Madam, - Allow me to express my gratitude for the ongoing coverage of East Timor in your newspaper. Your Editorial of August 11th was very much in line with the unfolding situation here.
I note the accurate comment that the current situation cannot be disconnected from the previous three decades of colonial and violent rule. The transition from occupied territory to full democracy is fraught with difficulties that the Timorese have been largely successful in overcoming. However, it should be expected that there will always be some difficulties and the healing and reconciliation process will take time. Recent violent incidents, while sporadic, were not unexpected.
Fretilin supporters, having won the most seats in the National Assembly, but not enough to form a majority government, expected to be invited to form or be part of the new government. However, this was not the case and the president, Dr José Ramos-Horta, invited the former resistance leader, Xanana Gusmao, to take the reins of power as head of a coalition government after protracted talks with all parties. This has proved to be a difficult transition for some people unused to coalition government.
With goodwill and inspired leadership, I have no doubt that the current impasse will be overcome in the near future.
You are right to point out that East Timor has received and deserves substantial international support in tackling the many difficult tasks in nation-building.
The presence of an Ireland Aid Mission, and of agencies such as Concern and Trócaire, show the continuing interest and solidarity of the Irish people. East Timor will continue to need - and, I sure, receive - our generous assistance and understanding for the foreseeable future. - Yours, etc,
TOM HYLAND,
Metiaut, Dili,
East Timor.