domingo, março 16, 2008

“Os peticionarios sao apoliticos” ??!!

Margarida deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "Justiça é "premissa essencial" para ultrapassar ac...":

“Os peticionarios sao apoliticos” ??!!

Os peticionários foram (na sua maioria) jovens instrumentalizados por políticos (Xanana, RH, Lasama, Carrascalão; Xavier do Amaral, bispo de Baucau, bispo de Díli, padre maubere, padre Gusmão entre alguns outros) para os seus objectivos políticos.

Foram peões de feias e muito violentas guerras pelo poder que deixaram não apenas dezenas de mortos e feridos como quase 20% da população do país deslocada e mais de 6000 edifícios queimados – casas, negócios, repartições públicas, tribunais – milhares e milhares de pilhagens, imensas perseguições e agressões e que culminaram na forçada demissão do PM legitimo, Alkatiri, no acantonamento das forças militares da nação e na instalação de tropas Australianas e da Nova Zelândia que continuam a ocupar todo o território nacional e são os a guarda pretoriana dos governantes e do seu PM.

E agora que já não precisam desses jovens, quem deles mais se aproveitou – Xanana, Lasama - acantonaram uns e perseguem outros.

Razão tem o Maubere lian quando preconiza que “nós os boms académicos nunca apoiamos alguém que quer estar em cima da lei, o que queremos é a lei tem que estar em cima de todos nós”.

1 comentário:

Anónimo disse...

APENAS PARA RELEMBRAR E REFRESCAR A NOSSA MEMORIA SOBRE A CRONOLOGIA DE CRISE EM TIMOR LESTE.
-----------------------------------

Timor- Leste
Chronology of Events
January 11 to August 31st 2006

Here are the most relevant events of a well planned coup that brought disastrous consequences for a young nation.

11 January 2006
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak receives an anonymous petition, apparently from some soldiers.
Note: The petition was sent to a number of authorities but not to the Office of Prime Minister, Dr. Alkatiri.

16 January 2006
- President Xanana writes to Brigadier-General Matan Ruak, asking him to resolve the issue regarding the “petitioners” as soon as possible.

17 January 2006
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak replied to President Xanana explaining that the petition was not signed therefore, they would need “petitioners” to be identified in order to solve the problem.

2 – 3 February
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak meets sergeants and soldiers in Baucau to discuss the issues raised by them.

- Some soldiers tell the Brigadier-General that even though they respect the F-FDTL Command, they believe President Xanana is the only one who could solve the problem.

4-5 February
- Some “petitioners” abandon their barracks.

7 February
- The “petitioners” contact the President, Xanana Gusmão.

8 February
- 402 members of F-FDTL meet with President Xanana Gusmão at the Presidential Palace and complain about discrimination within the F-FDTL.
- The “petitioners” demand the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel Falur Rate Laek, Commander of First Battalion.
- President Xanana tells the “petitioners” that they should return to their barracks within the next 24 hours otherwise they would be dismissed.
- Following the meeting between President Xanana and the “petitioners”, a Commission of Inquiry is set up with 5 members of Parliament and some officials.
Note: no member of the Government is included in this Commission
9 February 2006
- Some “petitioners” return to their barracks.
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak states that the “petitioners” continue to be members of F-FDTL while they are under investigation
- The “petitioners” reject accommodation, food and work conditions proposed by F-FDTL.
- The “petitioners” agree that only nine of them will attend the hearing by the Commission of Inquiry.
17 February 2006
- Altogether thirteen “petitioners” are heard by the Commission.
- The “petitioners” are authorized to spend the weekend away from the barracks.
20 February 2006
- Not all the “petitioners” return to the barracks.
28 February 2006
- Lieutenant Salsinha declares that the soldiers will leave Metinaro Training Centre and will not participate in the investigation unless the Commission of Inquiry deals immediately with the agenda set out by the “petitioners”.
16 March 2006
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak addresses the National Parliament about the situation of the “petitioners”
17 March 2006
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak declares that the 591 soldiers are dismissed from the Defence Force because they didn’t return to their barracks and therefore they have abandoned their posts.
- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak’s decision receives public support from Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ramos-Horta.
23 March 2006
- Upon his return from Europe, President Xanana addresses the country. He declares that the soldier’s (“petitioners”) dismissal is wrong and unfair. He criticizes the F-FDTL Commander Brigadier-General Matan Ruak and Defence Minister, Dr. Roque Rodrigues, for failing to resolve the issue. Notwithstanding, President Xanana states that the dismissed soldiers should look for another job.
25 March 2006
- Disturbances occur in the western part of Dili. Sixteen houses are destroyed. Seven people are arrested, including two of the “petitioners”.
23 April 2006
- PNTL Command orders the disarmament of the Prime Minister’s personal security corps. The Prime Minister objected and the order was not carried out.
24 April 2006
- Claiming they are victims of discrimination within F-FDTL, the “petitioners” initiate a four-day protest in front of the Cultural Centre “Uma Fukun”, next to Government Palace, involving about a thousand people.
26 April 2006
- The “petitioners” begin to demand for the resignation of Prime Minister, Dr. Mari Alkatiri.
27 April 2006
- Following consultations with the President of the Republic, the President of the National Parliament, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Catholic Church and the NGO Forum, PM Dr. Alkatiri set up a Commission of Notables to look into the “petitioners” complaints.
- Last day of protest held by the”petitioners”. PM Alkatiri meets with Mr Salsinha, the leader of the “petitioners”, in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramos-Horta and independent MP Leandro Isaac.
- At this meeting, Lieutenant Salsinha admits he has lost control over the demonstrators.
- It was agreed that a meeting will take place at the Gymnasium on the following day.
- Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramos-Horta is nominated to talk with the demonstrators to put an end to the demonstration.
- Ramos-Horta met with the demonstrators and they decide that they would meet again on the following day at the gymnasium[at 8.00 am.
28 April 2006
- Demonstrators fail to appear at the gymnasium as agreed the day before with the Prime Minister in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramos-Horta.
- The demonstrators continue to demonstrate near the Government Palace, opposite “Uma Fukun” Cultural Centre.

