A nobel-arte de fazer política

Blog Timor Lorosae Nação - Terça-feira, 25 de Setembro de 2007
Malae Belu

Timor-Leste estava entregue antes de ser "independente"

Quando Henry Kissinger foi galardoado com o prémio Nobel da Paz o mundo esfregou os olhos de pasmo e dúvidas sobre se não estaria a dormir e somente a ter um pesadelo. Mas não, nada disso, era mesmo verdade. Alfredo Nobel, na tumba, dava voltas e reviravoltas, incrédulo, por saber que aquele seria um dos últimos indivíduos do planeta a merecer tal honraria.

Verdade já era que os galardões nobeis sempre contiveram critérios muito dúbios e que só por ignorância ou interesses seria possível dispensar-se grande importância aos galardões.

O caso de Kissinger foi só mais um, mas como ele sempre foi um homem de guerras, de absoluta sintonia com a negra mortandade das ditaduras da América Latina, dos massacres do Médio Oriente, dos cadáveres da Ásia, de África e do apartheid… aconteceu definitivamente caírem as paredes na lama do prémio criado pela vontade de Nobel.

Mas, se quiséssemos, não tínhamos de nos admirar de as coisas serem assim: um pouco antes o mundo tinha chegado à conclusão que um Secretário-Geral da ONU, Kurt Waldheim, tinha pertencido à Gestapo de Hitler e tinha sido um pró-activo nazi!

Face á constatação destes casos, recordados ao acaso, de entre tantos outros, facilmente devemos chegar à conclusão de que a política é muito porca e conspurca tudo e todos que a ela se entregam, que dela não se saibam distanciar vendo-a como um elemento nocivo e prejudicial à humanidade enquanto a sua prática for de rendição incondicional aos interesses económicos dos mais fortes.

Desconhece-se se Xanana Gusmão alguma vez conteve inteligência para equacionar e saber distanciar-se da esponja política em que se transformou – uma esponja vulnerável a partir do cansaço da luta de muitos anos de sofrimento no mato, que acabou por preferir o sossego e conforto de uma cela em Cipinang.

As honras já lhe foram proficuamente feitas e os prejuízos estão mais que retribuídos pelos timorenses de então e de agora.

Mas se, no caso de Xanana, é possível admitir que a sua perversão política se deve à falta de espaço no seu contentor cerebral – até por inércia natural – o mesmo não acontece com José Ramos Horta.

Nada no passado de Horta ocultou a sua ambição para assumir lugar de líder e de animal político.

Testemunhas disso serão todos que o podiam ouvir durante horas, quotidianamente, desde a sua juventude.

Ramos Horta é um político consciente, auto formativo e, posteriormente, com a possibilidade de se introduzir, conviver e aprender, num emaranhado de personagens sonantes da política internacional que em Horta somente sempre viram futuros barris de petróleo.

Para ele isso não importou nada porque soube aproveitar muito bem as lições que ao longo de tantos anos teve oportunidade de usufruir.

Sem pretender ilibar Xanana Gusmão – até porque tem a culpa de não querer ter culpas – só não sabe quem não quer que Ramos Horta foi e continua a ser o contentor cerebral de Xanana Gusmão para as coisas da política, o que faz do actual Presidente da República de Timor-Leste a mente da eminência parda que passou incólume pela crise de 2006 mas que estava por dentro dela como esponja dentro de pote de leite e mel.

Ramos Horta é realmente um animal político que sabe para onde está a conduzir o seu país e Xanana só o está a secundar, muitas vezes a dar a cara e a fazer grandes borradas que com tempo são sabiamente corrigidas.

Outro elemento que tem vindo a ter influência no rumo que Timor-Leste está a ter é Kirsty Sword – em perfeita sintonia com Horta. Foi prova o seu protagonismo na crise de 2006, tendo partido a loiça que lhe competia e recatando-se posteriormente, sendo também prova disso a influência do seu feminismo na composição do governo AMP.

Ramos Horta foi laureado com o prémio criado por Alfredo Nobel por motivos político-económicos, porque pela paz ele pouco ou nada podia fazer. Foi laureado in extremis, quando já se adivinhava a queda do ditador Suharto e já se estava a fabricar o líder Xanana nas instalações de Cipinang. Na política, pelo menos na sabida política, tem de se andar sempre vários passos à frente.

E depois, a quem se entregaria Timor-Leste? Como seria possível ter a certeza de que o país ficaria em “mãos amigas”, que permitissem o controle das riquezas naturais assim como do rumo de conveniência a tomar?

Timor-Leste antes de ser “independente” já estava entregue. Horta e Xanana sabem-no, isso ficou implícito a partir do momento em que receberam as mordomias e se miscigenaram com os que devastaram as vidas de milhares de timorenses, com os que ficaram indiferentes aos massacres e no quintal das traseiras olhavam para o lado e extraiam petróleo e gás do Mar de Timor.

Neste momento eles só têm de cumprir o acordo que é implícito neste tipo de relações e esforçar-se um pouco por aparentarem viver em democracia.

Aliás, na política, estas práticas até são democráticas.

Traidores? Vendilhões?

O que é que é isso! Conceitos antigos, é o que é!

Somente Nobel-Arte de fazer política.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Monday, 25 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

Fretilin condemns ISF threats on Fretilin supporters

Fretilin’s MPs strongly condemned the actions of International Stabilization Forces (ISF) towards Fretilin’s supporters in the Lete-Foho sub-district of Ermera.

Mr. Antoninho Bianco, Fretilin MP, confirmed that the ISF – together with language assistance – conducted a door-to-door operation looking for Fretilin supporters.

“The ISF is acting the same way the Indonesian military did during the resistance. What is the ISF doing in Timor-Leste – guaranteeing security or pressuring Fretilin?” said Mr. Bianco.

