Dili, 05 June 2025 – Centro Nacional Chega!I.P hosted a National Seminar on the Reconciliation of Internal Political Conflict, “The Path to End the Cycle of Generational Hatred and Revenge.” The seminar aimed to provide a space for discussion on reconciliation issues related to internal conflict among the Timorese. It sought to promote the recommendations of the CAVR (Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation) and CTF/PMAS (Commission of Truth and the Friendship / Per Memoriam Ad Spem). It was to explore alternative mechanisms for the reconciliation process contributing to national development.

The keynote speaker at the conference was Mr. Jacinto Alves, the President of ASSEPPOL, who spoke on “The Memory of Internal Political Conflicts and Its Impacts.” Additionally, Fr. Dr. Julio Crispin Belo, a lawyer, presented “The Perspectives of Legal Culture on Reconciliation.” Mr. Joaquim Russuo Fonseca, a spokesperson of the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (TRP-TF), discussed “The Process and Mechanism of Timorese Reconciliation.”

In his opening remarks, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Coordinator for Rural Development Affairs (VPM-MCRDA), Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, presented the key points of Timorese reconciliation aimed at ending hatred and revenge. He urged the Centro Chega! to continue facilitating open discussions to develop better reconciliation mechanisms.

“Congratulations to everyone; keep conducting more discussions. Everyone should contribute different ideas to find the best solutions that can serve as a model for resolving internal conflicts,” said the VPM during his remark at the National Seminar, held at the Conference Room of Centro Chega!.

He reminded attendees that the conflict of the past does not just come from 1975. Our struggles began during the Portuguese occupation, which sought to divide us—some were kings, some were inhabitants, some were servants, and some were civilians. The political parties that emerged had good intentions; rather, the use of divergence and differences eventually led to personal conflicts, a formerly hierarchical conflict, and then further political parties emerged to generate conflict.

The conflict among political parties remained unresolved until the Indonesian Invasion, which worsened to divide us, and incited internal strife. In light of these issues, CNC I.P. is encouraged to continue fostering open discussions through seminars to discover a better model for reconciliation, thereby guaranteeing peace.

Peace-building is a vital component of both the state and the nation. The essential element of peace arises not from hatred and revenge but from our heart to freedom. As long as we are free, we can create peace, which comes from our hearts. Peace is not solely the product of political leaders or imposed conditions; rather, it is the result of our collective suffering and struggles for independence.

The past serves as a reminder for shaping the future. Therefore, acknowledging and understanding the truth of our history should guide all servants and leaders of political parties. Often, conflicts between nations can be easier as people are gone; however, the internal conflicts among us must be resolved, particularly as we currently live within clans and political parties. It is hard to have hatred and revenge. It is the result of our war for independence.

The suffering, hardships, and losses we have experienced should serve as the fertilizer or vitamins for character-building development among the youth to explore. These experiences are like organic fertilizer for the younger generation, fostering their commitment to serve and build a better future.

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