PM Estanislau da Silva: “É urgente melhorar as condições de vida e de trabalho dos militares”

Gabinete do primeiro-ministro

INFORMAÇÃO À COMUNICAÇÃO SOCIAL


MODERNIZAÇÃO DAS F-FDTL SERÁ feita de forma prudente e GRADUAL

Díli, 6 de Junho de 2007 - O Primeiro-ministro e Ministro da Defesa, Engº Estanislau da Silva, disse que o desenvolvimento e a modernização das F-FDTL são prioridades nacionais que o III Governo Constitucional acompanha com atenção.

“O investimento na modernização das F-FDTL é prioritário e será previsto na proposta de Orçamento que o III Governo tem em preparação para ser entregue como recomendação ao próximo executivo a sair das eleições”, disse o Primeiro-ministro.

“A construção de uma pequena força militar moderna visa contribuir para a segurança e a estabilidade da comunidade, acompanhando o esforço global de modernização do país”, disse o Engº Estanislau da Silva.

“As F-FDTL poderão contribuir positivamente para a integração regional de Timor-Leste, reforçando relações com os países vizinhos. Isso está previsto no Estudo 2020, com a participação em exercícios conjuntos com outros países e em operações internacionais de manutenção de paz”, referiu o titular da pasta da Defesa.

Uma força militar competente e respeitada é um factor de estabilidade social, contribuindo para criar um ambiente de confiança e, por essa via, para o crescimento e o desenvolvimento.

“O investimento do país nas suas forças armadas será feito de forma prudente e gradual, à medida das possibilidades económicas e financeiras, pelo que será um contributo positivo para o desenvolvimento nacional”, declarou o Primeiro-Ministro.

O Engº Estanislau da Silva reuniu-se Quarta-feira (6/6) com o Estado-Maior das F-FDTL na sua primeira iniciativa como titular da pasta da Defesa. Na reunião, que decorreu no quartel de Tasi Tolu, procedeu-se ao levantamento das prioridades de investimento e modernização.

O comandante das F-FDTL, Brigadeiro Taur Matan Ruak, fez uma exposição dos principais projectos de desenvolvimento das F-FDTL, sublinhando a reorganização da sua estrutura, a construção de infra-estruturas e o reequipamento.

O Primeiro-ministro e Ministro da Defesa referiu-se às prioridades a contemplar na proposta de Orçamento de Estado para o próximo exercício.

“É urgente melhorar as condições de vida dos militares e investir também nas suas condições de trabalho”, disse o Primeiro-ministro.

“As condições de vida só podem melhorar de forma estável com a elaboração da legislação sobre remunerações e promoções. É também necessário elaborar uma lei sob as pensões a pagar aos militares que passarem à reserva”, declarou.

“Quanto às condições de trabalho, é urgente programar o investimento na sua melhoria. As prioridades são os quartéis para colocação de companhias em todos os distritos, o Quartel-General das F-FDTL e outros alojamentos militares”, disse.

“Vamos deixar trabalho preparado para o próximo governo e vamos procurar resolver, desde já, alguns problemas, quando for possível fazê-lo no curto mandato deste Governo”, afirmou o Engº Estanislau da Silva.

“Assinei recentemente a aprovação da aquisição do muito necessário sistema integrado de comunicações das F-FDTL”, anunciou.

O chefe do Governo manifestou-se favorável à autonomização administrativa e financeira das F-FDTL relativamente à estrutura do Ministério da Defesa, incluindo as operações especializadas de aprovisionamento das F-FDTL.

O Primeiro-ministro disse que a programação a realizar terá em conta as necessidades de reequipando, incluindo a prioridade à componente naval, e sublinhou que o desenvolvimento e modernização das F-FDTL são áreas de consenso nacional pelo que é importante deixar trabalho avançado para o futuro Governo.

“O planeamento orientador até 2020 está feito. Agora é necessária a programação dos investimentos. Alguns serão incluídos no esboço de Orçamento de Estado que o actual governo tem em preparação para entregar como recomendação ao próximo executivo”, declarou.

“As F-FDTL têm um grande contributo a dar à construção de Timor-Leste como país moderno, pacífico e em desenvolvimento. Por isso, o país deve dar às F-FDTL condições que permitam a sua modernização e profissionalismo”, acrescentou o Engº Estanislau da Silva. - FIM.


Para informação adicional, por favor contactar:
Hakarak informasaun ne’ebe detalhu bele kontaktu ho:
For further information, please contact:

Ivana Belo
Serviço de Comunicação
Gabinete do Primeiro-Ministro

unugina2004@yahoo.com
+670 72 3559.

António Ramos André
Assessor para a Comunicação

Gabinete do Primeiro-Ministro
Palácio do Governo, Díli – Timor-Leste

antónio.m.andre@gmail.com
+670 7319905

Police arrest a man in Viqueque wanted for last Sunday’s homicide

UNMIT

The head of the UN in Timor-Leste, Atul Khare has commended the police for the swift arrest of man wanted in relation to a fatal shooting after a political rally last Sunday.

Police have been searching for PNTL officer Luis De Silva since last Sunday when it’s alleged that he shot a man in a market while off duty.

Following negotiations with police, the man turned himself in to police in Watulari last night. He has been charged with homicide and is currently in hospital due to illness. When he is released he will be presented to the Dili District Court for processing.

The operation to capture the man was headed by the UNPol Police Commissioner Rodolfo Tor along with the PNTL Commander-designate Alfonso de Jesus and assisted by UNPol police officers including the Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit.

“Justice is a priority. Those who break the law and use political campaigning as an opportunity to indulge in criminal activity will be dealt with swiftly by police in Timor-Leste,” said Mr Khare.

“We must now await the outcome of the judicial process during which all the facts surrounding Sunday’s death will become clearer.

I would urge all political parties and their supporters not to make inflammatory statements until those facts are known,” said Mr Khare.

***translations of the Press Release will follow shortly***

For more information please call UNMIT Spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453.

COLÓQUIOS ANUAIS DA LUSOFONIA

A Comissão Executiva dos Colóquios Anuais da Lusofonia tem o prazer de sugerir a V.Exª a apresentação de um trabalho para o 6º Colóquio Anual da Lusofonia cujo tema é, este ano, dedicado à língua portuguesa no Brasil.

Colóquio Anual da Lusofonia,
O Presidente da Comissão Executiva
J. CHRYS CHRYSTELLO

ACL Mentor Information Technology Research Institute, University of Brighton, UK. e Reviewer Helsinki University (Translation Studies Department Publications) Finland
Telefone: (351) 296 446940/Telemóvel: (+ 351) 91 9287816 / 91 6755675 E-fax (E-mail fax): + (00) 1 630 563 1902

E-mail: coloquioslusofonia@gmail.com lusofonia@sapo.pt

Página da internet: http://LUSOFONIA2007.com.sapo.pt

Local do colóquio: CENTRO CULTURAL MUNICIPAL (Anfiteatro) Praça da Sé - Bragança PORTUGAL

Temas:

1. Língua Portuguesa no século XXI: a variante brasileira rumo ao futuro.
Subtemas:
1.1. De variante a língua própria. Riscos reais duma separação das variantes. A agenda para as próximas décadas.

1.2. A situação da língua na CPLP e outros fora na perspectiva do Brasil.

1.3. O presente e o futuro da lusofonia: Europeia ou Sul-americana? Vantagens e desvantagens. Análises comparativa e contrastiva.

1.4.- Literatura em língua portuguesa: devem traduzir-se as variantes?

1.5. - Para que serve um Acordo Ortográfico? Ninguém o quer e ninguém o
cumpre?

2. Homenagem a Miguel Torga no centenário do seu nascimento

3. Tradução: Estudos de Tradução
Subtemas:
3.1. Tradutores ou Traidores?

3.2. Novas metodologias de ensino

3.3. Perspectivas

4. Este ano será anunciado o vencedor do I Prémio Literário da Lusofonia (Ver Regulamento na nossa página http://lusofonia2007.com.sapo.pt )

Prazos:

. INSCRIÇÕES - DATAS LIMITES
2.1. Data limite de envio de propostas de trabalho a apresentar 15 Julho 2007
2.2. Comunicação de aceitação de oradores: 31 Julho 2007
2.3. Data limite de recepção de trabalhos finais prontos para publicação 31 Agosto 2007

2. PAGAMENTO:
1.1. ORADORES COM COMUNICAÇÃO, até 15 Julho € 40.00
1.2. ORADORES COM COMUNICAÇÃO, após 15 de Julho € 60.00
1.3. PRESENCIAIS MADRUGADORES (Participantes sem comunicação com direito a certificado presencial) Pagamento até 27 Setembro 07 € 20.00
1.4. PRESENCIAIS RETARDATÁRIOS (Participantes sem comunicação) Pagamento após 27 Setembro 07 € 30.00
1.5. Estudantes IPB (com cartão/documento comprovativo) € 5.00




Todas as informações na nossa página http://lusofonia2007.com.sapo.pt Agradece-se a divulgação

MENSAGEM DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO ENGº ESTANISLAU ALEIXO DA SILVA

Gabinete do primeiro-ministro

5 de Junho de 2007

Boa Noite.

