Indonesia, East Timor commit to strengthen reconciliation

16/07/2008 -- 8:51 PM

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia and East Timor have committed to take initiatives to boost the friendship and reconciliation between the two countries after receiving a final report of the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) on alleged human rights violations in East Timor. A joint statement underscoring the commitment was signed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his East Timor counterpart Ramos Horta, and East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Bali on July 15, according to Antara news agency. In the 14-point joint statement, both governments expressed their deepest regret over the past violence that has claimed so many lives and material loss and commit to study and take follow-up steps with regard to the CTF recommendations, said the news agency. Indonesian President Yudhoyono has expressed "deep regret" for what happened in the past, saying "we cannot move forward and reach our dreams if we always focus our attention on the past". Meanwhile, East Timorese President Ramos said his country has not intended to find an international tribunal for the case. "Justice is not and cannot be only prosecutorial in the sense of sending people to jail. Justice must also be restorative," the East Timorese president was quoted as saying by news media from Bali, adding that "we as leaders of our people must lead our nations forward."-Enditem
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