APSN | Protest outside Australia's embassy in East Timor over the 'occupation' of the Timor Sea

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Protest outside Australia's embassy in East Timor over the 'occupation' of the Timor Sea

Timor See Justice Campaign News Release - February 23, 2016

MKOTT declaration to the Australian government – Movement Against the Occupation of the Timor Sea Statement. February 23, 2016
Protest in Melbourne: Stand in solidarity with the East Timorese demanding their rights – Timor Sea Justice Campaign News Release. February 18, 2016
Tanya Plibersek outlines ALP's new policy to establish permanent maritime boundaries with East Timor – Timor Sea Justice Campaign Media Release. February 10, 2016
Timor Leste prime minister files defamation suit against journalist – Southeast Asian Press Alliance. February 8, 2016
40 years after East Timor first declared independence – its journey to full sovereignty continues – Timor Sea Justice Campaign (TSJC) Media Release. November 27, 2015

A protest action will take place this morning outside the Australian Embassy in Dili, East Timor, calling for the establishment of permanent maritime boundaries along the 'median line' half way between Australia and East Timor.

The Movement Against the Occupation of the Timor Sea (Movimentu Kontra Okupasaun Tasi Timor) has been formed by activists, students and former resistance groups.

MKOTT's coordinator, Juvinal Dias, said the Australian Government needs to respect East Timor's sovereignty as an independent country. "As a big and powerful country in this region, Australia shouldn't using its power to continuing to steal our future from the Timor Sea," said Mr Dias.

The protest is also calling for Australia to resubmitted to international court of Justice and International Court on Law of Sea mechanisms which can resolve maritime boundary disputes through independent arbitration.

"Australia should come to the table with good faith to negotiate with Timor-Leste. It needs to let go of its invalid argument on Continental Shelf to claim the Timor Sea," said Mr Dias.

The MKOTT is calling on the Australian public to support its cause with Mr Dias highlighting that the peoples of East Timor and Australia have long been good partners.

"Timorese people supported Australian soldiers during the Second World War, and many Australian people were in solidarity with Timor-Leste during our struggle against the illegal Indonesian occupation. Today, many Australian people still continue to support our communities; therefore we need your support to push your government to be willing to fairly resolve our common boundary. The change for your Government policy is in your responsibility too" said Mr Dias.

A protest in Melbourne will be held by Australia's grassroots Timor Sea Justice Campaign on Thursday 24 March outside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Details here.

Juvinal Dias, coordinator of the Movement can be contacted on +670 7734 8703

Source: http://www.timorseajustice.com/timor-sea-justice-campaign-news/protest-outside-australia-s-embassy-in-east-timor-over-the-occupation-of-the-timor-sea.