Nobel prize 'brings no change' to East Timor
Nobel prize 'brings no change' to East Timor
DILI, East Timor (JP): Exactly one-year after he received the
Nobel Peace Prize, Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo said
yesterday the prestigious award has drawn greater attention but
no progress toward resolving the issue of East Timor.
"There are two things which I felt a year after receiving the
Nobel prize. The name of East Timor is more prominent on the
international map, many people know of the East Timor issue,
that's one positive aspect.
"The negative aspect is there's really been no change here,"
remarked Belo.
Belo was awarded the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize along with East
Timor separatist leader Jose Ramos Horta. Horta's award left the
Indonesian government up in arms, questioning the selection
process of the Nobel committee.
The former Portuguese colony of East Timor was integrated as
part of Indonesia in 1976. But the United Nations still
recognizes Lisbon as the administrative authority there.
In an effort to find an internationally acceptable solution to
the issue, the UN has been sponsoring talks involving the
Indonesian and Portuguese foreign ministers. But the talks have
largely failed to produce anything substantive.
Despite the increased international focus on East Timor, Belo
alleges that human rights violations and violence persist.
He claimed that the oppressive practices have created an
"inconducive climate" for peace and justice.
"I witnessed it myself. There are still violations of human
rights, especially in torturous practices. If such things still
happen it means things haven't changed," he told journalists at
his residence here. "We will have to keep working to reach for
peace."
When asked about his thoughts on the 49th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Belo said such violations
occur throughout the world in both developed and developing
countries.
"So there is no difference when it comes to the implementation
of human rights in developed and developing countries. We are all
God's creations who must respect one another. The only thing that
differentiates us is our culture and location," he said.
Separately, two members of the UN subcommission on the
Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities arrived
here for a three-day visit to get a first-hand look at
development in the province after 21-years of integration.
The two representatives, M. Afonso Martinez and Portia
Siegelbaum, met with East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio
Soares upon their arrival.
They are also due to meet with Belo, East Timor military
commander Col. Salamat Sidabutar and Bacau Bishop Basilia Do
Nacimento. (33/aan)