The NZ Connection

New Zealand, too, is not without an economic interest. Indonesia receives one of the highest levels of "aid" from us of any south east Asian country. We are also supposed to have very friendly ties with Suharto. After over two and a half years of attempted conquest without any success, the last thing Suharto wants is for his friends to run out on him.

In regard to this there is one other important aspect to the war in East Timor. The press are not allowed into the country. In fact they are not allowed anywhere near. That is well worth remembering when "official" pronouncements (be they Indonesian or American) are made on the situation. Official does not always mean authoritative. If Jose Ramos Horta comes here he might just tell the truth. And people might just listen.

Simon Wilson