UN mission chief hails Indonesia's trial of 18 accused of rights abuses in East Timor

The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today welcomed the start in Jakarta of a human rights trial to prosecute 18 suspects accused of perpetrating a wave of violence during the territory's 1999 popular consultation.

"We welcome any efforts that will bring full justice for the victims of the atrocities perpetrated in East Timor in 1999," Sergio Vieira de Mello said in Dili in response to media queries. "The United Nations places the utmost importance on ensuring a credible response to these crimes in accordance with international human rights principles. Today marks another step forward."

UNTAET and the East Timorese Judiciary have offered to assist the process "in every possible way," Mr. Vieira de Mello added.