Viqueque, March 31, 2026 – The CNC I.P. continued its public consultation on the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the draft Policy of Reparation, held at the Paroquial Hall in Viqueque and aimed to gather insights from municipal and local authorities, veterans, victims and survivors, youth, civil society organizations, resistance groups, and other stakeholders regarding the reconciliation process and the reparation policy and law. The speakers were Hugo Maria Fernandes, the Executive Director of Centro Chega!, who spoke on the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the draft Policy of Reparation, and Jose Luis Oliveira, who talked on the Law of Reparation, while Ato Lekinawa da Costa moderated the session.
In his opening remarks, Aniceto Guru Berteni Neves, representing the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, emphasized the significance of the public consultation in gathering the thoughts, views, and expectations of the people of Viqueque, contributing to the development of the draft. He noted that the conflicts from 1974 to 1999 had caused immense suffering in Viqueque, including killings and confinement against one another.
The historical conflict has left deep scars and wounds on the bodies of our parents and grandparents, which continue to affect across generations. These enduring scars foster feelings of hatred and revenge within societies. Therefore, on behalf of the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, I urge the people of Viqueque to break this cycle of hatred and revenge. The suffering endured by our parents and grandparents must not be passed on to future generations.
“We are the independentists, the men of independence. To honor this identity, we must demonstrate curiosity, courage, and collective pride as independentists. We did not lose; we liberated ourselves to build this nation, and we should take pride in that. However, as we celebrate our freedom, we often turn against each other, fostering hatred and revenge rather than true independence. I call upon the people of Viqueque to end this behavior from now on.”
Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega! I.P noted that it has been 24 years since the independence of Timor-Leste. Reflecting on the past, he acknowledged the many conflicts that occurred between 1974-1999, which resulted in suffering for many Timorese, including torture, confinement, and murder. No one can deny it – it’s historical facts.
This Public Consultation aims to gather your thoughts and views regarding the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the draft Policy of Reparation. The goal is to find mutual solutions to address past conflicts through reconciliation and reparations. Reconciliation is not only between Timorese in Timor-Leste and Indonesia; it is also essential for the people of Timor-Leste. Our conflicts have their roots in the Civil War and the Indonesian Invasion, leading to deep wounds in our hearts that have not yet healed. Many continue to express their pain through accusations and harsh words, demonstrating the urgent need for dialogue about reconciliation.
The Director expressed gratitude to the representatives of the Viqueque Municipal Authority, the Viqueque Parish Priest, the Viqueque Municipal Police, veterans, victims and survivors, youth, and other stakeholders who participated in the public consultation, contributing to the advancement of the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the draft Reparations Policy.
Estevâo de Carvalho, the Municipal Secretary for Administration and Finance Affairs, represented the President of the Viqueque Municipal Authority and emphasized that the Public Consultation organized by Centro Chega! is a state activity. The Viqueque Municipal Authority fully supports this initiative and stressed the importance of informing the community about the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the Draft Reparation Policy so they can become familiar with it.
During the consultation, Lucina Guterres, a victim of the Kraras Massacre (in Viqueque), expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to hear directly from the speakers about the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the Draft Reparation Policy. She affirmed her support for reconciliation and the drafting of a reparations policy to prevent past conflicts from burdening future generations.
“As a victim of the Kraras uprising, I am glad to participate in this public consultation. It is time for us to reconcile and focus on the development and unity of our country. While we pursue reconciliation, we must also ensure reparations for the victims and survivors of the war,” said Lucina.
Remidio Amaral, a member of Joventude Lorico Asuwain, stated, “It is time to reconcile with Timorese who had different ideologies before. We must come together. Reconciliation must be accompanied by reparations. In 1999, many homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and injured. The Government must take responsibility and provide funding to address these hardships.”
Miguel S. da Silva, a youth from Viqueque Municipality, noted that the Public Consultation serves as a platform for them to express their feelings and desires regarding the Timorese Reconciliation Process and the Reparation Policy. As we look forward to independence, we need to pursue reconciliation and provide reparations for those who have suffered in this nation.
The public consultation concluded with a reflection led by Father Jovito Rêgo de Jesus Araújo, a Board Member of the Administration of Centro Chega!, focusing on the “Timorese Reconciliation Process and Draft of Reparation Policy.” Previously, Centro Chega! held similar public consultations in Dili, Aileu, and Bobonaro.
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