- In the morning, Prime Minister Dr Alkatiri informs President Xanana Gusmão over the phone that the organizers had lost control over the demonstrators. President Xanana promises to talk to Lt. Salsinha. President Xanana meets with Lt. Salsinha at the “Palácio das Cinzas”(Ashes Palace) .
- Prime Minister Alkatiri phones his Minister of Interior to instruct him to strengthen police security at the Government Palace. The same instruction is given directly to PNTL Commander Paulo Martins and to his deputy.
- Prime Minister Alkatiri attends the opening ceremony of OPMT Congress. (Popular Women Organization of Timor- Leste).
- Later on, he attends the closing ceremony of a Business Forum at the Hotel Timor.
- While at Hotel Timor, President Xanana informs Prime Minister Alkatiri about his meeting with Lt. Salsinha and agreed that the latter had lost control over the demonstrators.
- It became clear that Osório Leki, from Colimao 2000, was leading the demonstrators.
- Prime Minister Dr. Alkatiri calls Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramos-Horta and Minister of Interior Lobato to an urgent meeting at Hotel Timor. In the meantime, PM Alkatiri asks again for the reinforcement of the police presence at the Palace of Government by sending UIR - Rapid Intervention Unit.
- Police presence is not reinforced. Only 6 UIR members arrive at the Palace.
- PM Alkatiri phones PNTL Commander Paulo Martins and Deputy Commander, Ismael Babo and instructs them to reinforce the police presence. Neither obeyed the given instruction.
- After the closing ceremony of the Business Forum, President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior meet privately at Hotel Timor. PM Alkatiri informs them of the situation with the demonstrators and stresses the need for the State to assert its authority over the situation.
- By early afternoon the demonstrators grow violent. They burn cars at the car park in front of Government Palace and break the windows of the Palace. The protest becomes increasingly violent.
- Some PNTL members are attacked. One is seriously wounded, having to be later transferred to the Darwin hospital.
- One of the UIR uses tear gas against the demonstrators.
- During lunch time at Hotel Timor, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff informs Dr Alkatiri, the President of the Republic and the Minister of Interior about the violence that had occurred at the Government Palace.
- President Xanana leaves the hotel immediately and goes to his office - Palácio das Cinzas, in Dili. PNTL Commander, Paulo Martins, instructs PNTL officers to evacuate PM Alkatiri to the PNTL General Headquarters.
- Prime Minister refuses to be evacuated to the Police General Headquarters and instructs his personal security guards to take him to his official residence, in Dili.
- The Speaker of the National Parliament, Lu Olo, and the Minister of Interior are evacuated to the Police General Headquarters.
- Armed with guns and grenades, the demonstrators roam the streets of Dili stoning and burning houses and cars in several parts of the city.
- Later on, demonstrators go to Tasi Tolu where they indiscriminately attack civilians and burn more than a hundred houses. Some residents were seriously wounded. PNTL doesn’t stop the destruction and violence.
- Timor Telecom lines are overloaded and communication is nearly impossible.
- Prime Minister Dr. Alkatiri unsuccessfully tries to phone President Xanana who is in his residence in Balibar, in the mountains outside Dili.
- In accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution of RDTL and Article 20 of Decree-Law no. 7/ 2004, Prime Minister Alkatiri uses his constitutional powers to form a Crisis Cabinet.
- The Crisis Cabinet is led by PM Alkatiri and is composed of the Minister for State, the Defence Minister, the Minister of Interior, the F-FDTL Chief of Staff and the PNTL Commander. (Other Ministers can be included, if requested by the PM).
- The Prime Minister decides to call for F-FDTL intervention in accordance with the Organic Law of the Defence Force, Decree Law N 7/2004, of 5/5/2004, article 3, no. 2a) and article 18, no. 2. According to this legislation, the Prime Minister is empowered to call for F-FDTL intervention to assist PNTL to restore law and order in the country.
The orders issued to F-FDTL were very clear and regarded the following:
- To control the situation;
- To disperse the troublemakers;
- Not to pursue them.
- Prime Minister Alkatiri called the Army Chief of Staff, Colonel Lere, who was the acting commander of F-FDTL, to discuss the situation.
- On his way to the meeting, Colonel Lere and his men are attacked by the demonstrators. Colonel Lere asks for reinforcements from F-FDTL stationed in Baucau and Metinaro.
- The Prime Minister asks F-FDTL to control and demobilise the demonstrators. Rioting in Dili escalates and the Police prove unable to guarantee law and order. Resorting to F-FDTL is the only choice to put an end to violence.
- Demonstrators throw grenades at the F- FDTL, wounding a member of Colonel Lere’s escort.
- At 6.00 pm, no police are seen on the streets of Dili.

