East Timor group folds
By Roberto Jorquera
PERTH — Thirty-five people attended the final meeting of Friends of East Timor WA (FOET) on February 6, at which the single item for discussion was a proposal that the group wind up after two decades of campaigning. After lengthy discussion, all but one member voted in favour.
A newsletter to members explained the thinking behind the decision: "The aims of FOET have been achieved, in the specific terms of national self-determination of the East Timorese people. In terms of the numerous problems facing East Timorese now, unfortunately there is no clear objective and strategy put forward for FOET, and no role that is distinct from other organisations working in solidarity with East Timorese.
"The committee feels that as 24 years of oppression in East Timor ends, it is also time to seek closure for a group which has tirelessly supported the right of the East Timorese to self-determination for most of those years."
A date is to be set for those interested in forming a new organisation. It will be advertised in the final FOET newsletter. FOET members were encouraged to remain active through other organisations campaigning in solidarity with East Timor.