Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Dili, September 26th, 2016
Timor-Leste welcomes Conciliation Commission’s landmark decision to proceed
The Government of Timor-Leste welcomes the decision of the Conciliation Commission that the Commission has competence to continue with the conciliation proceedings. The decision follows a three-day hearing held in The Hague to hear the objections to its competence advanced by the Commonwealth of Australia.
A Press Release issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the 26th of September on behalf of the Commission announced the unanimous decision regarding the challenge to its competence.
The Commission will now continue to exercise its function as described in Annex V of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is to “hear the parties, examine their claims and objections, and make proposals to the parties with a view to reaching an amicable settlement.”
Spokesperson for the Government and Agent for the case, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “Timor-Leste welcomes this decision..This process is an opportunity to set a good example in our region and we will engage with respect for the commission and its recommendations, ever conscious of the importance of maintaining the best possible relationship with our close neighbour Australia.”
Chief Negotiator, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão thanked the Commissioners for their expertise and noted: “Just as we fought so hard and suffered so much for our independence, Timor-Leste will not rest until we have our sovereign rights over both land and sea.”ENDS
Further information about the case may be found at www.pcacases.com/web/view/132, including the full text of the Commission’s Decision on Competence