Jakarta – The Investigative Commission for Human Rights Abuses in East Timor [KPP HAM] yesterday confirmed the existence and validity of the Garnadi Document which ordered the burning of the troubled region.

Commission member Munir told reporters yesterday KPP HAM has obtained a document containing a letter from Indonesian Military [TNI] Headquarters appointing Brig.-Gen. Garnadi as secretary of P4OKP, a unit set up by the office of then-Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Feisal Tanjung.

"We have also obtained a copy of the Garnadi Document, as the document is now known, which contains the order to burn down vital buildings in East Timor. The document, which bears the letter head of the Coordinating Minister of Political and Security Affairs, was signed by Garnadi," Munir said after the commission questioned Garnadi.

After the August 30, UN-led ballot on East Timor, the now independent territory saw massive atrocities – including killings, tortures, rapes and burning – allegedly conducted by military-backed pro-integration forces, better known as militias.

KPP HAM has demanded that former TNI commander Gen. Wiranto, who is now coordinating minister for political and security affairs, and scores of top generals be held accountable for the atrocities.

"Garnadi has confirmed his signature, number and letter head of the Document Garnadi, but denies knowledge of the contents of the document," Munir said without elaborating.

The questioning of Garnadi is aimed at cross-checking information given by the former head of the Timor ballot task force Dino Patti Djalal.

"KPP HAM has established the validity of the Garnadi Document. It's strange if Garnadi claims he didn't know his staff or his own team," Munir said.

"One thing's for sure, the document does exist," Munir added. The statement conflicts with the military's denial of the existence of the document.