Pandaya and Yemris Fointuna, Dili – Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta asked Indonesia on Sunday to return the remains of its independence fighters who died in Indonesia.

Ramos-Horta specifically named Nicolau Lobato, who died on New Year's Eve of 1978. "We're still awaiting the return of the body of our greatest hero, Nicolau Lobato," he said in his address to mark the 10th anniversary of the Timor Leste independence referendum.

Lobato's death remains a mystery for many in Timor Leste (formerly East Timor). Ramos-Horta said Lobato had been killed in combat; his body was flown to Dili, examined, the identity confirmed.

"In the name of our country and the people and the family, I am asking here for the return of the body of Nicolau Lobato," Ramos-Horta said.

Timor Leste Foreign Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa said separately that Dili had also asked Indonesia to return the remains of many lesser-known Timor Leste independence fighters killed either by Indonesian soldiers or pro-Indonesia militias during the 24 years of occupation.

Da Costa said Timor Leste also wanted the Indonesian military authorities to reveal secret graves where independence fighters may have been buried.

"Let us know where they are buried," he said. "We will exhume them and properly rebury them, as their relatives keep demanding."

The visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said he would convey the Timor Leste leaders' messages to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "We take (the request) seriously because it's part of an effort to promote reconciliation," Hassan said.

In his speech, Ramos-Horta reached out to Timor Leste's former ruler, Indonesia. After telling of all the suffering endured by those who lost loved ones in the fight for freedom, he said he also had empathy for Indonesian mothers and fathers who lost their beloved sons in Timor Leste for their country.

"Indonesian mothers, like Timor Leste mothers, still mourn the loss of their sons in this tragic war, and to these mothers and fathers... I bow in shared sorrow," he said. "I invite them to visit the graves of their sons. Most are poor people who cannot afford such trips, but those who wish to make the journey, we will welcome with open arms and facilitate entry.

"Our relations with Indonesia have been exemplary at both government-to-government and people-to-people levels."

Ramos-Horta said he had lost his sister, Mariazinha, and brothers Nuno and Gui in the dark days of the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Mariazinha was killed during an air raid, and her body later was found and buried by local villagers.

"But Nuno and Gui were not so fortunate," he said. "We still don't know exactly when, where or how they died. Their bodies rotted somewhere and their souls are still in pain because we haven't buried them."