Processing centre for asylum seekers

Timor: Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, authorized Ministers and Fretilin Secretary General Mari Alkatiri will discuss on the Australian Government’s proposal of setting up asylum seekers processing centre in the country, Timor Post reported yesterday. Horta said that asylum seekers processing center was a regional issue.

Therefore Timor-Leste would discuss it with Australia and Indonesia. “Asylum seekers processing center is a regional issue. It is not only Australia and Timor-Leste’s problem.

Therefore, Timor- Leste will consult with neighboring country like Indonesia,” Horta said.

Diario Nacional reported that President Horta stressed the Timorese government will never agreed with proposal hesitantly, as it has the obligation to view the proposal from many aspects.

“How come Timor-Leste can agree with the proposal? Who will set up the center for asylum seeker? Who will finance it? Where does the center will be built? And how many years the centre will exist in the country? And therefore it is important to make a proper analysis and balance before Timor-Leste responds to the proposal,” Horta said.

Dili, Xinhua