Horta explains Timor Gap proposal

Issue 

Chris Slee, Melbourne

East Timorese foreign minister Jose Ramos Horta, addressing a meeting of 500 people in Hawthorn Town Hall on August 13, explained his proposed solution to the disagreement with Australia over the Timor Gap.

He outlined the problems facing East Timor, including poverty, disease and lack of clean water for many people, contrasting this with Australia's wealth and quality of life. Royalties from the export of the hydrocarbon resources of the Timor Gap can help overcome these problems.

But Australia has refused to agree that the maritime border should follow the median line, halfway between the two countries, despite the fact that this has been the norm in resolving similar disputes over the past 20 years. Australia has refused to accept the authority of the International Court of Justice or third party mediation.

Horta argued that given Australia's intransigence it was necessary for East Timor to be "pragmatic". He advocated that the question of sovereignty be put aside for "five, 10 or 20 years", and that discussions should instead focus on "resource sharing".

Stating that 90% of the economic benefit from the development of the Timor Gap oil and gas fields will go to the Northern Territory, he said that a larger proportion could go to East Timor even without agreement on the maritime border. He stressed that this is his personal opinion and had not yet been approved by East Timor's government or parliament.

From Green Left Weekly, August 25, 2004.
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