30 August 2009

Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit Dili for referendum anniversary

Sat, 08/29/2009, 2:10 PM The Jakarta Post Wirajuda to visit Dili for referendum anniversary - INDONESIA: Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda will visit Dili on Sunday to attend the commemoration ceremony of the tenth anniversary of Referendum Day, when the majority of East Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia.

"Given the amicable relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste, we accept their invitation to attend the commemoration ceremony," ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told journalists Friday.

Timor Leste, which was formerly known as East Timor, was Indonesia's 27th province before it gained independence through a United Nations-backed referendum in 1999. The elections were marred by violence, including human rights violations allegedly committed by the Indonesian military.

Faizasyah said Indonesia and Timor Leste had agreed to remove the burden of history by settling the human rights cases peacefully through the Commission of Truth and Friendship, established in 2005.

"Both countries are now looking to the opportunities that lie ahead," he said. - JP
-----
Image added by ELTJB: The flag of the former Indonesian province of Timor Timur.

No comments: