A YEAR after East Timor won its freedom, it is worth remembering that much remains to be done to establish this new nation on a sure footing.
The rebuilding will take years and the ghosts of the past will not be banished overnight.
Australians have much to offer the East Timorese, and as close neighbours, we have a responsibility to help these people as they pave their own road to democracy.
The future of East Timor depends on Australia and the world not forgetting the trials the East Timorese have gone through for the past quarter of a century.
They still need our help.
