Notícias de 29 a 31 de Dezembro de 2006

Timor-Leste: 13 agentes da PSP partem sábado para reforçar missão de paz em Díli

Lisboa, 28 Dez (Lusa) - A Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) vai reforçar o contingente integrado na Missão de Paz das Nações Unidas em Timor-Leste (UNMIT) com a partida de mais 13 agentes no sábado, divulgou hoje aquela força em comunicado.

O grupo, que vai juntar-se aos 37 elementos que a PSP tem em Timor-Leste desde Outubro e aos outros cinco que permaneciam no território desde 2003, tem previsto chegar a Díli no primeiro dia de 2007, acrescenta o comunicado.

De acordo com a PSP, os 55 polícias - dez oficiais, 16 chefes e 29 agentes - irão "monitorizar acções de comando e planeamento" e encarregar-se das tarefas de informação policial, "apoio à vítima, ordem pública, segurança pessoal, investigação criminal, trânsito e prevenção rodoviária" e do "policiamento de proximidade".

Os homens da PSP também irão ensinar "ética e deontologia profissional" aos seus congéneres timorenses, refere o comunicado.

Além deste contingente, comandado pelo intendente Carlos Simões de Almeida, a PSP mantém em Timor-Leste desde Maio uma equipa do Grupo de Operações Especiais (GOE) que está encarregue da segurança da Embaixada de Portugal, dos agentes diplomáticos e de outros cidadãos portugueses.

As condições de segurança em Díli melhoraram significativamente nas últimas semanas, com os casos de perturbação da ordem pública a tornarem-se mais esporádicos, principalmente confrontos entre grupos de artes marciais rivais, mas sem atingirem o grau de violência anterior.

Timor-Leste viveu em 2006 um ano de retrocesso, com uma crise que levantou dúvidas sobre a sua viabilidade como Estado e lhe ofuscou a imagem de "jóia da coroa" das Nações Unidas no processo de construção de nações.

Apenas quatro anos depois de ver a independência reconhecida pela comunidade internacional (20 de Maio de 2002), Timor-Leste voltou a viver um cenário de violência e destruição, com um saldo de cerca de 60 mortos, incluindo um cidadão brasileiro.

A crise desencadeada em Abril com a demissão de cerca de 600 dos 1.400 efectivos das forças armadas timorenses, por alegada discriminação étnica, também provocou 180 mil deslocados, muitos dos quais continuam em campos de acolhimento por receio de violência ou simplesmente porque as suas casas foram destruídas.

Ao nível das forças de segurança, a crise resultou na desintegração da polícia e na deserção de vários militares, o mais mediático dos quais, o major Alfredo Reinado, continua a monte depois de ter fugido da prisão de Díli, onde chegou a estar detido por posse ilegal de armas.

AR/PAN - Lusa/Fim

Iraque: Nobel da Paz Ramos-Horta contra execução de Saddam Hussein

Díli, 30 Dez (Lusa) - O primeiro-ministro timorense José Ramos-Horta manifestou hoje a sua oposição à aplicação da pena capital ao ex-ditador iraquiano Saddam Hussein, reafirmando, em declarações à Lusa, a posição do governo que chefia como sendo contra a pena de morte.

"Em primeiro lugar quero reafirmar que o governo de Timor-Leste ratificou a Convenção contra a Pena Capital e a posição oficial, constante da nossa Constituição, é de total oposição contra a aplicação da pena de morte", salientou.

"Relativamente a Saddam Hussein, só posso dizer que Deus, o Todo Misericordioso, lhe perdoe, a ele que nunca perdoou a ninguém em vida", frisou.

José Ramos-Horta foi em 1996 laureado com o Nobel da Paz, conjuntamente com o então bispo de Díli, D. Carlos Ximenes Belo.

O ex-ditador iraquiano Saddam Hussein foi executado esta madrugada por enforcamento em Bagdad, cumprindo a pena capital que lhe foi aplicada pelo massacre de 148 aldeões xiitas de Douja´l, a norte de Bagdad, assassinados em represália contra um atentado falhado contra uma coluna presidencial em 1982.

EL-Lusa/Fim


AAP - Friday December 29, 05:53 AM
Al-Qaeda targeted East Timor mission: UN

Al-Qaeda targeted UN officials in East Timor for attack between 2000 and 2002 because of the world body's role in the nation's separation from mostly Muslim Indonesia, the top UN official in the country said. Atul Khare gave no details of the alleged plots in the Christian nation.

"It is indeed true that in 2000, 2001 and also 2002 there were some reports which were attributed to Osama bin Laden or to his group which indicated that he will take action against UNTAET and later on UNMISET for having contributed to the separation of East Timor from Indonesia," said Khare.

UNTAET was the acronym for the United Nation's transitional mission in East Timor. The mission ended in 2002 and was replaced by UNMISET, which was tasked with supporting the country's first independent government.

Warnings by foreign governments of a possible terror threat led to the tiny nation tightening security for a short time in 2002.

In 2002, an audiotape with a voice purported to belong to Osama bin Laden condemned Australia for its "despicable effort to separate East Timor" from Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.


UN News Centre - 28 December 2006

UN Police deployed in all 12 districts of Timor-Leste as poll preparations move ahead
United Nations police officers have now deployed in all 12 of Timor-Leste’s districts to help end the low-level gang violence in the country and provide security for the electoral experts who are helping prepare for next year’s polls, the UN envoy said today, as he stressed the world body’s commitment to the elections.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, speaking in the last press conference of the year, said the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) will work closely with the people and authorities to ensure free and credible polls.

“UNMIT has also deployed electoral experts in all the districts,” he said, noting that UN eight Police were also sent.

“UNMIT will assist the authorities of Timor-Leste and the people of Timor-Leste to provide the necessary conditions for free, fair and credible elections,” Mr. Khare added, while acknowledging that while the security situation has much improved, particularly since the deadly violence earlier this year, much still remains to be done.

“I agree that we have to undertake many more actions to ensure that not only are there no weapons in civilian hands but that people feel, people believe, that no such weapons remain in civilian hands.”

The Security Council created UNMIT in August to help restore order after fighting, attributed to differences between eastern and western regions, broke out in April and May and led to the deaths of at least 37 people and forced about 155,000 people – or 15 per cent of the population – to flee their homes.

As part of UNMIT, there are currently over 900 international police officers from 25 different countries implementing screening and mentoring programmes for the National Police force of Timor-Leste under the Police Supplemental Agreement, a deal signed at the start of this month under which the UN has full responsibility for policing.

Also speaking at today’s press conference was the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Security Sector Reform Rule of Law in Timor-Leste, Eric Tan, who stressed the importance of UNPOL being in all the 12 districts, while noting that security in the capital, Dili, continues to improve.

“The presence of UNPOL in the districts outside Dili… allows us to have a very good sense of the security situation there,” he said, calling this “especially crucial” in the light of the coming elections. “Security in Dili continues to improve,” Mr. Tan said, adding that adjustments to the UN Police concept of security operations have proven effective.

