T

imor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta has rejected a demand for an international tribunal to try violators of human rights during Indonesia's occupation of the then East Timor from 1975 to 1999.

"My stated preference, as a human being, victim and head of state, is that we, once and for all, close the 1975-1999 chapters of our tragic experience, forgive those who did us harm," Ramos-Horta said in his speech to mark the 10th anniversary of the UN-sponsored independence referendum.

The president's call provoked strong protests from human rights campaigners enraged at Dili's long silence on the thorny issue that also involves the United Nations, which in 1999 made it clear that "perpetrators must be held responsible for actions".

In Indonesia, however, Ramos-Horta's statements will likely be well received by former military top brass such as retired generals and failed vice presidential candidates Wiranto and Prabowo Subianto, who were linked to the 1999 orgy of killings and destruction perpetrated by pro-Indonesia militia ahead of, during and after the referendum.

"Ten years after the Popular Consultation, we must put the past behind us," said Ramos-Horta, who shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize with Bishop Carlos Belo.

"There are some voices at home, but primarily abroad in the West, calling for an international tribunal for Timor Leste." He dismissed the demand as a "simplistic assertion" that the absence of prosecutorial justice fostered impunity and violence, and that historical evidence challenged this "academic jargon".

"May I respectfully ask, was there an international tribunal on the Vietnam War, and were those who carpet-bombed Vietnam and Cambodia brought to trial?" he said.

"Is there a culture of impunity in the US or Vietnam as a result? Is there an international tribunal on apartheid? No major apartheid leader was ever brought to trial. Is there a culture of impunity in South Africa as a result? Is the violence in South Africa a consequence of South Africa's truth and reconciliation process?"

East Timor's official position did not come as surprise to the Indonesian government, which has worked hand-in-hand with leaders of the country's former 27th province on the CTF (Commission for Truth and Friendship), which focuses on out-of-court settlements. The CTF process was meant to research the truth, establish responsibilities and finally provide closure.

"The two countries have agreed not to reopen the cases on past human rights violations that occurred between 1975 and 1999, including those that occurred after the referendum," Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said at the ceremony at the Dili Presidential Palace.

In the past, Hassan went on, Indonesia and Timor Leste had two options on the table: court settlements or the CTF.

"President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao opted for the CTF," he said.

However, Lita Sarmento, a Timor Leste human rights activist, said the agreement would not hinder activists' push for an international tribunal.

"The people of Timor Leste have every right to seek justice for the serious crimes against humanity," she told The Jakarta Post.