The negotiation and subsequent ratification of the Treaty on Certain Maritime
Arrangements in the Timor Sea, together with the associated Sunrise International Unitization Agreement, can be regarded as a significant positive devel-opment for both Australia and East Timor. As to whether it constitutes an
equitable agreement, this is a matter of interpretation. To the extent that an
agreement can be termed more equal (or equitable) to one party than to the
other (to thoroughly misquote George Orwell), then CMATS can be viewed as
being weighted in Australia’s favour. Critically, however, the agreement was
clearly still acceptable to both parties, as is shown by their conclusion of it