ABC - Friday, December 29, 2006. 4:34pm (AEDT)

E Timor may seek more help from Aust police

East Timorese Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta says he is being urged to seek more assistance from Australia to help stabilise the country.

More than 37 people were killed and about 150,000 fled their homes in the capital Dili amid violence earlier this year.

East Timor has also been shaken by a recent surge in gang violence.

Dr Ramos Horta says he is considering seeking additional assistance from Australian police.

"I have had a discussion with many political leaders, they are all very praising, full of praise of the Australian police and they told me, they urged me, to try to get more Australian police involved," he said.


New Mathilda - 6 December 2006

Four Corners and the Coup in Timor Leste
By Tim Anderson

The presentation of a Gold Walkley Award to journalists responsible for the ABC Four Corners program ‘Stoking the Fires’, demonstrates the shallowness of Australian public reflection over the Australian role in the coup in Timor Leste.

The Four Corners program became a central element of coup propaganda, helping force the resignation of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, after accusing him of ordering a ‘hit squad’ to assassinate his political rivals. Although a UN report dismissed these ‘hit squad’ allegations, they have been repeated many times since, helping poison the political climate in the lead up to Timor Leste’s May 2007 elections.

Walkley Award winners, Liz Jackson, Peter Cronau and Lin Buckfield, knew from the start their ‘evidence’ was tainted and lacking in credibility. They also hid important facts from their audience. Because the 19 June program played such an important role in the coup, it deserves some closer analysis. It will be useful to look at the program’s aim, identification of issues, use of sources, and choice (and omission) of events.

The ABC website identifies a “key question” for the program: “What – who – is causing the present turmoil?” This was indeed an important consideration. Pursuing this, however, would have required a broader view of events.

A more specific question was seized on by the program - could evidence be found to implicate Prime Minister Alkatiri in “stoking the fires” of the violence? The coup leaders (Alfredo Reinado, Rai Los), local opposition figures, and much of the Australian establishment (The Australian, Prime Minister Howard, CARE Director Tim Costello, ABC journalists), directly or indirectly, had been urging President Xanana Gusmao to sack Prime Minister Alkatiri.

Yet, as Liz Jackson observed, Alkatiri had the support of the Parliament and it seemed Xanana did not have the constitutional power to remove him. “The only provision that would force the Prime Minister to step aside is if he were charged with a serious criminal offence.” Here was a challenge.

For all the criticism, there was no evidence of criminality by Alkatiri. The Four Corners team set out to ‘fill the gap’. The principal source would be coup participant, Vicente ‘Rai Los’ Da Conceicao. The major political beneficiary of the coup, the then Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos Horta, would provide moral commentary.

Liz Jackson’s commentary thus begins: “Alkatiri is a terrorist, a communist, a Muslim, say the men at this rally” and again “People say of the Prime Minister that he has an arrogant and aloof style and is a Marxist”. The accusations were vague, but insistent.

She was backed up by Jose Ramos Horta, who constantly asserted that Alkatiri should step down because the repeated allegations were damaging: “Can we afford this increasing loss of credibility? … [and later] If I were to receive just 10 percent of the criticisms that the Prime Minister has received … I would have stepped down long ago.” He adds, modestly, that “many” people are saying he should be Prime Minister.

Four Corners then introduces some key sources, but it does so dishonestly. It does not explain these individuals or their roles in the violence. Alfredo Reinado is introduced as a Major in the Military Police, and leader of “a rebel army faction [which] took their cars and guns to the hills in solidarity with the petitioners”. Reinado calls for Alkatiri’s resignation, and for him to face trial for his supposed crimes.

By the time of this interview, however, Reinado has not just ‘gone to the hills’ (as Xanana also put it), but had initiated the 23 May attack on an army team at Fatu Ahi in which, the UN says, “five people were killed and ten injured”. The beginning of the attack and Reinado’s open fire orders were shown on SBS television.

The following day groups linked to Reinado made a concerted attack on army headquarters at Taci Tolu (in Dili), and on the home of army commander Taur Matan Ruak, killing “as many as nine people”, according to the UN. None of this is mentioned in a program supposedly finding out ‘who or what’ is causing the ‘present turmoil’. After the coup, Portuguese police will initiate the arrest of Reinado and have him charged with murder.

The major piece of incriminating evidence against Alkatiri, however, comes from an interview with Vicente ‘Rai Los’ Da Conceicao. Rai Los is introduced as leader of “a group of men who say they were given weapons on the orders of Alkatiri”. Rai Los and the others explain themselves as a ‘Fretilin Secret Security Team’, under the orders of Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato. There is indeed evidence that they have obtained government weapons.

They make the program’s dramatic accusation: they were under orders from Alkatiri and Lobato to “totally destroy petitioners .. to terminate opposition leaders .. to exterminate the military leaders like Major Alfredo [Reinado], Major Tara, Major Tilman” and others.

These claims formed the basis of Liz Jackson’s earlier radio report (‘E Timor Prime Minister denies new 'hit squad' claims’, 10 June) which said that Mari Alkatiri organised:

“a group of armed civilians … [who] shot or bashed four people who were organising a peaceful protest calling for his resignation … [and] that forces loyal to the Prime Minister carried out a massacre of 60 unarmed protesters in April, and dumped their bodies in a mass grave .. incidents [which] appear consistent with accusations this week that Mr Alkatiri had recruited a hit squad with specific orders to eliminate his political opponents.”

In relation to these claims, the UN report of October said that “no massacre occurred” and that it “does not accept that … the Prime Minister gave instructions to Rai Los to eliminate his political opponents”. The massacre rumour was started by coup plotters.

The story by Rai Los was tainted evidence, and the Four Corners team knew it. First, the interview took place on the farm of an opposition family, the Carascalao. Second, Rai Los had come to them fresh from the attack on the army at Taci Tolu.

Liz Jackson refers to, but does not properly explain, Rai Los’s involvement in this incident: “Rai Los says his team had used their weapons in a gun battle with the regular army .. he says four people were killed, and this is why he decided to abandon his loyalty to Mari Alkatiri.”

This is an obvious lie. The Rai Los group participated in the 24 May attack on government loyalists in the army at Taci Tolu. They were not supporting Alkatiri. The UN puts composition of the coalition responsible for the single biggest armed attack during the coup attempt, as “police officers from Liquica District, petitioners and armed civilians of the Rai Los group”.

The Four Corners program, claiming to get to the bottom of the turmoil in the country, has no explanation of the Fatu Ahi and Taci Tolu attacks. Instead, it selectively refers to the shooting of rioting army deserters (‘the petitioners’) and anti-government gang members on April 28, and to the 25 May revenge shooting of a number of police by soldiers.

Four Corners staff have privately argued that they did not call the Rai Los group a “hit squad”, or assert that Alkatiri had set it up. They say the story had pointed out that Rai Los had “no proof” of his claims. They argue, though, they had stronger evidence of Rogerio Lobato’s distribution of arms, a fact born out by the criminal charges and the UN findings.

