Timor-Leste Foreign Minister & 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Jose Ramos-Horta

Timor-Leste Foreign Minister & 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Jose Ramos-Horta knows more than most about independence struggles against Indonesian control.

Scoop took the opportunity of Mr Ramos-Horta's attendance at the 36th Pacific Island Forum to discuss the struggle for recognition by the independence movement from West Papua.

Mr Ramos-Horta had strong views on what he believed was the West Papua independence movement's best pathway to achieving an improvement in their very difficult situation. However his opinion on the best path to peace in the troubled region is likely to be something of a bitter pill for the West Papuans.

Mr Ramos-Horta suggests the West Papuan groups:
- moderate their demands to accept Indonesia's offer of special autonomy rather than full secession from Indonesia;
- negotiate directly with the newly elected Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono;
- Not attempt to enlist the assistance of Australia as that would likely be counter-productive in terms of dealing with Jakarta.(Alastair Thompson)

© Copyright 2003-2005 by watchPAPUA

Top of Page

Email this article

Printer friendly page