IDENTIDADE TIMORENSE

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G ermans have long been associated with the virtues of punctuality, discipline and other values reflecting a hard working society. And our inclination to philosophical depth has often made us look pessimistic when there was hardly any reason for it. But surprisingly, in the midst of the recent economic and financial crisis Germans turned out to enjoy life more than other European Nations even though unemployment reached a worrisome peak. Most of the urban opinion makers appeared relaxed and not gloomy at all in spite of sluggish growth rates and a tumbling value of the Euro. Now, after economic growth picked up, the mood could not be better. What is behind this change of attitudes? I believe that to a great degree European Integration and the globalized economies have profoundly changed our value systems. It is ever more difficult to figure out what is typically German or French or Dutch or Portuguese when we speak English with each other and all cherish Italian cuisine. Our national identities have long been opening up to the wide horizons of international standards and tastes. New layers of preferences are entering national consumer habits once we feel at ease with the global society. But the benefits of globalization are neither a panacea for happiness nor do they incorporate all citizens. Millions of people are still suffering from poverty and are lacking the opportunities for a decent living, for mobility and for internet communication. They have no choice other than to adhere to traditional values and they may prefer these even when they are faced with the breeze of competitive business and technology-driven market penetration. The stage of globalization has long been set for transgressing the more narrow-looking values of the nation states, but these were neither abolished nor would the greater part of the world like this to happen. Perhaps we will be more and more shaped by at least two identi- 38 Dr. Norbert Baas Germany Ambassador Timor-Leste from a German Perspective Growing Opportunities in a Globalized World ties: global citizenship and a national one. The challenge is to avoid conflicts and reconcile between them. Regional identities could gain in importance. Hegel and Marx, no longer fashionable authors though, would certainly see that as a dialectic process. Since two years, the G20 is making headlines as a group of countries representing the vast majority of the world’s population, ready to tackle the necessary decisions to pull us out of the crisis. In addition, it is to give new momentum to the reform of international financial institutions like the IMF and to overcome global distortions in trade and capital flows. The G20 did not replace the G8, which comprises the seven highly developed western democracies plus Russia. It took on board the huge threshold countries including China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil. They entered the “old” big economic players’ club and they are able to contribute enormously to economic growth, justice and social progress. It is noteworthy that through the EU, which has its own place at the table Dezembro 2010 – №3 Parseiru ba Dezenvolvimentu alongside Germany, France, Italy and the UK, all other member states are included in the consultations prior to the Summit. ASEAN is equally linked to the G20 through its chair and Indonesia, the one permanent member. ASEAN’s Secretary General is also invited to attend the summits. In addition, Singapore was a participant this year. By this enlarged institutional setting, the smaller countries are increasingly tied to the G20 and to its decisionmaking. When I first visited Timor-Leste in January 2010, I was struck by the beauty of the landscape and by the opportunities this country may well offer its citizens in the future. Timor-Leste is taking pride in its struggle against colonialism, from which it has emerged, in spite of the injuries, violence and bloodshed, as a country embracing peace and good neighborhood.
The identity of its elites and the larger part of its population may thus be described as equ ally post - revolutionary and forward-looking, carried further by a growingly modern spirit, by the curiosity of its young generation to look beyond and all this in a relaxed and open-minded way. To satisfy the future-oriented interests will be of great relevance to avoid disappointments. It is difficult to imagine that any temptation to breed new violent impatience could again upset the balance between measurement and common responsibility for a stable Timor- Leste. Once the risks are becoming negligible and the own security forces are strong enough, time will come for the UN Mission to rethink its size. Timor-Leste’s political leadership, above all President Ramos-Horta, who was awarded the Peace Nobel Prize, impressed the world community with their successful stabilization policy and their endeavours to implant democracy. This has become a success-story. Germany will continue to be supportive and closely cooperate with the European Union. Among the major German projects implemented by the GTZ is the rural development programme which is enlarging the range of domestic products and is building on participatory village development planning. We are also involved in a maritime support programme. Another focus is on enriching vocational training to enhance employment opportunities for the young generation. Our contribution to transitional justice renders support to the use of an interesting instrument already practiced in Timor-Leste. In Covalima, Manatuto and Viqueque Germany supports the Timorese government in the creation of a mediation law as well as the definition of educational standards for mediators. Based on Timorese culture and tradition this unique handling of conflict management with the goal to eventually build a law-governed state looks very promising. Timor-Leste is now preparing its accession to ASEAN. Membership will offer unique possibilities to connect with the infrastructure of Southeast Asia and to become a partner in the global arena. With its abundant natural resources Timor-Leste is well placed to influ- ence the further destiny of Southeast Asia. Its voice will be heard. Similar to the smaller EU member states, Dezembro 2010 – №3 Parseiru ba Dezenvolvimentu whose leaders were crucial to our European success story, Timor-Leste may soon find itself in the frontrunner group for the promotion of a balanced development model. It would also benefit more from foreign investment since ASEAN is determined to implement the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. Last but not least, I am hopeful that through Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership relations with Germany may take an even more dynamic turn. Cooperation projects between our business communities may benefit from Timor-Leste’s share in the large ASEAN community. Above all, membership will provide the young generation of Timor-Leste with new perspectives and growing j ob - orientations. Probably, it will then gradually contribute to changing Timor-Leste’s identity towards the acceptance of a more competitive economic environment, which in turn will generate fresh inspiration for the future. I am convinced that this will suit the Timorese very well. 39
Page 1 and 2: Presidência da República Discursu
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Page 7 and 8: Appeal to the rich and powerful We
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