Em nome do Governo, lamento profundamente os acontecimentos ocorridos em Viqueque. Em meu nome pessoal e em nome de todo o Governo apresento as minhas sentidas condolências às famílias das vítimas.

Quero assegurar a todos os timorenses que o Governo tudo fará para prevenir a repetição de incidentes lamentáveis como este e para evitar que a violência marque de novo a vida da comunidade.

O Governo entregará à Justiça todos os que pratiquem a violência. Pedi ao Ministro do Interior o apuramento dos factos ocorridos recentemente em Viqueque. O Governo tem em curso um inquérito rigoroso a esses acontecimentos.

Prometo-vos rigor e verdade no apuramento de responsabilidades, mas peço igualmente, a todos os timorenses, calma e serenidade para evitarmos conclusões e declarações prematuras, antes mesmo de termos resultados do inquérito.

Quero transmitir-vos a minha condenação firme desses acontecimentos e peço a todos para estarem vigilantes. O ocorrido mostra, mais uma vez, a nossa fraqueza na área de segurança. Apesar disso, quero deixar uma palavra de confiança nas mulheres e homens da PNTL que todos os dias fazem o seu melhor, sob o comando da UNPOL.

A Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste está, de novo, a desempenhar missões importantes para a segurança e a tranquilidade das populações em todos os distritos do país e também na capital, Díli.

É justo manifestar reconhecimento aos agentes da PNTL que, em todo o país, desempenham as suas missões. A indisciplina, venha de onde vier, será sempre investigada e castigada no quadro da lei e dos regulamentos aplicáveis, mas nem por isso devemos esquecer o trabalho dedicado dos agentes da PNTL.

Apelo aos cidadãos e aos partidos políticos, para que ajudem a manter uma atitude equilibrada, apesar das dificuldades, e evitarem afirmações e juízos prematuros, aguardando pelas conclusões do inquérito em curso.

Apelo a todos para que mantenham a calma e a serenidade. O Governo tudo fará para eliminar a violência, para apurar responsabilidades e para levar à Justiça, sem excepção, os que violam a lei e os direitos dos cidadãos.

A paz e a tranquilidade social são uma responsabilidade de todos. Só trabalhando juntos poderemos garantir condições para que o povo participe, com liberdade e sem intimidações, nas próximas eleições.

Este é o objectivo que todos queremos atingir. Como cidadãos de Timor-Leste, cada um de nós, deve contribuir, na comunidade, para a paz e o desenvolvimento do nosso País.

Media Release: First Ever East Timorese Doctor Graduates with PhD

Menzies School of Health Research - 5 June 2007

For the first time ever, an East Timorese medical practitioner has successfully completed a PhD making him the first ever East Timorese 'Doctor Doctor'.

Dr Nelson Martins, an East Timorese medical practitioner with over 10 years of experience in clinical, public health and humanitarian work, has completed his PhD degree with the Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia.

Dr Martins, founding director of the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), and former member of the Interim Health Authority (nascent Ministry of Health) for East Timor, was one of the first Timorese doctors to offer medical services during the conflict, emergency and transitional phases of East Timor government.

Thanks to funding from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Martins embarked upon his PhD at the Menzies School of Health Research in 2004. His research has focused on Tuberculosis Control Program In East Timor and the findings from his investigations are contributing to informing TB policy on a global scale.

Dr Nelson's supervisor throughout his PhD investigations, Associate Professor Paul Kelly, said that this was a great achievement by one of the rising stars of East Timorese medicine.

"Dr Martins has a great deal to offer both to Australia and his home nation of East Timor as the outcomes of Dr Martins research are influencing health decision makers on a global scale" Dr Kelly said.

Thanking his financial supporters at the WHO and his colleagues at the Menzies School of Health Research, Dr Martins said that he was extremely proud to be the first East Timorese Doctor with a PhD.

"I am very proud to be working in this field and that my work can have such a positive impact upon the lives of so many.

"I plan to continue my work in TB research and hope that my investigations can continue to make a difference to the lives of those living with the risk of TB in East Timor and other nations around the world."

Dr Martins is currently working as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney as well as serving as honorary and visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health, Universidade da Paz, Dili, East Timor.

Media contact Julie Carmichael. Phone - 0429 916758

Notes to Editors

The Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR) is the only Australian health and medical research institute with a primary focus on the health of Indigenous communities and people living in tropical and remote areas.
Our researchers work in over forty communities across the Northern Territory and our research and expertise touches the lives of many. We have a budget of over $17 million, employ over 150 staff and are currently engaged in over 50 research projects. Menzies today has the reputation of being the leader in Indigenous and tropical health in Australia and beyond.
Over the past four years the MSHR has been the largest single recipient of Indigenous health research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Our current research spans Indigenous child health, healing & resilience, tropical & emerging infectious diseases, preventable chronic diseases, services, systems & society and International health.
MSHR also delivers innovative education and training programs spanning postgraduate research training, public health coursework, and topical short courses in areas such as advanced statistical analysis and social determinants.
MSHR is a school within the Charles Darwin University (CDU) Institute of Advanced Studies.

E Timor military blueprint unrealistic: Downer

The Australian - Friday, June 08, 2007

Mark Dodd
An ambitious East Timor defence blueprint calling for the establishment of a 3000-strong military supported by missile-equipped warships has been branded "completely unrealistic" by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

The 141-page defence plan called Force 2020, a copy of which was obtained by The Australian, calls for the establishment of an army, navy and air force for the troubled state, Southeast Asia's poorest country.

The report's recommendations are controversial because its authors deliberately snubbed any input by Australia and the US, East Timor's biggest defence backers.

Both countries, along with the UN, believe East Timor's defence needs are much more modest, focusing on the development of a small professional light infantry force.

East Timor's spending priorities should be focused on more important areas than defence, Mr Downer said yesterday.

“I think the Force 2020 report is completely unrealistic. Number one, East Timor cannot afford to build a defence force with 3000 soldiers and a missile-armed navy. And number two, East Timor should focus its resources on developing its economy, education and health services for its people.” Australian aid to East Timor, valued at $72 million this year, would be spent on priority areas of health, water, sanitation and education, in addition to support for law and justice programs, an AusAid spokeswoman said yesterday.

East Timor, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a 1999 referendum, does not have an encouraging record of self-managing defence and security. Its embryonic police and army were at war with each other last year after 600 protesting soldiers were sacked by former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri. The violence brought the country to the brink of civil war.

The country's coffers are benefiting from record levels of tax revenue from the oil and gas-rich Timor Sea, worth $230 million last month. The cash flows have led to a quadrupling of defence expenditure to $26 million over the past 3 years.

The report, more than two years in the making, was completed last year but has not been presented to East Timor's parliament and has been seen by a only handful of senior leaders and diplomats. The recommendations of the Force 2020 report made disturbing reading and were proof of Australia's waning diplomatic influence in the region, according to federal Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Robert McClelland. “This is a source of major embarrassment for Mr Downer and only further underlines the fact that he has presided over a decade of decline of our international reputation and reduction in our regional influence.”

Jakarta governor not involved in killings - Australia

JAKARTA, June 8 (Reuters) - Australia's defence chief said on Friday a former Indonesian general who was served a court summons during a visit to Sydney last month was not involved in the 1975 killing of five Australia-based journalists in East Timor.

Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, who served in East Timor at the start of the Indonesian occupation of the territory in 1975, told him he and his troops were not in the district where the reporters were killed. "He was nowhere near Balibo at the time of that unfortunate incident. Indeed he was with another team in another town in East Timor," Houston told reporters after meeting Sutiyoso in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

"I accept his explanation and I have never doubted his innocence," he said.

Sutiyoso said last month two New South Wales police officers had barged into his hotel room in Sydney during an official visit and asked him to sign an invitation to testify in an inquest into the murder of the five journalists.

Indonesia lodged a formal diplomatic protest but the row was defused after the Australian ambassador in Jakarta and the New South Wales leader apologised. Houston said he expressed regret to Sutiyoso for "the unacceptable circumstances".

"The governor is a long-standing friend of Australia. Those circumstances will never happen again," said Houston, who was Sutiyoso's classmate at an Australian military staff college in 1990.

The Sydney inquest into the death of the five Australia-based journalists heard they were deliberately gunned down by Indonesian soldiers.