The Secretary-General of Fretilin stated that the ISF is not impartial; it pressures Fretilin supporters while supporting other parties. (TP, DN and STL)

Xanana testifies before CTF

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao today (25/9) will testify before the Indonesia-East Timor Truth and Friendship Commission. The public hearings will take place during the next three days - Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - in Dili.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao will testify behind closed doors on what he knows about the unrest that led to East Timor's vote to separate from Indonesian rule in 1999.

“As the commander of the guerrillas and CNRT at that time, I will give my testimony to the CTF on the 1999 incidents. I was in jailed in Indonesia and the statement I will give will be based on the information I had at that time.” said Mr. Xanana on Monday (24/9). (STL, DN and TP)

CTF discriminates against the families of perpetrators and victims

CTF which was established by Indonesia and Timor-Leste in 2005 to expose the truth on human rights violations in Timor-Leste during the incidents of 1999 is seen to be discriminatory towards the perpetrators and the victims in the manner in which the testimonies are given.

Unlike others, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, former President of Indonesia, BJ Habibie and President José Ramos Horta were allowed to give their testimonies behind closed doors.

A joint report dated 24 September by fourteen NGOs highlighted this discrimination by the CTF, saying that these ‘closed door’ hearings only benefit the government representatives and allow for impunity for the human rights violations.

“These procedures prove that the CTF does not follow the laws and international human rights principles, even though UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his report of July 26, 2006 to Security Council called on the CTF to be credible and transparent,” remarked the report.

The report calls on the governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste to stop these hearings and to just implement the recommendations made by the CAVR (The Commission of Truth, Friendship and Reconciliation). (STL and DN)

UNMIT - Security Situation - Tuesday 25 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.

Earlier today in Dili, UNPol attended nine incidents, including a disturbance in Balide High School at around 08:30hrs. One teacher sustained minor injuries to his face, and will be lodging a complaint with the police against several students from the school. Police also attended a protest against the Commission of Truth and Friendship that took place outside of the CAVR office. About 50 people took part in the protest, which remained peaceful.

On Monday in Dili, police arrested five people, two for possession of a weapon, two for assault and one for rock throwing.

In Same on Monday evening, a group of approximately six people threw rocks at three UNPol vehicles after blocking the road to prevent them from passing. One UNPol officer fired a warning shot whilst attempting to disperse the group, who were reported as being drunk. Another UNPol officer also sustained a minor injury to his leg. Police are investigating.

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.

Reunião do Conselho de Ministros de 24 de Setembro de 2007

REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR-LESTE
IV GOVERNO CONSTITUCIONAL
SECRETARIA DE ESTADO DO CONSELHO DE MINISTROS

COMUNICADO À IMPRENSA

O Conselho de Ministros reuniu-se extraordinariamente esta Segunda-feira, 24 de Setembro, na Sala de Reuniões do Conselho de Ministros, no Palácio do Governo, em Díli, e aprovou a Proposta de Lei do Orçamento Geral do Estado para o período transitório de 6 meses (Julho a Dezembro 2007).

O Governo elaborou uma Proposta de Orçamento Geral do Estado para dar resposta às necessidades operacionais, no período transitório compreendido entre Julho e Dezembro de 2007, bem como para dar resposta a necessidades urgentes que possam surgir neste período, relacionadas com o restabelecimento da segurança, o tratamento da questão dos deslocados internos e o estabelecimento dos gabinetes dos membros do Governo.

O total estimado de despesas do Orçamento Geral do Estado é de USD $ 108,303 milhões a ser afectado da seguinte forma:

• USD $ 19,485 milhões para Salários e Vencimentos;
• USD $ 71,201 milhões para Bens e Serviços;
• USD $ 2,964 milhões para Capital Menor;
• USD $ 4,739 milhões para Capital de Desenvolvimento;
• USD $ 9,914 milhões para Pagamentos de Transferências Públicas.

As receitas não petrolíferas estão estimadas em USD $ 22,50 milhões sendo o restante financiado directamente a partir da Conta do Tesouro do Estado.

Dili, Palácio do Governo, 24 de Setembro de 2007.

Protests mark Indonesia-ETimor vote hearing

AFP
25.09.2007
7 hours ago

DILI (AFP) — Protesters called Tuesday for the disbanding of an Indonesia-East Timor commission looking into violence surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, demanding justice for what happened.

The Indonesia-East Timor Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF), which has no prosecution powers but is aimed at reconciliation, had just opened a hearing when about 70 protesters held a noisy rally outside.

"We want justice," chanted members of student and rights groups as about 100 security personnel stood on standby.

"There is no tolerance for anyone intending to eradicate justice," read one banner, while another said: "Justice should go through the courts, not through compromise."

The commission, modelled along the lines of South Africa's post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is aimed at determining what happened during the August 1999 UN-backed ballot.

The United Nations has strongly criticised the CTF and refused to send any of its officials to testify at several rounds of hearings, saying those guilty of rights violations should face justice.
"This hearing session is quite special, not only because it is the first time it is being held in Dili... but also because this will be the last public hearing held by the commission," said Benjamin Mangkudilaga, the Indonesian co-chairman of the commission.

The hearing will continue throughout this week.

East Timor and Indonesia, which ruled the former Portuguese colony for 24 years, set up the CTF in 2005.

In the 1999 vote the East Timorese voted in favour of breaking away from Indonesia, leading to serious violence blamed on militias backed by the Indonesian military. About 1,400 people were killed and much of the nation's infrastructure was deliberately destroyed.
East Timor's leaders have taken a largely conciliatory stance towards Indonesia since then, arguing that good relations with its giant and more powerful neighbour are crucial to its future.

