Indonesia and Timor-Leste on Tuesday agreed to extend the mandate of the truth and friendships commission (CTF) to another six months to settle the problem of the past of the two country, presidents of the two countries said in Jakarta.

President Susilo and his visiting Timor-Leste counterpart Jose Ramos Horta told a joint press conference at the State Palace that the extension would be conducted until the commission reaches a conclusion.

The commission was established by President Susilo and Timor- Leste first President Xanana Gusmao in 2005 to investigate the violence surrounding Timor-Leste's historic vote for independence in 1999 to help repair the relations between the two nations.

The establishment was in the wake of international pressure to conduct an international tribunal for the suspects of human rights violations during the time.

Former head of the Indonesian armed forces general Wiranto, who contested Indonesia's presidential elections in 2004, and other Indonesian military suspects have denied there were gross human rights violations in Timor-Leste.

"We agree to extend the mandate of the CTF for another six moths," President Susilo said.

The two leaders said that the two countries must move forward and could settle their past issues with the spirit of friendship.

"Both of our governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia agreed and committed to solving our past problem base on the principle of friendship and reconciliation and not through justice in this context," said Susilo.

On his turn, Horta praised the work of the commission and said he was convinced that the process would satisfy people from both countries.

"This is a noble approach between the two countries in dealing with the past. I would emphasize what President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said. We will continue the process, the CTF, until its conclusion," he said.

"We are not allowed ourselves to be hostage of the past. We look forward with courage," said Horta.

Horta arrived here on Tuesday for his first overseas trip since sworn in last month as the second President of Timor- Leste.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2007)