Timor Leste marks 30 years after RI's invasion
Timor Leste marks 30 years after RI's invasion
Agence France-Presse, Dili
About 300 East Timorese called for an international tribunal to
try soldiers accused of human rights violations as they marked
the 30th anniversary of Indonesia's invasion of the tiny
territory.
The protesters marched through the capital Dili, waving
banners and shouting slogans demanding justice for victims of the
occupation.
"We will continue to cry for justice on behalf of the victims
and this is the time for criminal actors to be brought to an
international court," said one protester, who asked not to be
named.
"There are many problems facing the nation and people of Timor
Leste, but we believe that the people will never forget what
happened 30 years ago and what they have gone through," he said.
Indonesia invaded the former East Timor on Dec. 7, 1975, after
Portuguese colonizers disbanded the territory. Jakarta's move was
never recognized by the United Nations.
The protesters also denounced the August creation of the
Commission of Truth and Friendship by Indonesia and Timor Leste
aimed at coming to terms with past bloodshed.
"The people will patiently fight for justice and fight leaders
whose policies are against human rights principles," another
protester told AFP.
The commission has said it plans to talk to former East
Timorese rebel leaders, top Indonesian military officers and
former pro-Jakarta militiamen.
Militia gangs, which the United Nations has said were
recruited and directed by Indonesia's military, went on an arson
and killing spree before and after East Timorese voted for
independence in a UN-sponsored ballot in August 1999.
They killed about 1,400 independence supporters and laid waste
to much of the infrastructure in the half-island.
An Indonesian court set up to try military officers and
officials for atrocities in Timor Leste has been labeled a sham
by critics. Of the 18 people tried, 17 have now been acquitted
and one is still appealing.
Timor Leste gained full independence in May 2002 after more
than two years of United Nations stewardship.
The East Timorese government opposes calls for an
international tribunal for suspects, saying the priority is
reconciliation with its giant neighbor.
Documents released last week in the United States showed that
U.S. officials were aware of Indonesia's invasion plans nearly a
year in advance but adopted "a policy of silence".
A separate East Timorese commission of inquiry into human
rights abuses that occurred between 1975 and 1999 produced a
2,500 page report with recommendations for action which have yet
to be publicly released.
Timor Leste President Xanana Gusmao handed the report to his
parliament late last month but wanted it withheld from the
public, amid an outcry from opposition politicians and rights
activists.