By AUDREY YOUNG
WELLINGTON - Foreign Minister Phil Goff last night urged Indonesia to deal with those responsible for the violent deaths that followed East Timor's vote for independence.
"Effective action by Indonesia would reduce the need to set up an International War Crimes Tribunal," Mr Goff told the Institute of International Relations in his first major speech on foreign affairs.
He will visit Jakarta this month.
"In Indonesia, I will also support and encourage authorities to take the steps they have foreshadowed to hold to account those responsible for the deaths and destruction in East Timor.
"We must develop a culture and expectation that wherever crimes against humanity occur, the offenders will not escape with impunity but will be held to account."
In Jakarta, Mr Goff will also discuss the estimated 100,000 refugees in West Timor who are still under militia influence. "Roughly half of these refugees want to return to East Timor and must be allowed to do so free from militia intimidation.
"To leave the refugee camps as they are risks the creation of a Gaza Strip situation where a future generation of disadvantaged and resentful children will grow up to be fodder for militia leaders in ongoing conflict with East Timor."
Mr Goff also gave notice that he would continue to be a vocal critic of human rights abuses.
"New Zealand cannot remain silent in the face of violation of human rights, genocide and crimes against humanity."
He praised the new Indonesian Government for ensuring "the supremacy of civil authority over military influence" by seeking dialogue with secessionist groups rather than relying on military oppression.
New Zealand has 660 defence personnel in East Timor.
Punish Timor killers, says Goff
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