Dos Leitores

H. Correia deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "US$18 Million Aid For Timor-Leste": Resposta à nota de rodapé:

"ADB will provide a US$3 million grant"

Acho que esta frase diz tudo. Preparem-se os timorenses para depois pagar a dívida... com juros.

Quanto aos milhões, até poderiam ser triliões. Se o dinheiro bastasse para resolver a miséria, os EUA não teriam pobres. Se o dinheiro bastasse para criar "thousands of jobs", não haveria desemprego nos países do 1º mundo, a começar pela Austrália.

Portanto, resta saber para onde vai tanto dinheiro, sabendo que não há memória de um único "infrastructure project" ter sido apresentado pelo actual Governo de TL.

É que, julgava eu, primeiro fazem-se e orçamentam-se os projectos. Depois é que vem o financiamento, e não o contrário.

A não ser que lá no estado de Victoria seja diferente...

Dos Leitores

H. Correia deixou um novo comentário na sua mensagem "East Timor fears Lobato may dodge jail":

Lúcia Lobato e "The Age" estão muito preocupados sobre se Rogério Lobato vai voltar a TL ou não.

É estranho tanta preocupação com um homem que não fugiu quando teve que enfrentar o tribunal e acatou a sua pena.

Em contrapartida, ainda é mais estranho que não haja idêntica preocupação com Reinado e outros foragidos à justiça há mais de ano, com o beneplácito do PGR, do PR, do PM, da ONU e das forças australianas.

Uns são filhos e outros são enteados. A bem da igualdade de todos os cidadãos perante a Lei, espero sinceramente que RL não volte a TL e peça asilo político na Malásia ou noutro país qualquer.

É que uma coisa é cumprir a Lei, mas outra coisa é alguém ser o bombo da festa devido à sua ingenuidade, enquanto outros - os espertos - se riem na sua cara.

FORMER premier Steve Bracks will not appear before the Parliamentary inquiry into the state's gaming licences.

Herald Sun
Ellen Whinnett
September 13, 2007 12:00am

Mr Bracks has written to Parliament advising that he was concerned about the precedent it would set.

The committee had asked Mr Bracks to appear before it to respond to claims from witnesses that he had discussed the future of the gaming industry with former Labor minister David White -- who was employed as a lobbyist by Tattersall's.

Mr White will appear before the Upper House committee on Monday.

He will be questioned on what he told Tattersall's board members about discussions that took place at a barbecue he had with Mr Bracks at his beach house at Lorne.

In a letter to the committee yesterday, Mr Bracks said he would not accept the invitation to appear.

His move sets off another round of legal bickering, with the Upper House committee, dominated by Opposition MPs, expected to meet to discuss whether to issue a summons to Mr Bracks to appear.

There is conflicting legal advice about whether he can be forced to appear.

The former premier, who resigned on July 27, said the same immunity that existed when he was premier still existed now that he had retired.

The Government and Mr Bracks are both relying on advice that says members of the Lower House cannot be forced to appear before Upper House committees.

"I was (and remain) accountable and responsible to that House of Parliament alone for the performance of my functions as premier," Mr Bracks said in his letter.

"The Select Committee has already acknowledged that the independence of the both houses of parliament means that a committee of one house cannot claim, much less exercise, any authority over a member of the other house.

"This immunity must continue after a person has ceased being a member, otherwise the purpose of the immunity -- to preserve the independence of the houses -- would be defeated."

Mr Bracks also said "executive privilege", as claimed by the Government, also meant be could not appear.

Opposition gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien said Mr Bracks was "hiding behind the skirts of executive privilege".

"He is effectively saying the discussions he holds with David White over a barbecue and a bottle of red at Lorne are the subject of executive privilege," he said.

"I'm surprised Mr Bracks has not taken the opportunity to clear his reputation which is being damaged by evidence given, under oath, by independent witnesses."

Bracks refuses to front gaming inquiry

ABC Radio
PM - Monday, 17 September , 2007 18:42:00
Reporter: Samantha Donovan

MARK COLVIN: A parliamentary inquiry into the awarding of gaming licences in Victoria has been told that the former premier, Steve Bracks, did not break tender rules and intervene in the process.

Former Victorian minister turned lobbyist, David White, rejected the evidence of former Tattersalls trustee, Peter Kerr, that Mr Bracks had discussed the licences with him and his colleagues.

But the State Opposition says it's got the documents to prove impropriety. Steve Bracks is refusing to appear before the inquiry to answer questions.

Samantha Donovan reports.

SAMANTHA DONOVAN: Former Victorian premier, Steve Bracks, had a relatively scandal-free eight years in office. But one allegation continues to hang over him, that he intervened in the process for awarding a state gaming licence. An Upper House select committee inquiry into the probity of gaming licensing in Victoria is now underway.

And today the Hearing Room was packed with parliamentarians, staffers and journalists eager to hear what former Labor Minister and Tattersall's lobbyist, David White, had to say about Mr Bracks' conduct.

Earlier this month, former Tattersalls trustee, Peter Kerr, told the inquiry that Mr White helped to arrange a meeting between Steve Bracks and Tattersalls in 2003, and that Mr Bracks discussed licences at the meeting, which he has always denied.

Mr Kerr also gave evidence that Mr White boasted to the trustees that he discussed the licences at a dinner with Mr Bracks in 2003, and that Mr Bracks made it clear to Mr White that the company should list publicly if it wanted to win future gaming licences.

It's claimed Mr White then passed that view onto Tattersall's trustees. Mr Bracks has denied this in Parliament. Today, David White told the inquiry that there was no discussion of Tattersalls at his dinner with Mr Bracks in the coastal resort of Lorne in 2003. He says their conversation was limited to property prices, their families and architecture.

