GNR: «Estaríamos mais satisfeitos» com lei orgânica aprovada

Diário Digital / Lusa
19-09-2007 7:32:00

O comandante-geral da GNR, tenente-general Mourato Nunes, declarou hoje à chegada a Timor-Leste que os seus militares «estariam mais satisfeitos» se a respectiva lei orgânica já estivesse aprovada.
«As pessoas estariam mais satisfeitas se já soubessem qual vai ser o seu destino em termos do figurino interno» da GNR, cuja lei orgânica é hoje reapreciada pelo Parlamento.

«A Guarda está coesa e não há nenhuma instabilidade ou agitação interna», acrescentou o comandante-geral da GNR, que chegou a Timor-Leste para uma visita de três dias.

O Presidente da República, Cavaco Silva, vetou em Agosto a lei orgânica da GNR, que hoje volta ao Parlamento.

«Seria desejável que com a brevidade possível a Guarda tivesse a sua lei orgânica, em paridade com as outras forças, para conseguir harmonizar o seu próprio dispositivo no âmbito do Sistema Integrado de Segurança Interna», explicou o comandante-geral da GNR.

O tenente-general Mourato Nunes confirmou os planos para «retrair» o contingente da GNR em Timor-Leste, que tem actualmente 220 militares constituídos no Subagrupamento Bravo, uma das forças autónomas de polícia da missão das Nações Unidas.

Com a «retracção» de 80 elementos, o Subagrupamento Bravo voltará ao contingente que a GNR tinha no país antes do ciclo eleitoral das presidenciais e legislativas timorenses.

A redução do contingente corresponde a uma melhoria das condições de segurança em Timor-Leste nos últimos meses, explicou o tenente-general Mourato Nunes.

O comandante-geral da GNR participa quinta-feira na cerimónia de entrega de medalhas a militares do Subagrupamento Bravo, além de manter contactos com o primeiro-ministro, Xanana Gusmão, e outros membros do Governo timorense.

Bracks arrives in E Timor to take up new role

ABC News
Posted 58 minutes ago

Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks has arrived in East Timor to work as an adviser to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Mr Bracks will will help out without pay and says he is looking forward to the challenge.

"I think I've got something to offer, to look at the structure of Government, how programs are delivered, how we can make sure that things are done effectively," he said.

"I would hope to give the Prime Minister some advice on that, knowing that he has great experience already, but every bit helps."

Dos Leitores

H. Correia deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "Lição vinda de Timor":

Xanana vai introduzir na governação "as coisas que a Oposição disse" e até agradece que a oposição diga mais "coisas". É que assim é fácil governar, com as ideias dos outros, para depois colher os louros e ainda por cima ficar bem visto em certos blogs de Portugal.

Melhor do que as "lições" de democracia vindas de Timor-Leste, só o "respeito" pelos direitos dos povos indígenas vindo de Camberra...

Cinco oficiais da PSP e GNR em Timor-Leste podem voltar a casa

O Primeiro de Janeiro
19 de Setembro de 2007
ONU tenta evitar regresso

As Nações Unidas estão a tentar evitar a partida de Timor-Leste de cinco oficiais da PSP e GNR, enquanto o “regresso à base” é equacionado em Portugal, afirmaram à Agência Lusa fontes ligadas ao processo.

A possibilidade de indeferimento dos cinco pedidos de extensão de oficiais da PSP e GNR pelo ministro da Administração Interna português é conhecida da chefia da Missão da ONU em Timor-Leste (UNMIT), que encara a substituição dos oficiais com apreensão e tudo tem feito para evitar o seu regresso a casa. A Direcção-Geral da Administração Interna fez uma proposta de despacho para a tutela indeferir a extensão da missão dos oficiais, que termina no final de Outubro. Contactado pela Lusa, o gabinete do ministro da Administração Interna remeteu esclarecimentos para hoje, alegando indisponibilidade de Rui Pereira.

Segundo o comandante do contingente português da UNPol na UNMIT, intendente Simões de Almeida, o possível indeferimento das cinco extensões, a acontecer, resulta da aplicação de um despacho recente do MAI que uniformiza o tempo de participação em missões internacionais.

As únicas excepções admitidas para extensão da missão além de um ano referem-se às funções de comissário e subcomissário de polícia e de chefe de missão ou o seu «número dois». Nenhum dos oficiais em causa desempenha estas funções. O pedido formal da ONU foi já acompanhado por pedidos directos e oficiais feitos ao Governo português por José Ramos-Horta e por Atul Khare, durante a visita recente do secretário de Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros e da Cooperação, João Gomes Cravinho.

Dos Leitores

H. Correia deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "Australia opposes UN rights declaration":

Como haviam de concordar estes 4 países com a declaração dos direitos dos povos indígenas?

Eles são exemplos do verdadeiro colonialismo do Séc. XXI, activo ou passivo, dentro ou fora das suas fronteiras.

