The quest for justice in East Timor gathered momentum last week with the submission of reports from two separate investigations into the rampage that occurred last September after the province voted for independence. But the stir raises profound questions of how to deal with transitional justice, pitting principles of democracy and sovereignty against universal values of human rights.

Which path to justice is chosen is crucial. It must do two things simultaneously: squarely address the atrocities committed against the people of East Timor last autumn and at the same time encourage Indonesia's own search for accountability, which has the potential for effectively reinventing its entire political culture and forming a basis for a true democracy.

Since this decision will also set a precedent for further reconciliation in the embattled region, it must be made with full awareness of the unintended consequences it may bring about. The best option is one that will encourage democracy in both countries by allowing each of them fair representation in the process.