The Wire

Back in 1999, there was a vote for independence in East Timor. Indonesian militia forces opposed to the elections, carried out raids on East Timor—resulting in the deaths of fifteen hundred people, but nearly all of those responsible have never been brought to justice. In the last week, Indonesia and East Timor have announced an agreement to form a Commission of Truth and Friendship. But this has angered many East Timorese, who say the Commission will not carry the legal weight to bring justice to those responsible. But John Miller from the East Timor Action Network in New York says the commission still has an important purpose. He says the commission will bring closure to the events of 1999, and is an important step forward for relations between the two countries.