A quarter of a century ago the world stood by as Indonesian armed forces 'annexed' the Portugese colony of East Timor. Despite the historically strong ties between the two countries, the then Austrlaian government stood by and watched as the East Timorese were beaten and abused by their Indonesian oppessors. The rest of the world were similary impotent in their response. Although it must be said that they, unlike Australia never recognised Indonesian authority in the former portugese colony.
For a quarter of a century now Australia has adopted a policy of appeaesment to the Indonesians. the cry of the foreign policy office is that human rights have no place in foreign policy. Australia has fostered close ties with Indonesia, even negotiating the Timor gap treaty which in effect allows Australia and Indonesia to share the ocean resorces of East Timor.
Now, the Asian monetary crisis and continued trouble in Easdt Timor has forced Indonesia into a position where Timor has been granted a vote of independence or autonomy. Overwhelmingly the people of Timor have voted for independence.
But the story does not end there. Militas armed by the Indonesian government roam the streets, killing and terrorising those who voted for independence- all this while the Indonesian armed forces supposeedly charged with keeping the peace stand idly by and watch innocents die, often hacked to death by home made weapons.
Where is the UN peace keeping force you ask? Nowhere. Security was entrusted to the Indonesians alone. A very foolish move given the history of the Indonesians in the province (genocide anbd human rights abuse).
So now East Timor waits for the world to act. Waits while the people are being slaughtered, in bloodshed that could have been avoided if politicians were not 'bully boys without vision'.
