Speaking on BBC Radio on May 20, foreign minister Alexander Downer attacked a statement by Oxfam, which pointed out that the 40% of East Timorese living in abject poverty have no hope of improving their lives while their oil and gas resources are plundered by Australia.

“Australia isn't going to suddenly move all its maritime borders with other countries in the teeth of a whole lot of emotional claptrap which is being pumped up by left-wing NGOs... my advice to [East Timor] is to calm down a little and think about the bilateral relationship and make sure they negotiate with an eye to international law”, Downer said.

Downer should heed some of his own advice. The Australian government should “calm down” and immediately commit to abide by international law and agree to a fair and just maritime boundary drawn half-way between East Timor and Australia. Until it does, Australian and international solidarity groups will continue to protest and organise in support of East Timor's right to sovereign control over its resources and territory.

Jon Lamb

From Green Left Weekly, May 26, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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