Os países que votaram contra a declaração não têm autoridade moral para dar lições aos outros, especialmente a Austrália.

Mas, infelizmente, alguns génios iluminados no Palácio do Governo, no Palácio das Cinzas e no Parlamento Nacional de Dili acham que não...

UNMIT Weekly - Issue no.8/14 September 2007

UNMIT Head Briefs Security Council in New York

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Mr. Atul Khare, briefed the Security Council in New York on Monday 10 September on the situation in the country and the work of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

The Council met to discuss the report of the Secretary-General on Timor-Leste which was issued to the Security Council last week and to hear a statement of the new Foreign Minister, Mr. Zacarias da Costa.

Mr. Khare delivered a message of confidence in Timor-Leste, its people and its leaders, but also stressed that the challenges facing the country are long-term in nature. Poverty and unemployment are a major source of instability, and internal displacement continues.

Institutions throughout the country need to be made more resilient. Moreover, whilst elections were carried out in a largely peaceful environment, the security situation is still fragile.
Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of France, the President of the Security Council for September, said in a statement that the people of Timor-Leste deserved credit “for demonstrating their strong commitment to peace and democracy” by successfully staging the polls.

Mr. Ripert stressed that all parties in Timor-Leste and their supporters must refrain from violence and work through peaceful channels “and within the framework of democratic institutions” to ensure the security of the country.

While in New York Mr. Khare also met with Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and his senior colleagues to discuss the work of the United Nations in Timor-Leste. He also attended the swearing in ceremony for the new US Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Mr. Hans Klemm.

UN Police Hand Over ‘Police Defensive Tactics’ Manual to PNTL

UN Police officially handed over the ‘Police Defensive Tactics – Training Manual’ to the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) in a ceremony that took place on Wednesday 12 September at the PNTL Academy.

The training manual is a simple and clear way to instruct police officers how to handle threats in non-lethal ways, without risking death or unnecessary injury. It covers such approaches as unarmed combat and the use of police batons, pepper spray and handcuffing.

The Guest of Honour at the ceremony was the RDTL Secretary of State Mr. Francisco Guterres. Other guests included Deputy SRSG Mr. Eric Tan, the UN Police Commissioner Mr. Rodolfo Tor and the General Commander of the PNTL Mr. Alfonso de Jesus.

UNPOL Commissioner Rodolfo Tor hands over Manual to RDTL Secretary of State Francisco Guterres.

The project to train the PNTL in defensive tactics began under the UN Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) mission, but was postponed after the crisis of April / May last year. To carry on the work of the project, the UN Police decided to produce a training manual documenting defensive tactics that conform to UN and international standards.

Along with the ceremonial handover of the training manual, training certificates were given to PNTL instructors. PNTL Close Protection Officers also received commendations for their outstanding work during the election period.

DPKO Communities of Practice Network Mission Staff

The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) has an on-line forum to network staff doing similar work in different peace operations.

Known as ‘Communities of Practice,’ the network is a knowledge sharing initiative to link colleagues across DPKO mission working in similar job functions.

The Lotus Notes-based online forums allow members to ask each other questions, exchange information, build up a shared library of useful documents, and find counterparts in other field missions. Existing networks include Best Practices, Civil Affairs, Conduct and Discipline, Gender, Medical, Rule of Law, and Property Management.

A link to the network is available on the DPKO intranet site.

Peacekeepers Use Football to Spread Peace Message in Timor-Leste

Troops from the International Security Forces (ISF) and Australian UN police played an exhibition match in Dili on Saturday, 8 September, raising US$8,000 for underprivileged East-Timorese children.

The main game between the ISF Tigers and the UN Warriors was played at Democracy Field in central Dili and was the culmination of a six-week programme of Auskick clinics for some hundred Timorese youth.

The clinics, organized by ISF military policeman Corporal Adam Bourke and the UNPol officer Phil McCabe have taught the children teamwork and confidence while providing them with exercise and an opportunity to learn a new game.

ISF Tigers and UN warriors use football to spread the message of peace.

The game itself got off to an even start after hearing the national anthems of Australia and Timor-Leste. The scores remained close in what was a tough first half, with both sides demonstrating strong commitment to their team jumpers.

However, superior fitness and the benefit of six-weeks’ training paid off for the ISF in the second half as they assumed control of the game and won 93 points to 31.

Mr. Beretto Ronaldo from the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), playing for the UN Warriors, was awarded the “Best on Field” medal.

UN Photo Exhibition Opens in District of Oecussi

Oecussi’s district first photography exhibition was opened at the District Administration Building on Wednesday, 12 September 2007. The exhibition by UNMIT Photographer Martine Perret, entitled “Peacekeepers and Election Support in Timor-Leste”, depicts various aspects of the recent presidential elections, the work of UNPOL, and the inauguration of Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta on 20 May.