DAVID WHITE: The function I had with the Premier was an excellent social occasion and there was no discussion about any matter related to Tattersalls or any other client. During the lottery tendering process, we had no discussion with any Cabinet minister, advisor or public servant about any matter related, to do with Tattersall's and the lottery tendering process.

SAMANTHA DONOVAN: Mr White also denied Mr Kerr's earlier testimony that Steve Bracks had discussed gaming licences with the Tattersall's trustees in 2003. Mr White told the inquiry the trustees had been told if they raised the issue of gaming licences with the Premier, they'd never seen him again.

During the hearing this morning, Mr White consistently referred to Mr Bracks as a Labor Party colleague. But when questioned by the committee members and reporters afterwards, Mr White was unable or unwilling to divulge when he'd last spoken to Mr Bracks.

REPORTER: Mr White, when was the last time you spoke to Steve Bracks?

DAVID WHITE: He is a wonderful Labor colleague.

REPORTER: But Mr White, when is the last time you contacted Steve Bracks?

DAVID WHITE: He is an excellent Labor colleague.

REPORTER: So, you won't tell us when the last time you had contact with Steve Bracks?

DAVID WHITE: He is an excellent Labor colleague.

REPORTER: Why is that Mr White, why can't…

DAVID WHITE: It's ok. He is an excellent Labor colleague.

SAMANTHA DONOVAN: Opposition gaming spokesman, Michael O'Brien, was critical of Mr White's testimony.

MICHAEL O'BRIEN: We saw today, from Mr White, was a litany of denials in the face of documentary evidence, and a series of character assassinations against witnesses who dared to tell the truth that wasn't convenient to Mr White and this government's view of the world.

We have got minutes that have been confirmed by the trustees that David White was telling them they needed to float. David White was telling them the way to do business in Victoria is to tell the Premier what you want on a piece of paper.

SAMANTHA DONOVAN: Labor committee deputy chair member, Matt Viney, says the inquiry is a witch-hunt.

MATT VINEY: We've now heard from 17 witnesses before this select committee, and not one of them has presented any evidence that anything improper has occurred.
MARK COLVIN: The Victorian Labor MP, Matt Viney, ending Samantha Donovan's report.

Continuamos à deriva ou já fomos ao fundo?

Blog Timor Lorosae Nação - Segunda-feira, 24 de Setembro de 2007
Alfredo Ximenes

Quando acabar a esperança o que virá?

Os anúncios displicentes formulados pelo PR e pelo PM relacionados com as contratações de figuras que somente vêem em Timor-Leste mais uma oportunidade de enriquecerem depauperando-nos estão a causar uma compreensiva contestação por parte de imensos timorenses que se dizem estar a ficar bastante desiludidos com o presidente e com o primeiro-ministro.

A agravar a imagem destes dois mais altos responsáveis pela normalização e desafogo do quotidiano dos timorenses está a inoperância e o “nada fazem” de que já tanto se fala.

Na lentidão característica de Xanana Gusmão e de Ramos Horta – que é lesto em viajar – tudo está por resolver e nem sequer um esboço existe para a solução dos mais de cem mil desalojados existentes por todo o país.

Segundo consta, o Presidente Horta teve o cuidado de mandar limpar e reparar algumas ruas de Dili, afectadas pelos imensos distúrbios que tanto tempo duraram. Mas para além disso quase mais nada se viu.

Naturalmente que é caso para perguntar se compete a um Presidente da República tratar de assuntos que dizem respeito aos serviços urbanos. Será que um PR não tem outro tipo de afazeres, outras obrigações – como, por exemplo, apressar a que o governo implemente medidas de efectiva recuperação com vista ao melhoramento do estado da nação e bem-estar dos timorenses. Medidas de índole social que solucionem o caos em que as crianças de Dili vivem, assim como pelo resto do país? A subalimentação que vitima muitos timorenses? As más condições em muitos dos nossos velhos sobrevivem? E mais, muito mais?

Em vez disso, aquilo a que assistimos é conversa, mais conversa e só conversa.

Horta acorda e anuncia: hoje tomei uma medida, vou mandar limpar a capital, ou… “a captura de Reinado está congelada”, ou… vou ter um consultor de boa governação e democracia…

Xanana acorda e diz: “o português será a língua oficial de Timor” – para português ouvir e largar os cordões à bolsa - ou… vou ter um consultor com capacidades excepcionais que até é australiano, velho amigo, e está sem fazer nada…

Evidentemente que isto não passa de um exagero para caracterizar o pouco ou quase nada que Horta e Xanana têm feito e que está a justificar plenamente as críticas que os estão a visar.

Nem vale o tempo, ou as palavras, argumentarem que estão nos cargos há pouquíssimo tempo, porque essa não será válida e a decepção está a instalar-se justificadamente.

O sentimento existente nas ruas, casas e famílias é de que “eles apanharam-se no Poder e agora pouco farão ou nada”.

O sentimento é de que estamos à deriva num país que merecia muito melhor e que devia ser governado por verdadeiros patriotas, não por aqueles que procuram satisfazer os seus egos, as suas contas bancárias e de amigos, sentindo-se “o máximo” sobre as cabeças de centenas de milhares fartos de ter esperança mas mais nada.

Quando acabar a esperança e se desfizerem os desenganos, induzidos por Horta e Xanana, o que virá?

Provavelmente já fomos ao fundo e ainda não demos por isso.

US$18 Million Aid For Timor-Leste

Bernama - September 24, 2007 14:14 PM

Bangkok - AusAid and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have pledged up to US$18 million to assist the Timor-Leste government to fast-track much needed infrastructure projects that will accelerate growth and provide jobs and services for the Timorese people.