2 May 2006
In line with the government regulation no. 3/2005, 29 June 2005, the Government of Timor-Leste sets up:

i) A Commission with representatives from the Ministry for Public Works, Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, and the Dili Administrator to carry out a survey to assess the damage to public and private property;
ii) A Commission with one representative from the Ministry of Health, two from Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, one from the Dili Administration and the Dili District Police Commander to assist the “petitioners”;
iii) A Commission represented by the Minister in the Presidency for the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Labour and Community Reinsertion plus two representatives from this ministry, one representative from the Ministry of the Interior, one from the Ministry of Health, one from the Dili Administration and two representatives from Timor-Leste Red Cross to carry out an investigation into the number of casualties which occurred during the violent events on 28th April.

3 May 2006
- PM Alkatiri issues an official report on the restoration of law and order. The F-FDTL contingents, who were called in to help the PNTL to restore law and order, should return to their headquarters at Baucau, Metinaro and Hera.

- The Military Police continue to cooperate with the civil authorities. PNTL patrols the streets in Díli and arrests troublemakers.

- President Xanana and PM Alkatiri hold a joint press conference to appeal for calm and denounce the existing rumours.

- Ramos-Horta issues a press release saying that Díli is calm and no serious incidents have taken place.

5 May 2006
- The Commission of Notables is sworn-in by PM Alkatiri.

6 May 2006
- Major Reinado abandons his military post in Díli taking with him 20 armed soldiers.

- President Xanana appeals to Reinado’s group to return to Díli.

- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak dialogues with Lt Salsinha in an attempt to find a peaceful solution.

- There is conflict in Gleno, Ermera district, between young supporters of the “petitioners” and six police members from the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) who accompanied the Secretariat of State for Region III on a visit to the district.

- One police officer is stabbed and killed.


11 May 2006
- In accordance with government regulation no. 7/ 2004, 5 May 2004, about the use of F-FDTL intervention in times of need, the Crisis Cabinet reports to the Parliament that the F-FDTL intervention occurred from 28th of April to 4th of May 2006 i.e. nor exceeding the one month maximum period set by the regulation (article 23); and in accordance with the same regulation, a report on the F-FDTL actions is provided to the Parliament within a week as required by article 24.

17-19 May 2006

- The second National Congress of FRETILIN takes place in Dili. Francisco Guterres (Lu-Olo) and Mari Alkatiri are re-elected as President and Secretary General of FRETILIN.

23 May 2006
- PNTL does not abide by the decision to set up a joint F-FDTL and PNTL observatory post in Fatuahi - a mountainous area outside Dili..

- Ramos-Horta sets up a plan to hold a meeting in Dare on the 25 May 2006 with the participation of the President of the Republic, members of the Government, Major Reinado, Lt Salsinha and other representatives of the “petitioners”.

- Major Reinado and his group launch an armed assault on the F-FDTL contingent at Fatuahi. David O’Shea a reporter from SBS, Australian television films this assault. The SBS reporter had been warned that “something big” was planned to happen in Timor-Leste by Leandro Isaac – an ex- PSD dissident who is now an independent MP.

- Major Reinado cries out at the F-FDTL that either they retreat or he would shoot at them. He then counts to ten and starts shooting at the F-FDTL. One F-FDTL soldier is killed and five others are wounded. One of the men in “Major” Reinado’s group is wounded and later dies at the Aileu hospital.

- President Xanana instructs F-FDTL and PNTL to arrest Major Reinado’s group.

24 May 2006

- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak’s house, in Lahane-Dili, is attacked by Major Reinado’s group. MP Leandro Isaac is filmed carrying a gun at the scene of the attack.

