The Future

East Timor needs as much support as it can get. The Australian government's reply to Malik's statements was suspiciously vague though it did disagree with them. It must be remembered that Indonesia is the largest Asian neighbour of Australia, and the Australian government is anxious to avoid a confrontation with the generals in Jakarta. New Zealand is in a similar situation as regards tics with Indonesia.

Our government must give a clear statement of New Zealand support for self-determination in East Timor. If East Timor cannot go it alone, then, to be consistent, neither can other small nations like Nauru, Tonga or Fiji. Even though East Timor is an economic liability at present, things could change. With any sort of efficient farming of fruit, rice and other foods, the country could soon feed itself. There is also the prospect of mineral wealth; BMP geologists have been prospecting in East Timor for the last couple of years - mainly in search of iron, manganese and chromium - and gold is known to exist. There are also definite indications of oil and gas, and surveys for these are being carried out at present.

Now is a crucial time for Fast Timor. We can help by spreading awareness of the situation there and maintaining pressure on the Government to support and aid an independent last Timor.