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Article: A squabble over oil; Australia and East Timor.(Timor Sea Treaty divides oil and gas reserves)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- March 15, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Economist Newspaper Ltd. 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)
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The Timorese say they were bullied
BULLYING is not new to East Timor. After living under Indonesian occupation for almost 25 years, the tiny former Portuguese colony won its independence last year after much chaos and bloodshed. As they face up to the realities of life on their own, many in East Timor are now starting to wonder if they have rid themselves of one coercive neighbour only to deal with another one, this time Australia.
The issue at stake is the vast oil and gas reserves under the Timor Sea, which separates Australia and East Timor. For Australia, already rich in oil and gas deposits of its own, it is hardly a question of life or death. For ...