- At the same time, the F-FDTL General Headquarters in Tasi Tolu is attacked by the Railós group.

- Only 15 members of PNTL report for duty at their Dili District headquarters.


25 May 2006
- Military Police headquarters in Dili is attacked by some members of PNTL

- The PNTL headquarters in Dili is attacked by some members of F-FDTL.

- Without previous information conveyed to the Prime Minister, UNPOL negotiates the surrender of Timorese members of the Police.

- Unarmed PNTL are escorted from their headquarters on foot by UNPOL.

- An armed group - some of whom are dressed in F-FDTL uniforms - appear at the scene. One of them shoots at the unarmed police. Three more of the group joins in the shooting.

- Another third party also shoots at the unarmed police and is filmed.

- Ten unarmed police are killed and 27 are wounded. Two of the UNPOL are also wounded.

- A bilateral agreement is signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste Ramos-Horta and the Australian Government for the entry of an Australian military contingent to Timor-Leste.

- President Xanana claims full control of the security of the country as the Head of State and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

- Secretary General, Kofi Annan, calls on Prime Minister Alkatiri to discuss the next UN Mission in Timor-Leste upon the departure of UNOTIL.

- 3 Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 plane from Australia arrive in Dili carrying 160 military personnel

- An Australian warship also arrives in Dili port bringing more military personnel.

- The house of Ismail Babo, Deputy Commander of PNTL, is burned down in Delta Comoro. No casualties reported.

- Another house is burned down in Comoro killing a mother and four of her children. They are relatives of the Minister of Interior, Rogério Lobato.


26 May 2006
- Kirsty Sword, the wife of President Xanana Gusmão is interviewed by the Australian television, ABC. She states that the PM, Mari Alkatiri, should resign.

- F-FDTL returns to their barracks.

- 650 Australian troops are stationed in Dili

- Brigadier-General Matan Ruak announces that one of the F-FDTL members, who shot at the unarmed police, is arrested and will face court.
- .
- Australian military are in charge of security at the main strategic points in Dili.

- Australian and Malaysian soldiers start patrolling Dili streets.

- F-FDTL headquarters in Hera is attacked.

- UN Security Council agrees to the deployment of international security forces in Timor-Leste.


27 May 2006
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Dr. Freitas do Amaral, accuses Australia of interfering in the internal affairs of Timor-Leste.

- At a press conference, PM Alkatiri categorically states that an attempted “coup d’état” is underway.


28 May 2006
- The UN evacuates all staff to Darwin.

- The group of “petitioners” hold a meeting in Ermera and demand for resignation of the Prime Minister.

- The two Bishops state that the PM should resign.

- The houses of FRETILIN MPs and Government officials are burned down.

- PM Alkatiri and the President Xanana hold a meeting, in Balibar, to initiate discussions on the agenda of the next meeting of the Council of State.


29 May 2006

- Meeting of the Council of State.

- The headquarters of the Military Police in Caicoli, Dili is looted and burned down.

30 May 2006
- The Ministry of Justice offices and the office of the Prosecutor General are looted.

- Dissident members of F-FDTL meet with Australian military personnel in Ermera.


31 May 2006
- New Zealand military contingent arrive in Dili

- President Xanana demands that PM Alkatiri sack the Defence Minister and the Minister of Interior.


1 June 2006
- Australian soldiers find weapons and explosives in Caicoli, Dili, in the private house of a F-FDTL member and his wife, a PNTL member.

- President Xanana appeals for national unity and for the restoration of peace in the country.

- At the Council of Ministers meeting Roque Rodrigues, Defence Minister and Rogério Lobato, Minister of Interior resign.

- Ramos-Horta and Alcino Barris are nominated for these portfolios on an interim basis.

- Rogério Lobato accepts responsibility for the situation in the country, particularly, in regards to the disintegration of the PNTL Command.

2 June 2006
Major Reinado declares himself as the leader of all rebel armed forces in the bush and demands the resignation of the government led by the Prime Minister Alkatiri.

4 June 2006
- 20 GNR (Portuguese Police Special Intervention Unit) members arrive in Dili.

- The meeting of the Superior Council for Defence and Security requests an inventory of PNTL and F-FDTL armoury.

- Four more Ministries and other Government institutions are looted, namely, the Ministry for Development; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Natural and Mineral Resources; Court of Appeal and a government storage in Dili.

5 June 2006
- GNR starts patrolling Dili.

- Defence Minister, Ramos-Horta, meets with the rebel military to work out a solution to the political and military crisis.

- The Parliament unanimously adopts a resolution expressing its support to the measures announced by the President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmão, to overcome the crisis.

6 June 2006
- Protesters threaten to boycott the functioning of Government and Parliament if the President does not dismiss the Prime Minister within 48 hours and form a transitional government.

