The socialist Francisco Assis leads a European Parliament delegation that has commenced a visit to Dili today, during which meetings are scheduled with Timorese authorities, cooperation partners, ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), civil society, Timorese students and universities, and economic organizations.
When questioned about the reduction of the European Union’s representation in Timor-Leste, Francisco Assis stated that it is a “serious problem.”
“It is a serious problem, all the more so because some members of the delegation will be relocated to Jakarta. This reveals a certain misunderstanding by the European Commission of the uniqueness of this situation,” said the MEP.
Francisco Assis also highlighted that despite good relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, the Timorese were victims of an invasion and “there is a living memory of that invasion.”
“I believe this is a bad decision by the European Commission,” he stated, noting that he has already requested a meeting with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the issue.
“I think there needs to be a concerted effort in the European Parliament and at the government level. The Portuguese Government itself, I believe, is aware of the importance of not devaluing our delegation here in Timor-Leste, as that would be a bad decision and a bad sign,” he said.
According to the MEP, the topic is expected to be addressed in conversations during the visit to Timor-Leste.
“But on our part, there is great concern. Especially at a time when the Americans are downplaying the support. There is a significant reduction in American development aid, as we know,” he stated.
Francisco Assis also considered that the downgrade of a delegation signifies an “absolutely contrary signal to what has been the dominant discourse of the European Union in recent months.”
Regarding the mission of MEPs to Timor-Leste, Francisco Assis explained that it is a “very important area for the European Union, where significant changes are happening.”
“There is a major split, as we know, between Europeans and Americans, which I hope is momentary, but Europe itself feels somewhat isolated in the world and needs to strengthen these ties,” explained Francisco Assis.
“Timor-Leste can play an important role in relations with this entire region, and we, the European Union, wanted to give this signal, hence our coming here to Timor-Leste,” he added.