The exhibition illustrates effectively the co-operation between the people of Timor-Leste and UNMIT. It was opened with the District Administrator in attendance, Mr. Francisco Marques, who was thanked by UNMIT for his support in allowing the mission to use the venue free of charge.

Visitors view the exhibition in Oecussi.
The exhibit will run from 12 September until 30 September at the Conference room in the District Administration Building. All are invited to view it from Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Não havia “nexexidade...”

Blogue Público - Terça-feira, Setembro 18, 2007
Ângela Carrascalão

É um lugar comum dizer-se que o dia devia ter mais horas do que as 24 horas reais sempre que o tempo não é suficiente para se fazer tudo quanto se pretende e eu socorro-me desse argumento para justificar que a minha presença menos frequente neste espaço só tem mesmo a ver com falta de tempo.

Na passada semana fui ao Parlamento assistir à discussão do Programa do IV Governo. Não gostei do que vi. Não apreciei o estilo superior dos deputados da Oposição arvorando o “saber de experiência feito” quando é líquido e transparente que, por mal ou mau saber ou por por mal experimentar se chegou à perda da sua maioria absoluta.

Acho ainda que faltou à Aliança algum arrojo essencial na defesa das suas posições. Por mais audácia não deixaria de parecer ou ser politicamente correcta.

Desnecessária a tomada de posição dos deputados da oposição de não reconhecimento da legitimidade do Governo com a simultânea e activa participação na discussão do Programa desse mesmo Governo. Fica-se com ideia de que essa posição carece de solidez.

Quanto ao arremesso de argumentos irónicos por parte da maioria, diria o diácono Remédios de Herman José que “Não havia nexexidade...”

Era escusado o tom jocoso dos deputados da oposição, tal qual como também se dispensava a constante ironia da bancada da maoria. Tudo pecou pela inoportunidade.

Tenho dúvidas sobre os benefícios de jogos de faz-de-conta. Dir-se-á, porém que, tudo faz parte do jogo político, tudo são manifestações da nossa democracia. Mas, da falta de substância e da ligeireza do debate transparece que temos todos que aprender muito sobre as regras do jogo democrático ao qual não deve faltar o respeito pelo próximo. Ainda que o próximo seja o nosso adversário político!

Economic and Social Development Brief

ADB/WB - August 2007

Prepared jointly by ADB and the World Bank for the new Government of Timor-Leste, this paper discusses possible ways to revitalize the economy and address the country's social problems.

Index

I. Healing the Nation: Today’s Economic Priorities.................................................1
II. Sector
Notes............................................................................................................. 7
1. Sector Note: Agriculture............................................................................... 7
2. Sector Note: Communication........................................................................ 11
3. Sector Note: Economy and Economic Growth ................................................. 15
4. Sector Note: Education................................................................................ 19
5. Sector Note: Environment and Natural Resources............................................ 23
6. Sector Note: External Oversight and Internal Control ...................................... 27
7. Sector Note: Gender .................................................................................. 31
8. Sector Note: Health ................................................................................... 35
9. Sector Note: Petroleum .............................................................................. 39
10. Sector Note: Power................................................................................... 43
11. Sector Note: Private Sector Development .................................................... 47
12. Sector Note: Public Financial Management ................................................... 51
13. Sector Note: Public Sector Administration .................................................... 55
14. Sector Note: Telecommunications ............................................................... 59
15. Sector Note: Transport .............................................................................. 63
16. Sector Note: Veterans................................................................................ 65
17. Sector Note: Water Supply and Sanitation .................................................... 69
18. Sector Note: Youth .................................................................................... 73

Relatório na íntegra em: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ESDB-Timor-Leste/ESDB-Timor-Leste.pdf

Business Wire - September 17, 2007 09:45 AM

Overview of the Trends and Developments in The Telecommunications Market in Indonesia and Timor Leste

Dublin, Ireland - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c68662) has announced the addition of '2007 Asia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband in Indonesia and Timor Leste' to their offering.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the trends and developments in telecommunications market in Indonesia and Timor Leste.
[...]

Timor Leste

In Timor Leste (previously known as East Timor), the political instability and outbreaks of civil unrest that had erupted in 2006, continued into the first half of 2007. Despite the election of a new government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Jose Ramos Horta, opposition to the administration caused further outbreaks of violence and looting. To the outside observer, the country appeared to have got off to a solid start in rebuilding its entire infrastructure following the turbulence that ensued after the referendum of 1999. However, the events of 2006/07 having caused major concerns about the direction of the country; it remained difficult to assess the long term impact of these events on such things as infrastructure building.

In the meantime, one bright spot was that the country’s mobile sector experienced strong growth of over 50% in 2006, with mobile penetration reaching the low, but nonetheless significant, 5% milestone. Fixed-line network expansion was generally languishing coming into 2007, with fixed teledensity still well below 1% for the time being. Although it was difficult to get accurate figures on the Internet market, it was evident that growth in this sector remained constricted.