However the paraphrase ‘hit squad’ has been taken up widely by the media, including the initial ABC report from Liz Jackson. To say the program made no allegations, and just reported the claims of their sources, is to hide behind these sources. Journalists always choose which sources to use, which to elevate and in which context to place them. In this story Four Corners gave great prominence to the ‘hit squad’ claims. That, of course, is what made the program influential.

Finally, distinguishing between the ‘hit squad’ claims and the distribution of arms issue draws attention to another deceit of the program: it did not make this distinction. Rather, it sought to collapse the two issues. Yet they are indeed separate.

The legitimacy (or otherwise) of arming para-militaries to defend the government – when the police force had collapsed, and sections of the police were taking part in the coup – is presumably an issue that will be argued by Rogerio Lobato’s lawyers, as he faces his current charges. It is not an unreasonable argument. Yet the claim that Lobato apparently armed the Rai Los group, which turned against the government and attacked loyalists in the army, certainly raises questions about his judgement.

However the claim that there was a ‘hit squad’ to assassinate political opponents is a different matter to arming irregular forces to defend the government. Four Corners relies on that distinction now; but in June 2006 collapsing the two stories was central to its deception.

The award wining Four Corners program presented a partisan and dishonest picture of the crisis, but a picture consistent with the wish of the Australian Government and corporate leaders to remove the democratically elected head of government of a friendly neighbouring state. As Australians, we need greater reflection on our own role in this affair.


AFP - December 29, 2006

East Timor bids farewell to Kofi Annan
From correspondents in Dili

EAST Timor has bade a fond farewell to departing UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, hailing him as a friend who helped the troubled birth of the tiny nation.

“It is fitting and proper to publicly acknowledge and bid farewell not only to the secretary general, but to a friend. A friend of mine and a friend of the people of Timor-Leste,” Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta said yesterday.

He said a street in the capital Dili would be named in honour of Annan.

In a farewell letter to Annan, Ramos Horta thanked the UN chief for his decisive role in East Timor's emergence as an independent nation after decades of Indonesian rule.

“In your inaugural speech, you said that you wanted to see the East Timor problem of occupation resolved in five years. It was done.”

“In the crisis of 1999, post the popular consultation; amid chaos and a near descent into total carnage, you demonstrated leadership and compassion, to bring it to an end. Thank you,” mr Ramos Horta said.

Militia gangs, which the United Nations has said were recruited and directed by Indonesia's military, went on an arson and killing spree before and after the East Timorese voted for independence in a UN-sponsored ballot in 1999.

The Prime Minister also invited Mr Annan and his wife to visit East Timor and welcomed his successor, former South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-Moon.

“I also warmly welcome Ban Ki-Moon, friend and regional neighbour. He has a tough road ahead of him, but he knows he can count on our support,” he said.

AAP – Sunday December 31, 06:09 AM

'Evil' meddling could trigger unrest: PM

Prime Minister John Howard says China and Taiwan's meddling in Australia's Pacific backyard could trigger up to 20 years of unrest in the region.

Australia would face the task of helping restore order to nations such as Fiji, East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, Mr Howard said.

"I can understand Australians saying, 'Well, look, let's forget about it and leave them to their own devices. Don't waste any money'," Mr Howard told News Limited newspapers. "But that is the wrong approach because they will fall into the hands of the evil from other countries. Certainly there's a bit of a battle between China and Taiwan."

Mr Howard said the 2007 federal poll would reflect which party would deal better with future issues, domestically and internationally.

In an end-of-year interview, the prime minister said key issues with long-term energy needs included nuclear power and climate change.

Mr Howard also said a CSIRO report concluded the drought was part of a long-term cycle, not global warming; Australia would probably not send more troops to Iraq; and women had "moved" on from feminism and were having more babies.

NZPA - Saturday December 30, 2006

New Year Honours: Modest Navy hero who saved soldiers

Navy officer Wayne Burtton was just doing his job when he saved two wounded government soldiers in the East Timor capital of Dili this year.

Lieutenant Commander Burtton says he is honoured his work as a peacekeeper, part of the New Zealand contribution there, is being recognised by his being made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The Aucklander was serving in East Timor when he was caught unarmed in the middle of a firefight between rebels and soldiers. Rescuing two wounded soldiers, he drove them to a first-aid post as the firefight continued around them.

Admitting he had been in danger, he said he was no hero and that "circumstance" put him in that situation.

"Our training essentially takes over from there and you become situationally aware of what's going on around you."

Commander Burtton also dealt with the aftermath of a machete attack in which a mother and her five children were murdered in Dili, near the airport where some of the rampaging gangs were on the loose.

In Navy Today soon after, Commander Burtton wrote: "The saddest thing was the mother had attempted to lock herself with two children in the bathroom. When she was killed she was hugging one of the children."

Evidence and material on the massacre was handed over to the local police. Commander Burtton's award citation also mentions his work protecting the NZ Ambassador in Dili until a company of soldiers arrived, setting up accommodation and vehicles for the company of soldiers, and setting up a first aid post at a refugee site.

"I am very, very happy with it," he said.


NOTÍCIAS UNMIT

Transcript of UNMIT Press Conference

Date: 28th December 2006
Venue: UNMIT Conference Room
Time: 11:00hrs – 12:00 noon
Speakers: SRSG Atul Khare, DSRSG Eric Tan, Commander JTF631 Brigadier Malcolm Rerden
Topic: Elections and Security issues


Allison Cooper:
Good morning everyone. We will begin with SRSG Khare speaking, then DSRSG Tan. Police Commissioner Rodolfo Tor will be joining us – he has just been caught up for a little while; and also Brigadier Mal Rerden is here if you have got any questions about the International Security Forces. So, straight over to the SRSG.


SRSG Atul Khare:
Thank you very much all of you for coming here for what is the last press conference for 2006. Before I say anything else, I wanted to convey my best wishes to all of you, and through you to the people of Timor-Leste, in the hope that next year – 2007 – will be a year of peace, democracy, stability, reconciliation and prosperity for Timor-Leste and for its people.

In my first press conference and the press conference last week, I had insisted that the forth-coming elections which are to be held in Timor-Leste must be such as to promote national reconciliation and social cohesion. In order for these two objectives to be achieved, the elections must - and I underline that word must – be independent, free, fair, without any violence or fear of violence, and must be such that the results of those elections can be accepted by all.

In the last ten days that I have been here, I have met most of the leaders of this great country - Honourable President Gusmao, Prime Minister Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President of National Parliament Dr. Francisco “Lu Olo” Gutterres, first Deputy Prime Minister Engineer Estanislau da Silva, Minister of State Dra. Ana Pessoa, the Honourable Bishop of Dili, the former Prime Minister Secretary-General of Fretelin Dr. Mari Alkatiri – and I have found that all of them believe that the elections must be such as I have described.

