UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Wednesday, 22 August 2007

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National Media Reports

Misusing state’s fund, needs investigation

The member of the national parliament from CNRT, Cicílio Caminha Freitas has called on the government to investigate the fund for medical treatment for Rogerio Lobato in Malaysia.

“In the plenary session I propose that this matter needs to be investigated,” said Mr. Freitas on Tuesday (21/8) in his office.

According to Mr. Freitas, the former Prime Minister and former ministers of justice, finance, and health need to be questioned on this issue. (STL)

Alfredo is ready to submit himself to the justice

President José Ramos-Horta reportedly met Alfredo Reinado Alves in Ermera district, to convince Reinado to submit himself to the justice when the process of dialogue concludes.

According to the president, Reinado declared him that he wants to solve this problem, because there has not been a solution for one year.

President Horta added that he understands the situation of Alfredo Reinado and his followers who abandoned F-FDTL.

“I went there to show that I want to solve the problem peacefully and that Reinado has made many efforts to collaborate with this state in solving the situation,” said President Horta on Tuesday (21/8) in LABEH’s office Kampung Baru Comoro, Dili.

The President said that he has asked government to create a task force to solve the problem. (STL and DN)

Unconstitutional government: Timorese is asked to solve it constitutionally

The Madrid Club, comprised of the Former Prime Minister of Latvia, the Former President of Philippines, Fidel Ramos, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jenny Shipley and the former President of Mauritius, Cassam Ateem have called upon the Timorese people to live calm and avoid violence to solve problems constitutionally, if the president’s decision of appointing the Alliance to form the new government is unconstitutional.

“We, together with the leaders of Timor-Leste, appeal to all people to calm and respect the law and orders,” said Club Madrid through its press letter issued last week.

The Madrid Club said that President José Ramos-Horta has made the decision to appoint the Alliance led by Xanana Gusmão and any rejection to that decision should be voiced within the court, not through violence on the streets. (TP)

MPs congratulate the Alliance government

The members of the national parliament from the National Unity Party (PUN) through a plenary session on Tuesday (21/8) have endorsed the Alliance government led by the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão.

However, Fretilin’s members are maintaining that the Alliance government is illegitimate because it is unconstitutional. (STL)

Atul Khare: holding government is not to govern

At a meeting held by NGO FONGTIL on Tuesday (21/8) in Caicoli, Dili the SRSG, Mr. Atul Khare stated that the people who form the government are there to serve the needs of all Timorese people.

Mr. Khare said that the power within a democracy comes from knowing how to be responsible and serve the people.

According to Mr. Khare the current government is represents all organs, the opposition and civil societies together in the process of development. (STL)

Alkatiri and Lu-Olo, asking temporal substitution

The Fretilin parliamentary members have submitted a letter for temporary substitution for the positions held by Mari Alkatiri and Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo.

The mandate of Mr. Alkatiri is temporarily delegated to Fretilin’s member Elizario Ferreira and Mr. Lu-Olo is temporarily delegated to Mr. Joaquim Amaral. (TP)

Arsenio Bano: PSD, along for the ride of ASDT

The Vice President of Fretilin party, Arsenio Paixão Bano on Tuesday (21/8) said that Fretilin has right to claim victory because it got more votes than other political parties such as CNRT, PSD/ASDT, PD, PUN, UNDERTIM and KOTA/PPT. (DN)

ISF commander, inform the security situation to Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Commander of International Stabilization Forces (ISF), John Hutcheson on Tuesday (21/8) held a meeting with Minister of Foreigner Affairs, Zacarias Albano da Costa to inform regarding security matters and in incident in Tasi Tolu.

Speaking to the journalists after meeting, Mr. Hutcheson said that he has informed about the incident in Bercoli and Tasi Tolu to the minister.

“The incident in Tasi Tolu involved a vehicle colliding with a motorbike rider and the incident is being investigated. (DN)

UNPOL, PNTL and F-FDTL are constantly in coordination

The UNMIT spokesperson Ms. Allison Cooper said that UNPol, PNTL and ISF always coordinate each other to maintain security situation in the country.

Speaking to journalist on Tuesday (21/8) Ms. Cooper said that police are coordinating with the ISF to prevent incidents across the country to avoid burning houses and destroying properties.

“The coordination between the security forces remains constant to prevent incidents of violence that occurred in Dili and the eastern districts in the recent weeks, said Ms. Cooper. (DN)