UDT statement on Australian election

Statement by João Carrascalão, President, UDT (Timorese
Democratic Union)

Vote ALP, Democrats for best result for East Timor
"I am urging every East Timorese in Australia, and every Australian who
supports self-determination and the freedom of subject peoples, to vote for
the Australian Labor Party in the House of Representatives, and the
Australian Democrats in the Senate, at the Federal election on Saturday.
"East Timor desperately needs an Australian Parliament and Government which
support self-determination and freedom for the East Timor.
"My judgment is that the policies and strength of the ALP in the lower
house and of the Democrats in the Senate would provide the best combination
for Australian action on East Timor. It could lead, at last, to the end of
the illegal occupation and brutal repression of East Timor by Indonesia.
"The Labor Party has significantly changed its stance on Indonesia's
illegal invasion of our homeland. Its new policy talks about
self-determination; its Shadow Minister, Laurie Brereton, talks of an
independent East Timor and recognition of East Timorese ownership of the
Timor Gap oil and gas.
"The Australian Democrats are long-time friends of East Timor and active
allies in our fight for recognition of the rights and freedom of the East
Timorese people. Should they hold the balance of power in the Senate, they
can help an ALP Government clarify its East Timor position further.
"If the ALP wins power in the House of Representatives and the Democrats
hold the balance of power in the Senate, the new Government could apply the
strength and influence of Australia towards ensuring a just and equitable
outcome in the current UN-sponsored negotiations on East Timor.
"There are other friends of East Timor in both Houses. If you wish to
support them with your first preference, please do so. But I urge you to
ensure that your second preferences go to the ALP and the Australian
Democrats.
"It saddens me that the Liberal/National Party Coalition's policy would
leave East Timor at the mercy of Indonesia. Every East Timorese knows that
means more rape, torture, murder and theft by a corrupt and desperate
regime.
"East Timor needs Australia now. Please vote ALP and Australian Democrats
for an Australian Parliament and Government which support East Timor."

FURTHER INFORMATION:
João Carrascalão, President, UDT - Tel: +61 2 9823 5616
Mobile: 0418 767 101
Issued on behalf of UDT by Geoffrey Heard & Associates
37 Flinders St, Mentone 3194 - Tel: +61 3 9583 0788