The fund would help them prepare, procure, and manage contracts, goods and works working through the Timor-Leste government's own systems, the Manila-based ADB said in a statement today.

The Australian government, through its overseas aid agency AusAID, will contribute US$13 million, and ADB will provide a US$3 million grant while Timor-Leste will contribute US$3 million to cover project management activities.

ADB said the infrastructure projects would be implemented over a four-year period starting this month.

Australia's contribution is part of an enhanced package of assistance, announced last month by its Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer, to strengthen Timor Leste's economic management, including delivery of its significant capital works programme.

In the 2006-2007 period, the Timor-Leste government set aside US$119.7 million for capital development and nearly half of the 2007 capital budget are for roads, bridges, and other transport assets, and communications, water supply, sanitation and power infrastructure.

ADB said capital budgets are significantly underspent in Timor-Leste, and as a result, infrastructure and poverty reduction targets set under the Timor government's National Development Plan are at risk.

AusAid and ADB support will initially focus on adding to the government's technical capacity to deliver good projects that create thousands of jobs and improve public services, and later towards long-term capacity-building.

Timor-Leste is one of the world's newest nations and was internationally recognised as an independent democratic state in 2002.
The country, composed of 14,874 square kilometres of rugged terrain, lies northwest of Australia.

Nota de Rodapé:

Estranho como aparecem estes fundos, uma vez que o ADB tinha "secado" o seu apoio a projectos de infraestruturas. Será porque mudou o PM?

Timor-Leste: "Operações contra Reinado estão congeladas" - Ramos Horta

Díli - Todas as operações militares ou policiais contra o major fugitivo Alfredo Reinado "estão congeladas", afirmou hoje o Presidente da República de Timor-Leste em entrevista à Agência Lusa.

"Repito: qualquer uso da força pelas Forças de Estabilização Internacionais (ISF) ou pela Polícia das Nações Unidas está congelado", declarou José Ramos Horta à Lusa.

"Há um chefe de Estado, comandante supremo das Forças Armadas deste país, que acha que para a realização da Justiça e reposição da verdade, qualquer operação de uso da força deve ser congelado", insistiu o Presidente da República.

"Não quero mais qualquer derramamento de sangue neste país. Que esteja ao meu alcance evitá-lo, evitarei", referiu.

"Acredito que o major Alfredo Reinado está hoje motivado para se encontrar uma solução", acrescentou.

José Ramos Horta sublinhou também que as negociações com Alfredo Reinado "definiram muito bem quem vai e quem não vai ser acantonado".

"Vão ser acantonados Alfredo Reinado e o grupo que continua com ele desde o início, que são uns 30 a 40 homens, dos quais no máximo 30 estão armados", explicou o chefe de Estado.

"Não vão ser acantonados os peticionários" das Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste, frisou José Ramos Horta.

"São duas questões distintas, porque uma é um caso de Justiça, outra não é. Contra os peticionários não existe nenhum processo judicial", recordou o Presidente da República.

José Ramos Horta falou à Lusa poucas horas antes de uma viagem que o levará a Nova Iorque e a Berlim, para vários compromissos enquanto chefe de Estado e laureado com o Nobel da Paz.

Em Nova Iorque, o Presidente da República fala perante a Assembleia-Geral das Nações Unidas e será co-presidente da Cimeira sobre Alteração Climática.

Entre os encontros oficiais e privados estão agendadas reuniões com o primeiro-ministro português, José Sócrates, com o presidente da Comissão Europeia, Durão Barroso, com o Presidente sul-africano, Thabo Mbeki, e com o Presidente brasileiro, Lula da Silva.
PRM-Lusa/Fim

Nota de Rodapé:

Mais uma vez, o laureado mostra-se um ditadorzeco. Como sempre sem respeito pelos valores democráticos e pelos outros órgãos de soberania.

Timor-Leste: Julgamento F-FDTL: "Não tínhamos intenção de matar", diz arguido

Lusa - 24 de Setembro de 2007, 08:54

Díli - Os militares acusados da morte de oito polícias timorenses a 25 de Maio de 2006 "não tinham intenção de matar", afirmou hoje em tribunal um dos arguidos das Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL).

"Não tínhamos intenção de matar", afirmou o primeiro-sargento Paulino da Costa na segunda audiência do processo relativo ao acontecimento mais violento da crise política e militar de Abril e Maio de 2006.

Paulino da Costa era o militar mais graduado no grupo que, na manhã de 25 de Maio de 2006, disparou sobre uma coluna da Polícia Nacional (PNTL) sob escolta das Nações Unidas, diante do ministério da Justiça, em Caicoli, no centro de Díli.

"Tenho todo o respeito pela bandeira das Nações Unidas mas naquele caso concreto sempre tive desconfiança de qualquer coisa, de um ataque da PNTL", repetiu hoje Paulino da Costa.
"Aquele sítio era uma zona de operações militares e os polícias deviam ter-se deslocado por outros meios ou por outro lado", acrescentou o arguido.

O primeiro-sargento afirmou também em tribunal que, "embora a PNTL tivesse feito várias operações contra as F-FDTL nos dias anteriores, não havia intenção de actuar contra eles", nem sequer como vingança pela morte de um soldado das F-FDTL nessa mesma manhã.
"Não havia uma ordem mas eu fui lá para dar apoio e não recebi nenhuma ordem para abandonar o local", explicou o militar.

"Se abandonasse o local, aconteceria um ataque" da PNTL, disse, justificando: " A situação era de pânico".

O tiroteio sobre a coluna escoltada e desarmada da PNTL aconteceu após um primeiro incidente na mesma área de Caicoli, com rajadas e lançamento de granadas entre o quartel-general da Polícia e o quartel-general das F-FDTL, situados em terrenos contíguos.