We have noted that the Honourable President has promulgated the three laws approved by the National Parliament: the Law on the Autonomization of the Juridical Regime of the CNE and STAE, the Law on the Election of the National Parliament, and the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic. The promulgation of these three laws, I believe, is an essential first step on the path of enabling credible elections. I believe that further clarification of these laws in respect of process and procedures will contribute significantly to Timor-Leste’s growth as a democratic, viable and peaceful state.

Another important step in consolidating the path for free and fair elections is also the second report of the Independent Electoral Certification Team. This team, as you know, is separate from UNMIT; it is independent of UNMIT. It was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations following the description in paragraph 125 of the Report to Security Council of 8th August 2006. The second report is presently in English; it is being translated into Tetum and Portuguese and will be made available to you soon. The team would also visit Timor-Leste on a regular basis and is likely to visit in the middle of January again. Separately, UNMIT - as it is an integrated mission along with the UN funds and programmes particularly UNDP - will continue to provide assistance for the conduct of free and fair elections. The most important aspect of course is assuring security and UNPol are making [are drawing up] an operational security plan to ensure security throughout the country in the campaigning period, during elections, during the counting of votes and of course in the immediate post-electoral period.

We will also be providing logistical support to the electoral and the voting process; and of course we would be discussing with the government and other international stakeholders whatever assistance would be required to ensure credible elections in 2007. UNMIT has also deployed electoral experts in all the districts. There will be three electoral experts who will be working closely with CNE, STAE and the people of those districts for all aspects of elections including voter education, assistance in preparation of registration lists and so on. Of course the deployment of these electoral experts required that we should also deploy the UNPol first, which is also important for ensuring security. I am very happy that eight UNPol have been deployed in all the 12 districts of Timor-Leste. This is, as I told my Deputy SRSG for Security Sector and Rule of Law Mr. Eric Tan, that this is the best Christmas present which he and his team have given to me. And on that point I would pass the microphone to Mr. Tan to speak a bit about UN Police, its deployment and what it has been doing.

DSRSG Eric Tan:
Thank you very much and good morning to everyone. As SRSG has mentioned, the presence of UNPol in the districts outside Dili is a very significant one. Their presence in the districts outside Dili allows us to have a very good sense of the security situation there. This is especially crucial, as the SRSG has mentioned, in the light of the coming elections. In those districts outside Dili, UNPol will be working together with PNTL officers and will assist in strengthening capacity wherever necessary. With the successful deployment of UNPol throughout the country, we are in the desired position to achieve our mandated task of restoring and maintaining public security throughout Timor-Leste. Nonetheless, Dili remains the location, the district, where we have most of the UNPol.

Let me now then concentrate a little bit on Dili itself. Security in Dili continues to improve. UNPol have made adjustments to their concept of security operations, and these changes have proved to be effective. Such effectiveness is very visible especially in two areas which I will elaborate: Firstly, with regards to how UNPol responds to reports made by the public regarding incidents such as fighting, unruly behaviour or other threats to public security. And secondly, by providing security during events that draw a large public attendance. Let me illustrate these two with some examples. In the case of the first visible area – responding to incidents – there were recently some incidents between groups within the Santa Cruz area. The public called the emergency line 112, and UNPol responded very quickly adding on with the response of formed police units. As a result, the situation was returned to normal very quickly without any incident of injury or other damage to property. We are very appreciative to the members of the public for keeping us informed of the areas where they feel threatened or they feel UNPol can assist them and we encourage them to continue. Another example is in the area of security for public events, and the example I will use is the recent horseracing event that took place. This event lasted almost an entire week, and attracted a very large crowd of people who were either there for the event or just to watch and enjoy themselves. UNPol was there and there was one small incident but other than that the whole event passed very smoothly and very peacefully. The smooth execution of such public events is very important because this is another step towards a very normal and very progressive society. So, this underlines the UNPol concept of operations, as we keep adjusting them, will continue to be stronger and stronger and continue to serve the people of Timor-Leste as well.

Thank you very much.

Question and Answer Session:

Question:
Guido from Associated Press:
I have three questions. I would like to address this question to Mr. Eric Tan. With regards to the recent arrest of the man who was involved in charges of sexual abuse, is it the man [Sergio] who was arrested in 2001 when he was charged with the rape of a Spanish woman? Is it him who was also part of fugitives; also an escapee from prison with Mr. Alfredo? This is my first question. The second question has to do with the provision of security in the area of Bebonuk where the government’s warehouse for rice is located. There have been some complaints by Ms. Carma Cruz from the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion; she has reported this matter to UNPol but there has been no response from UNPol – what is your comment on this? Thirdly, in regard to Railos – there has been some information that he was shot at 02:00 a.m. this morning; what is the provision of security to Railos?

Answer:
DSRSG Eric Tan:
Thank you. There was one individual arrested and we have sent a press statement out. He is a suspect involved in some rape cases in certain parts of Dili. We do not know of any other connections to other previous cases, but of course, once the investigation runs its course the truth will come out and you can be assured that gradually there is a lot of attention being paid to examine the information behind this case. We have to remember that whenever there is any suspect arrested, the investigations must be thorough and establish the facts related to the current arrest but of course if there is any cause to examine further the previous incidents or other connections, this will be done.

To your second question about the Bebonuk warehouse, yes I am sure UNPol is aware and are taking certain measures, but I would like to announce here that we are actually taking a broader view over protection of certain important locations in Dili. This broader study will come up with a list of critical points for UNPol to be present or some permanent security to be present. This list cannot be too long otherwise we will tie down too many UNPols from other duties. So, we have to be very careful about making the list and at the same time adjust as the situation changes in case there are more places or some places that we are presently looking after become less of a security concern.

On your third question about Railos, we have received some reports regarding the very early morning shootings. Apparently it was directed at his house and there are already investigation teams there with people to collect evidence of bullets and forensics. Such activities cannot be tolerated especially as in this case it may, as the SRSG has mentioned before, stop justice from being done, so therefore we must take all necessary measures to protect not just the citizens of Timor-Leste but in particular some individuals who will be involved in seeing that justice is done. And in such cases, when either key witnesses or persons who have been indicted are under threat UNPol will definitely take measures to protect them and to make sure that they will appear in court when they are required to.

Question:
Eduardo from Lusa:
My question is about another issue – in 2000/2001, I am not sure; Osama Bin Laden put the United Nations Mission in East Timor in the front line of the threats. Another issue, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta conveyed a Christmas message to Osama Bin Laden. How do you look at it?

