UNMIT Daily Media Review

UNMIT Daily Media Review - Friday, 01 December 2006

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


Protesters Ask For Release Of Former Minister

Supporters of former Minister of Interior, Rogério Lobato ask those responsible for the justice system to process the people involved in the crisis and release Rogério Lobato. Supporters from the districts of Ermera, Liquiça and other districts including relatives, carried Fretilin flag and banners which read “ reconciliation with the militias and why trial for Founder of Falintil, Viva Rogério Lobato, Viva Falintil”. Gregorio dos Santos, coordinator of the event said only the court would decide whether the former Minister is guilty for distributing guns to civilians. Dos Santos said their presence was to provide moral support and demand justice for Lobato. A total of 100 people attended the trial. Egidio de Jesus of Grupo Mudansa Fretilin (GMF) said that on behalf of the population who have put their trust on GMF, disapproves with supporters of Lobato for carrying Fretilin flag saying the flag represents the suffering of many people therefore it is a shame it is being used inappropriately. Rogério Lobato trial was adjourned to January 9 due to the absentee of one of the co-accusers at the court. (DN, TP, STL)

Seminar To Commemorate HIV/AIDS Day

To commemorate the international HIV/AIDS World Day, the Ministry of Health held a seminar at the national level on Thursday, 30/11 with the theme “Fulfil the obligation, assume responsibility and distance the new generation from HIV/AIDS.” Representatives from the government, different religious orders, civil societies, F-FDTL, PNTL, local and international NGO, and donor partner’s embassies totalling about 270 participated in the event. Speaker Daniel Marçal, Director of CWS said his organization had identified that one of the problems faced by the people of Timor-Leste infected with HIV/AIDS is discrimination and isolation from their friends and relatives. Marçal said children whose parents are HIV/AIDS infected also face discrimination at school and from the community. He said people with this infection have requested the respect for the confidentiality of their medical state and due to moral support requirements, they would like the community leaders to have correct information on how HIV/AIDS can be spread. The Director of CWS said people with HIV/AIDS have also requested the Parliament to draft legislation to protect them to have the same rights as any other citizen. (TP)

Free Toll Emergency Number

Timor Telecom has established a national emergency number starting 30/11. The launch of the new number, 112 took place at UNPOL –PNTL Operation Room in Dili. A communiqué issued by Timor Telecom said the number can be reached free of charge through a mobile or land line telephone. There are currently four lines in UNPOL-PNTL Operational Room to attend to calls 24hrs. They appealed to the people that the number be used only in case of emergency. The number is accessible in the districts as well. (TP)

RTTL Headlines, 1 December 2006

Xanana Gusmao’s statement at the Provedor (Ombudsman) for Human Right and Justice

President of the Republic, Xanana-Gusmão gave his declaration on the crisis in the country, particularly the incidents on 28 and 29 April to the Provedor (Ombudsman) for Human Right and Justice. In his declaration, he said that as both President and a common citizen, he had to do so to contribute to the establishment of justice and peace in Timor-Leste. His presence at the Provedor’s Office also aimed at assessing the activities of the organisation.

Xanana vetoes the approved Decree Law No. 24/I/4th

President Gusmão has reportedly vetoed the Decree Law No. 24/I/4th on the lifetime monthly pension for members of the National Parliament that was sent to the President of the Republic for promulgation on 21 August. However the PR disagreed with some paragraphs particularly the paragraphs of article 4 and 6. The NP was scheduled to hold another discussion on the amendments of those paragraphs and confirmation vote.

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UNMIT Daily Media Review - Saturday 02, Monday 04 December 2006

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

PNTL-UNPOL Joint Ceremony

The joint ceremony of PNTL-UNPOL was reported by the media on Saturday and Monday. On Saturday, Timor Post reported that following his participation in the ceremony, F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said the national defence force and the police would work together to take the IDPs back to their home and that both institutions already have coordination plans. President Xanana Gusmão said PNTL must guarantee institutional unity and avoid the formation of small groups within the institution such as PNTL Nationalists and PNTL Autonomists or PNTL PSHT. Gusmão reiterated that there should only be one PNTL, to serve the population.

