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)