20 May 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Aussie bullying of Timor over oil will fail

All reasonable New Zealanders side with the people of East Timor against the bullying tactics of the Australian government over Timor Gap oil, Progressive MP Matt Robson said today.

"New Zealand was one of the countries that last century stayed silent for the major part of Indonesia's illegal and oppressive occupation of East Timor.

"But things have changed. East Timor should receive its due share of Timor Gap oil," he said.

"Without a fair deal based on standard international law and precedent, the government of Timor will not have the funds it needs to invest in that nation's regional and industry development," Matt Robson said.

The Progressive MP said he is confident that Western countries, including New Zealand, which last century had disgracefully allowed East Timor to stagnate under Indonesian rule, understand that they now have an absolute obligation to advise Australia en bloc that they are opposed to its outrageous bullying of the people of East Timor,'' the Progressive MP said.

ENDS

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