E Timor truth commission begins

A commission set up by Indonesia and East Timor to promote reconciliation has begun its first hearing on Bali.

The Commission of Truth and Friendship was set up to investigate the violence which surrounded East Timor's vote for independence from Indonesia in 1999.

Its 10 members include legal and human rights experts, academics and religious leaders from both countries.

Indonesia's former foreign minister, Ali Alatas, is the first person to appear in front of the panel.

He will be joined over the next couple of days by six other witnesses including several victims of the violence and a former member of a militia group.

EAST TIMOR

• 1975: Indonesia invades after colonial power Portugal withdraws
• Indonesia's often brutal rule opposed by Fretilin fighters
• 1999: More than 1,000 people killed over independence referendum
• 2002: East Timor becomes independent nation

The hearing is the first of five planned over the next few months to investigate the actions of the Indonesian military as they withdrew from the territory, as well as local militia groups.

But many observers say the commission lacks the power to deliver justice or bring about true reconciliation.

Its findings will be separate from any judicial process, though it can recommend amnesties for those who appear before it.

Human rights groups say the hearings will simply perpetuate a culture of impunity for the serious crimes committed during East Timor's struggle for independence.

The violence left more than 1,300 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.