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* G * O * A * N * E * T **** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *
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Let's cease lecturing Timor Leste: it's easy to criticize struggling
ministates but difficult to appreciate their difficulties. When we are
tempted to look down on Timor, be must bear in mind her redeeming qualities:-
Ask the RSL: Timor helped save scores of Austrialian Serviceman who fought
the Japanese there during WWII -- ask the RSL!
When Timor was invaded and occupied by Indonesia, most of the the Big
Powers, with the exception of the USA, turned a blind eye. Australia was
in fact the only country in the world to recognize Indonesian sovereignty
over Timor. She then proceeded to divide the oil and gas in the Sea of
Timor between herself and Indonesia which was guilty of genocide, torture and
other war crimes in the tiny nation. (Even today Indonesia continues to
send in agents provocateurs who seek to destabilize Timor Leste).
During the bloody War of Timorese Independence, Australia trained Indon's
Armed Forces occupying Timor. This in spite of the fact that the War was a
case of Goliath versus David.
Now that the Timorese have won their freedom, let's sympathize with them
acknowledging the following points:-
Because Timor is a tiny nation, it's open to ridicule and exploitation.
Mighty countries deny her a fair share of the revenue from the rich deposits
of oil and gas in the Sea of Timor. This is especially unacceptable in view
of the fact that she is the poorest nation in Asia.
It is highly commendable that Timor is the only Catholic nation (96% so) in
the world with a duly elected Muslim PM. PM Mari Atakiri*, like Xanana
Gusmao, is a great patriot and leader of a small, though proud and noble,
nation (population: only 1m).
The strong and rich countries in our region must help our weak and poor
neighbour.
Failure to do so will lead to further destabilization on the Asia-Pacific Rim.
VIVA TIMOR -- LONG LIVE THE GLORIOUS TIMORESE PEOPLE!
Yours truly,
Martinho de Souza
14 Chuculba Crescent
Giralanmg ACT 2617
Phone # (02) 6241 4440
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