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TAPOL letter to Xanana Gusmao on Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation report

President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmco
President, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Palacio Das Sinjas Rua Caicoli
Timor Leste

20 December 2005

Dear President Gusmco,

I was extremely pleased to hear that the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (Commissao de Acolhimento, Verdade e Reconciliacao de Timor-Leste -- CAVR) has completed its important work and issued its final report.

This represents the culmination of three years' painstaking and dedicated work by the commissioners and their support staff. TAPOL welcomes the report and pays tribute to those who participated in the process, especially the many victims and their families still traumatised by their experiences.

I understand the report provides the most detailed and comprehensive documentation of the human rights abuses perpetrated by all parties and is a crucial account of the truth about the widespread and systematic crimes committed before and during the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste. It will enable the peoples of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to understand and address their past and work together for their mutual benefit to ensure peaceful and democratic futures for both their countries.

As you know, along with my colleagues in TAPOL, I actively campaigned to raise awareness of the situation in your country since before the invasion in 1975 and throughout the dark days of the Indonesian occupation. As a long-term supporter of your struggle, I urge you to release the report without delay and ensure its widespread dissemination.

I am disappointed that the report was not made public as expected when you presented it to parliament on 28 November. I have read your speech on that occasion and understand that you object to key recommendations concerning the question of justice. I find it difficult to agree with your criticisms and in any event I believe that the report should be properly debated in public by all interested parties so that an informed decision can be made about how to proceed.

I admire your statesmanship in promoting reconciliation and good relations with Indonesia and I fully support those objectives. However, I do not believe they are incompatible with the pursuit of justice nor that they should be given priority over justice. On the contrary, I firmly believe that the relationship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia will be strengthened by a shared determination to confront the issue of impunity, promote the rule of law and ensure that those responsible for gross violations of human rights are made to account for their crimes.

I am most grateful to you for considering these views and I look forward to reading the report very shortly.

With my very best regards.

Yours sincerely,
Carmel Budiardjo Director TAPOL

Cc: Dr Mari Bim Amude Alkatiri, Prime Minister
Dr Josi Ramos Horta, Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
Francisco Guterres, President of the National Parliament
 

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