BALI, Indonesia, May 30 (UPI) -- Presidential aspirant indicted with crimes against humanity in East Timor held talks with the tiny territory's leader Xanana Gusmao in an attempt to play down controversy.
Ex-general Wiranto was Indonesia's military chief when East Timor voted to break free from Jakarta's rule in a U.N.-sponsored 1999 ballot that followed by a bloody massacre.
More than 1,000 people were killed in the violence, blamed mostly on pro-Jakarta militias allegedly backed the Indonesian military.
Gusmao has fought against the Indonesia's occupation for years in East Timor jungle seeking for the territory's independence.
"Much of what we spoke of was nostalgic. Before, we were the same in the forest, the mountains, in positions opposing each other," Wiranto told reporters.
A U.N.-backed special tribunal in East Timor issued arrest warrant against Wiranto in early May for his alleged role in the 1999 violence. Wiranto has denied responsibility for any rights violations.
Two weeks ago, Gusmao had said he would not support chares against Wiranto, but he could not annul the decision.
Wiranto will contest the July 5 first direct presidential election for the Golkar Party.