In final submissions to the inquest last month, Mark Tedeschi, the counsel assisting the coroner, said the journalists were killed in Balibo to stop them reporting news of Indonesian military actions.

Official Indonesian reports have blamed the deaths on Oct. 16, 1975 on crossfire, as Indonesian forces entered East Timor in an incursion ahead of a full-scale invasion of the territory in December of the same year.

Houston is in Indonesia to meet armed forces chief Joko Suyanto and Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono. He said he met Sutiyoso as an "old friend" who beat him at a tennis competition in Australia.

Major Alfredo Reinado gravou entrevista na Indonésia

Notícias Lusófonas – 7 Junho 2007

A entrevista recente do major fugitivo Alfredo Reinado "foi gravada em território indonésio", declarou o Presidente da República timorense em entrevista à Lusa.

"O major Reinado não está na Indonésia", declarou, no entanto, José Ramos-Horta, entrevistado pela Lusa em Jacarta, onde realizou a sua primeira visita de Estado ao estrangeiro, antes de regressar, quarta-feira, a Díli.

"Nós temos uma ideia razoável onde o major Reinado está", acrescentou José Ramos-Horta.
"A famosa entrevista do major à MetroTV foi em território indonésio. Ele entrou calmamente na Indonésia pela fronteira de Motaain", no limite noroeste de Timor-Leste com a parte ocidental da ilha. "De quem é a responsabilidade, das autoridades indonésias ou da nossa famosa Unidade de Polícia de Fronteira?", questionou o Presidente da República.

Alfredo Reinado, ex-comandante da Polícia Militar e um dos rostos da crise política e militar de 2006, evadiu-se de uma prisão em Díli a 30 de Agosto, e é alvo de um mandado de captura.
Em Fevereiro, assaltou dois postos da polícia de fronteira em Maliana (oeste), levando armas, munições e fardas.

O major foi entrevistado para o programa "Kick Andy" da estação indonésia MetroTV, que transmitiu o programa na noite de 24 de Maio, e afirmou que Xanana Gusmão e José Ramos-Horta se "afastaram do sonho de um Timor independente" e que "o Xanana de ontem não é o Xanana de hoje".
Na entrevista, o Presidente da República insistiu que "a posição do Estado timorense é a mesma: quer uma solução pacífica para o caso do major Alfredo".

"Ele vai ter que cumprir com o seu compromisso de entregar-se à justiça com as suas armas", sublinhou José Ramos-Horta.

O bispo de Díli, D. Ricardo, e o Procurador-geral da República e o advogado de Alfredo Reinado "estão em contacto com ele e espero que haja desenvolvimentos nos próximos dias ou nas próximas duas semanas".

Desde 3 de Março que as Forças de Estabilização Internacionais têm em curso uma operação de captura de Alfredo Reinado no sudoeste do país, depois de um ataque falhado ao grupo do major timorense na vila de Same.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Friday, 08 June 2007

National Media Reports

Man wanted for fatal shooting in Viqueque submits himself

The suspect of the fatal shooting that took place in Viqueque last Sunday (3/6), Luis da Silva, has submitted himself to the PNTL in Viqueque on Thursday (6/6).

The Commander-Designate of PNTL, Afonso de Jesus, speaking to a journalist via mobile phone in Viqueque said that the suspect had been seriously wounded in the mouth during the incident. (STL)

President loses confidence in PNTL

President José Ramos-Horta reportedly declared that he has lost his confidence in the PNTL for not fulfilling its role in ensuring law and order in the country.

Mr. Horta revealed that he lost his confidence in the PNTL members who were involved in the crisis.

Mr. Horta also pledged that the PNTL will undertake a serious screening process in June. (STL)

Fretilin’s supporters suspected to be involved in disturbances

At a press conference held by the CNE on Thursday (7/6) in Dili, the CNE Spokesperson, Maria Angelina Sarmento, stated that the National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor (CNRT) suspected that the supporters of ruling party Fretilin caused disturbances and killed CNRT supporters, as witnessed on Sunday in Viqueque.

She added that the CNE has presented such evidence to the CNRT. PDHJ also requested the CNE to investigate the issue of utilizing state property during the electoral campaign. (STL)

Alcino-Afonso deflecting involvement in Viqueque case

In response to the accusation published by the media on Wednesday (6/6) that Interior Minister Alcino Barris and PNTL Commander Alfonso de Jesus were involved in the Viqueque incident last Sunday (3/6), Mr. Alcino and Mr. Alfonso declared that they objected to such accusations. (STL)

PNTL should change its attitude to restore the people’s confidence

President José Ramos-Horta stated that the PNTL should change its attitude in order to restore the confidence of the people of Timor Leste, which he claims was ruined during last year’s crisis.

“There is no tolerance for the police. Next month it will be reformed,” stated Mr. Horta in a speech last Thursday (6/8) at the PNTL academy in Dili. (TP)

Security maintenance will be tightened for the elections: Ramos Horta

At a meeting held by UNMIT on Thursday (7/8) at the UNMIT Headquarters in Dili, President José Ramos-Horta stated that the electoral process in many countries is not always 100% successful. However, as the President of the Republic he will work hard to collaborate with UNPol and the International Stabilization Forces (ISF) to uphold security during the parliamentary elections on 30 June. (TP)


Using other party’s attributes in electoral campaign: CNE considers it as a crime

Fretilin has protested to the CNE in response to the Fretilin-reformist’s use of Fretilin features during the CNRT electoral campaigns.

The CNE Spokesperson, Maria Angelina Sarmento, confirmed on Thursday (7/6) at the CNE office in Dili, that article 46 of the electoral law considers the usage of names of other candidates and attributes of the another party during an electoral campaign as a crime.

She added that the CNE will send a letter to the Public Ministry and CNRT party, which is headed by former President Kayrala Xanana Gusmão, requesting an investigation. (DN)

International Media Reports

Timor's military plan fanciful: analyst

June 8, 2007 - 9:34AM
Brisbane Times

East Timor is in danger of building a military it can't afford and far bigger than it needs, a top defence analyst says.

Professor Hugh White, head of the department of strategic and defence studies at the Australian National University, said a reported proposal by East Timor for an expanded defence force demonstrated a deep suspicion of Australia and its strategic role in the region.

"It is likely to be spending money on capabilities which are too small to defend itself against its big neighbors but much bigger than it needs to defend itself against pirates or illegal fishermen or the sorts of security problems it genuinely might face," he told ABC radio.

The Australian newspaper revealed East Timor was considering using funds from its lucrative oil and gas fields to pay for a much enlarged 3,000-strong military including a navy equipped with missiles.

The report said that had been recommended by Timorese defence planners, including Portuguese and Malaysian advisers with no input from Australia or the US.

That would be contrary to international expectations that the fledgling nation use its resources to rebuilding its third world infrastructure.

Prof White, a former defence department secretary, said what was proposed was fanciful, although East Timor was entitled to make its own security arrangements.

He said there was no evidence the plan, revealed in the Australian newspaper, was yet government policy.

"The fact that what look like very ambitious, quite unaffordable and really strategically unrealistic plans should get even this far does show a kind of fragility in the way these issues are considered in East Timor," he said. © 2007 AAP




Secret missile plan for East Timor

Mark Dodd
June 08, 2007
The Australian

EAST Timor is considering the use of revenue from its lucrative oil and gas fields to fund a 3000-strong military, including a navy equipped with missiles.

In a plan at odds with international expectations that the fledgling nation should spend more rebuilding its Third World infrastructure, Timorese defence planners, including Portuguese and Malaysian advisers, have recommended the creation of an army, navy and air force.

The authors of the Force 2020 Report, in a deliberate diplomatic snub, excluded any input by Australian defence experts, despite Canberra's desire for a close mentoring role in East Timor's nascent security sector.

The ambitious report recommends that the tiny half-island nation build a small missile-equipped naval strike force backed by armed helicopters to protect Timor Sea oil and gas interests and deter illegal fishing and smuggling.

The findings are a slap in the face for Australia, which believes Dili's security needs are best served by a small, low-cost light infantry force.

Any military build-up by East Timor is also certain to be frowned on by its former occupier Indonesia.

East Timor deliberately kept Australia and the US out of the loop over its defence plans, despite its heavy reliance on foreign aid.

The country, which won its independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a 1999 referendum, relies heavily on Australian police and military personnel to maintain its internal security and Australian taxpayers will spend about $700 million on aid and security in East Timor this financial year alone.
The concealment of the plan also highlights the deep political divisions in East Timor, where some factions are deeply suspicious of Australia.

