Santa Cruz massacre 21 years on

A day late, but we were busy distributing ETAN's media release on the Santa Cruz massacre anniversary.

Here is the link to ETAN's release: http://etan.org/news/2012/11scruz.htm and an excerpt:

"As the latest UN mission ends, promises of justice remain unfulfilled," said John M. Miller, National Coordinator of ETAN. "The UN should state clearly that there can be no impunity for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Indonesia's invasion and occupation of Timor-Leste from 1975-1999." 

"The East Timorese people can not fully overcome their past until they know the fate of the bodies of their relatives and friends," said Miller. "Impunity for decades of systematic Indonesian military and police atrocities prevents both countries from consolidating the rule of law as they transition from  military dictatorship do democracy." 

2012 commemoration of Santa Cruz massacre, Dili.
 Photo by Manuela Leong Pereira via Facebook

 ANTI (Timor-Leste National Alliance for an International Tribunal) and Amnesty International issued a joint statement. The groups concluded:

Together, ANTI and Amnesty International demand that the UN and the governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia take responsibility to ensure justice for crimes against humanity and human rights violations which took place in Timor-Leste between 1975 and 1999. They must ensure that victims of the Santa Cruz massacre, and all those who suffered during the Indonesian occupation and in the context of the 1999 independence referendum, have access to justice, truth and reparation. Continued inaction will further entrench a culture of impunity, and leave a dark stain on the UN's record in Timor-Leste.

ETAN, Lao Hamutuk and Rede ba Rai as Hillary Clinton travels to Timor-Leste

ETAN to Secretary of State Clinton: Commit the U.S. to work for justice for U.S.-backed crimes in Timor-Leste

Excerpt:

On the eve of her visit to Timor-Leste, the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) urged Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to commit the United States to support justice and accountability for U.S.-backed crimes committed during Indonesia's 24-year occupation of Timor-Leste.

"'We appreciate ongoing U.S. engagement with Timor-Leste, but there is unfinished business between our two nations. Secretary Clinton' should acknowledge and begin to make amends for U.S. leading role in aiding and abetting Indonesia's brutal takeover of Timor,' Miller added. 'At a minimum she should officially receive the report of Timor-Leste's Truth, Reception and Reconciliation Commission's (CAVR) and set a timetable for a detailed U.S. response.'"

Lao Hamutuk writes to Hillary Clinton on justice

Excerpt:

"Today, your visit to our country; coincides with the day, when thirteen years ago we were living in situations of anguish, tears and bloodshed. We hope your visit will give us hope for our wounds, wipe our tears and also relieve our thirst for justice."

Rede ba Rai writes Hillary Clinton on the people’s land rights

Excerpt: 

"Land is fundamental to the lives of all Timorese people. Land is fundamental as a living space, it is fundamental to our society, our culture, our identity, our ecology, our economy and how we ensure equal distribution of resources and benefits in our communities.

"Therefore civil society asks Madam Secretary Hillary Clinton during her visit to Timor-Leste to guarantee that the US Government will not abandon the Timorese people who have already been involved in land registration in Timor-Leste through the SPRTL program (Strengthening Property Rights in Timor-Leste) and the INR (Ita Nia Rai) project."

ETAN Urges Secretary Clinton to Condition Security Assistance to Indonesia on Rights

As Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton travelled to Bali, the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) urged her to condition U.S. security assistance to Indonesia on real improvements in human rights by Indonesia government and genuine accountability for violations of human rights. 

"The restoration of assistance to Indonesia's notorious Kopassus special forces announced a year ago should be reversed," said John M. Miller, National Coordinator of ETAN. "Kopassus training was meant to be the carrot to encourage respect for rights. There is no evidence it has done so. U.S. law bars cooperation with military and police units with such egregious human rights records. The U.S should set an example by following it's own law."


Read the full statement here

35th Anniversary of U.S.-backed Indonesian Invasion of East Timor

Today, December 7, 2010, marks the 35th anniversary of the U.S.-backed Indonesian invasion of East Timor. On the 30th anniversary of Indonesia's full-scale assault on Timor, ETAN

"called on the world to listen to East Timor’s victims and act on their demands for justice. The group also urged the United States government to formally acknowledge its past support for Indonesia’s brutal military occupation of East Timor, and for the international community to learn from this history and never repeat the same crimes."

