Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dili (Agenzia Fides ) - Spread a spirit and mentality which looks towards the future with optimism and hope, remembering the past, but also acknowledging mistakes and difficulties and trying to heal painful scars: this is the task of a Truth and Friendship Joint Commission, comprising 5 representative of East Timor and 5 Indonesians, instituted to promote reconciliation and good relations between East Timor and Indonesia.
Seven years have passed since the tragic facts of 1999 led East Timor to detach itself from Indonesia, it is time for the two countries and two peoples to look towards the future and strive to build neighbourly relations said the Rt. Rev. Peter Turang, Catholic Archbishop Kupang in West Timor which is still part of Indonesia, who is a member of the Commission. Despite pessimism expressed by many, the Archbishop said the Commission is making progress with growing support from the people tired of conflict, violence and revenge.
The aim is to build culture of dialogue, peace, friendship, decisive for the younger generations and East Timor has a population of 900,000, 75% under 30. And these young citizens are determined to take an active part in building a peaceful and prosperous future for the country. This youth is supported by various components of society, the Church, NGOs, public administration, workers movements committed to Initiative for National Dialogue, launched on 10 December 2006, with the goal of eradicating tension and tracing a path of domestic and foreign policy to guarantee a future of lasting peace. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2007 righe 26 parole 282)
