that East Timor, given that it had stated its intention to
not recognise any agreement entered into on its behalf by Jakarta, could have rejected entirely
the Timor Gap Treaty, the regime negotiated on its behalf under the Timor Gap Treaty and
any contractual obligations under production agreements signed over the ZOC. However
such an approach whilst perhaps satisfying the desires of hardline East Timorese advocacy
groups would prevent or delay the development of the petroleum reserves essential to East
Timor enjoying the benefits of revenue from development.