UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Thursday, 29 March 2007

National Media Reports

Presidential Candidates Start Insulting each other

Silveiro Pinto, the Assistant to the Director of Provedor Direitos Humanos said that some presidential candidates tended to insult others when giving out their programs, as reported by PDHJ.
He also said that insulting may not educate the voters but showing their incapability.
“We already met the president of CNE to explain the issue’,” Pinto said. (TP)

Government Transferring US$ 20,000 to Candidates

The Interim Prime Minister, Estanislao da Silva, during the Press Conference at his office (Wednesday28/3) in Fomento, stated that the government has transferred US$ 20,000.00 to each candidate by bank transfer. He also stated that other funds have been allocated to CNE to pay its officers.

He added that the assistance provided by UNDP is US $80 million and had been transferred. In addition, the plan of government is that CNE will get 15 cars to facilitate its activities during the election period. (TP)

Xanana is Ready to Be the Prime Minister

The Former Commander of Falintil and recent president of Timor-Leste, Kayrala Xanana Gusmão told Journalists on Wednesday (28/3) at Xanana Reading Room in Lecidere that he is ready to run for Prime Minister if CNRT are victorious in the legislative election. (DN)

Thomas Cabral: STAE remain impartial

Answering the statement of Father Martinho, the Spokesperson of CNE about the STAE’s impartiality, Thomas Cabral, the Director of STAE, reportedly said on Wednesday (28/2) that STAE remains impartial and transparent. (DN)

Ballots papers will be Printed in Dili

The Director and Secretary of STAE, Thomas Cabral, at the STAE office on Wednesday (28/03) reportedly said that the ballot papers will be printed in Dili and the ISF will provide major security for this.
(DN)

Avelino in Vemasse: “Not Using Violence to Solve Problems”

The presidential candidate, Avelino Coelho from PST faced provocation from unidentified groups on his fifth day campaign in the Sub-district Vemasse, Baucau on Wednesday (28/03).

In answering the provocation, Avelino said that people have the right to hear the other presidential candidates’ programs because people want to exert their fundamental right to elect a good president to serve and rule this country. (DN)

Tilman in Ermera: “I will reconstruct the PNTL and the F-FDTL”

The presidential candidate of KOTA, Manuel Tilman at his sixth campaign in Gleno, Ermera District on Wednesday (28/03) said that if he is elected he will rebuild the PNTL and F-FDTL institutions professionally to deal with any kind of violence in the country. (DN)

Horta in Viqueque: “I will pay attention to the Veterans”

The presidential candidate Jose Ramos Horta at his sixth campaign in Viqueque District on Wednesday 28/03 presented one of his programmes, namely that he will pay attention to all veterans who resisted for 24 years during the occupation period. (DN)

CNE Approved symbols used on the ballots papers

At the Press Conference held at the CNE office in Quintal Boot, Dili (Wednesday 28/3) the Spokesperson of CNE, Father Martinho Gusmão, reportedly said that currently CNE has approved the symbols being used on the ballot papers of presidential candidates. (DN)

Joaquim: “CNE is competent to deal with the electoral process”

In answering to the statement of the spokesperson of CNE, Father Martinho Gusmão, who said that CNE is not competent to talk with the Government about financial aid, the NP member of Committee A, Joaquim dos Santos, at National Parliament on Wednesday (28/03) stated that CNE has the right and is fully competent to do everything necessary for the success of the election as stated in their job description, including coordinating financial issues with the existed government. (DN)

One Week into the Presidential Campaign, the Situation in the Capital remains Calm

The presidential candidates’ campaigns have been going for one week in Dili and across the districts and sub-districts. The situation in the capital remains calm, and no significant conflicts or incidents have taken place. (DN)

Former Bishop Belo calls for Reconciliation in Timor Leste

The Former Bishop Belo on the Truth and Friendships Commission between Republic Indonesia (RI) and Timor Leste in Jakarta on Monday 26/03 called for reconciliation in Timor Leste to create peace in the country.

“As a Timorese I say that reconciliation is best and very important for Timor Leste and it must start from within Timor Leste itself.” (STL)

Railos: even if Rogerio were imprisoned for 50 years, the crisis would not be resolved

Even if the Ex Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato were sentenced to 50 years prison, the crisis would not be resolved, Vicente da Conceicao Alias Railos told journalists when attending the National Conference of CNRT at Xanana Reading Room Lecidere on Wednesday 28/03.

Railos added that the best alternative is to make Maputo’s Group disappear (Alkatiri’s group in Fretilin) by gaining victory in this election. (STL)

Government Allocated URP at Dili Port Security Station

The Ministry of Interior, Alcino Barris said that starting from yesterday the Unidade Reserva Polisia (URP) had been deployed to at Dili Port Security station to guarantee the security of all businessmen’s goods.