It is noted that Timor Leste is yet to be listed as a member of the ITU. It has continued to be a difficult task to obtain official statistics for the country’s telecom sector. Where official Statistics are not available, the report authors will normally provide an estimate.
Relatório na íntegra: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c68662

Japan buys LPG from ConocoPhillips' Bayu-Undan

Energy Current - 18/2007 4:51:15 AM GMT

Japan/East Timor: Japan's Idemitsu Kosan Co. and Mitsubishi Corp. have agreed to purchase liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the ConocoPhillips-operated Bayu-Undan gas field located 250 kilometres (155 miles) off southern East Timor.

Astomos Energy Corp., the 51/49 joint venture between Idemitsu and Mitsubishi, will be the first Japanese LPG wholesaler to purchase LPG from the Bayu-Undan field. The deal will see the supply of 1.2 million tons (1.09 million tonnes) of LPG over a one-year period and will include options for extensions through 2009 and beyond. The purchase of LPG from Bayu-Undan will reduce the Japanese LPG wholesaler's annual imports from the Middle East from 80 percent to 55 percent.

East Timor: Controversy over energy revenue plan

ABC Radio Australia - 17/09/2007

East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has said he will use oil and gas revenue from the Timor Sea to promote economic growth and fight poverty, as part of his government's five year development plan. The main opposition Fretilin party has long opposed the use of such revenue for development, saying the money should be kept in a long-term investment fund.

Presenter - Stephanie March; Speaker - Estanislau Da Sliva, Fretilin MP; Dionisio Babo Soares, CNRT spokesman

Som na íntegra http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/asiapac/programs/s2035820.htm??Multimedia1??

Timor Leste: acidente entre caminhão e ônibus mata 3

EFE - Terça, 18 de Setembro de 2007, 11h02

Três pessoas morreram e outras 19 ficaram feridas na colisão de um caminhão militar português com um microônibus em Díli, que levou o segundo veículo cheio de passageiros a despencar por um barranco de 120 m.

Fontes do Hospital Nacional de Díli disseram que receberam três cadáveres e que 19 pessoas foram internadas com ferimentos após o acidente de trânsito. As autoridades timorenses ainda não informaram sobre a causa do incidente nem as responsabilidades.

Portugal, junto com Austrália, Malásia e Nova Zelândia, participa da Força Internacional de Segurança que, a pedido do governo do Timor Leste, entrou nessa ex-colônia portuguesa no ano passado para ajudar as autoridades a sufocar a violência e restabelecer a normalidade.

Timor: Acidente entre camião militar e autocarro faz 3 mortos

18-09-2007 15:01:11 Diário Digital

Três pessoas morreram e outras 19 ficaram feridas na colisão de um camião militar português com um mini-autocarro em Díli, que levou o segundo veículo cheio de passageiros a despenhar-se de uma altura de 120 metros.

As autoridades timorenses ainda não informaram sobre a causa do incidente.

Encerrando a discussão do Programa do Governo

FRETILIN
Data: Domingo, 16 Setembro 2007 23:31:22 +0000


DECLARAÇÃO POR ANICETO GUTERRES, LÍDER DO GRUPO PARLAMENTAR DA FRETILIN NA OCASIÃO DO ENCERRAMENTO DA DISCUSSÃO DO PROGRAMA DO GOVERNO EM 15 DE SETEMBRO 2007.

Sr. Presidente do Parlamento Nacional, Excelências
Ilustres Deputados
Todo o Povo de Timor-Leste

Há muitas questões que nós o Grupo Parlamentar da FRETILIN levantámos na nossa declaração preliminar, e nas declarações de muitos dos seus deputados . Contudo, não recebemos ainda quaisquer resposta ou explicações deste governo. Muitas questões importantes levantadas foram simplesmente ignoradas.

Vou levantar outra vez algumas questões, e peço desculpa por qualquer repetição, em relação a este programa; um programa que Sua Excelência o próprio Sr. Xanana Gusmão reconheceu ser como uma declaração de intenções políticas. Todo o povo de Timor-Leste está à espera das respostas e das explicações claras sobre as seguintes questões:

1. Não há nenhuma intenção clara da parte deste governo em dar garantia de serviços de saúde gratuítos ao Povo. Este governo não tem também uma política clara sobre os direitos das crianças terem acesso à educação básica gratuita, fala apenas da educação primária.

Também não sabemos se o governo continuará a fornecer alimentação escolar, que foi garantida pelo governo anterior. As Secções 57 e 59 da Constituição, já garantem a todos e a cada cidadão o direito a serviços de saúde gratuitos e à educação universal básica de acordo com a capacidade do Estado em prestar esses serviços.

Mas, por outro lado, o Governo quer pagar pensões, subsidiar e prestar assistência social aos pobres, aos idosos e aos vulneráveis. Isto significa que este governo tem toda a possibilidade para continuar a prestar serviços de saúde gratuítos a toda a gente, como pode também dar educação gratuíta a todas as nossas crianças.

