Timor-Leste and Australia have little to celebrate if Witness K and Bernard Collaery are not free | José Ramos-Horta

The trial of the former Asis spy and his lawyer undermines the already complicated relationship between two neighbours, writes Timor-Leste's former president

As Timorese and Australians work round the clock preparing to celebrate two milestones in Timor-Leste's recent history - the independence vote on 30 August and the arrival of peacekeeping troops on 20 September 1999, intimately connecting the two countries like an umbilical chord - two brave Australians are on trial for exposing a perfidy unworthy of a great country.

Xanana Gusmio is presiding over the organising committee of the two anniversary events. I peeked and walked in uninvited as our charismatic leader and chief negotiator gave instructions to some 100 officials involved in the festivity preparations.