2 August 2006, DILI - The Special
Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Timor-Leste,
Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa has today called for calm and for the observance
of the rule of law in the country. He pointed out that the international
community is aware of, and will respond to, the aspirations and demands
for justice, fair and equal treatment of everyone alleged to have committed
a criminal act during the period preceding and leading to the violent incidents
in April and May of this year, including the incidents on 28-29 April and
23, 24, 25 May. The United Nations will respond by providing mechanisms
for an independent inquiry into the facts and circumstances relevant to
the incidents, such as the "Independent Special Commission of Inquiry
for Timor-Leste" - which has already commenced its investigations through
a Secretariat in Dili led by the Commission's Executive Director, Mr.
Luc Côté, which plans to issue a report on 7 October 2006. In Mr. Côté's
words "The investigations by the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry
for Timor-Leste are progressing well and Commissioners Prof. Paulo Sérgio
Pinheiro (Brasil) (Chairperson), Ms. Zelda Holtzman (South Africa) and
Mr. Ralph Zacklin (UK) are expected to arrive in Timor-Leste soon in a
working visit which will take place throughout next week".
"The people of Timor-Leste asked for
an independent inquiry into those incidents. In consultation with the Timorese
authorities, I recommended to the UN Secretary-General the appointment
of an Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste, and one
was appointed"- stated SRSG Dr. Hasegawa, who went on to say "and the
UN has provided and will continue to provide international prosecutors
and legal advisors to the Office of the Prosecutor-General to strengthen
capacity in that institution, which will assist it in protecting its constitutional
mandate to operate with independence and integrity".
Timor-Leste is going through a period during which it will be a challenge for its citizens to exercise patience, tolerance, and to respect the democratic principles which are based on the rule of law. This challenge, however, must be met by the people of Timor-Leste if democracy is to take roots and flourish in this country. SRSG Dr. Hasegawa pointed out that the Office of the Prosecutor-General may be conducting many criminal investigations into the recent incidents, a process which will take time, and that it is important that the justice system be allowed to run its course. He went on to say "What counts is that, at the end, justice be done with fairness and integrity. That, after a fair trial, innocent people are acquitted and those individuals found guilty of criminal acts are convicted and sentenced in accordance with the law of the land".
In conclusion, SRSG Dr. Hasegawa urged the Timorese people to find in their hearts, and in their faith, the strength to start the reconciliation process with their neighbours and fellow citizens - whether they happen to be from the eastern or the western districts - and to work together to achieve whatever democratic reforms they may desire. This can be achieved through the general electoral process that will take place early next year, for which it is necessary to have peace and stability in the country so that the process can be completely free and democratic and be carried out without threats of violence or intimidation.
For additional information, please contact: Donna Cusumano, Chief, Public Information Office, UNOTIL; +670 723 0749 or Spokesperson Robert Sullivan at 670 331-2210, extension 516