No edifício das F-FDTL encontravam-se nessa manhã o comandante-geral das Forças Armadas, brigadeiro-general Taur Matan Ruak, o coronel Lere Anan Timur e o então ministro da Defesa, Roque Rodrigues, confirmou hoje o primeiro-sargento Paulino da Costa, que se encontrava no piso superior do imóvel quando começaram os tiros.

"Sei da presença do ministro da Defesa mas como sargento não sabia o que ele estava a fazer", explicou o militar diante do colectivo de juízes, presidido pelo magistrado português Ivo Rosa.
Insistindo obedecer sempre a "ordens superiores" e a "obrigações táctico-estratégicas de autodefesa e defesa do quartel", Paulino da Costa acabou por declarar em tribunal que nessa manhã as ordens partiram "dos comandantes" e, em concreto, do coronel Lere Anan Timur.
Paulino da Costa declarou não ter disparado um único tiro sobre a coluna de PNTL e os elementos das Nações Unidas, ao contrário dos colegas.

Ao mesmo tempo, insistiu que o tiroteio dos F-FDTL foi uma reacção a "um tiro no meio da coluna" dos polícias e a provocações com gestos de elementos no fim da coluna.
Além de Paulino da Costa, outros onze arguidos estão sentados no banco dos réus no processo do ataque à coluna de polícias.

Os PNTL foram atingidos quando marchavam cantando o hino nacional timorense, sob escolta internacional, numa coluna de cerca de 120 pessoas.

Um memorial aos polícias mortos foi inaugurado no aniversário do massacre pelo Presidente da República, José Ramos Horta.
PRM-Lusa/Fim

GNR inicia instrução de unidade de elite da Polícia Nacional

Notícias Lusófonas
24.09.07

A Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) iniciou hoje o primeiro Curso de Ordem Pública a 30 elementos da Unidade de Intervenção Rápida (UIR), a força de elite da Polícia Nacional timorense.

Uma cerimónia no quartel do Subagrupamento Bravo da GNR, em Díli, serviu para apresentar o curso, que terá a duração de cinco semanas.

O curso inicia-se com uma parte teórica sobre operações de ordem pública, utilização de armas de fogo e a natureza dos distúrbios civis em diferentes cenários, desde os eventos desportivos a manifestações de rua.

Neutralização de barricadas, técnicas de entrada em edifício, utilização de armas não letais, desactivação de engenhos explosivos improvisados, técnicas de emergência médica, técnicas de intervenção táctica, escoltas, cerco e rusgas são algumas das matérias que a GNR vai ensinar aos elementos da UIR.

O Presidente da República, José Ramos-Horta, e o primeiro-ministro, Xanana Gusmão, declararam nos últimos dias a preferência das autoridades timorenses pela GNR para acompanhar e formar a PNTL.

O curso hoje iniciado pela UIR é semelhante ao que oficiais da GNR deram este ano pela primeira vez a unidades especiais da Polícia angolana, estando actualmente a decorrer a instrução de um segundo grupo em Luanda.

Morreu o deputado Jacob Fernandes

Palácio das Cinzas, 24 Setembro 2007

Comunicado da Imprensa

Condolências à Família do Saudoso

Em nome de S.E o Presidente da República e de todo o pessoal da Presidência, apresentamos condolências à ex.ma família de S.E., o ex-Vice-Presidente e Deputado ao Parlamento Nacional, Sr. Jacob M. dos Reis Fernandes, pelo seu trágico falecimento.

No passado dia 27 de Agosto deslocou-se a Darwin, para receber tratamento no “Darwin Royal Hospital”, onde veio a falecer, no passado sábado, dia 22 de Setembro de 2007.

Rezamos ao Nosso Senhor Deus, para que descanse em Paz. AMEN.

DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMES AND THE VICTIMS

Once Again it has been shown that the TFC (Truth and Friendship Commission) is neither credible nor transparent.

This is shown the closure to the public of the hearing for the evidence to be given by Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao today, 24 September 2007 at Hotel Timor, Dili, Timor-Leste.

The closure to the public of the hearing is a repeat of the hearings already held for evidence by Mr. Habibie and Mr. Horta.

The closure of the hearings to the public demonstrates that the TFC undertakes its functions and operates in a manner that removes itself from International Human Rights law.

This is despite Secretary General Kofi Anan having stated in his report to the UN Security Council dated 26 July 2006 that the TFC process has to be credible and transparent.

Credibility has to be demonstrated through applying/promoting International Human Rights Law and the general principles of seeking truth and justice, above all the rights of victims to access information and the truth regarding crimes committed against them.

However, this evidence is being given in hearings closed to the public. This shows the dishonesty of our leaders to our people, most of all to the victims of crimes involving violations of human rights in Timor-Leste.

It is clear that closed hearings for Mr. Xanana Gusmao and other top leaders (Habibie and Ramos Horta) as top leaders who were leaders in those times when there were occurrences of human rights violations, then such hearings which are closed to the public violate the principle of rights of the victims, above all the rights of victims to the truth, justice and for reparations.

Hearings involving top leaders of this nation that are closed to the public is clear evidence that the TFC is an instrument for impunity and a means to set aside accountability to victims.

However, in reality there have been only a few victims who have given their evidence and they did so in public hearings without any consideration given to the question of security for the extreme vulnerability of victims. This is discrimination in action stemming from a conspiracy between the government of Indonesia, the government of Timor-Leste and the TFC.

For these reasons we set out our position as follows:

We reject the TFC and call a halt to all activity by it that carries the title of "seeking the truth".
To the government of Indonesia and the government of Timor-Leste to implement the recommendations of the CAVR and to resume the prosecution of those responsible for crimes against humanity.