O que é que isto significa, então? Talvez isto significa que há uma intensão política de privatizar os serviços da saúde e da educação?

2. Na área da justiça, o nosso deputado Domingos Sarmento já levantou uma questão importante à qual não recebeu uma resposta, relativa à criação de “estruturas de coordenação” e planeamento conjunto da política de administração de recursos humanos do sistema judicial.

Anteriormente na Indonésia, Soeharto criou uma estrutura muito parecida com esta, que era conhecida pela sigla Mahkejahpol ou Dilkejapol (Tribunais, Ministério da Justiça, Procurador-pùblico e Polícia), useda para controlar e influenciar o processo da justiça no interesse do regime. Ele usou o mesmo raciocício que este governo usa, que é coordenar, harmonizar e fazer planeamento conjunto. Na prática as agências de informações estavam também envolvidas. Desta maneira, Soeharto usou esta estrutura para criar uma total dependência dele e para influenciar os tribunais e os procuradores, de baixo até ao topo, começando pelo recrutamento dos juízes e procuradores até tomarem as suas decisões. Na Indonásia agora aboliram esta estutura, atiraram-na fora.

É exactamente com a mesma intenção, apenas com diferenças menores, que as intenções correntes envolverão o Conselho Superior Judiciário e o Conselho Superior dos Procuradores Públicos, porque na Indonésia, instituições como estas não existiam.

Vem exactamente daqui uma estrutura como esta que está em linha com o pensamento deste governo, e que será ainda mais perigosa e potencialmente prejudicadora dos princípios muito importantes da independência do sistema judiciário e da imparcialidade dos tribunais.

Finalmente, isso pode também ameaçar a separação dos poderes, que se tornou fundamental no nosso país. Se depois olharmos à conexão entre isto com o facto de Sua Excelência o Sr. Xanana Gusmão, como Primeiro-Ministro ter acumulado muitas funções tais como a defesa e a segurança e outras funções importantes, para que tipo de fenómeno é que isto aponta?

Há ainda algumas intenções deste governo, para implementar uma política de controlo social, principalmente na área da justiça criminal, mas porque não há nenhuma explicação clara, tornou-nos a todos muito curiosos para saber se isto é também para efectuar controlo poltico?

Ainda na área da justiça, este governo tem a intenção de criar tribunais especiais. Perguntamos, tribunais especiais para quê, não sabemos? Isto é muito idealista e ambicioso, mas acima de tudo, quando se referem a tribunais especiais, estes estão de for a das categorias de tribunais previstos na Constituição da República, são portanto inconstitucionais. Por causa disto nem devem sonhar em fazer milagres.

Obrigado.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Tuesday, 18 September 2007

"UNMIT assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or for the accuracy of their translations. The selection of the articles and their content do not indicate support or endorsement by UNMIT express or implied whatsoever. UNMIT shall not be responsible for any consequence resulting from the publication of, or from the reliance on, such articles and translations."

National Media Reports

Nino Pereira: the Alliance government is constitutional

The Spokesperson of the Alliance Youth, Nino Pereira, said that the Xanana-led government is constitutional, legitimate and legal based on Art. 106 of the Timorese Constitution.

Mr. Pereira said that the Alliance Youth is unhappy with political leaders who continue to say that the Alliance government is unconstitutional or that it is a de facto government.

“These kinds of statements, without a proper explanation of what they mean, do not help in educating the people,” said Mr. Pereira. (DN)

Police to provide security at the airport

The acting Commander of PNTL, Afonso de Jesus, said that the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and UNPol will provide security at the airport as some public servants and people do not feel secure in the area. (DN)

ISF and F-FDTL conduct joint operation in Lospalos

The Commander of the International Stabilization Forces (ISF) in Timor-Leste, Cpl Ben Sanders said that the ISF conducts joint operations with the F-FDTL in Lautem District to maintain peace and stability for the local community.

Furthermore, Mr. Sanders explained that the ISF is present in Lospalos to assist and reconstruct the F-FDTL. (DN)

No Xanana, no independence

The MP from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mr. Riak Leman, asked the political leaders to respect Xanana. He said that without Xanana, Timor-Leste would not be independent.

“Even though there is Lu-Olo, Konis Santana, Mau-Hunu, Mau-Hudu, Mau-Laka and others, our teacher is still Xanana,” said Mr. Riak Leman.

In response to Mr. Leman’s statement, the MP from Fretilin, David Dias Ximenes said “We all agree that Xanana is a veteran. Alkatiri is also a veteran. Nicolau Lobato and Ramos Horta, are the second generation – just like Xanana.”

“I used to criticize Xanana, but that did not mean that I did not respect him,” said Mr. David Dias. (DN and STL)

Alfredo’s case sets bad precedent for justice

The MP from Fretilin, Arsenio Bano, said that the dialogue between the state and Alfredo will set a bad precedent for the justice system. The mandate was to capture Alfredo and now he wants to have a dialogue.

