For those of you following the events at Timor Leste, last week I wrote about the rumours that Australia was probably giving some support to the rebels.
The leader of the rebels, Major Alfredo Reinado, has been trained in Australia and has lived in Australia for many years. Part of the rumours have been confirmed today. The Portuguese TV Channel RTP travelled to the head-quarters of the rebels base in the East Timor Mountains and interviewed Major Alfredo Reinado (sacked last April from the armed forces by the East Timor government) The Portuguese reporters have confirmed that the rebels are being protected and defended by the Australian forces in East Timor. RTP reporters were not allowed to film the Australian forces but it has been reported that the Australian forces are defending and protecting the rebels. If this is not giving support to the rebels, I do not know what it is... President Xanana Gusmao has already requested the rebels to surrender their arms and ammunitions but they remain in defiance and with alleged support from the Australian forces. On another event which has the potential to start a diplomatic conflict, Portuguese Forces GNR have been stopped today from performing their duty by Australian Forces which are questioning the legitimacy of the Portuguese forces in East Timor. Vide: http://www.publico.clix.pt/shownews.asp?id=1260199&idCanal=18 According to the news, Australian forces want the Portuguese forces to report to them but the agreement between Portugal and East Timor is that the Portuguese forces will report directly to the President of East Timor and East Timor's legitimate and democratically elected government. The Portuguese forces have been threatened by the Australian forces and confined for the time being to their own head-quarters until the situation is solved. It looks like the Australian forces want to be in command instead of cooperating with the other international forces. Why is that not surprising???? Australia remains bullying her young and small neighbour. The situation is indeed very sad. Best regards Paulo Colaco Dias. _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)