Madam, - Your correspondent William Hederman is accurate in pointing out the difficulties facing the East Timor one year after independence (The Irish Times, May 20th).
It is true that for the poorest country in Asia economic development will be painfully slow. The situation has been made worse by the reduction in the number of UN staff which helped fuel the economy. But as it was it was an artificial economy.
The lack of infrastructure, a poorly funded judicial system and high unemployment are just a few of the problems facing East Timor, known officially known as Timor Leste. Reducing poverty is the priority and many Irish agencies such as Ireland Aid, Concern and Trócaire are engaged in ongoing projects.
The Timorese people are extremely proud of what they have achieved in recent years, not least in ridding themselves of a colonial overlord. I have no doubt that the resilience shown by these extraordinary people will see them through the first difficult years of independence. - Yours, etc.,
TOM HYLAND,
East Timor Campaign,
Dame Street,
Dublin 2.