Defence experts in Canberra warned that the military plan could bankrupt the country, which is one of the poorest in the world, with about 40 per cent of its population below the poverty line.
"That sort of array of high-end capability would have to be matched with some pretty tight command-and-control arrangements," said Mark Thompson, of the respected Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

"It's not clear a state the size of East Timor will ever develop the critical mass to have the rigorous controls necessary to keep that range of capability usefully employed."

The 141-page report, a copy of which has been obtained by The Australian, is the equivalent of a defence white paper. It has not yet been released in East Timor and is in limited diplomatic circulation.

It sets a 20-year time frame for the military program, which would be bankrolled by oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea, expected to produce billions of dollars in revenue.

"The people who wrote this report made sure the Australians were kept right out of this because they don't trust them," another Western security analyst said.

"But let's assume they (East Timor) have the money to buy all this stuff - they do not have the capability to manage it."

The report strongly endorses the call last year by Jose Ramos Horta, elected President last month, for national conscription to boost defence numbers and create jobs for tens of thousands of unemployed young people.

It is understood Mr Ramos Horta has seen the report.

East Timor's defence force, once 1500-strong, is rebuilding after shattering along ethnic lines following the dismissal last year of 600 personnel who were protesting over discrimination and conditions of service.

The military breakdown triggered widespread rioting, which led to the deployment of an Australian-led peacekeeping force.

A 3000-strong tri-service defence force could be built within 10 years, the report states, foreshadowing national mobilization in times of crisis.

It calls for a major hardening of existing F-FDTL (East Timor Defence Force) units and proposes a staged procurement of "sniper weapons, anti-armored-vehicle weapons, heavy machineguns, light patrol vehicles, armored personnel carriers and assault vehicles with suitable combat support weaponry".

Worryingly for Canberra, it raises doubts about the continuing role played by Australian peacekeepers currently deployed to keep law and order in the troubled country.

"When a sudden conflict emerges in which Timor Leste (East Timor) cannot remain neutral or participate with forces, its national sovereignty and independence is put at risk," the report says.

"This situation will reduce Timor Leste to the condition of a 'colony' to the nation state providing its defence."

The Royal Australian Navy is not welcome in East Timor waters to assist in maritime patrol and security work.

The report recommends the acquisition of a "light naval force" to be progressively equipped with missile-armed corvette-class warships supported by a marine-capable landing force to enforce its economic exclusion zone.


Situation Tense in Timor-Leste

Thursday, 7 June 2007, 5:00 pm
Press Release: United Nations
Situation Tense in Timor-Leste in Wake of Deadly Weekend Shootings – UN
New York, Jun 5 2007 7:00PM

Although the overall security situation in Timor-Leste is stable, the district of Viqueque remains tense in the wake of two deadly shootings over the weekend, according to the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the country which the world body ushered to independence in 2002.
UN Police (UNPOL) conducted 43 patrols and responded to five incidents in the capital Dili today, and reported no injuries or damage to property, the UN Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) said.

UNPOL is also continuing its investigation into the two killings that took place in Viqueque over the weekend, and officers from the Major Crime Investigation Unit are working with forensics experts and other officers from the National Investigation Unit who arrived in the district today.

The first shooting took place one hour after a campaign rally for the National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) concluded. Following altercations between CNRT supporters and their opponents, one man was shot dead in a marketplace.

UNMIT said the man is believed to have been shot by an off-duty officer of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and a search is under way to apprehend the person responsible.

The second deadly incident occurred when a group of CNRT supporters, accompanied by former President Xanana Gusmão who heads the party, returned the body of the deceased man to his hometown of Ossu. Initial reports said that PNTL members fired shots to control a crowd and a 24-year-old man was killed while a 16-year-old was injured.

Earlier this week, the Government stressed that it will not tolerate retaliation for the shootings, and reiterated its call for political supporters to remain calm, said UNMIT’s acting head, Eric Tan.
ENDS

UNMIT Security situation - Thursday, 7 June 2007

The security situation in the country as a whole has been calm.


Today in Dili, UNPol conducted 38 patrols and were required to attend only two incidents. One of these incidents was a disturbance in Surikmas at around 0730hrs. Stone throwing began with the arrival of the police, but Formed Police Units soon dispersed the crowd and there were no reported injuries.

In Ermera, PNTL received reports of an assault yesterday in Kaitarahei sub-village, after one man was accused of stealing wood. In Fatubessi village, UNPol is investigating reports of damage to property after seven houses were allegedly damaged by rocks. One man was also slightly injured in the attacks.

The campaign period for the parliamentary elections is still underway. There have been no new reports of major security incidents related to the campaigning.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Report any suspicious activities and avoid traveling the areas affected by disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste

Dos Leitores

"O perdão dos crimes indonésios em Timor pela normalização de relações com a Indonésia em detrimento da justiça é semelhante à atitude das ex-colónias portuguesas
[...]

José Ramos-Horta referiu «a própria experiência portuguesa em Angola, Moçambique e Guiné-Bissau»"

Afinal quem é do clube de Maputo?

"«Os indonésios saíram de Timor-Leste humilhados, depois de milhares de soldados perderem a vida durante 24 anos em Timor-Leste», afirmou."

RH está com pena dos coitadinhos dos indonésios? Humilhados foram os timorenses - desrespeitados, aterrorizados, mortos, violados, espoliados da sua paz, da sua cultura, da sua dignidade e dos seus parcos bens.

RH devia ter ficado na Indonésia, pois encaixa lá na perfeição.

Votaram nele, agora aguentem-no 5 anos.

Henrique

Margarida deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "Timor: Crimes indonésios «perdoados» como os da PI...":

Exigir que se faça justiça em relação aos acontecimentos que rodearam o referendo em 1999 é segundo o novo (e antigo) PR: “esfregar as feridas”, “colocar em perigo e subverter o processo de normalização de relações com a Indonésia”, pode “causar uma reacção no sector militar indonésio» e ainda “contribuir para desestabilizar a frágil democracia indonésia”.

Muito convenientemente esconde que não se fazendo justiça as pessoas envolvidas com as milícias pró-autonomistas podem andar à vontade e até serem dirigentes e candidatos de partidos que os apoiam aos dois (Horta e Xanana), que assim se arvoram em juízes em causa própria.

Mas se isto é um insulto para todos os que lutaram pela dignidade e independência do seu povo (e pela memória dos que morreram em combate) também não deixa de o ser para a própria ONU que patrocinou o referendo de 1999 e que no decurso também sofreu algumas baixas.

Nunca os movimentos de libertação confundiram os regimes coloniais (e respectivos aparelhos repressivos) que durante séculos os escravizaram com o povo português. Mas Ramos-Horta confunde a PIDE e os pides Indonésios com o povo Indonésio, e à cautela tenta safá-los denegando a justiça ao próprio povo Timorense.

H. Correia deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Thursday, 07 May 2007":

"I think Alfredo has the right to hide away as the system does not favor his case,” said Fr. Gusmão at the CNE office"

O Padre Martinho há muito que devia ter sido demitido da CNE. Para além do seu facciosismo, demonstrado diversas vezes, agora resolveu comentar um assunto - Reinado - que nem sequer tem relação com as eleições.Ainda por cima, o seu comentário foi desastroso e lamentável, dizendo que Reinado "tem o direito de se esconder".

E o assassino de Kuda Lay não?

Timor caminha a passos largos para se tornar uma república das bananas.

Dos Leitores

"Also in the interview, Ramos-Horta elaborated on his plan to make Indonesia's national language, Bahasa Indonesian, East Timor's working language and possible official language in the future."

Ramos Horta ultrapassou todos os limites. Não me recordo de o ter ouvido anunciar isto na campanha eleitoral. Será que os 69% que votaram nele na 2ª volta manteriam o seu voto se soubessem a sua intenção?

Lamento dizer isto, mas RH está a trair o seu próprio povo. Primeiro, decidiu absolver Reinado. Depois, resolveu perdoar à Indonésia os crimes cometidos entre 1975 e 1999, sem que fosse mandatado para isso. Finalmente, defende a reintrodução - e até a oficialização! - de uma língua que foi usada durante 24 anos como instrumento de repressão do povo e rolo compressor da sua cultura.

As línguas oficiais de Timor-Leste constam da Constituição e foram aceites consensualmente por todas as forças representativas da sociedade timorense, desde os anos 90, altura em que se iniciaram reuniões com vista à definição das grandes opções para o futuro Timor-Leste independente. RH não pode decidir alterar sozinho aquilo que os timorenses decidiram unanimemente e consagraram na Constituição.

Estas declarações de RH são um insulto à memória daqueles que foram torturados e mortos por se recusarem a falar a língua do invasor. RH quer agora torná-la oficial???

Que terá recebido RH em troca, durante a sua visita à Indonésia? Será que isto também faz parte do pacote que foi negociado com certos partidos timorenses para garantir o seu apoio na 2ª volta?

