UNMIT Daily Media Review

Tuesday, 14 November 2006

National Media Reports
TP - Timor Post
DN - Diario Nacional
STL - Suara Timor Lorosae
RTTL - Radio e Televisao de Timor-Leste

Youth Peace March Praised

Timor-Leste leaders have praised the peace march organized by youths following the 15th anniversary of Santa Cruz massacre on 12 November. Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has acknowledged the goodwill of the youths in Dili to re-establish peace. He said the actions of the youth were a good example for the political leaders and the older generations. President of the National Parliament said the march was a lesson for the leaders and to consider the population as one and that there is no such thing as ‘lorosae and loromonu’ and everybody must respect and accept each other and take the country forward. President of PSD, Mario Carrascalão said the government should take advantage of the momentum to resolve the political military crisis. Carrascalão said the peace march is a sign the youth are becoming conscious that peace is imperative for the day-to-day living of a citizen. Youths, including those from the troubled areas of Dili hugged, cried and reconciled on the evening of 12 November and lit candles together in memory of the victims of the massacre. They also spontaneously organized the peace march around Dili on Monday, which concluded at the National Parliament with a delegation of four people, from east and west, addressing the Parliament. The delegation appealed for the leaders to reconcile as a way for IDPs to return to their homes. They said the peace march was a spontaneous action that came from their consciousness and from their heart with courage from those that have long gone since the massacre of 12 November, adding the anniversary of the massacre led them to work for peace. (TP, STL)

AJTL Condemns Violence

Associação Jornalista Timor Lorosae has condemned the violence against a journalist of TVTL and a stringer for AFP, Nelson da Cruz by a group of unknown people. Virgilio Guterres, President of the association said the violence is an act against human rights, impedes the publication of news and goes against the principles of democracy including freedom of speech and press. Guterres said violence against journalists has occurred a few times and calls on those that have committed the violence to respect other people’s right to live and to stop with such actions. He also calls on the government to identify the people committing these crimes not only against journalists but against the population as well. Da Cruz was reporting on a violence outbreak in Colmera, Vila Verde when he was attacked. (TP)

Norway Government Helps Construction

The government of Norway has donated US$2 million to help in the reconstruction of temporary homes for IDPs. According to TP, the Norway government representative in Jakarta gave the aid. Raul Mosaco, Deputy Public Works Minister, said the temporary homes would be established in Tibar, Tasi Tolu, Becora and Hera. (TP)

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