Gama sees hope, progress for East Timor<\/p>\n
The past 22 years have been marked by diplomatic acrimony
\nbetween Lisbon and Jakarta over the issue of East Timor. The
\nrecent breakthrough in peace talks in the province and the United
\nNations-sponsored direct ballot in East Timor on Aug. 30 have led
\nto a slight thawing in ties.<\/p>\n
During his recent stay in Singapore, Portuguese Foreign
\nMinister Jaime Gama talked to The Jakarta Post on preparations
\nfor the direct ballot in the former Portuguese colony and the
\nfuture of relations between Portugal and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Question: How do you view the situation in East Timor ahead of the
\nAugust ballot?<\/p>\n
Answer: There is some progress regarding voter registration. I would
\nnot deny there is some progress regarding the reduction of
\nviolence, but it's not complete. There are still occurrences of
\nintimidation. There are still regular militia activity and there
\nis still indifference among segments of the Army regarding their
\nlinks with these militias.<\/p>\n
Q: What should the Indonesian government do to create a more
\nconducive environment for the direct ballot?<\/p>\n
A: We hope very much that security will be restored. We hope
\nimprovements are coming regarding the issue of security. The
\ncredibility of the ballot is essential. I also hope that
\ndemocracy in Indonesia will be a deciding factor in this issue.<\/p>\n
Q: Is the Indonesian government presently doing enough to curb
\nviolence in East Timor?<\/p>\n
A: More control of the militias is needed. And don't increase the
\nartificial problems in the final stages (ahead of the ballot)
\nbecause that will only work against Indonesia's interests. A
\nfirmer grip on the armed forces' activities is needed. The armed
\nforces is the instrument of the state and it needs to abide by
\nclear targets of foreign policy.<\/p>\n
Q: Are you suggesting that the Indonesian government is in some
\nway controlling or backing the militias?<\/p>\n
A: I would say segments of the Army operating in the territory
\n(are backing the militias). I have no doubt of that. I would not
\nsay it is a state policy. I am fully convinced we have to
\ncooperate in order to have a positive outcome in which the East
\nTimorese, Portugal and Indonesia can in the future work together
\nfor the benefit of all.<\/p>\n
Q: Many say it is the historical animosity between the two
\nwarring camps in East Timor -- the prointegration and
\nproindependence supporters -- which has created the unstable
\nsecurity situation in the province.<\/p>\n
A: That is historically incorrect. What erupted in the territory
\nin recent months, the militia factor, had never been seen before.
\nIt has been fabricated.<\/p>\n
Q: Many people predict that whatever the outcome of the ballot,
\nthere will still be deep resentment among some East Timorese and
\nthis resentment will spark continued violence and chaos there.<\/p>\n
A: That is the skeptical approach based on preconceived
\nmentalities. We must work for a process of trust, confidence and
\ndialog for the future. We cannot look backward and must remain
\nopen to different solutions. For example, I used to hear people
\nsay that democracy in Indonesia would cause chaos in the country.
\nThis turned out not to be true.<\/p>\n
I was educated under a dictatorship where every day I was
\ntaught that if Portugal moved toward democracy the country would
\nbe finished. That was not true. Let's not listen to skepticism.
\nLet's seek out positive solutions for the future.<\/p>\n
Q: If East Timor rejects autonomy and becomes independent what
\nkind of relationship will it have with Indonesia?<\/p>\n
A: I hope in the future East Timor can become a political entity
\nand at the same time maintain a constructive relationship with
\nIndonesia and other neighboring countries, like Australia.
\nPortugal will do its best to help East Timor develop a
\ncooperative, not confrontational, approach with its neighbors.<\/p>\n
Q: Looking at the future relationship of Indonesia and Portugal,
\nnotwithstanding the official acrimony, what are the underlying
\nties between the people of the two countries?<\/p>\n
A: We have nothing against the Indonesian people. On the
\ncontrary, public opinion in Portugal was very positive regarding
\nthe move toward democracy in Indonesia. We remember our own
\npolitical transition to democracy. We are very proud of Asian
\ncountries who in difficult economic conditions still move toward
\ndemocracy. What has been accomplished is fantastic.<\/p>\n
Q: Indonesia and Portugal recently opened interest sections in
\neach others capitals. Is this a precursor to greater diplomatic
\nrelations in the near future?<\/p>\n
A: I would say our relations are based on secular proximity. We
\nwere the first Europeans to establish contacts with what is now
\nIndonesia. I hope that if all these processes go well, we, for
\nsure, will restore diplomatic relations. The possibilities for
\ndoing much in common are open. (mds)<\/p>",
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