“This means that others could request a dialogue even after they commit a crime,” said Mr. Bano.

Mr. Bano also urged the government to clarify the Alfredo case – whether this is a political or criminal case. (STL)

International Media Reports

Five police arrested over E Timor arson attacks

Posted Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:39pm AEST
AFP

The United Nations says authorities in East Timor have arrested five national police officers and two civilians over suspected involvement in arson attacks in the east during anti-government protests.

The national police's (PNTL) rapid intervention unit arrested seven people in Watulari and Viqueque at the weekend in connection with the recent attacks, a statement from the United Nations mission (UNMIT) said.

"Three PNTL officers were arrested on Saturday, and a further four people - two PNTL officers and two civilians - were arrested on Sunday," it said.

All seven have been transferred to East Timor's second city Baucau where they will face trial.

Anti-government protests, believed to be stoked by members and supporters of the former ruling Fretilin party, followed the establishment last month of the new government by a coalition of parties that excluded Fretilin.

Fretilin won most of the votes in the June 30 legislative elections but a coalition of parties that controls a majority of the 65 seats in parliament was asked to form a government by President Jose Ramos-Horta. - AFP

NATIONAL NEWS SOURCES:

Timor Post (TP)
Radio Timor-Leste (RTL)
Suara Timor Lorosae (STL)
Diario Tempo (DT)
Diario Nacional (DN)
Semanario
Televisaun Timor-Leste (TVTL)

Josephine C. Guerrero
Public Information Officer
Office of Communications & Public Information
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)

Mobile: + 670 731 1531
e-mail: guerreroj@un.org

UNMIT - Security Situation - Tuesday 18 September 2007

This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation in Timor-Leste has been generally calm, but there have been several disturbances in Dili and one case of arson in Viqueque.

Earlier today in Dili, UNPol attended three incidents, including an ongoing fight in Kampung Tuti, where police responded to a report of 50 people throwing rocks at around 10:45hrs and dispersed the crowd. Fighting re-commenced at 14:46hrs, and police returned to bring the situation under control, this time with the support of the international security force (ISF). Shortly afterwards, approximately 600 people gathered on both sides of the Comoro River to resume fighting, and police had to fire two warning shots to prevent the situation escalating . There were no reports of any injuries. Police and the ISF are now remaining at the location to prevent further disturbances.

Early this morning in Beradick village, Viqueque, police received a report of an arson attack in which four houses, one shop and one kitchen were set on fire. Police are hunting for the suspect.

On Monday evening approximately 60 people threw rocks at the Tasi Tolu police post. Police, supported by the ISF, worked to bring the situation under control for the next three hours, firing four warning shots and using six smoke grenades in the process. One UN vehicle was damaged, but there are no reports of any injuries. Police arrested four people for rock throwing.

On Monday evening police in Dili also responded to a report of rocks being thrown in Bebonuk. Upon arrival, they discovered that a hut being used as a primary school had been set on fire. Police called the fire brigade, who were then attacked whilst attempting to extinguish the blaze. The window of the fire truck was smashed by a rock and the driver sustained injuries to his face. The attack prevented the fire brigade from extinguishing the fire, and the primary school was completely destroyed.

Separately, one person was arrested in Bidau Santana on Monday on a charge of assault.

United Nations police officers in conjunction with the PNTL and the international security forces remain fully deployed to respond to any disturbances that may emerge.

The Police advise to avoid travelling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities. You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Australia opposes UN rights declaration

15.09.2007
- AFP

The UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding declaration protecting the human, land and resources rights of the world's 370 million Indigenous people, despite opposition from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

The vote in the assembly was 143 in favour and four against. Eleven countries, including Russia and Colombia, abstained.

The declaration, capping more than 20 years of debate at the United Nations, also recognises the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination and sets global human rights standards for them.

It states that native people have the right "to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties" concluded with states or their successors.

Indigenous peoples say their lands and territories are being threatened by such things as mineral extraction, logging, environmental contamination, privatisation and development projects, classification of lands as protected areas or game reserves and use of genetically modified seeds and technology.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon hailed the vote as "a historic moment when UN member states and Indigenous peoples have reconciled with their painful histories and are resolved to move forward together on the path of human rights, justice and development for all".

But Australia, along with Canada, New Zealand and the United States - all countries with sizeable Indigenous populations - expressed disappointment with the text.

Australia's ambassador to the UN Robert Hill told the General Assembly that the Federal Government has long expressed its dissatisfaction with the references to self-determination, adding that the declaration also places customary law above national law.

The other countries said they could not support it because of their concerns over provisions on self-determination, land and resources rights and giving Indigenous peoples a right of veto over national legislation and state management of resources.

Among contentious issues was one article saying "states shall give legal recognition and protection" to lands, territories and resources traditionally "owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired" by Indigenous peoples.

