Downer in Dili: what wasn't reported
By Sam King
DILI — The Australian government, forced to recognise that some form of political change in East Timor is inevitable whatever the result of the referendum, has been attempting to woo the pro-independence forces with a face of good will. A significant step in this strategy was the official opening by foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer of the Australian consulate here on July 30.
"If the ballot works, East Timor will have a long and happy future, whichever way the vote goes, knowing you always have a friendly neighbour just across the sea", Downer said at the opening ceremony. He went on to tell the largely National Council of Maubere Resistance crowd: "East Timor has a long and sad history. You will reduce violence [after the ballot] if you are forgiving, with no retribution, no paybacks and respect human rights."
Hypocritically ignoring Australia's continuing military aid to Indonesia, which is training, arming and protecting the anti-independence terror gangs, Downer claimed that forgiveness "is a most important message from a rather peaceful country like Australia".
Downer assured the crowd that during the closed door discussion in Jakarta before arriving in Dili he had "asked" President B.J. Habibie and armed forces chief General Wiranto to release Xanana Gusmao and ensure that the Indonesian military exercise neutrality. He then announced that the Australian delegation had to leave.
That night, Downer spent more than four hours at an all-Australian celebration where he told the crowd of mostly United Nations Assistance Mission to East Timor volunteers that Australians have a great egalitarian and humanitarian nature. Later, more candidly, he declared, "I've decided for myself that Australia cares because it is in Australia's national interest".