|
|
Article: East Timor, Australia fight for riches beneath the sea.(WORLD)(BRIEFING: PACIFIC RIM)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- August 27, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Washington Times LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: Janaki Kremmer, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
SYDNEY, Australia - Not so long ago, Australians were being feted for helping tiny East Timor, their northern neighbor, gain independence from Indonesia.
But a tug of war over riches lying at the bottom of the Timor Sea that divides the two countries has quickly changed the tone of the relationship. East Timor has branded Canberra a thief, complaining that a deal on harvesting the undersea energy riches greatly favored Australia.
But after a rough patch, it looks as if the two countries could be back on an even keel - if things go according to plan.
The trouble centers on vast oil and gas ...