UK envoy discusses rights in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: British deputy head of mission, Quinton Quayle, has held talks with head of the provincial office of the National Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS), Florentino Sarmento, on the latest developments in human rights in East Timor.

"We talked about human rights as well as economic and political issues," Florentino was quoted by Antara as saying after their one-hour meeting here Friday.

He said the settlement of the East Timor conflict should touch on and prioritize human rights for the East Timorese.

There are certain groups who use violence to achieve their goals, he said, adding that civilians, particularly those living in villages, become the victims of armed conflict between security officers and members of security disturbance groups.

He cited as an example the killing of an elementary school teacher in front of his own students by a member of the security disturbance group, Falentil.

"We must stop armed conflict as it is against the law and human rights," Florentino said, adding that all conflicting parties must exercise restraint.

"Neither Falentil nor the military can continue using arms to achieve their political objectives," he added.

He acknowledged that foreign parties continue to accuse the military of being the only group which violates human rights in East Timor.