Timor-Leste Still Needs GNR

UNOTIL
Daily Media Review
Saturday 29, Monday 31 July 2006
National Media Reports


Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said the demands by the protesters for the withdrawal of the Portuguese elite police, GNR is not justifiable because the people making these demands want to commit violence against the defenceless innocent people.

Ramos-Horta said GNR will continue in Timor-Leste due to their good work and he appealed to the population to maintain calm and not provoke each other and allow time for the international community to proceed with the investigation (of the 28 April cases) and for the Prosecutor General to keep an eye on the justice as demanded.

He also appealed to youths with bad intention stressing the population have suffered too much since April up until now and the State does not tolerate burning and killings therefore he said youths with such bad intention should think twice.

The Prime Minister also appeals to stop the protest as it is destabilizing the country adding that Timor-Leste belongs to all and its name has sunk in the international community due to the recent violence.

In a separate article Brigadier Mick Slater said if small groups want to destabilize the country they would have to face the international forces from four nations, adding the troops will try to work with the youths and convince them the nation needs strong youth to carry the country forward.

On the detention of Alfredo, Slater said he was detained due to the weapons he had in the house and the protest in favor of Reinado had to be stopped because they did not have the authorization from the government. (DN, TP)
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