The national Timorese Alliance for an International Court (ANTI) and Amnesty International demand the United Nations (UN) together the International Court (IC) bring justice to authors of serious crimes committed in Timor-Leste in the past and guarantee the issue is placed in the agenda of UN Security Council.

"We reiterate our demands to the Governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia, to account for and ensure justice and address human rights violations which were committed between 1975 and 1999," said Gregorio Saldanha, President of the November 12 Committee at the Santa Cruz Cemetery in Dili.

Homicide, kidnapping and sexual violence and violence against women were some of the atrocities committed during this period according to him. These are considered internationally as crimes against humanity.

"Yet to date no one, neither Timor-Leste nor Indonesia, no one has been brought before the courts for committing these crimes. There are more than 300 people who stand accused of human rights violations and crimes against humanity who have not been brought to justice. Some are living freely in Indonesia," said Saldanha.

He also demanded both governments ratify the International Convention on Forced Disappearances and steps are taken to implement recommendations from the Commission for Truth and Friendship (CVA) on missing persons.

In response, Vice-Prime Minister Fernando Lasama de Araujo said it would take a long time. "I believe we must continue discussions on the issue, we're not talking about an abstract issue," said the Vice Prime Minister.

He added the Government is showing some effort and it depends on its stance, however he assured the issue would not die down. "Perhaps Indonesia will spare some time to cooperate with the Government of Timor-Leste to resolve this issue," said the Vice Prime Minister.