Timorese greet rights probe

Timorese greet rights probe

DILI, East Timor: Local legislators are welcoming the National Commission on Human Rights' investigation into the Jan. 12 killing in Liquisa of six people the military said were rebels.

Manuel Carrascalao and Manuel C.G. Oliveira say the investigation is expected to help promote more respect for human rights in the territory.

"The people are happy that the commission came and listened to them about what happened. Although their conclusion may not satisfy them, the people are happy that at least their grief was known," Carrascalao said.

He said because the commission was conducting an investigation into the incident, the local people should forget about inviting international bodies, such as Amnesty International, or special envoys from the United Nations to look into the matter.

Oliveira pointed out that the wish of certain people wish to seek foreign intervention in human rights issues in East Timor shows a lack of trust in the local military, legislature and administration.

"So far only a few people report on their problems to the administration, the Armed Forces or the legislative council. Their distrust stems from the fact that those institutions have failed to defend their interests," he told The Jakarta Post. (yac)