UN reports "positive" meetings between former foes in East Timor
13 March -- The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) said today that last week's meetings between the visiting leaders of pro-autonomy militia and East Timorese local community leadership were "overwhelmingly positive" and a step forward on the road towards improved relations.
"It got quite emotional at times, former enemies embracing and talking about reconciliation," UNTAET Political Affairs Officer Collin Stewart told a press briefing in Dili today.
He stressed that one of the main themes that emerged from the gatherings, which were held with UNTAET's logistical support in Dili, Baucau and Los Palos, was the commitment on the part of the anti-independence leaders to bring the idea of reconciliation down to the grassroots level.
"That process will take some time," said Mr. Stewart, "and that is a very important process before we actually see reintegration of militia leaders or large groups of refugees from West Timor."
As for the security of those coming back, Mr. Stewart said that the Timorese in Baucau and Los Palos had made it very clear in the discussions that there should be no popular justice or retribution against the returnees.
"At the same time," Mr. Stewart said, "it was agreed that there would be a judicial process, that the process would be fair and transparent, and that people who were accused of crimes would be subject to that process. And the five who came from West Timor accepted that."
Mr. Stewart also told the press that an UNTAET office was expected start working in Kupang at the end of this week to open the channels of communication between East and West Timorese leadership and facilitate the repatriation of refugees. The creation of such an office was agreed to by Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid during his recent visit to East Timor.