Answer:
SRSG Atul Khare:
Thank you. It is indeed true that in 2000, 2001 and also in 2002, there were some reports which were attributed to Osama Bin Laden or to his group which indicated that he wished to take action against UNTAET and later on UNMISET for having contributed to the separation of Timor-Leste from Indonesia. I have seen the message of His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta that was made in his capacity as a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and therefore obviously as a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize he called for peace on the part of all. I see in his message he has also asked Osama Bin Laden to refrain from terrorism, and as you are aware, the United Nations and member states of the United Nations, particularly the United Nations counter-terrorism committee, are working very closely to deter terrorist activities and to try and ensure that terrorist acts globally can be addressed. So, like the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, we also hope that 2007 will see a vanquishing of terrorism all around the world and instead of terrorism we will have more reconciliation, dialogue and discussion. Of course, you would remember that I have always said that reconciliation requires justice and that point holds true in this case also.

Question:
Joni from Timor Post:
Mr. SRSG, you have mentioned that you have met with the leaders of the country in preparation for the upcoming elections and that they are all committed that these elections should be free and fair, but at the same time we have the case of Major Alfredo. At the same time, there is a need for justice. If this case is not settled in a proper manner, will this be a threat or a challenge for the free and fair elections to be held?

Answer:
SRSG Atul Khare:
Thank you. You will remember in my first conference when a question had been asked about this particular case, and in the second press conference also, I had said that I do not like to comment on individual cases because that is an issue of the justice sector - the court to pronounce - and not for UNMIT to pronounce. In my second press conference, I had also said that I hope that the efforts of the government supported by the International Security Forces – facilitated by the International Security Forces – for dialogue would actually lead ultimately to justice prevailing in this case. In fact, it is not only one case, I would suggest that the entire report of the Commission of Inquiry and its recommendations and also the fact that the ad-hoc committee of the National Parliament is currently considering them. These recommendations have to be implemented, and in my next press conference we will talk in detail about what UNMIT can do to support the efforts for the implementation of those recommendations. But I must also add that all the leaders of Timor-Leste whom I have met have told me that they are in favour of justice and that impunity will not be allowed in Timor-Leste. I would like to praise their commitment in this regard.

Question:
Mr. SRSG, you mentioned that the elections should be free and fair, but now because we have the concern with regards to the weapons that are still in civilian hands, how far has the collection of the weapons gone – the efforts made of the International Security Forces and UNPol – to collect the weapons from civilians? The second question, we have information that the electoral legislation has been put in place – that is good, but we also have information that the political parties have started approaching those who are not part of the F-FDTL petitioners like Salsina’s group to attract their attention to join their political party. So, what is the view of UNMIT in this regard?

Answer:
SRSG Atul Khare:
Let me take the second question first. UNMIT will assist the authorities of Timor-Leste and the people of Timor-Leste to provide the necessary conditions for free, fair and credible elections. So, in a way it is like somebody who prepares the soccer ground - football ground – before the players can play, but it is not a player. And therefore, while I am happy to talk about logistical support, about the need for security and what we are doing, I would refrain from commenting upon individual political parties.

On the first question, I agree that we have to undertake many more actions to ensure that not only are there no weapons in civilian hands but that people feel, people believe, that no such weapons remain in civilian hands. The Deputy SRSG Mr. Tan and the Police Commissioner Mr. Tor are working very closely with the Ministry of Interior to look into these issues and to find, to assist, in getting a proper inventory of the weapons. So once this process is completed, some time in January, we will of course devote one of our press conferences to this important issue. But I must also add that if the public has any information which can lead to recovery of any weapons from civilians, please let us know. This information will be treated with confidentially; it will not lead to any threats against the informant. So, together we will be able to then control this issue of weapons which are in civilian hands.

Question:
Cesar from Kyodo news:
This has been a question asked to me by the people, that how can you ensure that the UNPol in the districts will do their work properly, given the situation of Mr. Alfredo as a fugitive – he is a wanted man; he is against the law – so will there be any action to arrest him in the districts? Because as an agency of law and order, the police must do their job properly, so will there be any action taken to arrest Mr. Alfredo by UNPol in the districts? And another question, all the fugitives - all the escapees from the jail – [will be treated] the same way; but will there be any exception for Mr. Alfredo’s case?

Answer:
SRSG Atul Khare:
Again, as I said before, I do not comment on individual cases. That is the work of the sovereign government of Timor-Leste. But I do believe that justice has to prevail; I have said this again and again. And I trust that all actions by the government, supported by the international partners including UNMIT, would lead to such a result. As of now, my immediate priority is ensuring law and order and security of the people so that elections can be credible – that is the immediate priority. And therefore, most of our resources are being devoted to that priority.

Question:
Cesar from Kyodo news:
This is also about how to respond to incidents, to stop them. I talked to some local police officers, they told me that in order to stop the incident is not to respond to the incident on the spot but on how to have information on who did it; but so far the UNPol does not do this. What UNPOl does is just stops the incident on the spot, but UNPol does not have the knowledge about who creates the incident. So, this is the problem.

Answer:
SRSG Atul Khare:
Thank you. I believe that both are important. Immediate action like that taken in the last ten days is very important to ensure that the fight between these gangs does not escalate into injury or even sometimes death. In fact when I returned to your great country after two years on 17th of December, I was saddened that just a few hours before my plane landed here there had been a death in Comoro in one such fighting. At least with the plan of responding quickly, immediately, in reasonable force, it has ensured that there has been no such event over the last roughly twelve days that I have been here. And the credit for this goes to DSRSG Tan and Commissioner Tor who has joined us, because we have changed the operational concept to respond quickly.

On the second issue of information, I think Commissioner Tor does have a lot of information that is operational information, which obviously we would not want to share in this open meeting. But information can never be sufficient, and therefore, I again repeat my request through you to the people of Timor-Leste to consider UNPol as your friends, in fact to consider the police even the PNTL after it has been reformed as your friends, and let us know what is the information circulating in a particular part of the city so that the police can serve you better.

Question:
I would like to address this question to Mr. Eric Tan and Commander Rerden. Yesterday, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta went to the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) of PNTL headquarters. The UIR members lamented/complained that all their equipment has been confiscated by the Australian forces some time in July. They complained that soon in January they will be reactivated to duty and so they would need their equipment such as boots and other items, so what is your response?

Answer:
DSRSG Eric Tan:
As you know the screening of PNTL, which includes the special units is ongoing. To date we have more than 220 PNTL already screened, and these have returned to duty alongside with UNPol officers. We have received requests from the Prime Minister and the leaders of Timor-Leste to reprioritise the screening for UIR and we agree that there are many benefits to doing so. Once the screening of the UIR is done, there will of course be efforts to return certain equipment and more importantly, a clear mechanism for them to return to work together with UNPol so that they can contribute just like the other community police of PNTL who have been contributing to law and order. To make best use of the skills of the UIR they will probably be working alongside one of the formed police units of UNPol. When that happens of course, their equipment, whatever they need, will be returned. Similar, with the rest of PNTL, the weapons may not be returned until a later stage.

