Introduction

The HD Centre initially became involved in Timor-Leste in 2007 in an effort to resolve the crisis between a group of petitioning soldiers (petitioners) and the Government of Timor-Leste. The case of the petitioners, involving charges of alleged discrimination in the national army, was the central trigger for the crisis in Timor-Leste in 2006. Major Alfredo Reinado, who absconded from the army in support of the petitioners at the height of the crisis, had been the focus of a massive manhunt since his escape from a Dili prison in August 2006. The HD Centre provided its good offices and was requested to act as a facilitator in a process of dialogue to resolve the confrontation with Major Reinado and his group and the case of the petitioners, which remained unresolved.

Following an attack against President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in February 2008, during which Major Reinado was killed, the HD Centre worked to facilitate the submission to justice of those implicated, in April 2008.

The HD Centre was then requested to provide assistance to the Office of the President on a National Dialogue Process initiated and convened by President Ramos-Horta, The HD Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect with President Jose Ramos-Horta on 19 November 2008 in Dili, establishing the terms under which the HD Centre would provide such assistance.

However, for various reasons including the lack of trust between the various parties involved and limited donor interest, the proposed national dialogue initiative was unable to make much progress. The HD Centre has consequently suspended its operations in Timor-Leste until further notice. It continues to monitor events and stands ready to re-engage upon request.