“Actually we are ordered here by the Ministry of the Interior. We call for all businessmen exporters and importers for not to doubt the security because we will guarantee security,” said the Commander of URP Andre Martins at Dili port on Wednesday (28/03).

He added that they also will coordinate with UNPOL if any disturbances occur outside of Dili Port and that people who want to enter Dili port will have to bring complete documentation. (STL)






















TVTL News
28 March, 2007

Election Campaign


Xavier do Amaral did not campaign in Viqueque as scheduled due to distance and time. He was represented by Maria Valadares. Many people did not participate in the political gathering due to threats and intimidation. Amaral will campaign in Lautem on Thursday.

There were some provocations during candidate Avelino Coelho campaign in Vemasse, Baucau district. Coelho told participants in his gathering that violence would not help and those people creating confusion should present the reason for their problems and try working it out adding the citizens had the right to listen to all the candidates before exercising their rights

TVTL repeated Lucia Lobato, Joao Carrascalão and Lu-Olo campaign which were broadcasted on Wednesday evening edition.

Ramos-Horta said he was saddened with the incident in Lospalos between Fretilin and Fretilin Mudansa and appealed for national unity. He said the attack on Fretilin Mudansa is being investigated by UNPOL adding he is sad that Fretilin is divided and welcomes everybody that supports him.

Manuel Tilman campaign in Betano/Same by pledging to use the revenues of Timor Sea to provide assistance to the elders noting that the country is rich but the people are not benefiting from it. One of the population present as Tilman to assist the agriculturist and help their children education. His next campaign is in the west.

Xavier Amaral in Manufahi focuses on Dom Boaventura as the national symbol and said he is ready to continue the efforts of Dom Boaventura. Amaral and sympathizers traveled around the city and stopped at the local market place for the gathering. Many national and international observers are following the campaign.

Fernando Araújo Lasama told those present in Aileu during his campaign that his aim is to focus on humanity laws, love and mutual respect and Timor-Leste culture. His convoy traveled around the center of Aileu. Lasama said if he becomes the president he would push the government to authorize the catholic or protest church to be in charge of the primary school as they are the ones prepared.

On his 5th day campaign in Baucau, Avelino Coelho told TVTL that the medals awards to former combatants of the resistance is worthless as they continue to live in poor condition and without financial assistant and continue to be unemployed and there are no benefits for their children as well. He says if he wins the election he will create a pension system for the former combatants.

President Gusmão Participation in the Congress
President Gusmão participated about one hour in CNRT congress on Wednesday and express his willingness to be part of the new political party put their trust on him in order to give hope to the people. Gusmão said he is sad for not being able to bring national unity during his mandate as president of the country.

Subsidies for Candidates
Interim Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva, said US$7500 has been transferred from Banking Payments Authority (BPA) to the presidential candidates. Da Silva further said another US$12,000 will be transferred for them and the State is also providing vehicles to CNE during the election.

Government and UNICEF Signs Agreement
The Government and UNICEF signed an agreement in establishing ‘Centro Escola Amigas’/ Friendly School Centre with the aim to train teachers and have a center where the teachers can access information and take part in other programs as well.

CNE Approves Ballot Symbols
Speaking during a press conference, CNE spokesperson, Fr. Martinho Gusmão said following extensive discussion a decision was reached on the ballot symbols and that the candidates are free to choose their symbols. Presidential candidates chosen their own symbols are Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo and Manuel Tilman would use their political party symbol, Ramos-Horta, Francisco Xavier Amaral and Lucia Lobato would use the RDTL symbol and Fernando Araújo Lasama and Joao Carrascalão would not use any symbol.


International Media Reports

Militia Commander Says Sorry To Jakarta
March 29, 2007


The only Indonesian jailed over the violence surrounding East Timor's historic 1999 independence vote has apologized to Indonesia for the unrest that tainted its international image.

Pro-autonomy militia commander Eurico Guterres also called on the people of East Timor to unite and move past the violence of the past, in order to build a strong independent nation.
He said he hoped to one day travel to the tiny nation to personally apologize to victims' families, adding he was ready to face justice in East Timor.

"Let us leave the past behind, let's look to the future," Guterres told an East Timor-Indonesia commission into the 1999 violence.

"Leave behind all the egos, all the hatred we have accumulated over 24 years.
"I hope there will be no more deaths, no more victims, no more tears in this independence ... build on this independence so it can be a strong independence."

The East Timor-Indonesia Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) is holding a series of public hearings as it seeks to establish the truth behind the violence before and after the 1999 poll, in order to aid reconciliation between the two nations.

Some 1,500 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced when pro-Indonesia militia linked to the Indonesian army went on a killing and arson spree across the tiny nation.

In 2002 Guterres, the former head of the Aitarak militia was sentenced by a special Jakarta human rights court to 10 years' jail for his role. He began serving his sentence in May last year.

He was accused of causing dozens of deaths by allowing his militia gang to go on a rampage after the overwhelming vote in favor of independence.
Guterres on Wednesday said he did not kill anyone, but accepted responsibility for the deaths.

