UN may boycott East Timor inquiry

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The UN has threatened to boycott a truth commission into the violence that surrounded East Timor's independence vote because of an amnesty plan.

The world body said it could not take part if the commission grants amnesties to those found to have committed human rights crimes.

The commission has been set up jointly by East Timor and Indonesia, but critics say it lacks any real power.

Around 1,400 died in violence during East Timor's 1999 independence vote.

More than 250,000 people were displaced as militias, widely believed to have been backed by Jakarta, went on the rampage.

Hampered inquiry

The UN said it "cannot endorse or condone amnesties for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or gross violations, nor should it do anything that might foster them".

This decision could mean UN officials who took part in missions in East Timor during the time are stopped from giving evidence to the commission.

EAST TIMOR 1975: Indonesia invades after colonial power Portugal withdrawsIndonesia's often brutal rule opposed by Fretilin fighters1999: More than 1,000 people killed over independence referendum2002: East Timor becomes independent nation

"Unless the terms of reference are revised," spokeswoman Marie Okabe said, "officials... will not testify at its proceedings or take any other steps that would support the work of the [commission]."

This would be a blow to the commission, which had been counting on the testimony of former UN staff for detailed accounts from the time, analysts say.

The commission was set up two years ago to heal and to establish the truth of the violent events surrounding East Timor's vote for independence from Indonesia after 24 years.

Its 10-member panel has heard testimony from dozens of witnesses.

But the inquiry does not have the power to prosecute, and has been criticised by some human rights groups for being a poor replacement for a judicial process.

Leaders of the tiny, impoverished nation have also appeared reluctant to push for trials, arguing that a good relationship with its larger, more powerful neighbour Indonesia is important for the future.