- PM Alkatiri calls for a meeting with the Crisis Cabinet

- President Xanana Gusmão meets Major Tara at the Presidential Palace.


7 June 2006
- Rebel leaders ask for negotiations to put an end to the conflict.
- The UN estimates that there are around 130.000 IDPs in Dili centres.
- PM Alkatiri confirms that it is not feasible to hold early general elections as the electoral law and institutions are not ready yet.
- Prime Minister Alkatiri says that Australian conservative sectors are behind the political and military crisis in Timor-Leste.

8 June 2006
- The FRETILIN Sub-district Committee office in Ermera and the FRETILIN Vice-Coordinator house are burned down; the FRETILIN representative is attacked.

- Railós is interviewed by Australian TV, ABC, in the presence of Minister Ramos-Horta and many other reporters during a well organised ceremony. Railós stated that a group led by himself received weapons from Rogério Lobato, Minister of the Interior, in May, following orders issued by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri with the intent to eliminate FRETILIN’s political opponents.

- PM Alkatiri agrees to an independent investigation by the UN into the events of 28th April and the 23rd to 25th May 2006.

9 June 2006

- Minister Ramos-Horta announces that he would accept the position of Prime Minister if invited by FRETILIN.

- International Forces do an inventory of F-FDTL armoury.

10 June 2006
- Fernando Lasama (PD) says he fears for his life

- Australian military forces invade the house of Cuban doctors in Dili searching for guns.

11 June 2006
- Rebel leaders and some MPs meet in Maubisse to discuss:
1) The amendment of the Constitution of RDTL to grant further powers to the President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmão; and
2) to dissolve the Parliament.

- President Xanana meets the leader of the “petitioners”, Gastão Salsinha.

12 June 2006
- President of FRETILIN, Lu-Olo, addresses a message to FRETILIN militants.

13 June 2006
- Parliament adopts by a majority vote a resolution proposed by FRETILIN against the use of violence


14 June 2006
- President Xanana addresses the Parliament and guarantees that he will respect the Constitution of RDTL.

- The Council of Ministers adopts a national budget of US$315 million.

- The Government requests the return of a UN peace keeping force.

15 June 2006
- Australia rejects the notion of an UN military blue beret force.

16 June 2006
- In Maubisse, Major Reinado hands in 12 weapons and other military equipment to the Australian forces.

17 June 2006
- Rogério Lobato, former Minister of Interior confirms in an interview with the Portuguese weekly “Expresso” that arms were given to former FALINTIL guerrillas who were employed by PNTL as guides.

18 June 2006
- A CPLP meeting takes place in Lisbon to discuss the situation in Timor- Leste.

- Jakarta reopens the border with Timor-Leste

19 June 2006
- International forces issue a warrant for the arrest Oan Kiak , a former FALINTIL member, accused of being involved in the killing of 8 members of the police on 25th of May 2006.

- Minister Ramos-Horta states many armed groups continue to exist.

- Four Corners, ABC Australian TV program, shows Railós accusing Rogério Lobato and Mari Alkatiri of creating a death squad for FRETILIN.

- Abilo Mesquita (Mau Soko), from the PNTL Dili District Command, is arrested by Australian military forces as a suspect for attacks on Brigadier-General Matan Ruak’s house and other houses in Dili. Many weapons and ammunitions are found in his house.

20 June 2006
- Prime Minister Alkatiri denies in a press release the allegations made against him by Railós.

- Hundreds of protesters rally in front of the Palace of Government demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation.

- Public Prosecutor authorizes for Rogério Lobato to be placed under house arrest based on the allegation that he armed a group of civilians.

- The President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmão, demands that Dr Alkatiri resigns as Prime Minister in a letter accompanied by a video copy of the Four Corners ABC TV program. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the President states: “I am giving this opportunity for you to resign by 5.00 pm, today, or I will sack you after consulting the Council of State.” (Extract from President Xanana Gusmão’s letter to the Prime Minister).

21 June 2006
- Meeting of the Council of State. The President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmão, threatens to resign.

- Dr Mari Alkatiri, FRETILIN Secretary General, consults the FRETILIN Central Committee on whether he should continue as head of the government.

22 June 2006
- In a speech to the Nation, President Xanana Gusmão addresses serious criticism against FRETILIN and states he will offer his resignation to the National Parliament.

- President Xanana states that he does not accept the results of the FRETILIN 2nd national congress and demands that the FRETILIN National Political Commission convene an Extraordinary Congress immediately to elect a new party leadership.

23 June 2006
- President Xanana states at a rally of the protesters that “we won this war” and publicly displays his close relationship with both Railós and Tara.

- The Bishop of Dili, D. Alberto Ricardo, supports the calls for the dismissal of Prime Minister Alkatiri.

