ago, he said, shops and houses would have closed as
soon as sunset, mainly for security concerns.

Separately, Manuel Viegas Carrascalao said the condition of
human rights in East Timor is improving, but warned that the
undercurrent of tension may surface if stability is not carefully
managed. (yac)