There is a long row to hoe. However, constructive dialogue can lead to a solution to these painfully difficult issues. You have in Ali Alatas a world class diplomat. He needs the opportunity to achieve a solution in East Timor. We stand ready to help him, the Government of Indonesia, and the people of East Timor.
People never comment about U.S. engagement with Canada, Mexico or South America.
They don't see France's ties with Germany, the United Kingdom or Spain as unusual. And rightly so - such views would be absurd. It is natural for any country to be most engaged with the nations closest to it, just as we as individuals are most concerned with what happens in our street, our neighbourhood, and our town. To those who still have doubts, look at a globe and see how Australia is located in relation to Asia. Australia - Christmas Island is less than 500 kilometres south.