Dili – A complete analysis of the 1999 crimes in Timor-Leste "will probably take a generation," affirmed the US Ambassador in Dili during an interview with the Lusa news agency.

"There has to be justice," replied the Ambassador when questioned about the US position with regards to the verdict of the crimes committed in 1999.

"There has to be some sort of responsibility for the acts which occurred in 1999, and before. And also for what occurred in 2006. The truth needs to be determined and judgments accelerated in favor of the victims," sustained the US Ambassador.

"Moreover, there are recent examples of countries like Chile, Argentina and others, maybe even Indonesia, in which responsibility for past crimes were obtained through a process of economic development and, more important, a democratic one," declared Hans Klemm.

"It took one generation before those countries were able to bring those responsible to justice," highlighted the American Ambassador.

"The Timorese leaders with whom I've spoken with say that maybe there will have to be a process similar in Indonesia before the violence that occurred in Timor-Leste can be judged. The US wishes it took place sooner," concluded the American Ambassador.

Hans Klemm replied to a question regarding the Truth and Friendship Commission (TFC - KPP in Indonesian acronym), created between Indonesia and Timor-Leste to investigate the violence committed before and after the independence referendum. The TFC must soon present its final report to the presidents of both countries and to the Timorese prime minister.

Last week, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Christopher R. Hill, stated that if the TFC's findings "are good enough for Indonesia and for East Timor, then they are also good enough for the United States."

The statement was condemned by various human rights groups which interpreted the words of the American diplomat as legitimizing the TFC. "The TFC has a limited mandate and we recognize that," explained Hans Klemm to Lusa.

"However, we hope the report is an important step to place responsibility on those blamed for the violence. It's important to note that we still have not read the report. Not one page. It is unjust to question its credibility without reading it," noted the American Ambassador in Dili.