Xanana não foi tão mau Presidente quanto RH está a ser, apenas escassos dias depois da sua tomada de posse. Tal como Xanana, RH não tem pejo em espezinhar a Constituição, apesar de ter jurado cumpri-la e fazê-la cumprir. A diferença é que RH não perdeu tempo.

Que dirão agora os seus indefectíveis defensores? Comecem já a aprender "bahasa indonesia" (aqueles que ainda não a sabem), pois qualquer dia os comunicados de imprensa da Presidência passarão a ser redigidos nesta língua...

Aproxima-se o período mais negro da História de Timor, principalmente se o "CNRT" conseguir formar Governo.

Henrique

Man arrested over Gusmao rally shooting

The Australian
Mark Dodd
June 08, 2007

EAST Timorese and UN police have arrested one of their colleagues in relation to a fatal shooting last Sunday at a political rally for former president Xanana Gusmao.

A big manhunt had been launched for the officer, identified as Luis De Silva ,after a Gusmao campaign supporter was shot and killed following a CNRT party rally in the eastern town of Viqueque.

"Justice is a priority. Those who break the law and use political campaigning as an opportunity to indulge in criminal activity will be dealt with swiftly by police in Timor-Leste," said UN head Atul Khare.

De Silva turned himself in to police on Thursday night in Watulari district near Viqueque and was charged with homicide.

He is currently in hospital due to an unspecified illness and is expected to be brought before the Dili District Court to face justice when he is well.

The victim was one of two people shot dead by East Timorese police officers during a violent weekend that bodes ill for hopes of a peaceful run-up to June 30 parliamentary elections.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Thursday, 07 May 2007

National Media Reports

Alfredo’s status is unclear

The Spokesperson of the National Elections Commission, Fr. Martinho Gusmão, has called upon the Government to explain the status of the former military police commander, Alfredo Reinado Alves, ahead of any dialogue with him.

“If Alfredo’s status has not yet been properly defined, I think Alfredo has the right to hide away as the system does not favor his case,” said Fr. Gusmão at the CNE office in Kintal boot, Dili. (STL)

President demands PNTL screening

President José Ramos-Horta has called upon UNPol to screen the PNTL members in the 13 districts, following the incident in Viqueque, which he claims has ruined the PNTL’s credibility.

“Further screening should be performed across the districts, especially as some PNTL members have tried to manipulate the presidential election and the upcoming parliamentary elections. I agree with Prime Minister Estanislau Aleixo da Silva’s decision to disarm the PNTL in the districts,” said Mr. Horta at a press conference held on Wednesday (6/6) at the International Airport in Dili, as he returned from his first visit to Indonesia. (STL and TP)

Alkatiri calls for an investigation to the fatal shooting in Viqueque

Fretilin’s Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri called for an investigation into the fatal shooting of a CNRT member in Viqueque last Sunday (3/6).

“It must be fully investigated in order to determine the facts and the circumstances (what, when, where, why and who),” said Alkatiri in a letter to the press on Wednesday (6/6). (STL)

Arsenio Bano: Movement group violated electoral law

The spokesperson of the ruling party – Fretilin - Arsenio Paixão Bano, said that the “Fretilin movement group” violated article 46 of the electoral law by using names of other candidates and attributes of the party in their electoral campaign.

He said such actions can confuse the voters, specifically the Fretilin supporters. (TP)

IDP problems are not treated seriously by the government

The member of the national parliament from the East Timor Socialist Party (PST), Pedro da Costa, said, on Tuesday (5/6) at the national parliament, that East Timor’s government led by the ruling party – Fretilin - has no serious interest in addressing the problems of IDPs.

He added that there still is no solution to last year’s crisis and people still live in the camps. (TP)

Party condemns the Viqueque incident

At a press conference held on Wednesday (6/6) in Dili, the Secretary-General of the National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT), Dionisio Babo, condemned the shootings in Viqueque which led to the death of a CNRT member, Afonso Kudalai.

He also appealed to all CNRT supporters to avoid any undemocratic provocations from others that could lead to violence. (TP)

The fugitive, Alfredo receives president’s letter

The response letter from President José Ramos-Horta has been received by Alfredo Reinado Alves on Tuesday (5/6).

An unnamed lawyer of Reinado said that they have not yet received a reply from their client, Reinado, to the President’s letter. (TP)

International Media Reports

Indonesia, East Timor say leave the bloody past behind

2007/6/6
Source: The China Post
By Muklis Ali JAKARTA, Reuters

Indonesia and East Timor pledged on Tuesday to move forward with reconciliation despite criticism over progress at looking into the violence during the tiny nation's 1999 vote for independence from Jakarta.

The two nations set up a truth commission in 2005 to investigate the bloody 1999 events.

The body, modeled on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has no power to prosecute, prompting criticism from rights groups that it serves to whitewash the atrocities.

Defending the body, East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta said the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) was a "noble approach" to dealing with the past.

"We will continue the process at CTF until its conclusion and we have agreed to extend for another six months," Ramos-Horta told a joint news conference after talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"I believe that it will satisfy the people of both sides and it will set a precedent for other countries to deal with similar situations," he added. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was on his first foreign trip since taking power last month.

The United Nations estimates about 1,000 East Timorese died during the post-vote mayhem, blamed largely on pro-Jakarta militias backed by elements of the Indonesian army.

Indonesian officials say only about 100 people were killed.

Ramos-Horta did not refer to violence in which two backers of former president Xanana Gusmao died during campaigning on Sunday ahead of East Timor's June 30 parliamentary elections.

Yudhoyono said the two countries must "move forward" and leave the past behind.

"I believe very strongly that the president of Timor Leste will follow what we have agreed so far," Yudhoyono said.

Both leaders pledged to increase cooperation in trade, energy and education.

"We hope that more Indonesian companies can invest in East Timor," Yudhoyono said, adding that Indonesia planned to set up a language center in East Timor, where Indonesian is widely spoken.

Tension Continues in East Timor District

Source: Prensa Latina

Dili, Jun 6 (Prensa Latina) The tensions continued Wednesday in Timor Leste s Viqueque district, where three people died this weekend in two shootings related to the campaign for legislative elections June 30.

The violence in that region, 155 miles east of Dili, forced the UN Mission in Timor Leste to increase the police car patrols.

Since the campaign began May 29, violent incidents have taken place in several places in this Asian country between members of the Revolutionary Front of Independent Timor Leste, which led the nation s fight for independence, and the National Council of Reconstruction of Timor, created recently by ex President Xanana Gusmao.

Last year Timor Leste fell into a deep political crisis when almost half the army rebelled and a wave of violence caused the United Nations to deploy a 2,500-man international contingent to impose order.

The UN is investigating Tuesday s highway shooting of two members of the governing Revolutionary Front of Independent Timor Leste and the similar killing of Alfonso Guterres, chief of National Council of Reconstruction of Timor Leste security at a campaign act. hr ccs tac dor
PL-42

Friends honour new nation

7th June 2007 02:05:41 AM
Source: Star news Group

Friends of Ermera
THE fifth anniversary of the independence of East Timor was celebrated in Casey at the weekend with a special flag raising ceremony.

The East Timor flag was jointly raised by Mayor Colin Butler and Gil Santos, representing the many East Timorese people now living in Casey.
“The people of East Timor have suffered hardship for many years but have shown an enormous spirit in their struggle for independence,” Cr Butler said.

“While independence was finally won, this new beginning still requires ongoing work to build the institutions of democracy as well as education, health and legal systems.

“I am pleased to acknowledge the role of the people of Casey in assisting that rebuilding.”

Casey Council has taken positive steps over the past few years to help its friendship city, the Ermera district, rebuild, including an initiative to fund the travel costs for one person each year to come from Ermera for training and professional development. Local school students and teachers are also playing an active role. Over many years, seven Casey schools and one kindergarten have developed ongoing friendship links with schools in Ermera.

Members of the local East Timorese community in Casey have also raised funds to build a primary school in Nunutali. The ceremony and celebration also acknowledged the efforts of the Friends of Ermera, a group established by concerned Casey residents.

“The Friends of Ermera have tapped into the groundswell of goodwill towards East Timor and harnessed the support of many organisations and individuals,” Cr Butler said.

“They continue to raise funds and to organise the provision of goods and services and technical advice.”

Friends of Ermera president Jan Trezise, who recently returned from East Timor, spoke of her experiences as a United Nations observer in the second round of presidential elections, and of the work that continues in that community by Casey people and organisations.


UN: SITUATION TENSE IN TIMOR-LESTE IN WAKE OF DEADLY WEEKEND SHOOTINGS – UN: 06/6/2007 (MaximsNews.com, U.N.)