December 7 invasion day, via Timor Archives

It is well-documented that the Indonesian military launched its 1975 invasion just hours after then President Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger gave their explicit permission to go ahead. They reassured Suharto that U.S. military support would continue, despite U.S. law and Indonesia's treaty obligations. U.S. weapons, military training and political support enabled Indonesia to seize the territory and maintain its occupation for 24 years. These brutal events claimed the lives of up to 200,000 people.

The report of Timor-Leste's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (known by its Portuguese initials, CAVR) thoroughly documents the impact of the Indonesia's illegal invasion and occupation.
While the report was long ago officially delivered to the U.S. and other governments, the CAVR's recommendations to the international community remain largely ignored. anniversary. Despite being urged to do so, President Obama did not address these issues during his recent visit to Jakarta.

Kopassus troops

We continue to urge the U.S. government and Congress to seriously respond to the report by holding hearings and formally acknowledge the U.S. role in the suffering of the East Timorese and Indonesian peoples. The U.S. and others who backed Indonesia should apologize and provide reparations. The U.S. should work to establish an international tribunal to try those most responsible the heinous crimes committed in Timor-Leste from 1975-1999 and withhold support for Indonesia's security forces especially their most brutal units - including Kopassus, as recommended by the CAVR to encourage genuine accountability and promote reform. These forces continue to terrorize the people of West Papua.

We highlight some of the CAVR's  most pertinent recommendations after the jump.

Timor Parliament passes resolution on CAVR and CTF reports

On December 14, the Timor-Leste parliament passed a long-delayed resolution on implementing the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste (CAVR) and Commission on Truth and Friendship (CVA/CTF) reports. The resolution passed with 34 yes vote in the affirmative, none opposed, and one abstention. Below is an unofficial English translation by La'o Hamutuk; the Portuguese language original follows afterwards. The resolution gives Parliament at least another three months to discuss implementation in committee.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
NATIONAL PARLIAMENT

Draft Resolution No 34/II.
Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship

Considering the work of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), established by UNTAET Regulation No 2001/10 and recognized by Article 162 of the Constitution of the Republic, with a mandate to investigate and report on human rights violations occurred in Timor-Leste between 25 April 1974 and 25 October 1999 and make recommendations to prevent future repetition of such violations;

Considering the CAVR Final Report, presented to the President of the Republic and the National Parliament in accordance as provided by law, and its recommendations;

Considering the work of the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CVA/CTF), established under the Joint Timor-Leste – Indonesia Declaration of 14 December 2004, mandated to establish the truth about human rights violations which occurred in East Timor in 1999 and to recommend appropriate measures;

Considering the Final Report of the CVA, presented on July 15, 2008 to the Presidents of the Republic of Timor-Leste and Indonesia and on 9 October of the same year to the National Parliament, and its recommendations;

Considering the need to recognize and honor the suffering of victims by ensuring their fair compensation;

Given the need to implement the recommendations made in the CAVR and CTF reports in order to reconcile the East Timorese society;

Therefore, in conjunction with Articles 9.1(b), 90 and 100 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Parliament, the Members who have signed the following draft resolution:

The National Parliament in accordance with Articles 92, 95.1 and 162.1 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, resolves the following:

1.    Recognizes the important work of the CAVR and CTF, which represents a valuable contribution to reach truth, reconciliation and justice;

2.    Appreciates the Final Reports submitted by the CAVR and CTF;

3.    Determines what practical steps are necessary and appropriate to the full implementation of their recommendations;

4.    The Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Justice, Public Administration, Local Government and Government Legislation shall, within three months, as per the preceding paragraphs:

a)    review the reports submitted by the CAVR and CTF;

b)    To propose concrete measures to implement the Recommendations, including the creation of a body for this purpose, in terms to be defined by law;

5.    Publish the Executive Summary of the CAVR in Portuguese and Tetum, in accordance with the provisions of UNTAET Regulation No 2001/10;

6.    Publish the CVA report in full.

Portuguese original  after the jump.