COMMISSION OF TRUTH AND FRIENDSHIP INDONESIA ­ TIMOR-LESTE

Jalan Ir. H. Juanda 2, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia - Telp. 0361-263535 Fax. 0361-228532

www.ctf-ri-tl.org 

PRESS RELEASE COMMISSION OF TRUTH AND FRIENDSHIP INDONESIA-TIMOR LESTE

The Indonesia-Timor Leste Commission of Truth and Friendship has entered the final stage of implementation of its mandate and the writing of the Final Report. This Final Report will be submitted to the mandating authorities ­ the Head of State of the Republic of Indonesia and and Head of State and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. In discharging the mandate, the working term of the Commission, with the approval of the mandating authorities, has been extended twice from the original term of the initial mandate that envisaged an August 2006 completion.

The substantive review in fulfillment of the CTF mandate, pursuant to the Terms of Reference, shall be completed on 31st March 2008. In April all technical activities related to the Final Report, such as its printing and publishing and the Commission liquidation process, shall be finalized. Submission of the Final Report to the mandating authorities shall be in accordance with the time availability agreed and the venue determined by the mandating authorities.

According to the Terms of Reference of the Commission mandate, the Final Report shall contain the Commission conclusions on:

* The conclusive truth on the nature, causes, essence and coverage of human rights violations reported as having been perpetrated in East Timor before and immediately after the 1999 popular consultation;

* The making of a joint historical record on human rights violations reported as having been perpetrated in East Timor before and immediately after the 1999 popular consultation; and

* The formulation and recommendations of measures to heal old wounds and to restore human dignity through efforts aimed at advancing reconciliation and friendship.

The Commission takes this opportunity to extends its thanks to all parties, namely, experts, regional administrators and community leaders and to all NGOs in Indonesia and Timor Leste who have shown their interest and substantive input to the Commission in fulfilling its mandate.

We trust that this press conference and press release may provide the public with a more comprehensive understanding on the fulfilment of the CTF mandate.

Denpasar, 29th March 2008