Contrary to the reports, Jose Ramos Horta, President of East Timor has denied all the reports regarding the people of the nation being angry about an Australian proposal which involves bringing about a regional processing hub for asylum seekers in East Timor.
Chris Bowen, the Australian Minister and the President had met along with some senior officials representing both the nations in Dili. This meeting took place to discuss the prospect of having a processing centre in East Timor which would be funded by the Australian taxpayer.
According to Mr. Bowen, this proposal brought about by the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has the chances of catering to benefits in the form regional as well as economic engagement to East Timor.
As per Dr. Horta, as a responsible member of the region, East Timor had looked into the proposal from humanitarian grounds. There are leaders who would contribute with compassion and wisdom. It is the duty of the government to inform and explain its local people. The President made it clear all the reports claiming that the Timorese were against this proposal is false.
He also informed that the proposal is being considered from a humanitarian standpoint which comes from their beliefs as themselves had once ran away from violence, ill-treatment and poverty. So, if the proposal is accepted by the government of East Timor, it is important the local people embrace it and they should feel that it has been imposed on them.
On the other hand, it is important that those who come to Timor Leste must feel welcomed and should be greeted with an attitude that can be considered as being hostile. So, the President said that a detailed concept proposal has to be discussed with Indonesia, Australia and other nations.
As of now, it is being anticipated that this detailed proposal would be presented to the Timorese government and the government of Australia early next year. This proposal would be developed by a multinational working group.