I would like to take this opportunity to stress that the screening process must be done very carefully and very thoroughly. There must never be any doubt in the minds of the public that PNTL, they return to duty, have been thoroughly looked at and they are considered to have no allegations against them and they are ready to return back to work. Therefore, we have opened up the entire process to any organisation or any member of the public who has any reason against any PNTL to provide us the information so that we will invest this time well and when they return to duty they will be able to do their work properly. This investment in time to be thorough therefore is very important at this stage.

Thank you.

Brigadier Mal Rerden:
Just to concur that the weapons and equipment of PNTL, including units like UIR, are being held by the International Security Forces. They were secured in June at the request of the Government of Timor-Leste, and that equipment will be available for members of PNTL that have gone through the screening process under UNPol. The screening process is a very important part of the methodology for confirming the suitability of individuals for a policing function and all members need to go through that. When we have confirmation from UNPol that individuals have gone through that process, we will issue them the necessary equipment from the store that we hold.

SRSG Atul Khare:
Thank you Brigadier General. Any other questions?

Question:
A complaint from Guido from Associated Press. We appreciate the press conferences of UNMIT and we also receive the press releases from UNMIT. But at the bottom of the press release there is a contact number to call for additional information, but whenever we call there is never an answer. The phone rings, but there is no response. So we then miss our deadlines for going to press with our stories.

Answer:
SRSG Atul Khare:
We will take action on this. Thank you for bringing it to our notice. In fact in the New Year you might have many innovative changes on the UNMIT website also. Apart from the press releases, we will try and provide you with some nice photographs, which you can download and use provided you credit the UNMIT press and information office. Apart from the phone number, we will also give an e-mail address because sometimes it is much faster to send an email than for a person to respond back within an hour or maximum two hours. And finally, I do not consider this a complaint; I consider all these as mechanisms of improving the relationship between UNMIT and the press. The UNMIT PIO will also make available to you an email – it is called suggestionunmit@un.org, but that email will be presented to you next week in our press conference. So, if you have any suggestions which can improve the efficiency, the productivity not only of the type which is related to the press, any suggestion which you have which can lead to betterment of UNMIT’s assistance to the people of Timor-Leste, just drop us an email and we will take action.

Thank you.

Question:
I would like to address this question to Brigadier Rerden. At the request of the government, you provided security to Major Alfredo when he came to meet with Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that Alfredo will soon be moved from Suai to another area. I would like to find out if you have any information, whether you have been informed by the government on this plan of the removal of Alfredo from the border areas to the central part of Timor-Leste?

Answer:
Brigadier Mal Rerden:
At this stage the dialogue that is occurring between the government of Timor–Leste and Major Reinado is one that is being controlled with Brigadier Ruak as the appointed representative of the government. Those negotiations are between the government and Major Reinado. At this stage, there has been no request of the International Security Forces for assistance in this regard, and until there is such a request then I do not expect to be included because I am not a part of the negotiations.

Repetition:
The negotiations between the government of Timor-Leste and Major Reinado are continuing. The details of those negotiations are not known to me because they are between the government and Major Reinado. At this stage there has been no request to the International Security Forces by the government in regards to the issue of containment. As I said last week, this dialogue is an important one that needs to be given time so that the situation can be properly explained and understood and so that the parameters for any possible containment are fully developed and explained by the government when appropriate.

[Does is it mean that the containment of Major Alfredo to be allocated to other places has to be made known to you?]

Brigadier Rerden:
No. What I am saying is that the negotiations at the moment are between the government and Major Reinado. The International Security Forces are not a part of those negotiations. We were asked to provide support for the meting at Tasi Tolu last week, and we provided that.


SRSG Atul Khare:
So, thank you very much and wish you a very happy new year, and see you next Thursday.

.

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF PARTIDU REPUBLIKANU

JOAO MARIANO SALDANHA, PH.D

AT THE OCCASION OF PARTY LAUNCHING

Venture Hotel, Bidau-Lesidere, Dili, 18 Dezembro 2007

Dear East Timorese friends,

From Memo to Tutuala, from north coast to south coast

In Oe-Cussi and Atauro,

Today we gather here to launch formally Partidu Republikanu (PR) in
this young country, Timor-Leste. Through a long process, the Court of
Appeal has registered formally Partidu Republikanu on 12 October
2006. Therefore, PR can make preparations to participate in the
Elections of 2007.

This launching is part of socialization of the party. As part of
consolidation of the party, yesterday, 17 October 2006, we had the
First National Leadership Conference which 62 party leaders from
National Directive Council, nine District Directive Councils and four
mass organizations of the party, such as Republican Youth, Women,
Workers, and Farmers participated in the conference that was held at
Colegio Paolo VI, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Why Partidu Republikanu was established? When Timor-Leste became
independent, we have started a new chapter in our history. We dreamed
that the new country will protect and oversee all East Timorese, to
work together to build peace, democracy, and prosperity in this new
nation. We also dream that the new nation will be a country of
opportunity for all its sons and daughters.

However, all these dreams have evaporated because of many displaced
East Timorese in Dili and in districts. More than 40 people died
because of stabbing, arrowed, or shot to death. Some have moved to
districts and have to start a new life. All of them suffer, loss of
property, and like us in this room, asking when does this crisis end?

We are saddened because this crisis caused the disintegration of the
National Police (PNTL), the country almost broken into lorosae-
loromunu (east-west), trust to F-FDTL worriors hit bottom rock, heavy
economic contraction, trust to democratic institutions declined, and
almost we are on the verge of civil war. In addition, many have lost
jobs and poverty is increasing.

Because of this crisis, nowadays, peace and prosperity is like jewel,
which is very hard to find in this country.

Dear my East Timorese friends,

The dreams to protect and oversee (fo mahon ho tau matan) all East
Timorese, a country of opportunity for all East Timorese, and to
reverse the crisis strengthened the drive to form Partidu
Republikanu. This new party would like to work together with others
to rebuild the nation. We work together under the light of people's
voice because Partidu Republikanu believes in the adage, Vox Populi
Suprema Lex or people's voice is the highest law. We must be
sensitive to feelings of the majority, to their believes, to their
culture, and to their common interests.

On 30 December 2005, a number of young East Timorese leaders joined
in a meeting in Dili to share views, experience, and perceptions for
the future of this country. We concluded, at the time, that this new
country will face a great challenge because of discrimination and
exclusivism. This situation needs to be reversed, which otherwise
will create tremendous problem in the future. We all agreed that to
reverse the course, we need an instrument that can change the
conditions from within the system. That is to establish a political
party as an instrument to contribute to the national development that
is inclusive and that peace and prosperity will prevail.

However, different from NGO and company, political party must gather
many support and it cannot be founded by a small group. Therefore, we
started by establishing a Preparatory Commission with two main
agendas, namely to discuss with more people and prepare to legalize
the party at the court.

In subsequent meetings of the Preparatory Commission, different names
emerged for the new party. In the end, we settled for Partidu
Republikanu and abbreviated as PR. Republikanu because we want to
strengthen this republic as what our founding fathers and deceased
worriors' want, not a monarchy. We also want this republic to be
democratic state, not a dictatorial republic or a monostate republic.
We also want a republic that can protect and oversee (fo mahon and
tau matan) to all East Timorese.

