SBY, Xanana to install commission

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