The TFC should not receive any evidence by witnesses that is given in closed hearings from Mr. Habibie, Mr. Ramos-Horta, Mr. Xanana Gusmao and to include any other leaders who are still to give evidence in the hearings which as re closed to the public.

Dili, 24 September 2007

Association HAK, FOKUPERS, JSMP, ESPADA, HCTL Front Mahasiswa, ETCRN, Forum Asia, Kontras, HRWG, Sec. FONGTIL, ICTJ-Timor-Leste, Lao Hamutuk, SCM-TL, Luta Hamutuk.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Monday, 24 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

UN, asking Alfredo to submit his weapons

Acting SRSG Eric Huck Gim Tam said that the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) wants Reinado and his men to relinquish its weapons and to submit to justice.

Speaking to the journalist at the weekly press briefing at Obrigado Barracks on Thursday (20/9) Mr. Tan said that the police have a role in solving the issue and UNPol Commissioner Rodolfo Tor will be involved in the task force to secure security during negotiations.

“Our concern has always been to see Reinado return the weapons and submit himself to justice,” said Mr. Tan. (DN)

Hasegawa, to be Special Counselor of Ramos-Horta

The President of the Republic, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, announced today that he has appointed Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa as his Special Adviser for Good Governance and Democracy.

“Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa is an outstanding expert on governance and development issues with 30 years of service in the UN system in many countries of the developing world”, said President Ramos-Horta.

“Secondly, he is very committed to the well-being of the people of Timor-Leste. Also, Dr. Hasegawa is a national of Japan, a country with which Timor-Leste maintains very strong bi-lateral ties with. So I am very pleased that Dr. Hasegawa, now retired from the UN, has agreed to serve as my Special Advisor”, the President of the Republic said.

“He will also be available to assist the Government and National Parliament”, President Ramos-Horta added.

Dr. Hasegawa was Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator for many years until August 2006, having served in two UN Missions in Timor-Leste, first with UNMISET and later as head of UNOTIL.

(TP, STL and DN)

Ramos-Horta: CTF should not be worried about UN position on amnesty

The United Nations has questioned the Commission of Truth and Friendship on the possibility of giving amnesty to the actors of human rights violations in Timor-Leste under the occupation of Indonesia.

The UN said that the Commission violates international principles in respect of the amnesty provision.

The Indonesian Chief of the Commission Benjamin Mangkoedilaga said on Sunday (23/9 in Dili that President José Ramos-Horta has asked the CTF not to be concerned with the statement by the Secretary-General of UN.

According to President Ramos-Horta, as quoted by Mr. Mangkoedilaga, the statement is by the Secretary-General, not an official mandated position of the General Assembly through the Security Council.

Mr. Mangkoedilaga will meet President Ramos-Horta in Denpasar next week to discuss the matter. (TP)

PSD criticizes, Alkatiri for boycotting the Government

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) has criticised the statement of the Secretary General of Fretilin, Mari Alkatiri who plans to organize boycott the the Alliance led by Xanana Gusmão.

“There are leaders who say they plan to boycott the activities of the government because they say it is an illegal government,” said the PSD MP Fernando Gusmao.

According to the MP, the act that will be taken by the leaders of Fretilin will harm the state, especially Timorese people. (STL)

F-FDTL, ready to face security situation

The F-FDTL is ready to cooperate with the PNTL and International Stabilization Forces (ISF) to face any security situation that may arise in Timor-Leste.

“The F-FDTL is ready to collaborate with PNTL, UNPol and ISF to secure the security of the country, especially in Baucau and other places.

If the situation is serious, the PNTL will need the F-FDTL to assist in controlling it,” said Major Haksolok.

According to Major Haksolok, the F-FDTL will fulfill its mandate to control any conflicts which threaten the security. (STL)

Illegal, the presence of Australian Defence Forces

The independent watchdog Aid/Watch said that the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) are operating illegally.

The ADF presence is considered illegal as the agreement has not yet been ratified by the new National Parliament.

“This is one example of how John Howard’s gives little respect to the laws of the neighboring countries, which is increasing tension in the Pacific region,” said Co-Director Aid/Watch, Flint Duxfield.

Furthermore, Dr Tim Anderson, a member of Aid /Watch said that the only way to end this illegal arrangement is to place the ADF under United Nations (UN) or withdraw it from Timor-Leste. (STL)

Honesty is needed to solve the Reinado problem

The National Unity Party (PUN) says honesty is needed to fine a solution for the problem of Alfredo Reinado and his men.

“The state and Reinado should be serious and honest if they are to end this problem,” said the MP Fernanda Borges.
(STL)

Aniceto, judges to be the instrument for the dialogue between Alfredo and the State

Member of HAK Association and Human Rights Observer, Aniceto Neves said that judges should hold the dialogue between Alfredo Reinado and the state to solve the problem quickly.

“Judges will also provide the opportunity for Reinado to talk about justice.

The 12 F-FDTL members have already submitted themselves to justice regarding last year’s crisis and their role in weapon distribution. Reinado should also submit himself to justice,” said Mr. Neves on Friday (21/9). (DN)

CTF to hold fifth hearing amid criticism

September 24, 2007
Desy Nurhayati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The joint Indonesia-Timor Leste Truth and Friendship Commission (CTF) is scheduled to hold its final hearing today, which could see Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao testify, along with several other key witnesses.

In a statement made available to The Jakarta Post over the weekend, the CTF said that several people had replied to a summons and had agreed to give their testimony.

They are Thomas Acquino Goncalves, Rui Emiliano Teixeira Lopes, Teotonio Assis, Francisco Lopes de Carvalho, Jhony Marques, Jhony Franca, Marcus Baquin and Sancho Ramos de Reisureicao.

However, the commission could not provide further details on their identities.