24 June 2006
- 2000 protesters, mostly children, rally outside the Palace of Government demanding the dismissal of Prime Minister Alkatiri and the dissolution of the Parliament.

25 June 2006
- FRETILIN Central Committee meets and reconfirms Dr Mari Alkatiri as Prime Minister.

- Ministers Ramos-Horta and Ovídio Amaral announce through the media their resignations as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Transports and Communications.

- Fernando Lasama, PD president, demands that President Xanana dissolve the Parliament and dismiss the Government.

26 June 2006
- At a press conference (am) Prime Minister Alkatiri announces that he is “ready to resign”.

- That same afternoon, Prime Minister Alkatiri writes his letter of resignation to the President of the Republic.

- In a letter addressed to Dr Mari Alkatiri, the President of the Republic accepts the resignation of Prime Minister.

- Ian Martin, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General arrives in Timor-Leste with 20 UN experts;

- Ministers Armindo Maia, César da Cruz, Egídio de Jesus, Virgílio Smith and Luís Lobato announce their resignation from the Government at a press conference.

- Australian Prime Minister John Howard is pleased to hear of the resignation of Prime Minister Alkatiri.

27 June 2006
- 18 000 FRETILIN militants meet in Metinaro, outside Dili.

- The Council of State meets

28 June 2006
- President and Secretary General of FRETILIN go to Hera to address the FRETILIN militants heading from Metinaro to Dili.

- RTTL (TV and radio station) broadcasts are suspended after an attack on their facilities following the report of the FRETILIN rally in Metinaro.

- Violence continues throughout Dili and the IDP Centres are attacked by unknown groups.

- Demonstrators organised by Major Tara leave Dili following orders issued by President Xanana Gusmão.

29 June 2006
- FRETILIN protesters are attacked with stones by youth.

30 June 2006

- President Xanana addresses FREILIN militants in front of the Palace of the Government.
- President Xanana is booed by FRETILIN militants.

- President Lu Olo and the Secretary General of FRETILIN address FRETILIN militants in front of the Palace of the Government.

- President Lu Olo and Secretary General Alkatiri ask militants to return to Metinaro.

2 July 2006

- Ramos-Horta is announced as Prime Minister of RDTL

3 July 2006
- President Xanana and Ramos-Horta visit F-FDTL headquarters in Metinaro and Hera.

- An informal meeting of the Government takes place at the Palace under Ramos-Horta’s leadership in the presence of Mari Alkatiri..

4 July 2006
- Parliament is notified of Dr Mari Alkatiri’s request to return to Parliament as a FRETILIN MP.

8 July 2006
- President Xanana finally agrees to FRETILIN’s request to meet with him. The FRETILIN delegation is led by President Lu Olo and three members of the National Political Commission, namely, Ana Pessoa, José Lobato and Estanislau da Silva. This meeting is to discuss the composition of the Council of Ministers.

9 July 2006
- The UN says the current conditions would not allow early national elections.

- The same FRETILIN delegation meets with President Xanana again to continue discussions about the nominations for the Council of Ministers.


10 July 2006
- Ramos-Horta is appointed Prime Minister and Estanislau Aleixo da Silva as 1st Vice Prime Minister and Rui Araújo as 2nd Vice Prime Minister.


11 July 2006

- PM Ramos-Horta’s first official duty is to oversee the surrender of weapons to the international forces which Railós and his men said to have received from the former Minister of the Interior, at a ceremony in Liquiça attended also by the Dili Bishop, D. Alberto Ricardo.

12 July 2006
- José Luis Guterres is appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

14 July 2006
- Members of the 2nd Constitutional Government are sworn in.

20 July 2006
- Dr Mari Alkatiri attends the first hearing at the office of the Prosecutor General.

24 July 2006
- The amnesty for the voluntary surrender of weapons ceases at 2.00 pm.

25 July 2006
- GNR unexpectedly catches rebel Major Reinado with military weaponry in Dili.

- Reinado and twenty of his men are arrested for the alleged attempted homicide and the illegal possession of weapons.

27 July 2006
- Violence resumes throughout Dili.

- About 100 people protest outside Dili prison demanding the release of Alfredo Reinado.

31 July 2006
- President Xanana in consultation with the Council of State extends the state of crisis.

- Ramos-Horta promises to carry out the program of the 1st Constitutional Government.

1 August 2006
- PM Ramos-Horta presents the program of the 2nd Constitutional Government to the Parliament.

3 August 2006
- The Parliament approves the program of the 2nd Constitutional Government.

- The United States Deputy Secretary of State for South East Asia and the Pacific Region says it is following the situation in Timor-Leste with concern.

4 August 2006
- Australia begins to reduce its military force in Timor-Leste

- PM Ramos-Horta provides testimony to the Prosecutor General in the hearing against the former Minister of Interior, Rogério Lobato, and the former PM, Dr. Alkatiri, regarding the allegations on the distribution of weapons to civilians.

