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In May 2002, the first democratically elected president of the Republic of East Timor stood before his people and spoke of his hopes for the future of a newly independent nation. He spoke of a future based on human rights and overcoming poverty. He spoke of the pride the East Timorese had in themselves at being able to forge their own future. He could see no point in being independent if it did not lead to a better life, free from poverty, free from injustice and suffering. He had a vision for a nation united in friendship after so much conflict in his country's past. Little did he realise that shortly before the fourth anniversary of independence, his country would once again be thrown into despair.
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Rebel Timor leader held on string of charges
East Timorese rebel leader Alfredo Reinado faces at least five years in jail after being charged with multiple criminal offences, including attempted murder, his lawyer says. Prosecutors also have charged Major Reinado with embezzling military outfits and theft, according to Benevidos Barros. The West Australian, 29th July 2006
East Timor asks UN for 800-strong police force
East Timor has asked the United Nations to deploy more than 800 international police to ensure stability in the troubled Southeast Asian state, Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said on Thursday. Reuters AlertNet, 27th July 2006
Timor parliament to consider oil deal
A deal carving up billions of dollars worth of Timor Sea oil and gas will be brought before East Timor 's parliament within two weeks, Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta said on Thursday.He added that the deal would not fall victim to recent political upheaval in the country.
SMH, 27th July 2006
East Timor: bid to join Asean endorsed by most members
East Timor said Thursday it hopes to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in five years and that the regional bloc endorsed its bid to join. "We have made a strategic choice to join Asean at some time in the future," said East Timorese Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta. "I personally believe it would take a few years, maybe five or more to join Asean as a full member." Dow Jones Newswires, 27th July 2006
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East Timor Catholic Church caught in the crossfire
As gun battles raged in the hills above Dili in May, rival factions from the East Timor army held their fire after they witnessed an incredible sight. Rebel soldiers from the western region of the country were zeroing in on the home of army chief Taur Matan Ruak, and loyalist soldiers from the east were defending it. Suddenly, a vehicle drove into the epicentre of the mêlée, and as bullets rained over it a Timorese nun popped her head out the side window and brandished her veil.
Eureka Street, 25th July 2006
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What next for Timor?
Jeremy Ballenger writes: "With the present situation slowly heading for political resolution, time has come to consider the next steps for the fledgling government of Australia 's newest neighbour. Many theorists and commentators argue development in Timor is inexorably linked to GNP growth. This argument stresses successful development will not occur without increases in income levels, leaving us wondering how Timor can have a hope of pulling an economic rabbit out of the development hat. With the ongoing debacle that is the Timor Sea agreement, increases in real income will take time to trickle down, if they do at all: time that Timor does not have if it is to avoid a return to the recent unrest." Online Opinion, 24th July 2006
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Caritas Australia's response to East Timor humanitarian crisis
Read about Caritas Australia 's response to the humanitarian crisis in East Timor . Resources include updates, personal stories and a reflective PowerPoint presentation for use by groups or individuals.
www.caritas.org.au/emergencies/eastTimor.htm
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A perspective from Palestine
Dr Bernard Sabella is a passionate advocate of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. A respected sociologist, Dr Sabella is a recently elected member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and he also oversees the refugee programs of the Middle East Council of churches in Gaza , the West Bank, Galilee , Jordan and Lebanon . He holds to a line that neither armed struggle nor military force will bring a solution. In Australia over the past couple of weeks, he has argued that finding "a joint vision of the future" is an urgent priority for Palestinians and Israelis.
Encounter on ABC Radio National, Wednesday 2nd August, 7pm |
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Building for the future
May the memory of wars strengthen our efforts for peace;
May the memory of those who died inspire our service to the living;
May the memory of past destruction move us to build for the future;
O God of Peace, O Companion of our souls,
O Builder of Love and Justice in this world.
Lord, we commit our time, our energy, our talents, our gifts,even our limitations, failures and very selves to the cause of justice, peace and human development.
We join our lives with those who support the struggle for life.
Amen
© Linda Jones
PLEASE NOTE: LINKS TO EXTERNAL WEBSITES ARE NOT NECESSARILY
ENDORSED BY CARITAS AUSTRALIA.
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Caritas renews call for ceasefire and opening of humanitarian corridor
Caritas Internationalis regrets that Israel's impression of the Rome summit was that it had been given a green light to continue with bombing Lebanon. The only way the suffering can end is when the guns go silent and then we in Caritas and the wider humanitarian community can have access to the people whose lives have been devastated by this conflict.
31st July 2006
Caritas Jerusalem provides enhanced first aid kits to 23 physicians in Gaza
Due to the continued bombardment of Gaza , the limited access to medical care and the need to address urgent medical situations throughout Gaza , Caritas Jerusalem has provided 23 first aid kits to allow physicians living in areas where no hospitals are present to offer on-the-spot emergency medical care to the injured in Gaza. 26th July 2006
Caritas Australia increases contribution to Middle East crisis
Caritas Australia has increased their funding to those affected by the current Middle East crisis to $100,000. Today $50 000 was dedicated to the urgent work of Caritas Lebanon to add to the $50,000 previously donated to caritas Jerusalem . Caritas Australia partners, Caritas Lebanon and Caritas Jerusalem, are supplying aid and every possible assistance to more than 55,000 people in the affected areas.
25th July 2006
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East Timor - before, during and after the headlines 