Another bone of contention was an article upholding native peoples' right to "redress by means that can include restitution or when not possible just, fair and equitable compensation, for their lands and resources "which have been confiscated, taken, occupied, used or damaged without their free, prior and informed consent".

Opponents also objected to one provision requiring states "to consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples...to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilisation or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources."

Indigenous advocates note that most of the world's remaining natural resources - minerals, freshwater, potential energy sources - are found within Indigenous peoples' territories.

"Unfortunately, the provisions in the Declaration on lands, territories and resources are overly broad, unclear, and capable of a wide variety of interpretations, discounting the need to recognise a range of rights over land and possibly putting into question matters that have been settled by treaty," Canada's UN Ambassador John McNee told the assembly.

A leader of Canada's native community, Phil Fontaine, slammed his Government's stance.
"We're very disappointed with Canada's opposition to the declaration on indigenous peoples," said Mr Fontaine, leader of Assembly of First Nations, who came to New York to lobby for adoption of the text.

Canada's Indigenous population totals some 1.3 million people, out of a total population in 32.7 million.

Adoption of the declaration by the assembly had been deferred late last year at the initiative of African countries led by Namibia which raised objections about language on self-determination and the definition of "Indigenous" people.

African countries were won over after co-sponsors amended an article to read that "nothing in the declaration may be ...construed as authorising or encouraging any action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent states".

***

UN Adopts Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples
by Diane Smith
12:36, September 14th 2007

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution supporting the rights of indigenous peoples across the world, despite opposition from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

According to this declaration, more than 300 million indigenous peoples have the right to chose their political appurtenance, preserve their traditions and administer their communities without any foreign intervention.

“Every indigenous individual has the right to a nationality,” the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states.

Numerous indigenous communities frequently complain about abuses, flagrant violations of human rights, most of them being reported in developing states. Indigenous peoples say they are forced to reintegrate into different cultures and leave their lands.

The resolution says they cannot be subjected to “any act of genocide or any other act of violence, including forcibly removing children of the group to another group.” Also, indigenous peoples can manage their own cultural and religious sites, along with separate education systems.

The declaration was approved by 143 countries, four rejecting the treaty, while eleven abstained. The US said the declaration does not comply with existing national laws.

“Under the United States domestic law, the US recognizes Indian tribes as political entities with inherent powers of self-government as first peoples,” US delegate Robert Hagen said.

“In our legal system, the federal government has a government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes.”

Nevertheless, the government “will continue its vigorous efforts to promote indigenous rights domestically,” he added.

A similar stance was adopted by New Zealand’s representative, Ambassador Rosemary Banks, who said such treaties recognizing the right of indigenous peoples exist in her country for a long period.

She said the UN declaration was drafted with the help of New Zealand’s government, but several gaps are present and that is why she opposed the resolution.

“It is with genuine regret and disappointment therefore that New Zealand is unable to support the declaration,” Banks said.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has 46 articles, most of them having the Universal Declaration on Human Rights as backbone.

© 2007 - eFluxMedia

Lição vinda de Timor

Blog Do Mirante - Domingo, 16 de Setembro de 2007

A formação do actual Governo ocorreu de forma pouco ortodoxa, levantando dúvidas quanto à sua capacidade de sobrevivência. Trata-se de um país independente que não deve ser observado com ares de paternalismo que faça recordar os tempos do colonialismo. Mas a sua juventude. a inexperiência dos seus políticos, as tradições da população e os traumas da história recente fazem que estejamos atentos ao que se passa.

Por outro lado, um País recém criado como Estado independente, pode criar as suas estruturas de forma pura e inovadora respeitando a sério os princípios da democracia. Daqui podem vir casos a lamentar ou, o que será muito positivo, boas lições ensinando como se pratica a Democracia. Poderemos vir a aprender muito com Timor-Leste

Os governantes não precisam ser homens excepcionais, sumidades de inteligência muito acima do normal ou cientistas com vasto currículo. Têm que ser pessoas normalmente honestas, com vontade de fazer crescer o seu país, de melhorar as condições de vida do seu povo, sempre com verdadeiro sentido de servir o Estado. Não podem esquecer que a base da democracia assenta numa estrutura imprescindível e que deve ser eficiente de controlo apertado e eficaz dos órgãos do poder e de quem os desempenha. É essa função de controlo que define a democracia e não o direito ao voto, pois votar também acontece em Cuba, na Venezuela, no Zimbabwé e acontecia no Iraque de Saddan.

O Parlamento de Timor-Leste aprovou ontem um voto de confiança ao Governo e chumbou uma moção de rejeição apresentada pela Fretilin e apoiada pela coligação KOTA-PPT, o que levou Mari Alkatiri a afirmar que "o Governo não tem legitimidade", e que "o primeiro-ministro de facto só tem 24% dos votos".

