This objective can be achieved with funding by the World Bank / IMF / The International Community by way of non-repayable loans to the people and Communities whose property has been wantonly destroyed. The funds should be recouped from the perpetrators; nominally the Indonesian Government / Military. (Failure to do so should result in withholding of Indonesian loan funds and military aid). The Indonesian Government and "Judiciary" might then more earnestly pursue the persons responsible instead of the current farcical charades, and in turn recover the costs from the Indonesian Generals who profited from the 24 years of usurping East Timor's assets.
No Indonesian claim for property return or compensation should be considered before the claims of East Timorese victims are satisfied.
Brian Manning
Email: btmanning@one.net.au
I have no doubt that Fretilin hold wide popular support amongst the Maubere people and that Fretilin are translating their aspirations into policy. This was evident in 1975 and was the main cause of the Coup attempt by the UDT who could see they had buckleys chance of winning a fair election.
Fretilin are no longer a part of CNRT which achieved it's intended objective, namely: to get the Indonesians out. They are now turning their attention to fine tuning their policies and despite financial difficulties, working to restore their country. They deserve financial help. Their opposition appear to be well funded. I can see elements of that rump now involved in "new" political groups attempting to delay the progress of Independence toward a real democracy. Perhaps the most important struggle will be the development of a Constitution which will not saddle the people with an ineffective anchor to the new East Timor."