Asian editorial excerpts - GUSMAO SHOULD PLAY UNITY ROLE

0 Comments | Asian Political News, April 22, 2002

TOKYO, April 18 Kyodo

Selected editorial excerpts from the Asia-Pacific press:

GUSMAO SHOULD PLAY UNITY ROLE (The Australian, Sydney)

It is another milestone on East Timor's road to democracy. The peaceful election of Xanana Gusmao as the first elected president of the former Portuguese colony that endured a quarter-century of Indonesian occupation, is cause for celebration. This tiny nation has fought so hard for independence and it should enjoy this important moment. But it wasn't a real contest. Two candidates ran; however, Gusmao, the charismatic former leader of the Falintil guerilla resistance, was always going to beat Francisco Xavier de Amaral.

Given the fait accompli, it is impressive that East Timor's voters still took their democratic right to vote so seriously. More than 80 per cent cast their ballots for Gusmao.

An accomplished campaigner, Gusmao ran hard on the themes of reconciliation and unity. And now comes the difficult part. Next month, with the formal declaration of independence, United Nations forces and many international donors will pull out.

Gusmao's relationship with the Fretilin-controlled administration will be critical, and he must play a healing role, without giving in to excessive demands. The president's relationship with chief minister Mari Alkatiri could also be a source of conflict if it is not properly managed.

Above all, the new president and government must put in place sensible economic policies to help drag East Timor out of wretched poverty and set it on the road to true independence, and participation in the global economy. The government should aim for true long-term independence, which includes becoming self-sufficient, rather than be dependent on foreign aid. Gusmao needs to stand firm against corruption. He should continue to use his charisma and profile to keep East Timor's international profile high, and attractive to foreign investors. But the inexplicable decision to declare Portuguese the official language of East Timor seems a bizarre colonial throwback. Despite the emotional connection with Portuguese, English is the language that will be most useful to the East Timorese in the future as they struggle to establish a stable economic base.

Australia can be proud of the role it has played, belatedly, in helping East Timor move towards independence. Now the region must acknowledge its nationhood. East Timor's neighbours should now invite the newly independent nation to fully participate in key regional diplomatic, defence and economic forums.

(April 18)