Gama sees hope, progress for East Timor
The past 22 years have been marked by diplomatic acrimony between Lisbon and Jakarta over the issue of East Timor. The recent breakthrough in peace talks in the province and the United Nations-sponsored direct ballot in East Timor on Aug. 30 have led to a slight thawing in ties.
During his recent stay in Singapore, Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama talked to The Jakarta Post on preparations for the direct ballot in the former Portuguese colony and the future of relations between Portugal and Indonesia.
Question: How do you view the situation in East Timor ahead of the August ballot?
Answer: There is some progress regarding voter registration. I would not deny there is some progress regarding the reduction of violence, but it's not complete. There are still occurrences of intimidation. There are still regular militia activity and there is still indifference among segments of the Army regarding their links with these militias.
Q: What should the Indonesian government do to create a more conducive environment for the direct ballot?
A: We hope very much that security will be restored. We hope improvements are coming regarding the issue of security. The credibility of the ballot is essential. I also hope that democracy in Indonesia will be a deciding factor in this issue.
Q: Is the Indonesian government presently doing enough to curb violence in East Timor?
A: More control of the militias is needed. And don't increase the artificial problems in the final stages (ahead of the ballot) because that will only work against Indonesia's interests. A firmer grip on the armed forces' activities is needed. The armed forces is the instrument of the state and it needs to abide by clear targets of foreign policy.
Q: Are you suggesting that the Indonesian government is in some way controlling or backing the militias?
A: I would say segments of the Army operating in the territory (are backing the militias). I have no doubt of that. I would not say it is a state policy. I am fully convinced we have to cooperate in order to have a positive outcome in which the East Timorese, Portugal and Indonesia can in the future work together for the benefit of all.
Q: Many say it is the historical animosity between the two warring camps in East Timor -- the prointegration and proindependence supporters -- which has created the unstable security situation in the province.
A: That is historically incorrect. What erupted in the territory in recent months, the militia factor, had never been seen before. It has been fabricated.
Q: Many people predict that whatever the outcome of the ballot, there will still be deep resentment among some East Timorese and this resentment will spark continued violence and chaos there.
A: That is the skeptical approach based on preconceived mentalities. We must work for a process of trust, confidence and dialog for the future. We cannot look backward and must remain open to different solutions. For example, I used to hear people say that democracy in Indonesia would cause chaos in the country. This turned out not to be true.
I was educated under a dictatorship where every day I was taught that if Portugal moved toward democracy the country would be finished. That was not true. Let's not listen to skepticism. Let's seek out positive solutions for the future.
Q: If East Timor rejects autonomy and becomes independent what kind of relationship will it have with Indonesia?
A: I hope in the future East Timor can become a political entity and at the same time maintain a constructive relationship with Indonesia and other neighboring countries, like Australia. Portugal will do its best to help East Timor develop a cooperative, not confrontational, approach with its neighbors.
Q: Looking at the future relationship of Indonesia and Portugal, notwithstanding the official acrimony, what are the underlying ties between the people of the two countries?
A: We have nothing against the Indonesian people. On the contrary, public opinion in Portugal was very positive regarding the move toward democracy in Indonesia. We remember our own political transition to democracy. We are very proud of Asian countries who in difficult economic conditions still move toward democracy. What has been accomplished is fantastic.
Q: Indonesia and Portugal recently opened interest sections in each others capitals. Is this a precursor to greater diplomatic relations in the near future?
A: I would say our relations are based on secular proximity. We were the first Europeans to establish contacts with what is now Indonesia. I hope that if all these processes go well, we, for sure, will restore diplomatic relations. The possibilities for doing much in common are open. (mds)