UNITED NATIONS - / www.MaximsNews.com@ U.N./ - 06 June 2007 – Although the overall security situation in Timor-Leste is stable, the district of Viqueque remains tense in the wake of two deadly shootings over the weekend, according to the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the country which the world body ushered to independence in 2002.

UN Police (UNPOL) conducted 43 patrols and responded to five incidents in the capital Dili today, and reported no injuries or damage to property, the UN Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) said.

UNPOL is also continuing its investigation into the two killings that took place in Viqueque over the weekend, and officers from the Major Crime Investigation Unit are working with forensics experts and other officers from the National Investigation Unit who arrived in the district today.
The first shooting took place one hour after a campaign rally for the National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) concluded. Following altercations between CNRT supporters and their opponents, one man was shot dead in a marketplace

Jakarta Governor Becomes Fugitive from Justice

Thursday, 7 June 2007, 2:40 pm
Press Release: Pacific Media Watch

Jakarta Governor Becomes Fugitive from Justice In Balibo Five Investigation

SYDNEY (RSF/Pacific Media Watch): Reporters without Borders voiced support today for Glebe deputy coroner Dorelle Pinch after her inquest into the 1975 murders of journalist Brian Peters and four colleagues in East Timor led to a diplomatic incident.

A former Indonesian army officer who served in East Timor in 1975 and who is now governor of Jakarta yesterday chose to cut short an official visit to Australia rather than comply with a summons to testify.

"We condemn Governor Sutiyoso's decision to flee rather than testify to the coroner's court," the press freedom organisation said. "Dorelle Pinch must continue her investigation into the killing of the five journalists on 16 October 1975 in the East Timor town of Balibo. There is no reason to keep protecting the Indonesian military indefinitely."

Reporters without Borders added: "Justice must now prevail, not impunity or diplomatic deals. What happened in Balibo was a war crime - the physical elimination of people who knew too much about a military invasion that subsequently led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Timorese."

The guest of the New South Wales government, Jakarta governor Sutiyoso was at his Sydney hotel yesterday when a police officer handed him a summons to appear before Pinch's court, located in the Sydney suburb of Glebe. A retired lieutenant-general and possible candidate in the next presidential election, Sutiyoso was asked to testify as a member of the Indonesian brigade that attacked Balibo at the start of the invasion of East Timor.

According to an Indonesian war reporter, Sutiyoso was a member of the special forces that killed the five journalists, although he denies being in Balibo.

In his summing-up, coroner's legal counsel Mark Tedeschi yesterday asked the court to reach a verdict that the deaths of Peters and his four colleagues - who all worked for Australia TV stations - were premeditated murders by the Indonesian armed forces.

Since resuming hearings on 2 May, the inquest has gathered ample evidence, including testimony by new witnesses, to establish that these murders were "war crimes" and to have recourse to international police procedures.

The Geneva Conventions concerning the protection of civilians in wartime empower the Australian judicial authorities to continue investigating these murders and to punish the perpetrators and their accomplices. ENDS

…

Reacção do Ministério da Administração Interna

Timor-Leste: negociações para substituição de contingente da GNR já decorrem
07.06.2007 - 14h12 Lusa

Portugal, Timor-Leste e as Nações Unidas estão a negociar a substituição do contingente da Guarda Nacional Republicana naquele país, disse hoje fonte do Ministério da Administração Interna.
Os militares do Subagrupamento Bravo da GNR em Timor-Leste estão a manifestar "uma insatisfação generalizada" aos seus superiores perante o adiamento da rotação do contingente, que estava prevista para meados de Julho, declarou à Lusa fonte oficial do Regimento de Infantaria.

Contactado pela Lusa, o ministério indicou que no dia 23 de Maio o ministro da Administração Interna recebeu Atul Khare, representante da ONU para Timor, que manifestou "profundo interesse em que a presença da GNR" naquele país continue.

"Foi também a ONU que pediu uma moratória, de duração limitada, na substituição do contingente da GNR por outro" da mesma força, que "garanta o cumprimento da missão", refere o ministério na resposta enviada à Lusa.

O Regimento de Infantaria, a unidade de origem do Subagrupamento Bravo com que a GNR participa na missão integrada das Nações Unidas (UNMIT) foi informado ontem de que a ONU não autoriza qualquer rotação das suas forças no país, durante o mês de Julho.

Segundo o Ministério da Administração Interna, "tendo em conta que está a decorrer a negociação para fixar a data concreta em que a rotação se fará, não é oportuno prestar esclarecimentos adicionais".

A GNR tem actualmente em Timor-Leste 220 militares e a rotação prevista para 14 de Julho devia abranger 131 elementos.

"Isso afecta apenas a unidade portuguesa porque mais nenhuma das forças da UNMIT tinha rotação de contingente", acrescentou a fonte do Regimento de Infantaria.

"O descontentamento tem a ver com a extensão de uma missão que tem sido muito exigente e com a necessidade de cancelar todas as marcações de férias feitas com as famílias em Portugal", adiantou a mesma fonte, que pediu para não ser identificada.

Timor to spend precious funds on defence

June 8, 2007 - 6:38AM

East Timor is reportedly considering using money from its lucrative oil and gas fields to pay for military purposes rather than much needed infrastructure.

The Australian reports the revenue could be earmarked to fund a 3,000-strong military, including a navy equipped with missiles.

The reported plan would be at odds with international expectations that the fledgling nation should spend more rebuilding its Third World infrastructure.

But Timorese defence planners, including Portuguese and Malaysian advisers, have recommended the creation of an army, navy and air force, the newspaper reports.

The authors of the Force 2020 Report, in a deliberate diplomatic snub, excluded any input by Australian defence experts, despite Canberra's desire for a close mentoring role in East Timor's nascent security sector, the newspaper says.

AAP

UN, Timorese police continue search for suspect in fatal shooting

UNMIT - 6 June 2007

United Nations and Timorese police are continuing their search for an officer of the country’s national police force accused of a fatal shooting on Sunday, the UN peacekeeping operation there said today.

The incident occurred one hour after the completion of a National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) campaign rally in Viqueque town, when a man from the nearby town of Ossu was fatally shot in a marketplace. The CNRT is headed by former President Xanana Gusmão.

According to the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), the victim is believed to have been shot by an off-duty officer of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).

UN Police (UNPOL), supported by the International Stabilisation Forces (ISF), are continuing to search by foot and air for the accused officer, who is thought to have escaped into the mountains, the mission said.

Investigations into a second incident in which two people were shot during a disturbance at a road block in Ossu are also continuing. The incident resulted in one death.

Eric Tan, the deputy head of UNMIT, emphasized that Sunday’s incidents should not be seen as a reflection of the majority of the PNTL. “The majority of Timorese police officers across the country are working well and are participating in an ongoing process of reconstitution,” he stated.

Officers in Ossu, Uatulari and Viqueque Town have been placed on desk duties until the investigations are concluded and UNPOL is patrolling the area in the meantime, Mr Tan said.

He added that a process of screening for PNTL officers has been completed in Dili. A total of 1,200 officers underwent the process, and while 200 of those need further investigation, the remainder had undergone firearms recertification.

The same process will be extended to the remaining 12 districts in Timor-Leste, which the UN ushered to independence in 2002.

Dili District Court Conducts Hearing in Case Of Abilio Mausoko and Others

JSMP Press Release - 07 June 2007

On Tuesday 5 June 2007, the Dili District Court conducted a hearing in the case involving an attack on the residence of F-FDTL Commander Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak that occurred on 23 May 2006. The hearing was scheduled to start at 9:30am, but was delayed until 10:30am. The defendants in this case were Abilio Mesquita alias Mausoko, Artur Avelar Borges, Almerindo da Costa Cardoso, Valentim de Araujo and Pedro da Costa. All of these defendants were represented by legal counsel, namely Paulo dos Remedios, Nelson de Carvalho, Jose Pedro Camões and Andre Fernandes who was acting on behalf of Artur Avelar Borges.

The hearing was presiding over by a panel of judges consisting of international judges Maria das Dores and Hugo Perdal, and national judge Duarte Tilman. The prosecution unit was represented by international prosecutor Felismino Cardoso. The hearing experienced a slight delay because the legal representative of Artur Avelar Borges requested a 30 minute adjournment to consult with his client as he had not previously represented this defendant, and the presiding judge granted his request.

The defendant Pedro da Costa did not attend the hearing as he had previously absconded from prison together with Major Alfredo Reinado Alves. For this reason the prosecutor Felismino Cardoso requested for the court to charge the defendant Pedro da Costa separately in accordance with Article 25(a) of the Indonesian Penal Code so as to not impede proceedings against the other defendants. After hearing the submissions of the prosecutor the presiding judge decided to act on the prosecutor’s suggestions in order to establish the material facts. In this case, pursuant to Article 261(1) of the Indonesian Penal Code, the judge decided to hear from each of the defendants brought before the court.

