Australia defends RI's rights approach<\/p>\n
CANBERRA (AFP): Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans
\nyesterday defended his government's approach to Indonesia over
\nhuman rights in East Timor province.<\/p>\n
Yesterday was the anniversary of the former Portuguese
\ncolony's integration with Indonesia in 1976.<\/p>\n
The United Nations still recognizes Portugal as the legitimate
\nadministrator of East Timor, but Australia has recognized
\nIndonesia's sovereignty over the province.<\/p>\n
Evans said certain human rights issues on East Timor should be
\naddressed, citing \"the omni-presence ... of the military\" and
\n\"the degree of obvious cultural insensitivity as shown in the
\nevents of the last few days.\"<\/p>\n
Last Thursday, hundreds of students protesting religious
\nconflicts, clashed with security forces in East Timor. Police and
\nthe Indonesian government have denied reports that three
\ndemonstrators died.<\/p>\n
More than 300 East Timorese carrying crucifixes protested on
\nTuesday after two soldiers behaved improperly during a mass in a
\nsmall town south of the capital Dili on June 28.<\/p>\n
However, Evans told a television interviewer that raising
\nexpectations about the chances for East Timor's independence did
\nlittle good because that time had long passed.<\/p>\n
\"It might give everyone a greater sense of satisfaction were
\nwe to stand back and hurl mullock and just generally express
\nindignation in a rowdier fashion, but whether it would contribute
\nto improving the situation on the ground for East Timorese is a
\nvery different question,\" Evans said.<\/p>\n
\"I think we just have to continue to do our best to encourage
\nthe best elements, to discourage the worst and to recognize that
\nthere is a real sense in which Indonesia has been a tolerant
\nsociety.<\/p>\n
Evans said he discussed establishing Australian diplomatic
\nrepresentation in East Timor with senior levels of the Indonesian
\ngovernment during a visit two weeks ago.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/australia-defends-ris-rights-approach-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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