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)