5 August 2006
- National Political Commission of FRETILIN meets with the Government members, including PM Ramos-Horta.

- The Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) releases its report about the detention of Alfredo Reinado.

9 August 2006
- National Parliament approves the preliminary national budget for the financial year 2006-07.

11 August 2006
- The Court of Appeal releases its decision on the case argued by Victor da Costa’s group regarding the voting method used by FRETILIN at its 2nd National Congress. The Court recognizes the legitimacy of the voting method by a show of hand. Lu Olo and Dr Mari Alkatiri are recognized as the legitimate President and Secretary General.


12 August 2006
- UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, recommends to the Security Council that over 1000 police and 350 military personnel be included in the new mission for Timor-Leste

14 August 2006
- The Parliament approves the final national budget for the financial year 2006/07.

16 August 2006
- FRETILIN holds a press conference on the decision of the Court of Appeal.

17 August 2006
- FRETILIN sends a message to its militants stating there is only one FRETILIN.

- Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs says that his country should continue to be responsible for military security in Timor-Leste.

- The UN reps in Timor-Leste meet with representatives of the 17 political parties to discuss the proposals regarding the electoral law submitted to the National Parliament, one from FRETILIN and the other from the opposition parties.

18 August 2006
- Oan Kiak, F-FDTL member, surrenders to the Australian military.

- Bishop of Baucau calls for an end to the violence which is bringing shame to the country.

- UN SGSR, Hasegawa, requests security for the IDP Centres.

20 August 2006
- The 31st anniversary of FALINTIL is celebrated in many places, including Baucau and Metinaro. FRETILIN organizes young people from Ermera to participate in the celebrations in Baucau.

21 August 2006
- The Council of Ministers approves the establishment of a Commission to assess PNTL.

22 August 2006
- Council of State meets.

- President Xanana cancels the measures for the state of crisis.

- Mário Carrascalão, President of PSD repeats that President Xanana should have established a government of national unity.

24 August 2006
- The UN approves a new peace keeping force for Timor-Leste. Australian military forces remain independent of the UN until October 2006 when the decision will be reviewed.

29 August 2006
- PNTL Superintendent Paulo Martins and his deputies, Ismael Babo and Lino Saldanha, announce that they will “self-suspend” their functions.

- Six permanent security posts are set up in the most problematic suburbs in Dili.

30 August 2006
- Alfredo Reinado and other 56 prisoners leave Becora prison assisted by unidentified individuals.

- Australian Television, SBS, airs a documentary called “The fall of a Prime Minister”. The documentary reveals important data which helps to understand the causes and means used to provoke and deepen the political crisis and questions the involvement of prominent figures in the downfall of the former Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri.

31 August 2006
- Malaysian military forces officially withdraw from Timor-Leste.

- International police are placed under UN Command.


# posted by Lian Maubere @ 3:42 PM 0 comments
14 October 2006

Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak's Interview on TVTL - 12 May 2006
(Versaun orijinál iha Tetun iha karik)
(Tradução portuguesa aqui)

“…I would say that it was an issue of discipline within F-FDTL …”

“…I received a petition from the soldiers on the 11th January 2006…”

“…They had never raised any complaint before the petition went public. We were not given the chance to look into it or to find a solution within our institution…”

“…Suddenly, they had decided to send a petition to all authorities, state organs and diplomatic entities. I also received the petition but it was signed by no one.

“…The President of the Republic wrote to me on the 16th of January and
asked me to solve the problem quickly. I replied to him that:

• 1st. the petition wasn’t signed. I too wanted to solve it but I couldn’t because I didn’t know who presented it. I had to identify them and try to contact them and find a solution to their problem.
• 2 nd. : at the time I was very busy as the first battalion was reallocating from Lospalos to Baucau. We needed time to work this out…”

“…At the time I was very concerned that the petitioners said that only the President of the Republic could sort this problem out. If the President couldn’t solve their problem, they would protest or otherwise they would leave (F-FDTL).

So the petition showed that:
• They didn’t respect the institution that they are part of; and
• they recognized the President as the only person who could solve their problem…”

“…From my point of view, we have just begun building our nation. We are in the process of building our State. This means we are in the process of building institutions. Building institutions means that these institutions need to grow to be strong enough to solve their own problems and for that all members should be allowed to function in their respective roles. During the Resistance time, we depended on one or two people. But today we are building a State. It’s different. We have four state organs. Each organ has its own institutions and that’s a new situation that we all have to adjust to and make efforts to contribute to their functioning…”.

“…it was a surprise to us, specially for the F-FDTL Command, that the petition was sent out without any previous attempt to look for a solution within our institution…”

“…I am deeply concerned about it. Why didn’t they complain before? Why did they suddenly send out their petition and take decisions straight away?..”

