[Greens-Media] ALP fail to support Timor's right to arbitration to establish fair maritime boundaries

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

09.12.04

ALP fail to support Timor's right to arbitration to establish fair
maritime boundaries

The right for Timor Leste to refer its maritime boundaries dispute to UN
arbitration as under the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea was not
supported by the Labor Party this morning.

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle moved a motion in the Senate after tabling a
petition with close to 3000 signatures calling on the government to
respect Timor's right to fair maritime boundaries.

The ALP refused to agree to a clause which called on the government to
return Australia to the jurisdiction of the UN Convention on the Law of
the Sea with regards to arbitration of maritime boundaries.

"The ALP says they want to negotiate fairly with the Timorese and yet
they do not support the right of the Timorese to take their claims to UN
arbitration to have the boundaries resolved," Senator Nettle said.

"The Labor party know that every case of arbitration of maritime
boundaries cases by the UN have found in favour of a median line option
which the Timorese want. The ALP's refusal to back this process implies
a lack of support for this equitable outcome. 

"This must come as disappointment to those in the Labor Party who
support the aspirations of the Timorese and to the Timorese themselves
who hope to find support on the Labor benches for their right to fair
maritime boundaries."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146