Statement by Transitional Administrator Sergio Vieira de Mello on the International Human Rights Day on 10 December:

A number of disturbing incidents have occurred in East Timor in recent weeks against East Timorese and internationals which raise serious questions about the use of violence as a means of resolving disputes and as an expression of intolerance.

As we celebrate human rights day it is imperative that we condemn all forms of violence whatever justification its perpetrators may try to hide behind.

For too long East Timor has known nothing but violence. It is the responsibility of each and everyone of us living in East Timor, Timorese and internationals, to condemn and put an end to any act of violence, intolerance and discrimination which perpetuate a culture of fear and ignorance.

We will not tolerate such acts, whether they are directed against a woman in her home or in the community, a political opponent or a returning refugee.

In the coming weeks we will sit with community leaders, political parties, law enforcement authorities, the Church, NGOs and women’s groups to identify measures that need to be taken at every level to end this violence. East Timor will never lift itself free of its history of violence until we make sure that every man, woman and child is free from fear and intolerance.