The defendant Abilio Mesquita alias Mausoko was given the first opportunity to provide testimony about the issues described in the indictment. The prosecutor charged this defendant with three criminal acts, namely theft, attempted murder and the use of firearms to disturb public order.

After the judge read out the indictment, via the interpreter Jacinto, the judge announced that there were a number of inconsistencies between the charges contained in the indictment and the facts. The defendant Abilio Mausoko rejected some of the charges leveled against him on the basis that he had absolutely no intention to attack the house of the F-FDTL Commander, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, because they were on the same side. These former guerillas, who were now members of the F-FDTL, had been friends for a long time and in the past fought together in the armed resistance, and he himself (Abilio) was also was a freedom fighter with the clandestine movement. Although the defendant Abilio Mesquita (Mausoko) rejected the charges against him, the judge decided that his actions were clearly unlawful pursuant to Article 55(1), namely contributing to the commission of a criminal act, Article 365(2) on theft preceded by or accompanied by force or threat of force, Article 338 on attempted murder, and also UNTAET Regulation No 05/2001, Section 4(4.7) on the importing and use of firearms, ammunition or explosives to disrupt public order. The hearing concluded at 14:26 and the presiding judge decided to continue the hearing on the following day (06/06/2007) at 14:00, to hear testimony from the other defendants Artur Avelar Borges, Almerindo and Valentim de Araujo.

JSMP has monitored the judicial process employed during this case, and values the cooperative attitude demonstrated by the defendants, especially by Abilio Mesquita alias Mausoko who responded to all questions posed by the judges and prosecution, despite not being given a single moment to rest.

JSMP also requests for all parties wishing to gain access to this case to remain calm and respect the judicial process so the court actors are not distracted when participating in the examination of defendants. Several times the presiding judge had to remind those present in the court room to remain calm while the hearing was in progress.

For further information, please contact: Roberto da Costa Pacheco, Acting Coordinator of the Legal Research Unit - Bebeto@jsmp.minihub.org

Or Contact: Timotio de Deus, Director of JSMP - E-mail: timotio@jsmp.minihub.org; Landline: +670 3323883

Ramos-Horta to announce plans to end E. Timor military crisis

By Antonio Mali

Jakarta, June 6 (Kyodo News) - East Timor's newly elected President Jose Ramos-Horta said he will announce a proposal next month in order to put an end to violence stemming from divisions in the troubled country's security forces.

In an interview with Kyodo News on Tuesday in Jakarta, the 1996 Nobel peace prize laureate said he has drafted ''a constructive proposal'' to establish a dialogue between the defense force and 600 soldiers sacked in March last year by then Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.
The sacking of the rebellious soldiers, known as ''petitioners,'' triggered violence in East Timor that claimed at least 37 lives.

Ramos-Horta declined to elaborate on the proposed plan but said it was accepted by both sides and supported by the church, stressing the defense force is ready to engage in dialogue with the petitioners.

''All I can say is that my ideas are generally well-accepted and I have the trust of the petitioners. They trust me. And I have the trust of the defense force,'' Ramos-Horta said.
Ramos-Horta, in Jakarta for a three-day visit from Monday, said there is a possibility that the petitioners will regain their status as soldiers.

''That's one of possibilities, but not as a group. The petitioners are not an alternative army, they are individuals. And individually, if they want to go back to the army, they have to reapply,'' he explained.

In regards to Alfredo Reinado, a fugitive army renegade, Ramos-Horta said Reinado has agreed to surrender to the authorities with his men and weapons.

''We have accepted that the church will make contact with him to arrange for him to surrender,'' he said.

Reinado, who is being hunted by Australian forces, sent through his lawyer a letter to the president, stating his willingness to surrender under the conditions that the state must decide to end the operations against him, a demand that was also made by the petitioners.

Alkatiri was forced to resign following violence that erupted after the soldiers were sacked.

Order was only restored after international troops and police were redeployed to the half-island country that shares a land border with Indonesia's West Timor.

Also in the interview, Ramos-Horta elaborated on his plan to make Indonesia's national language, Bahasa Indonesian, East Timor's working language and possible official language in the future.

''Well, 30 to 40 percent of the population speaks Indonesian. Thirty to 40 percent is a very significant percentage. It is an absurdity that a language that is spoken by such a large percentage of population is not more encouraged in use,'' he said.

At his swearing-in ceremony last month, Ramos-Horta delivered a speech in four languages - East Timor's national language Tetum, Portuguese, English and Indonesian.

He said he used Indonesian ''to signal to everyone that I intend to push for greater use of Bahasa Indonesian in public administration.''

Although most East Timorese currently use Tetum or Portuguese, he said they should use Bahasa Indonesian in official communications. ''Slowly, gradually, I will push for it to be used more and more,'' he said.

''I just believe that Bahasa Indonesian and English are a priority for us to promote for the sake of the future of the country,'' he added.

Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1974 and annexed it the following year after it had been under Portuguese colonial rule for about 400 years. It officially gained independence in 2002 after two-and-a-half years under U.N. administration following a vote for independence in 1999.

Militares da GNR em Timor-Leste insatisfeitos perante adiamento da rotação do contingente

Lusa – 7 Junho 2007 - 12h16

Os militares do subagrupamento Bravo da GNR em Timor-Leste estão a manifestar "uma insatisfação generalizada" aos seus superiores perante o adiamento da rotação do contingente que estava prevista para meados de Julho, declarou à Lusa fonte oficial do Regimento de Infantaria.

O Regimento de Infantaria, a unidade de origem do subagrupamento Bravo com que a GNR participa na missão integrada das Nações Unidas em Timor-Leste (UNMIT), foi ontem informado de que as Nações Unidas não autorizam qualquer rotação das suas forças no país durante o mês de Julho.

A GNR tem actualmente em Timor-Leste 220 militares e a rotação prevista para 14 de Julho devia abranger 131 elementos.

"Isso afecta apenas a unidade portuguesa, porque mais nenhuma das forças da UNMIT tinha rotação de contingente", acrescentou a mesma fonte.

"O descontentamento tem a ver com a extensão de uma missão que tem sido muito exigente e com a necessidade de cancelar todas as marcações de férias feitas com as famílias em Portugal", adiantou a fonte do Regimento, que pediu para não ser identificada.

O subagrupamento Bravo da GNR é uma das unidades de polícia formadas (FPU) que têm a cargo áreas especiais de intervenção no âmbito da UNMIT.

Além da FPU portuguesa, estão em Timor-Leste forças policiais autónomas do Paquistão, da Malásia e do Bangladesh, além dos mais de mil oficiais, de quase meia centena de países, que integram a Polícia das Nações Unidas (UNPol).

Este é o segundo adiamento de uma missão que começou, para esses militares, em Novembro, e que estava inicialmente previsto terminar a 27 de Maio.

Um primeiro adiamento de rotação para o início de Julho foi anunciado em Abril, depois da marcação das eleições legislativas timorenses para 30 de Junho.

O adiamento da rotação foi decidido em Nova Iorque pelo departamento de Operações de Apoio à Paz, na sequência da visita do representante-especial do secretário-geral das Nações Unidas em Timor-Leste, Atul Khare.

Até ao momento ainda não houve qualquer comentário da parte do chefe da UNMIT, nem do comando do subagrupamento Bravo em Díli.

Timor: Crimes indonésios «perdoados» como os da PIDE

Lusa – 7 Junho 2007 - 4:19

O perdão dos crimes indonésios em Timor pela normalização de relações com a Indonésia em detrimento da justiça é semelhante à atitude das ex-colónias portuguesas perante os crimes da PIDE, considerou o Presidente da República timorense, José Ramos-Horta, em entrevista à Lusa.

José Ramos-Horta referiu «a própria experiência portuguesa em Angola, Moçambique e Guiné-Bissau», quando questionado sobre a impunidade dos culpados por crimes durante a ocupação indonésia de Timor-Leste e pela violência em torno do referendo pela independência do território, em 1999.

O Presidente timorense, que quarta-feira regressou a Díli, foi entrevistado pela Lusa em Jacarta no final da sua primeira visita oficial ao estrangeiro desde que sucedeu a Xanana Gusmão na chefia do Estado.

«Eu e Xanana tivemos a preocupação ao longo destes anos de não esfregar as feridas», explicou Ramos-Horta.

«Veja a experiência da África do Sul. Quantos brancos e negros sul-africanos serviram o regime do 'apartheid' e quantos foram levados à justiça? Nenhum», relembrou Ramos-Horta.