The key objectives of PR are threefold. First, political objective is
to create a democracy that guarantees justice, equality, and
tolerance in Timor-Leste. We want to build a nation that can fo mahon
ho tau matan to all East Timorese, not only to protect and oversee
one group or one region of this country. All the sons and daughters
of this country need attention and support of the state.

The economic objective of PR is to promote industry and trade that
benefit all East Timorese. We want to promote economic development
that guarantees prosperity to all East Timorese. Briefly, we want
this nation to be a land of opportunity (nasaun ho oportunidade), not
a country of despair and insecurity.

The socio-cultural objective of PR is that PR wants a society that
values their moral and cultural values. We would like to uphold East
Timorese customs and traditions and adopt other ideas and customs to
enrich and strengthen our society.

Therefore, the symbol of Partidu Republikanu is a man tying a scarf
and blow a buffalo horn, which symbolizes the identity of the East
Timorese. Blowing horn means to deliver a message or people's voice.
Buffalo is a cattle that has social and economic values to East
Timorese. It is a strong animal, which means that PR has power to
undertake development.

The flag is white with a green circle at the center and letters PR in
yellow are written at the center of the circle. White means clean
hearts and minds. Green means progress (development) and protection
of environment. Circle at the center means target. PR letters in
yellow means peace. Therefore, white flag, with green circle at the
center with yellow letters at the center of the circle means that the
Partidu Republikanu with clean hearts and minds undertake development
with clear objectives in peaceful situation to achieve prosperity.

Dear my East Timorese friends,

If trusted by people, Partidu Republikanu has six priorities to
develop this nation, security, employment creation, law and order,
education, health, decentralization, and gender equality. In security
area, we would like to professionalize the police force (PNTL) by
conducting more training and clear division of labor between
political appointment and PNTL Command. This is important to not
politicizing the police force as happened in the recent crisis. We
will combat violence from all sources because PR is a non-violence
party and believes in pacific ways to achieve its objectives. In the
area of defense, PR will use diplomacy as the instrument to defend
the nation. When diplomacy is good, defense also is good because we
do not have enemies, especially from neighboring countries. When
diplomacy is good, if we have difficulties, our friends will come for
rescue, such as what happened with the recent crisis when Australia,
New Zealand, Portugal, and Malaysia helped us to restore order in
Timor-Leste. We will promote international trade, sports, and culture
to strengthen the relationship of our country with other countries.
Therefore, border districts such as Bobonaro and Suai and Oe-Cussi
Enclave will learn Indonesian language at schools to facilitate
trade, culture, and defense of the nation.

PR also would like to encourage dialogue between F-FDTL Command and
the Petitioners to address the issue of petitioners once and for all.
At the same time, PR also wants to see a dialogue between F-FDTL
Command and Major Alfredo Reinado and his group to address this issue
as well. On the other hand, we would like to create a defence force
with international prestige by redefining the role of the F-FDTL to
focus on emergency, peace keeping in the world, and natural disaster.
Because discrimination first emerged within the F-FDTL, PR plans to
create a Promotion Council to address the issues of promotion of
soldiers and officers. In addition, we also want to create a military
tribunal to solve problems that arise within the F-FDTL. We also want
to have clear division of labor between the Ministry of Defence and
the F-FDTL Command so that to avoid politization of the armed forces
or denigrate their prestige.

Dear my East Timorese friends,

This crisis was worsened by the involvement of many youths. They do
not have jobs and have nothing to rely on. If ever trusted by the
people, PR would like to create jobs for the youth through
agriculture development, rural infrastructure creation, private
sector development, and macroeconomic stability. Agriculture is
important because the majority of East Timorese live in this sector.
We will create more opportunities for training for the youngsters and
build agriculture infrastructure as well as a source of job creation.
Therefore, we will allocate at least 20% of the national budget to
agriculture sector. We would like to complement the agriculture
sector development with development of rural infrastructure,
especially water and sanitation, electricity, roads, schools, and
health centers such that the rural population can have access to the
basic services.

PR also would like to attract investors to create jobs and raise
income of Timor-Leste. Therefore, we will fight red tape and bring
down taxes to zero for capital and basic need goods. To strengthen
the private sector, PR will nurture competition, especially in
telecommunications industry to bring down prices and provide better
services to the consumers. We will work hard to bring down the
electricity cost to lower the cost of production and low-income
families can have access to electricity. PR also will work hard to
bring pipeline from Timor Sea to create jobs, raise income, develop
the infrastructure, and strengthening defence.

We also plan to regulate the labor market such that Timor-Leste will
only import skilled labor, such as technical and managerial skills.
This is important to protect low skill jobs for East Timorese.

Dear my East Timorese friends,

The National Parliament does not listen the people's voice, they do
not trust the state institutions, lack of coordination of state
institutions because suspicions against each other. Therefore, PR
plans to strengthen the capacity of the national parliament so that
the parliamentarians understand and relate themselves to the needs of
the common people.

PR plans to decentralize activities to districts and sub-districts by
having direct elections of district and sub-district administrators.
This is important so that people can know their likely leaders in the
future. To facilitate decentralization, we also plan to encourage
banking and financial institutions to have operations in rural areas.

Decentralization will also be conducted to ministries and divisions.
We need to trust the ministries to make decisions, including
allocation and expenditures of the state finances. We also need to
decentralize state activities to the private sector by fast tracking
procurement process, including bidding process that is transparent,
fair, and competitive. Therefore, significant reforms will be
implemented in procurement if people entrust these reforms to PR.

Our view is that decentralization also will help budget execution.
Today and in the recent past, budget execution is slow because of
centralization and red tape.

Nevertheless, decentralization will be followed with monitoring and
evaluation. Therefore, PR plans to establish an audit court to
monitor and audit state programs projects.

My Timorese friends who I respect,

Our judicial system meets great challenges because they lack
integrity and facility to work. People do not trust the judges,
prosecutors, police, and prisons. Therefore, we need reforms in this
sector as well as supporting them with adequate tools and equipments
to undertake their jobs properly.

To contribute to national unity, PR will criminalize discriminatory
words, such east-west (lorosae-loromunu).

We also recognize private land ownership, customary ownership, and
institutional ownership. Land, which is used by the Church for social
objectives, state will recognize.

PR will erase analfabetism in 2015 for young people. We also want
that our schools have good quality. However, state alone cannot do
everything. Therefore, decentralization also is needed in education
sector. The government must support private schools that have
quality, particularly the Catholic schools.

PR wants Tetum as the number one official language in Timor-Leste.
All official documents must be written in Tetum before translating
into Portuguese and the working languages. To help the youth, private
sector, and government to participate in globalization, PR plans to
promote English as the third official language in Timor-Leste, along
with Tetum and Portuguese.

Religion and ethics are important for the growth of kids and youth.
Therefore, religion and ethics must be taught in schools since
primary school through university.

