Portuguese Foreign Minister attacks Australian counterpart

Portuguese Foreign Minister Diogo Freitas de Amaral has abruptly lashed out at is Australian counterpart John Howard for criticising the authorities in East Timor.

Mr Howard said that East Timor has a "significant governance problem" and that "If things get out of control, and they clearly have and outside help is needed, then those who provide the outside help are entitled to ask those who they are helping, 'Will you make sure that you run the country in future in a way that doesn't allow this to happen?”.

Diogo Freitas de Amaral who is known for his less than appropriate interventions in situations that do not call for the Ministers participation stated “We consider this interference in the internal affairs of East Timor and ... we disagree with this kind of statement by foreign countries”.

Tags: Portuguese, Foreign, Minister, Australian, East Timor