SBY, Xanana to install commission

JAKARTA: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao will jointly inaugurate the Commission of Truth and Friendship on Thursday in Denpasar and sign an agreement that will provide a legal umbrella for the new body's activities.

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Sunday the Memorandum of Understanding would also "formalize" the appointment of five Indonesians and five Timorese to the commission.

"Because the commission involves two countries, a presidential decree is not sufficent (as a legal basis). We need a legal format which binds both Indonesia and Timor Leste," Hassan said.

The commission will try to unveil gross human rights violations in the aftermath of a 1999 referendum where East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia.

The inauguration of the commission members will take place at the gubernatorial office in Jakarta, Antara reported. -- Antara