East Timor hailed its move to democracy May 20 by signing the Timor Gap Treaty with Australia just hours after becoming the world's newest independent state. However, the signing of the treaty was more an empty symbol of goodwill than a declaration of cooperation between the two on developing the Timor Sea's vast natural resources.
Negotiations over the sea's boundaries between Australia, Indonesia and East Timor -- along with the involvement of a number of international players, such as oil companies and nongovernmental organizations -- will grow much hairier and will not end up being in EastTimor's favor.
The Timor Sea, situated between East Timor and Australia's northern coast, contains numerous valuable oil and natural gas fields. East Timor hopes revenue from development in the sea will help put an end to its status as Asia's poorest country. But disputes with Australia regarding maritime borders -- and thus claims to profits from the fields -- could threaten Dili's aspirations.
The treaty signed this week by Dili and Canberra demarcates the Timor Gap section of the sea into three areas of cooperation -- A, B and C. (See map on following page.) ( Please click on map for clarity.)
The treaty signed this week by Dili and Canberra demarcates the Timor Gap section of the sea into three areas of cooperation -- A, B and C. (See map on following page.) ( Please click on map for clarity.)