East Timor will formally open a truth and reconciliation commission next week in a major step toward shedding light on widespread human rights abuses committed during Indonesia's brutal rule over the territory.
Similar in principle to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission that probed apartheid-era crimes, officials said the East Timor body was vital to helping Timorese traumatised by the past deal with their suffering.
Officials said seven Timorese national commissioners were scheduled to be sworn in on Monday to mark the official opening of the body, although hearings would not start immediately.
"Many Timorese want answers from those who caused their loss and suffering," Mr Xanana Gusmao, East Timor's independence hero and the man expected to become the territory's first president, said in remarks carried in commission documents.
"With answers, people can start the healing process and close the horrible chapter in their lives."
The establishment of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor comes as Jakarta moves closer to putting 19 suspects, including three generals, on trial over alleged major human rights abuses in East Timor linked to the territory's vote for independence in 1999.
The vote prompted pro-Jakarta militias, with support from the Indonesian army, to go on a rampage in which the UN estimates more than 1,000 people were killed.
East Timor, currently administered by the United Nations, will become formally independent on May 20th.
Indonesia's 1975 invasion and subsequent 24-year occupation of the former Portuguese territory left more than 200,000 people - a quarter of the population - dead from fighting, famine and disease. The United Nations never recognised Jakarta's rule. The commission, being set up by the UN administration with widespread support from Timorese political leaders, will operate for two years. It can extend for a further six months if needed.
It has no judicial function but has strong powers to probe abuses, and any evidence of serious crimes will be referred to Timorese courts.
Evidence can also potentially be used in Indonesia or by the international community to prosecute people, the documents said.
The commission documents said the truth would be sought especially about events leading up to and in the months just after the independence ballot; the period before and after the Indonesian invasion in December 1975; and the overall impact of Jakarta's presence.