«Veja a própria experiência portuguesa, em Angola, Moçambique e Guiné-Bissau. Felizmente que os crimes cometidos por militares portugueses foram diminutos. Não se compara com a situação em Timor-Leste. Mas crimes cometidos pela PIDE em África» foram encarados da mesma forma, declarou José Ramos-Horta.

«Após a independência, os governantes moçambicanos andaram a reclamar o julgamento dos 'pides'? Não. Queriam a normalização de relações com Portugal. E Portugal queria o mesmo», defendeu.

«Havia outras prioridades para Moçambique, Guiné-Bissau e Angola do que estar a perseguir a justiça», acrescentou o Presidente da República.

«O nosso caso é muito igual, com a agravante de que partilhamos uma fronteira com um vizinho de 240 milhões de pessoas», disse.

«Por outro lado, temos que compreender a complexidade da situação na Indonésia», referiu o chefe de Estado timorense.

«Promover ou exigir um tribunal internacional para julgar os crimes de 1999 e dos 24 anos (de ocupação) vai colocar em perigo e subverter o processo de normalização de relações com a Indonésia», considerou Ramos-Horta.

Uma insistência timorense no julgamento dos responsáveis por crimes cometidos até 1999 «pode causar uma reacção no sector militar indonésio, que seria altamente nociva para os interesses de Timor-Leste», afirmou José Ramos-Horta.

Além disso, «estaríamos a contribuir para desestabilizar a frágil democracia indonésia, porque os militares ainda são fortes».

«As feridas são recentes», sublinhou o Presidente da República.

«Os indonésios saíram de Timor-Leste humilhados, depois de milhares de soldados perderem a vida durante 24 anos em Timor-Leste», afirmou.

«Não é isso humilhação suficiente, serem forçados a sair? Não podemos ser reféns do passado e temos que seguir em frente com coragem», afirmou Ramos-Horta na terça-feira, em conferência de imprensa conjunta, após reunião com o seu homólogo indonésio, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

José Ramos-Horta elogiou o trabalho da Comissão de Verdade e Amizade, criada pelos dois países, que decidiu deixar ao critério dos governos de Díli e de Jacarta a concessão de amnistias para quem for considerado culpado dos crimes de 1999 e anteriores.

Timor-Leste e Indonésia «concordaram em resolver os problemas do passado dentro dos princípios de amizade e da reconciliação e não através da justiça, neste contexto», declarou Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono na conferência de imprensa conjunta, quando questionado pela Lusa sobre a concessão de amnistias.

East Timor offers clemency to criminals

National Nine News
Thursday Jun 7 20:11 AEST

Criminals in East Timor will be offered the chance of clemency for crimes committed in the past year under a new bill passed by the fledgling nation's parliament this week.

East Timor's government said the new law - which still has to be signed off by recently elected President Jose Ramos Horta - will help the tiny nation move forward from last year's crisis in which 37 people were killed.

But analysts fear the new law could spark new tensions in the nation, which is preparing to return to the polls to elect a new government.

Government minister Jose Teixeira denies it is a "blanket amnesty", saying murderers and rapists will not be eligible to apply.

He said the law, which offers criminals the chance to apply for clemency for "appropriate" crimes committed between April 2006 and April 2007, would assist prosecutors who were grappling with thousands of cases following last year's crisis within the new justice system.

"These crimes that were committed as a result of the crisis, there are a lot of people affected - if everybody was to be tried and convicted and given periods in jail, our jails will be bursting at the seams," Teixeira said.

"They are already bursting at the seams.

"One prosecutor handles 3000 cases.

"If we give this clemency as an incentive, it will open up the way for people to accept responsibility for their crimes.

"They won't go through a lengthy judicial process, the victims will get justice, and people will be found guilty of the offence.

"Getting to the truth is often the most important thing for a victim of crime.

"It doesn't give impunity or immunity."

Teixeira said people must first be convicted of a crime before they could apply to a court for clemency.

"What this does is it puts the period behind us and we can move forward," he said.

"Fretilin has always defended the need for the justice process to be fully implemented.

"This clemency law is unique in that it is only offers an application for clemency for appropriate cases ... after the judicial process has been gone through."

Teixeira would not comment on whether former Fretilin cabinet minister Rogerio Lobato would be eligible to apply.

Lobato was imprisoned last month after he lost an appeal against a seven and a half year sentence handed to him in March for his role in the violence that besieged the country last year.

The United Nations and other human rights groups hailed the court decision as proof the culture of impunity in East Timor would no longer be tolerated.

But International Crisis Group analyst Sophia Cason fears the new clemency law could diminish people's faith in the justice system, if Lobato was granted a pardon.

"The prosecution of Rogerio Lobato sent a signal that even those at the highest levels are not immune to justice," Cason said.

"If they are going to give some of those people amnesty, it will remove the population's faith in the justice system.

"If Rogerio Lobato is given amnesty, I think there will be outrage and it will end up in violence in the streets.

"When the violence stopped in March, it was because he was sentenced."

The new bill quietly passed through parliament this week, with 44 votes in favour and none against in the session which narrowly made quorum in the 88-seat house. There were two abstentions.

Teixeira said the bill had received support from opposition parties in parliament.

"I don't believe it will be controversial," he said.

Horta has 30 days in which to sign off on the bill, or refer it to the Court of Appeal for a decision on its constitutionality.

East Timor is preparing for its June 30 parliamentary elections to select a new government, with former president Xanana Gusmao's CNRT party widely tipped to pose a challenge to Fretilin, which has dominated East Timor politics since independence.


©AAP 2007

Porta-voz da CNE padre Martinho Gusmão abusa do poder outra vez

Vota para ar FRETILIN!
Eleições legislativas 2007

"Defendendo a independência de Timor-Leste "

Comunicado de Imprensa
7 Junho 2007

A FRETILIN, o maior partido político em Timor-Leste, disse hoje que o porta-voz da Comissão Nacional Eleitoral (CNE) padre Martinho Gusmão mais uma vez quebrou o seu dever de actuar com independência numa campanha eleitoral.

Arsénio Bano, membro de topo da FRETILIN e candidato nas eleições legislativas disse que, "os recentes comentários do padre Gusmão sobre a polícia são irresponsáveis e perigosos." A agência internacional de media EFE citou o padre Gusmão afirmando que alguns polícias em
Timor-Leste não são imparciais e que são membros da FRETILIN usando armas da propriedade do Estado para assassinar cidadãos.

Bano acrescentou que declarações recentes a media locais do padre Gusmão que a FRETILIN tinha organizado a partir de Dili a morte a tiro de Afonso Kudalai Guterres no distrito de Viqueque (leste de Dili) e que membros do partido celebraram a morte de Guterres são igualmente irresponsáveis e perigosas.

Bano disse, "as declarações do padre Gusmão são descuidadas e sem qualquer fundamento. A FRETILIN rejeita totalmente as declarações dele. Apenas ajudam a desestabilizar a situação e a encorajar deliberadamente um ambiente de confronto. Não é isto que quer o povo de Timor-Leste, especialmente durante o período eleitoral.

"A CNE não é a instituição adequada para fazer comentários em relação a incidentes como a morte a tiro de Guterres no Domingo 3 de Junho."

Bano disse que a recente retracção do padre Gusmão nos media locais nada faz para provar que ele merece ser o representante da Igreja e o porta-voz da CNE.

"Esta é a última numa série de declarações do padre Gusmão que visa especificamente a FRETILIN e que são programadas para manipular o processo eleitoral. Antes da primeira volta das eleições presidenciais realizadas em 9 de Abril, o padre Gusmão declarou publicamente o seu apoio a um candidato – um abuso de poder sério e em flagrante."

Bano perguntou, "Está o padre Gusmão a representar a CNE que é suposta ser independente ou os seus próprios interesses?"

"A FRETILIN já disse que o padre Gusmão como representante da Igreja Católica está possivelmente a danificar e a sujar a imagem da grande instituição religiosa que ele representa. A militância da FRETILIN é dominada por Católicos; eles sentem que não estão a ser valorizados pela sua instituição religiosa.

"Os padres e as freiras devem ser construtores da paz que promovem unidade e paz."

Bano disse, "Os partidos políticos assinaram um Código de Conduta para as eleições legislativas. O comportamento esperado dos representantes da CNE é mais elevado. Louvamos o trabalho dos outros membros da CNE na eleição presidencial até agora.

"Tornaremos a chamar a atenção da CNE e da Igreja para o comportamento do padre Gusmão."

Bano disse, "A posição da FRETILIN sobre a violência foi sempre clara – não toleramos a violência e seja quem for que cometa um crime deve ser levado a julgamento para que a justiça possa ser feita."

Para mais informações, por favor contacte Arsénio Bano +670 7339416 ou
FRETILIN media em fretilin.media@gmail.com