Only then can people free themselves from the force of persecution and constant intimidation and give prominence to the notion of right in their conscience and in their interactions with others. We have been deprived, as have many in Indonesia, of the right to live peacefully as a nation and a people. We have been deprived of the right to act freely. We have, instead, been subjected to a horrifying reign of violence and military crime. We yearn for peace.
Real peace means peace of the spirit.
This peace of the spirit can only flourish when repression and fear do not threaten and when law prevails over governments. The reform process currently underway in Indonesia will have to include this dimension and give back this inner peace to the hearts of Indonesians and East Timorese. Peace of the spirit demands that new approaches are required when looking for a solution to the question of East Timor. The spirit of reform, growing in Indonesia, must also be applied to the East Timor issue. The new Indonesian government must demonstrate, not just a shift of direction, but a real change of heart, from the old arrogance, lies, corruption and use of force.