UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Friday, 15 June 2007

National Media Reports

Government will not buy missiles
Prime Minister Estanislau Aleixo da Silva reportedly denied reports in the international media that the Government of Timor-Leste is buying missiles and jets for the Timorese Armed Forces.

“It is impossible for Timor-Leste to buy missiles and jets. Timor-Leste is a tiny nation and does not need these,” Mr. da Silva said after meeting with President José Ramos-Horta on Thursday (14/6). (STL)

Estanislau: avoid insults during campaigning
Prime Minister Estanislau Aleixo da Silva called on all political parties not to insult each other during the campaigning period and to avoid creating political tensions in the country. (STL)

Fugitive Alfredo is ready to surrender the weapons
Former military police commander, Alfredo Reinado Alves, is prepared to surrender the weapons and submit himself to the justice system once the state decides to have a dialogue.

“Alfredo has been ready to cooperate since the letter from the state was sent announcing to halt the operation and requesting a dialogue,” said Alfredo’s lawyer, Mr. Benevides Correia Barros, after meeting with President José Ramos-Horta on Thursday (14/6) in Dili. (STL)

Atul Khare: Media should avoid politicizing cases
At a press conference held by UNMIT on Thursday (14/6) SRSG Atul Khare encouraged the media not to politicize cases when reporting on incidents that occur throughout the country.

In response to the incident that took place in Manufahi, the SRSG said that UNPol will track down the suspect through the normal process of investigation. (TP)

2020 Plan is ambitious
Prime Minister Estanislau Aleixo da Silva reassured that the government’s new military plan would not be a threat to other countries.

Military and Political Observer Julio Tomas Pinto said that this plan is somewhat ambitious. (TP)

US$28 Thousand lost during Xanana’s term
Secretary-General of Fretilin, Mari Alkatiri, revealed on Thursday (14/6) that US$28 thousand was lost during Xanana’s term as President of the Republic.

Mr. Alkatiri said that he is ready to talk about the corruption issue with Xanana on TV, radio or through the newspapers in order to clearly explain the problem to the Timorese people. (TP)

Atul Khare: “Avoid consuming alcohol near the polling centres”
At a press conference held by UNMIT on Thursday (14/6) the SRSG, Atul Khare, stated that alcohol consumption on election day will not be allowed within or near the polling centers. (DN)

Ballistics machine to arrive from Australia
At a press conference held by UNMIT on Thursday (14/6), SRSG Atul Khare informed that the Australian Federal Police will send a ballistics machine in order to identify the bullet recovered from the Viqueque incident that occurred last week.

Mr. Khare added that Luis da Silva has been imprisoned while awaiting trial. (DN)

UNPol’s action needed to stop violence in Ermera
Fretilin representative Francisco Soares has condemned the recent violence targeting Fretilin supporters in Ermera district during the past few days. He called on UNPol to take immediate action to stop the violence and intimidation in the district. (DN)

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