"I didn't kill people," he told the packed hotel conference room.

"(But) what I have been accused of, and found guilty of ... in my capacity as the vice commander, I am responsible for the actions of my men."

Outside the hearing, he told reporters he did not expect to receive amnesty for his testimony.

In an at times rambling but passionate address to the commission, Guterres described the violence that shook East Timor eight years ago as a "tragedy of humanity", and said people on both sides - pro-independence and pro-Indonesia - were killed and committed violence.
With distinctive long curly hair, and dressed in a black suit and bright red tie, Guterres also read an "open letter to the nation of Indonesia" apologizing for tarnishing its image in the international community.

"On behalf of the pro-integration (East Timorese) and their families, we extend our apologies from the deepest depths of our heart to the Indonesian nation," he said.

But he said Indonesia was not without blame for the carnage, saying the governments of Indonesia and Portugal, as well as the United Nations, was at fault for handing East Timor the divisive vote without first ensuring the environment was secure.

Guterres said all three should apologize to East Timor "for the neglect of the situation and their irresponsibility".

He was also scathing in his criticism of the CTF as a body to seek the truth, saying it should be expanded to investigate the litany of violent episodes in East Timor outside 1999.

"If the CTF ... only limits itself, the truth, reconciliation and friendship - we will never find it."
© 2007


Reinado Hunt to Continue As East Timor Election Looms
Wednesday, March 29, 2007 (AEST)

Australia's military commander in East Timor, Mal Rerden, says the hunt for fugitive rebel leader Alfredo Reinado has not been put on hold in the lead-up to the country's elections.
Official campaigning has started ahead of presidential elections on April 9.

Brigadier Rerden says security forces are not sure where Major Reinado is, but they are committed to ensuring the elections run smoothly.

"It's important for the security of the elections that there isn't seen to be any armed group who can interfere with the elections, so we'll continue with our operations to locate him and apprehend him," he said.

"I think he's got a very good opportunity to resolve this situation by giving himself up to the authorities."



Timor's Gusmao confirms he'll run for PM
Wednesday, 29 March 2007

East Timor's outgoing president, Xanana Gusmao, on Wednesday confirmed he will stand in elections for the next prime minister later this year, in an attempt to take power from the troubled nation's dominant political party.

Gusmao will lead a new party, the Congress for the National Reconstruction of East Timor, during the parliamentary elections scheduled to take place before September 15.

"I am ready for the post of the prime minister if people choose my party," Xanana told reporters in the capital.

© 2007


Xanana Launches Political Party in Bid To Become Prime Minister
March 29, 2007

DILI (AP): East Timor's outgoing president, Xanana Gusmao, said Wednesday he will contest elections later this year that could see him installed as prime minister, in an attempt to take power from the troubled nation's dominant political party.

Xanana said he would lead a new party, the Congress for the National Reconstruction of East Timor, in parliamentary elections scheduled to take place before Sept. 15.

"I am ready for the post of the prime minister if people choose my party," he told reporters in the capital. "I will make changes in the government and bring new hope to the people of East Timor."

Xanana, who led East Timor's resistance movement against Indonesian rule, remains widely popular.

His party would run against the dominant left-wing Fretilin party of former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, who resigned last year amid a wave of violence that left at least 37 people dead and drove 155,000 others from their homes.

Xanana's major political ally, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta, was installed as prime minister when Alkatiri stepped down in June. He will run for president in elections on April 9 and is seen as the favourite.

East Timor won independence from Indonesia in 1999 following a UN ballot. The vote triggered violence by Indonesian troops and pro-Jakarta militias that only ended with the arrival of foreign peacekeepers. Despite abundant offshore gas reserves, it remains the poorest country in Asia. (**)







Eurico Gutteres Pessimistic KKP To Unveil Truth
March 29, 2007

JAKARTA (JP): Former East Timor militia leader Eurico Gutteres has expressed his pessimism that the Commission on Truth and Friendship (KKP) would be able to unveil truth about the post-referendum in East Timor

Eurico gave his testimony before members of Commission's members about the violence in East Timor or Timor Leste after majority of its citizens voted for separating from Indonesia in 1999 referendum.

Eurico, who was jailed for the incident, said KKP would not be able to take fair conclusion from testimonies because each of parties had their own version about the incident, Metro TV television reported.

KKP had questioned many other figures from both countries including former President B.J. Habibie, former foreign minister Ali Alatas, and East Timorese Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo.

The commission was established by both Indonesia and East Timor, which voted overwhelmingly to end nearly a quarter century of Indonesian rule in a public referendum eight years ago. It triggered a burst of killing, looting and burning.

Only one person has been punished for the violence. Political leaders in both nations appear reluctant to press for more trials. The United Nations has said it would consider setting up an international tribunal if justice was not done. (**)