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)