A isto o primeiro-ministro, Xanana Gusmão, respondeu que a partir de 2008 "será um Orçamento no qual serão introduzidas as coisas que a Oposição disse que faltavam neste e sobre as quais tem razão". E declarou mais: "estamos a andar no bom caminho, no sentido de aceitarmos que a democracia é assim e que as boas propostas são aceites, partam de quem partirem", dizendo-se "satisfeito porque Timor tem uma Oposição forte que vai fiscalizar bem o Governo".

Estas palavras acerca da essência da Democracia e do papel da oposição e da aceitação pelo governo das propostas que receba, poderão constituir uma boa lição para o Mundo Democrático, na linha já aqui exposta.

Posted by A. João Soares

Vocational Education & Training (VET) in Timor-Leste - the latest news

AETA (Australia-East Timor Association) – Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:26

(VISTA Timor Leste VET Network Seminar)
- Update on VET in Timor Leste
- Meet with Ministerial Advisor Ms Ana Noronha

Speakers:
*Ms Annie Keogh - Recently returned from Timor-Leste after working in the VET sector. Her views about the challenges facing VET needs and delivery in Timor-Leste were recently shared at a joint VISTA - Goya Foundation fundraising dinner in Melbourne.

*Ms Ana Noronha - Media Advisor to João Cancio Freitas, Minister of Education, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Ana will speak about the East Timorese Government's approach to VET.

*Mr José da Costa Magno - Dean of the Faculty of Social & Political Sciences at the National University of Timor-Leste. He is one of several East Timorese Youth Policy Leaders who are Adjunct fellows at Victoria University (VU) undertaking a program of field visits, attachments and seminars on the theme of 'Engaging Young People in Decision-making'. The Program is funded under AusAid's Australian Leadership Awards (ALA).

There will be time allocated for questions after the three speakers.
When: Wednesday 19 September, 2007, 5.00 - 7.00 pm.
Where: Seminar rooms 1 & 2, Engineers Australia (VISTA office base)
21 Bedford St, North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Car parking: Street parking is available. There is also casual parking in Blackwood St, North Melbourne, immediately behind the Engineers Australia building.
Refreshments: Tea, coffee & biscuits provided.

Cost:
*VISTA Members: $20
*Non VISTA Members: $30
*East Timorese ALA Adjunct Fellows: Free

How to book: Please book online via the link to the event on the VISTA website at: www.vista.org.au

Background:
VISTA is the peak professional association for managers and leaders in the Victorian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. VISTA is committed to raising the status of the VET profession within the community and to promoting a deeper understanding of applied learning pedagogy.

Arte Moris ‘free art school’

Arte Moris – Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:02
Dear All,

Please find a short overview about Arte Moris ‘free art school’ for your information about our work in attachment.

Due to last year’s political and social upheaval in Timor-Leste, which was mostly concentrated in Dili, Arte Moris became an emergency IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp since the end of April. At its peak, Arte Moris management and senior students took care of up to 500 people, support from aid agencies only arriving after several weeks. Around 200 IDP’s are still living here. We would not have been able to give assistance without financial donations by institutions and individuals mentioned on our donors’ page on our website. A very special thank you to all.

In July 2006, Arte Moris took part in the “Alternative Resistance Peace Campaign”, strongly supported by Dr. Ramos Horta, by creating posters, graffiti and banners exposed in Dili and districts.

Arte Moris manages to keep up with its program, but is looking forward for better times to come and to be able to concentrate exclusively on our work again.

For any further information and images, please visit our website at http://www.artemoris.org

New gov't's petroleum policies

La’o Hamutuk – Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:33

The Petroleum Sector continues to be the largest contributor to Timor-Leste’s economy. The experiences of other nations teach us that this sector gives many promises and many risks.

Because of this, we need good policies to avoid and minimize these dangers. During the last five years, the past Government has established some legal foundations for managing the petroleum industry and conducted negotiations about sharing Timor Sea resources. But some issues remain for the new Government to solve or improve. In order to participate in this process, we all must understand the policies and programs of the new Government.

Therefore, we would like to invite you to a public meeting organized to share information to the public and civil society organizations about how the new government plans to develop natural resources and manage petroleum revenues.

Speaker: Mr. Alfredo Pires, Secretary of State for Natural Resources

Thursday, 20 September 2007
9:00 am to noon
At NGO Forum Meeting Room, Kaikoli, Dili

La’o Hamutuk, as a Timor-Leste NGO, works to facilitate effective communication to the Timor-Leste people about the process of reconstruction and development of the nation. As part of civil society, La’o Hamutuk has closely followed the development of Timor-Leste’s oil and gas resources since 2000. La’o Hamutuk also works to improve communication between the international community and Timor-Leste civil society. We publish the results of our monitoring through our Bulletin, radio program, website and public meetings.

Thank you for your participation.
Sincerely, Santina Soares and Guteriano Neves La’o Hamutuk Research Team