Australia defends RI's rights approach

Australia defends RI's rights approach

CANBERRA (AFP): Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans
yesterday defended his government's approach to Indonesia over
human rights in East Timor province.

Yesterday was the anniversary of the former Portuguese
colony's integration with Indonesia in 1976.

The United Nations still recognizes Portugal as the legitimate
administrator of East Timor, but Australia has recognized
Indonesia's sovereignty over the province.

Evans said certain human rights issues on East Timor should be
addressed, citing "the omni-presence ... of the military" and
"the degree of obvious cultural insensitivity as shown in the
events of the last few days."

Last Thursday, hundreds of students protesting religious
conflicts, clashed with security forces in East Timor. Police and
the Indonesian government have denied reports that three
demonstrators died.

More than 300 East Timorese carrying crucifixes protested on
Tuesday after two soldiers behaved improperly during a mass in a
small town south of the capital Dili on June 28.

However, Evans told a television interviewer that raising
expectations about the chances for East Timor's independence did
little good because that time had long passed.

"It might give everyone a greater sense of satisfaction were
we to stand back and hurl mullock and just generally express
indignation in a rowdier fashion, but whether it would contribute
to improving the situation on the ground for East Timorese is a
very different question," Evans said.

"I think we just have to continue to do our best to encourage
the best elements, to discourage the worst and to recognize that
there is a real sense in which Indonesia has been a tolerant
society.

Evans said he discussed establishing Australian diplomatic
representation in East Timor with senior levels of the Indonesian
government during a visit two weeks ago.