Timor Gap Treaty

Quick Facts: Who was Timor Gap Treaty?

Subject:

Timor Gap Treaty

Known for:

Bilateral agreements governing hydrocarbon resource exploitation in the Timor Sea.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Timor Gap Treaty was formally known as the Treaty between Australia and the Republic of Indonesia on the zone of cooperation in an area between the Indonesian province of East Timor and Northern Australia. It was a bilateral treaty between the governments of Australia and Indonesia, which provided for the joint exploitation of petroleum and hydrocarbon resources in a part of the Timor Sea Seabed. The treaty was signed on 11 December 1989 and came into force on 9 February 1991.

Career & Major Achievements

The signatories to the treaty were then Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans and then Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas. The Treaty has been the centre of much controversy as it was signed during a period of political uncertainty in East Timor. In 1991, Portugal challenged the validity of the Treaty in the International Court of Justice but no case could be brought due to the Court's lack of jurisdiction.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The United Nations replaced Indonesia as a treaty party in 2000 after East Timor gained independence from Indonesia. In 2002, the Timor Gap Treaty was replaced by the Timor Sea Treaty between the Government of East Timor and the Government of Australia.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1989: 1989 Milestone — The treaty was signed on 11 December 1989 and came into force on 9 February 1991.
2. 1991: 1991 Milestone — In 1991, Portugal challenged the validity of the Treaty in the International Court of Justice but no case could be brought due to the Court's lack of jurisdiction.
3. 2000: 2000 Milestone — The United Nations replaced Indonesia as a treaty party in 2000 after East Timor gained independence from Indonesia.
4. 2002: 2002 Milestone — In 2002, the Timor Gap Treaty was replaced by the Timor Sea Treaty between the Government of East Timor and the Government of Australia.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Timor Gap Treaty

True or False: “True or False: The Timor Gap Treaty was signed before East Timor achieved its full independence from Indonesia.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty was signed in 1989, well before East Timor's independence, which necessitated the treaty's replacement by later agreements.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Timor Gap Treaty