Following the signing of the agreement between the UN and the Government of Timor-Leste, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta told the media that he had asked the United Nations to thoroughly investigate members of PNTL who were involved in the crisis. And those not involved in crisis should be acknowledged and encouraged to resume their duties, noting that one must not forget the positive work of the national police during the crisis in the districts and those still working in Kosovo. In a separate article on STL Saturday, Ramos-Horta said that on behalf of the government, he appeals to the security forces and everybody, especially PNTL to be humble, to put aside the wrong doings and learn and reflect on the mistakes of the past now that the international community and the UN Security Council have given the Timorese people another opportunity to assist them. He said the signing of the accord between the UN and the Government of Timor-Leste took many weeks of negotiations, adding that it is a regulation of the role of the UN police in Timor-Leste and it is important to inform the people of the working plans of PNTL-UNPOL. He said a total of 200 PNTL officers are now fully active following the screening test.

On Monday’s edition, Prime Minister reportedly said that as Prime Minister he doesn’t want to re-establish PNTL in a hurry to achieve the targeted number as in the past and then have to face various problems. He said he had requested the UN to process PNTL slowly and effectively so it can become a strong institution. The Prime Minister further said that now that the numbers of UNPOL are increasing, soon they would be deployed in the districts and work together with PNTL to further strengthen their work.

Also in Monday’s edition, Diario Nacional reported President Gusmão as saying that he is happy that PNTL has recognized its mistakes and is willing to work with F-FDTL and face new challenges. PNTL and F-FDTL held a friendly game of football and volleyball Saturday in Tasi-Tolu which was welcome by members and relatives of both institutions. The game is part of the many activities involving the two national security institutions and as Deputy Minister of Interior, Xamocho has said, the friendly game is an approximation for the institutions to work together. (TP, STL, DN)

F-FDTL To Hold Dialogue With Deserters

Despite the contact between Brigadier Taur and Alfredo Reinado, it does not mean Alfredo will return without facing the justice process, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said noting that Alfredo would have to face the accusations against him in relation to his actions in Fatuahí. He said Alfredo’s case is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.

Horta said he would rather resolve Alfredo’s case through pacifist means even if it takes a few months, but would not interfere with the Prosecutor’s Office and asking UNPOL for his arrest.

The Prime Minister stressed that rather than taking military measures, F-FDTL has shown maturity in establishing a mechanism to dialogue with Majors Alfredo, Tara, Marcus Tilman for their return. On the issue of weapons in Alfredo’s hands, Ramos-Horta said he is not worried about it. He said that the international forces did not capture Alfredo during a seminar in Suai to avoid people from becoming victims of one person’s detention. Ramos-Horta also said he is certain the bazooka in Alfredo’s possession is not from Australia and would further investigate where it came from. President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres, Lu-Olo said it is with great urgency to investigate Alfredo’s access to the type of weapons in his possession. (TP, STL)

Processing OF Trial Not Manipulation: Claudio

Claudio Ximenes, President of the Court of Appeal said the first trial of former Minister of Interior, Rogerio Lobato on allegations of guns distribution, was adjourned due to the absentee of Railos and Labadai, adding it was not a manipulation by the judges. Ximenes said the two eyewitnesses had already received a notification about the trial and rather than appear at the court they went to the Prosecutor General’s Office. Therefore, he said the fault is of Railos and Labadai. In the meantime, MP Manuel Tilman (KOTA) said the mistake is due to the Public Ministry’s failing to inform the court about the presence of the two eyewitnesses in the Prosecutor’s Office. He said there has been poor coordination between the court the Public Ministry. (TP, STL)

Church Disapproves The Use of Condom

The Bishop of Dili Diocese, Dom Alberto Ricardo said the use of condoms is not one hundred per cent safe, therefore the Catholic Church in Timor-Leste disapproves of the campaign about the use of condom to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Church is of the opinion that proper education is the best solution. Bishop Ricardo said that the Church has put a few suggestions and proposed actions forth for the government and NGOs working in the area of HIV/AIDS to start a national plan on the promotion of integral health based on the principles of responsibility, solidarity, justice and equality. Acting SRSG Finn Reske-Nielsen told participants commemorating the International HIV/AIDS World Day on Friday (1/12) that Timor-Leste has the opportunity to avoid the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country with an immediate action plan. (TP, STL)

Opposition “Walks Out” On Electoral Bill

Opposition parties MPs have walked out during the debate at the National Parliament on electoral bill, protesting that article 27 and 28 which received many opinions from the civil society through public hearings were not included in the debate. The proposed bill 27 was put together by the President of the Republic following various consultations and seminars. According to STL the bill has not been taking into consideration by the majority party in the Parliament. (STL).
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