JOINT DECLARATION

The Leaders of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, as represented by H.E. President DR. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and the Leaders of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, as represented by H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and H.E. Prime Minister DR. Mari Alkatiri, met in Jakarta on 9 March 2005 to discuss further ways and means to strengthen the friendly and forward-looking bilateral relations between the two countries.

In a warm and amicable meeting, the Leaders recalled their decision in Tampaksiring, Bali on 14 December 2004 to establish a Commission of Truth and Friendship, which shall be fully owned and operated by Indonesia and Timor-Leste, aimed at dealing with matters pertaining to the events of 1999. They also recalled their decision to task their Foreign Ministers to work out the Terms of Reference of the Commission of Truth and Friendship.

Having deliberated the Terms of Reference of the Commission of Truth and Friendship that was thoroughly and intensively prepared by the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Leaders commended the work of their Foreign Ministers and decided to affirm and adopt the Terms of Reference of the Commission of Truth and Friendship (attached) as the guiding principles in dealing with matters pertaining to the events of 1999.

The Leaders agreed that they will follow closely the work of the Commission of Truth and Friendship and ensure that the adopted Terms of Reference be fully implemented.

Done in Jakarta on 9 March 2005.

For the Republic of Indonesia For the
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

signed

DR. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
President of The Republic of Indonesia

signed
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao
President of The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

signed

DR. Mari Alkatiri
Prime Minister of The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste