Wednesday 9 September 2009

Horta Refused Permission to Travel: Parliament Votes Against Impunity


In an apparent vote against President Ramos-Horta's position of justice for past crimes against humanity, in addition to his possible role in the release of Maternus Bere Timor-Leste's National Parliament has voted against allowing President Horta permission to travel abroad.

Following up on general unrest in Timorese civil society against the release on 30 August 2009 of alleged war criminal Martenus Bere, by the Government of Timor-Leste, Parliament has voted against Horta's proposed visit to the United States to attend the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly this month.

Parliament voted 18 against allowing Horta to leave the country, 16 for with 3 abstentions.

Parliament, including Opposition parties, and some members of the Governing AMP Coalition, have demanded that President Ramos-Horta explain his position in general and in regards to Maternus Bere in particular.

President Ramos-Horta has called for Timorese society to forget the past, but he has yet to convince Timorese society of the wisdom of this course of action.

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