Timor, Indonesia, and the Region: an Australian view

Abstract

The situation in East Timor is unstable, and may easily develop into a local tragedy with wide consequences for the region. Australia has no direct connection with East Timor, and no Australian government or political grouping has any interest but peaceful prosperity for its people. We have been closely involved, however, for the last twenty-five years, it is a factor in both foreign policy and domestic politics, and we are now seriously concerned.