Australia questions Timor`s policy of rebel talks

Sydney (ANTARA News) - East Timor's government should reconsider its policy of negotiating with rebels fighters after a botched assassination on the president, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Sunday.
President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot several times during a shoot-out with rebels at his Dili home on February 11 in which rebel leader Alfredo Reinado was killed.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed from another attack the same day.
The events prompted Australia to boost its troop deployment to its northern neighbour, while East Timor's Foreign Minister Zacharias Da Costa visited Darwin to meet with Ramos-Horta and Smith.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Australian troops had stumbled on Reinado during a routine patrol a few weeks ago but withdrew from a confrontation because East Timor had wanted to pursue talks with the rebels.
"Warning shots were fired by Reinado and his men and the Australian contingent sensibly withdrew in accordance with that requirement of the East Timorese government," he was quoted by AFP as telling Australian television.
"President Ramos-Horta himself was very strongly of the view they should try to get a negotiated settlement.
"That's something now the East Timorese government may wish to reflect upon, given what's occurred."
Ramos-Horta is in a serious but stable condition in hospital in Darwin where doctors are hopeful he will make a full recovery. (*) END

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