Indonesia regrets E Timor wrongs
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed "remorse" for wrongs committed during East Timor's vote for independence in 1999.
He made the statement as he received the final report of their two countries' Truth and Friendship Commission in the resort of Bali.
The report details systematic crimes against humanity - and lays much of the blame at the door of Indonesia's army.
But the leaders of both countries say they are interested in moving on, BBC reports.
About 1,000 people are believed to have been murdered, and many others tortured, raped and displaced during 1999.
Neither country has expressed interest in prosecuting individuals on the basis of the report - though correspondents say it could strengthen such demands from campaigners.
The commission was boycotted by the United Nations, which has already blamed Indonesia and demanded that those responsible face justice.
Both Mr Yudhoyono and East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta formally accepted the report, which followed three years of investigations.
"We convey very deep remorse at what happened in the past that has caused the loss of lives and property," Mr Yudhoyono said.
He made the statement as he received the final report of their two countries' Truth and Friendship Commission in the resort of Bali.
The report details systematic crimes against humanity - and lays much of the blame at the door of Indonesia's army.
But the leaders of both countries say they are interested in moving on, BBC reports.
About 1,000 people are believed to have been murdered, and many others tortured, raped and displaced during 1999.
Neither country has expressed interest in prosecuting individuals on the basis of the report - though correspondents say it could strengthen such demands from campaigners.
The commission was boycotted by the United Nations, which has already blamed Indonesia and demanded that those responsible face justice.
Both Mr Yudhoyono and East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta formally accepted the report, which followed three years of investigations.
"We convey very deep remorse at what happened in the past that has caused the loss of lives and property," Mr Yudhoyono said.