Balibo: New website by Consultant Historian Clinton Fernandes

July 14th, 2009 jen Posted in Balibo History in New website, Friends of Suai News, News from Port Phillip 2 Comments »

Melbourne academic and author Clinton Fernandes who was Consulting Historian for the new drama ‘Balibo’  to be premiered Opening Night of the Melbourne Film Festival.

Fernandes said : I was fortunate to work with film director Robert Connolly, who was committed to historical accuracy”

Robert Connolly (left) Clinton Fernandes

Robert Connolly (left) Clinton Fernandes

Now Fernandes has developed a website with clear and accurate information about Balibo in the pursuit of justice. In summary Fernandes says:

This website provides some factual commentary for those who have seen the film and want to know more about the issues. It draws on the important work of East Timor’s Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. The Commission, known by its Portuguese initials C.A.V.R. (A Comissao de Acolhimento, Verdade e Reconciliaçao) was established as an independent statutory authority in July 2001 by the UN Transitional Authority in East Timor. It was mandated to inquire into human rights abuses committed by all sides between April 1974 and October 1999. Its official report, Chega! (Portuguese for ‘enough’), was written by national and international staff working under the direction and supervision of the CAVR’s seven East Timorese commissioners“.

To Indonesian and East Timorese readers: we have some important things in common: a desire for a peaceful life, decent healthcare for all, a good education, a clean environment, meaningful relationships and a viable future for our children. I hope this website contributes to a better relationship among our three countries by allowing the truth to be known and justice to prevail“.

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