“…I met them on the 2nd February in Baucau. I talked with them all day. On the 3rd of February I listened to their concerns. They told me that they respected the FALINTIL Command but they said that their problem could only be resolved by the President of the Republic. I told them that they couldn’t do that because we should try to solve it first within our institution. If we couldn’t resolve it, we will ask for help from other institutions.
We shouldn’t ask for help straight away from others without trying to resolve it first. We shouldn’t even go to the President for that matter. The State wouldn’t function if we think that every single problem should be solved by the President of the Republic…”

“… Some of the petitioners started deserting their headquarters on the 4th of February. Others did on the 5th of February. This didn’t only happen in Baucau but also at Metinaro and Hera. I rang one of the F-FDTL Commanders to confirm their desertion. And I got his confirmation. They met the President of the Republic on the 7th of February. There was also a meeting on the 8th of February. They went back to the Metinaro headquarters on the 9th of February...”

“…I presented the following conditions to them:
• While they were not found guilty, they would be treated as military with full rights. They would have proper accommodation and food. We had decided to allocate nine barracks to them but they refuse our offer. Their attitude worried me.

• They were reminded that as an institution of the State, we function with hierarchical structures and must have discipline. So they should organize themselves into sections, into platoons to carry on their duties while we establish an investigation into their case. They refused our offer and insisted on staying together in the same barrack.

• We gave them a program of activities to follow but they refused to carry it out.

• A Commission was set up to listen to their complaints. The President of the Republic had also asked us to listen to them. They rejected our initiative. They replied that only nine people could attend our meeting. We agreed to it. So nine people were consulted first…”

“…The F-FDTL Commission asked for more petitioners to attend. Another four petitioners turned up. On the 17th February (Friday), they were allowed to spend the weekend with their families. They didn’t return to their headquarters on the 20th February. In March a decision was taken to expel them from F- FDTL…”

“…According to UNTAET’s regulations, the F-FDTL Commander is allowed to expel any soldier or official who breaks discipline and compromises the integrity of this institution…”

“…This is not the first time that we had expelled soldiers. We expelled more than 40 previously due to constant absences. In 2004 we had more than 60 soldiers awaiting disciplinary actions. Their cases were still pending in 2006. Meanwhile another 300 soldiers raised complaints. All of these soldiers joined forces and left their posts. But many of them were forced to leave, they had been threatened. But only 159 had signed the petition of whom 16 didn’t desert…”

“… The Army has a mission to accomplish. To defend our Nation, to defend our State institutions. Its mission is enshrined in our Constitution, the fundamental law of our nation…to defend our nation, the integrity of our nation …”

In regards to F-FDTL management, General Matan Ruak says:

“…The role of the Armed Forces and its Commander is to train soldiers, to prepare them, to maintain discipline so that when we are ordered to act, we are ready to act according to instructions …”

“… It is not the role of a General to make political decisions. Discipline, yes! All problems have a political context. We (the Timorese) tend to deal with all of our problems within a political context. And sometimes we mix legal and political issues. When we can’t explain things in legal terms, we use politics and vice-versa. But as military, we must act according to military codes…”

About the F-FDTL actions on 28th April 2006, General said
“ I have given today my report to the government. It reports that 2 F-FDTL died and one has been wounded…”

“.. people claimed that we killed more than 60 civilians. I asked the PM to set up a Commission to investigate these claims as many people said that we hid the bodies and had thrown them into the sea…”

“…We are ready to cooperate... It is important for the integrity of the Armed Forces and for our country. We want to contribute to the functioning of our institution. From the General to the soldiers, we support this investigation. We want the truth. We want to know what we have done wrong. So these findings will help us to learn from our mistakes so we can improve…’

Traduções

Todas as traduções de inglês para português (e também de francês para português) são feitas pela Margarida, que conhecemos recentemente, mas que desde sempre nos ajuda.

Obrigado pela solidariedade, Margarida!

Mensagem inicial - 16 de Maio de 2006

"Apesar de frágil, Timor-Leste é uma jovem democracia em que acreditamos. É o país que escolhemos para viver e trabalhar. Desde dia 28 de Abril muito se tem dito sobre a situação em Timor-Leste. Boatos, rumores, alertas, declarações de países estrangeiros, inocentes ou não, têm servido para transmitir um clima de conflito e insegurança que não corresponde ao que vivemos. Vamos tentar transmitir o que se passa aqui. Não o que ouvimos dizer... "
 

Malai Azul. Lives in East Timor/Dili, speaks Portuguese and English.
This is my blogchalk: Timor, Timor-Leste, East Timor, Dili, Portuguese, English, Malai Azul, politica, situação, Xanana, Ramos-Horta, Alkatiri, Conflito, Crise, ISF, GNR, UNPOL, UNMIT, ONU, UN.