E. Timorese protest against Australia

E. Timorese protest against Australia

EAST TIMOR: Hundreds of East Timorese on Wednesday rallied outside the Australian embassy to demand Canberra stop issuing exploration licenses in disputed parts of a huge gas field between the two countries.

The protesters accused Australia of stealing East Timor's wealth by issuing exploration licenses and urged Australian officials to meet East Timorese officials more often to solve the dispute.

"It is not too late for Australia to rebuild friendly relations with East Timor. But time is running out," they said in a statement.

The protesters shouted "John Howard thief!" referring to the Australian prime minister. "Stop stealing our oil, Australia," read their poster.

They said Australia had benefited from gas fields which are closer to East Timor than to Australia.

"These are our wealth and you don't have the right to sell them," the statement said.

East Timor Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has accused Australia of breaching international law by issuing exploration licenses in the Greater Sunrise field. --AFP