"Details about them, including their status, either as a suspect, witnesses or victim, will be explained by our co-chairmen prior to the session," CTF spokesperson Krishna Hanan told the Post on Sunday.

The fifth phase of the hearing, the first to be held in Dili, will run from Monday to Thursday and will be attended by commissioners from both countries.

Monday's hearing will be a closed session only attended by commissioners, with Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and Timor Leste Armed Forces chief Taur Matan Ruak scheduled to testify.

Krishna confirmed that Xanana would give his testimony Monday during a visit by CTF commissioners to the prime minister. The commission has yet to confirm the schedule for Taur's hearing.

The CTF also questioned former president B.J. Habibie at the Habibie Center in a closed session on March 27.

During the open session from Tuesday to Thursday, the CTF will hear testimony from historical actors, alleged perpetrators, witnesses and victims.

Jamsheed Marker, the former United Nations Secretary General's special envoy for Timor Leste reconciliation, has also been summoned by the CTF but has yet to reply to the invitation.

If Marker is absent, the CTF would once again fail to present a UN official in its hearing sessions.
In the fourth session on July 23, it failed to present five UN officials involved in the 1999 referendum that led to the bloody attacks by the Indonesian Military-backed militias on supporters of East Timor's secession from Indonesia.

The officials were former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, former head of the UN Mission for East Timor Ian Martin, former general prosecutor for serious crimes Siri Frigraad and former UN civilian police commander Allan Mills.

The CTF's investigation on the 1999 violence has not received support from the UN, which criticized the commission for providing amnesty for those who violated human rights.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has prohibited UN officials from testifying at the commission.

Many have criticized the CTF's performance and questioned whether its findings will have any credibility with the victims or the international community since no one has been found guilty.

Krishna said that during the visit to Dili, CTF commissioners would also visit Timor Leste's political leaders and government officials, including the attorney general, to obtain more documents in connection to the 1999 riots.

After the hearing, the CTF will also hold a workshop themed "Finding the Truth and Fostering Relationship" in an attempt to get input on how Indonesia and Timor Leste can promote reconciliation and the relationship between the two countries.

East Timor fears Lobato may dodge jail

The Age
September 24, 2007 - 7:04PM

East Timor's government fears a jailed former minister, allowed to leave the country for medical care, won't return to serve his sentence for arming hit squads during last year's unrest.

The government has also flagged a possible corruption inquiry related to the case of the former Fretilin government's interior minister Rogerio Lobato.

Days before the Fretilin government lost power in August, a judge ordered his release from a Dili prison for urgent medical treatment in Malaysia.

The order was made despite only one of three doctors who examined Lobato saying he needed overseas medical care.

The other two - including an Australian doctor - had said he could receive adequate care in East Timor.

Before Lobato left the country early last month, East Timor's new government had expressed concern he might seek to remain overseas.

But East Timor's new justice minister Lucia Lobato - a younger cousin of Rogerio Lobato - said he was allowed to leave because the government could not be seen to overrule the courts.

"We could not interfere with the courts. It's a sensitive and confused situation," Ms Lobato said this week.

But she admitted her government remained "very worried" that Lobato would flee.

Lobato was convicted earlier this year of manslaughter and supplying arms to civilian hit squads tasked with eliminating government opponents in 2006.

Some 37 people were killed in the unrest, which brought the nation to a standstill.

Lobato was allowed to leave East Timor after a legal agreement was reached, saying he must return immediately after treatment.

In his court order allowing overseas treatment, Judge Ivo Rosa said the constitution enshrined the right of prisoners to adequate medical care.

But the former interior minister did not leave jail like an average felon.

Justice minister Lucia Lobato said he was allowed out of jail without a single document being shown to its director. He then flew to Kuala Lumpur on August 8 in a Kuwaiti-owned Lear jet.

He had with him $US30,000 ($A35,250) from the Timorese treasury for "expenses" paid by then Fretilin prime minister Estanislau da Silva after a request from his then justice minister, Domingos Sarmento.

The newly-elected government of Xanana Gusmao may hold an inquiry to examine possible corruption charges.

Lucia Lobato raised questions about the nature of Lobato's medical condition.

She queried why he had been operated on for a back complaint rather than the prostate and heart problems one doctor said he had.

She said Judge Rosa had also said three experts recommended treatment abroad when in fact only one did.

Of three examining doctors in Dili hospital, only Cuban Aniceto Cabeza Suarez recommended overseas treatment.

An Australian surgeon specifically stated that his various complaints were not life threatening and could be treated in East Timor.

A third doctor, a Chinese urologist, simply said Lobato should be given new medication for a benign prostate condition.

Timorese ambassador Juvencio Martins has said Lobato had a spinal disc operation in Kuala Lumpur on August 21 and has since been discharged to recover in a rented apartment.

Lucia Lobato said she was particularly concerned that Malaysia had so far not responded to East Timor's requests that it must ensure Lobato does not leave Malaysia.

© 2007 AAP

UNMIT - Security Situation - Monday 24 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.

Earlier today in Dili, UNPol attended five incidents, including a disturbance outside of the Department of Solidarity. UNPol responded and discovered that the confrontation was caused by a disagreement between an employer and former employee. The employee was referred to Dili District Police Headquarters to lodge a complaint.

On Sunday in Dili, police received a report of fighting near the Comoro Roundabout. Upon arrival, police encountered seven youths armed with machetes and iron bars, and fired one warning shot whilst trying control the situation. One person was arrested, and two iron bars were recovered.

Separately, three people were arrested in Fatuhada for rock throwing.

In Ermera on Sunday, two people sustained minor stab wounds in the market area of Ermera town and were taken to Gleno hospital. The injuries were inflicted as they tried to stop a group of youths from stealing from their stall.

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.