SRSG WELCOMES INDONESIAN “EFFORTS TO BRING JUSTICE”

In response to queries from local and international media, SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello today welcomed the start of an Ad Hoc human rights trial in Jakarta to prosecute 18 suspects accused of perpetrating a wave of violence in East Timor 1999.

“We welcome any efforts that will bring full justice for the victims of the atrocities perpetrated in East Timor in 1999. The United Nations places the utmost importance on ensuring a credible response to these crimes in accordance with international human rights principles. Today marks another step forward. UNTAET and the East Timorese Judiciary have offered to assist the process in every possible way,” the SRSG’s said today in Dili.

THAI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND DEFENCE MINISTER ARRIVES

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, arrived today in Dili for a two-day visit.

Upon arrival General Yongchaiyudh held separate meetings with SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello, Chief Minister Marí Alkatiri, and Peacekeeping Force Commander Lieutenant General Winai Phattiyakul, with whom he discussed the security situation in East Timor and Thailand’s military contribution to the Peacekeeping Force.

General Yongchaiyudh and his eight-person delegation is scheduled to fly to Baucau district tomorrow to visit the Thai Battalion ensuring security in the area.