Statement Movimentu Kontra Ukupasaun Tasi Timor

Movimentu Kontra Ukupasaun Tasi Timor

Statement on the Australian Security Intelligence raid against

Timor-Leste’s Lawyers Office and the detention of the star witness

His Excellency, Mr. Tony Abbot

Prime Minister of Australia

Excellency Mr. Prime Minister,

The Movimentu Kontra Okupasaun Tasi Timor deeply express its concern and condemn the action taken by Australian Security Intelligence against the office of the Legal Representative of Timor-Leste and the star witness to the international arbitration on espionage in The Hague. This is an attitude of disrespecting the legal enforcement of the Country and the international norms of conflict resolution, and risks Australia’s image as great nation in the region. We deeply regret such dishonest, unfriendly and intimidating gesture which deliberately disturbing the proceedings and preventing the witness to testify in The Hague.

Timor-Leste has regarded the neighborhood relationships with Australia constitute mutual benefits to both countries of which any dispute should be treated fairly and in a civic manner respecting the international legal norms and procedures

. As a new emerged country Timor-Leste has regarded Australian Government as good example of respecting human rights standards and fair and just treatment on its own people and its neighbor. However, this recent attitude has discouraged our admiration on such an exemplary now and in the future.

Your Excellency,

We urge your leadership to demonstrate constructive relationships with the people of Timor-Leste to overcome difficult situations that are facing by Timor-Leste.

The involvement of the two Australian citizens on the side of Timor-Leste interest in this case is gesture of promoting the values of democracy, freedom and citizens civic participation as always advocated by the Australian government. Timor-Leste is not a threat to Australia’s security and its well established economy and political stability.

We urge your leadership to guarantee the appropriate use of Australian aid for the mutual benefits of the people of both country.

With due respect we call for Australian Government to allow the movement of Mr. Bernard Collaery to freely undertake his professional job and the witness to testify in a free and safe environment.

Dili, 6 December 2013

Signature of the Statement:

Name Organization Signature