In health sector, PR wants to eradicate malaria by 2015. We will
start the pilot project in Atauro island. We also want to reduce
maternal and child mortality.

PR will make efforts to help internally displaced East Timorese to
return to their houses so that they can re-start their lives. The
government must support them through security in hamlets and
materials for reconstructing their houses.

Because of the long conflict, there are many widows and orphans in
this country who need state must support. PR will also support the
veterans of resistance for their transition to normal lives. Some
have just been recognized as heroes by the President of the Republic,
some are doing business, and others do not have jobs and skills. The
state must do more to help them in transition to normal lives.

According to Census 2004, 49.3% of population in Timor-Leste are
women. However, most of women stay at homes to cook, take care of
children, and laundry. If PR gets the support of the people, we will
create a Ministry of Gender and Minority Affairs with the objective
to increase the participation of women in politics, public
administration, military, and other sectors. In addition, this
ministry also will oversee the minority groups, like religion and
other minorities because we want a state that can protect and oversee
all East Timorese.

PR wants to see the elections of 2007 free and fair such that
political parties, including PR can compete. This will allow people
to choose freely the parties based on their programs and competence
of leaders. PR believes that 2-3% electoral threshold is reasonable.
We also want to count the votes on the spot. In addition, we also
want that the National Electoral Commission (NEC) supervise and
monitor the elections. Therefore, the NEC must have its own funding
and has presence in all ballot boxes so that the elections can be
free and fair. On the other hand, the Technical Secretariate for the
Electoral Administration (STAE) must be an independent body and
depends only to NEC.

However, the precondition for the 2007 Elections is security. If we
push for the elections soon, we will risk security and compromise the
liberty of the voters because they will not have chance to determine
their choices freely.

As a new party, we would to say that Partidu Republikanu is preparing
for the Elections whether it is sooner or later.

My East Timorese friends who I respect,

I would like to ask you why choose Partidu Republikanu? Because PR
has a clear priority in national development. As a new party, PR
wants to look to the future by respecting our history. We respect
Fretilin as the pioneer party for independence. We also respect CNRM
and CNRT, which unified the Timorese in the struggle for
independence. In addition, we also respect FALENTIL as the fighters
for independence.

We want to look into the future to a country that can protect and
oversee all East Timorese. Therefore, who are marginalized
politically, economically, and culturally, Partidu Republikanu open
its doors, eyes, and hearings for them.

Our policy is to reach our objectives in pacific ways and non-
violent. Therefore, we will work with all components of the society,
work together with the UN, ASEAN, CPLP, and democratic countries to
promote peace, democracy, and prosperity in Timor-Leste and in the
world.

Finally, PR can implement these programs because PR have the
competence. If we do not have competence in certain areas, we will
work with other parties and other components of the East Timorese
society to fill this gap.

Once again, PR wants to fo mahon ho tau matan ba Timor oan hotu in
peace, democracy, and prosperity.

Viva Republikanu!
Thank you very much.

East Timor’s campaign to defeat hunger

The Southeast Asian Times

By John Loizou

Dili, December 27: The tapping of a river to irrigate about 600 hectares to grow rice with mung and soya bean as subsidiary crops would not normally draw much attention in modern Southeast Asia.

But in East Timor the opening of an-about-$US1.4-million-project based on the building of a four-kilometre-long canal to draw water from the Karau Ulun River, in the Manufahi district about five hours drive south of the capital Dili, shows the determination of the ruling Fretilin Government to eventually ensure ‘’food security” for the country’s about one million mostly malnourished predominately rural citizens.

It means the river that flows into the Timor Sea all-year-round can be used to provide water for about 200 lowland subsistence farmers in a mountainous country that is dominated first by a prolonged dry and then the intense “wet” of a western monsoon.

The project was built in about 14 months with money provided by the World Bank and managed by East Timor’s government.

The opening by Deputy Prime Minister and Agricultural Minister Estanlislau Maria Alexio da Silva was particularly symbolic because it went ahead despite the violence that forced as many as 150,000 people in the newly-independent republic from their homes and the resignation of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.

The farmers, who each work allotments of about 2.5 hectares and who, like most of East Timor’s farmers do not use fertiliser, would now be given technical help to ensure they could make proper use of the water, the Agricultural Minister said.

Although he did not say so, a major benefit of the project should be the elimination for the farmers and their families of the so-called “hungry season” that traditionally prevails throughout East Timor and the islands of neighbouring eastern Indonesia between November and March each year.

And similar irrigation projects have been undertaken on the high Maliano plateau of central-west East Timor can be expected to do the same.

Maize — the word used by the Spanish for the crop the conquistadors found growing throughout the Americas rather than the corn of North America — predominates as the staple crop of East Timor’s highlands, but since independence, the government, with help from the United Nations agency, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, has built public grain silos and supported domestic rice production with help from Japan.

As Lecturer in Political Economy at the University of Sydney Tim Anderson explains: “Despite a lack of resources, a focus on rice production is now embedded in the country’s food security policy.”

Anderson, a regular visitor to East Timor, uses the latest United Nations Development Programme report that shows that domestic rice production rose from 37,000 tonnes in 1998 to 65,000 tonnes in 2004 to support his argument.
The programme means less dependence on imported rice — from Viet Nam, Thailand and Indonesia — although the midyear crisis has disrupted regular supplies.

The East Timor government acknowledges the need for national “food security” in a comprehensive policy statement tabled in the country’s parliament.

“The main causes of food insecurity are not only due to the widespread practice of subsistence agriculture, but also to the lack of alternative sources of income which result in low purchasing power and lack of access to food. As a result of insufficient use of inputs and improved technology, production and productivity are very low,” it says.

“However, this productive sector has special importance because it is the main source of food, employment and income for two-thirds of the population, mainly for those who live in rural areas.”

The statement says the Food Security Policy will not only form the basis of East Timor meeting the Millennium Development Goals set by the General Assembly of the United Nations but will also “materialise” the government’s policy to eradicate hunger in all its forms.

The statement accepts the definition of food security provided by the World Food Summit 1996 as the basis for East Timor’s policy.

This is: “All people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food according to their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

It means conditions necessary are:

Access: All people must have physical, social and economic access to sufficient food. Major means of access are subsistence food production and income from employment and sales;

Availability: Food supplies must be sufficient to adequately feed the population;

Stability: Access and availability must be ensured at all times and provisions must be made to cater for seasonal supply variations and production shortfalls in the wake of droughts or other natural disaster;

and Effective utilisation: The food consumed must be safe and nutritious.
.

Feliz Ano Novo!

Voltámos.

.

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Na primeira semana de Janeiro voltamos ao normal.

Até lá, Feliz Ano de 2007, em paz e com justiça.

.

De um leitor

Para Timor Online,

Nesta altura em que Timor-Leste se enfrenta este grande "vendaval" que nem nós mesmos sabemos o que é que nós os Timorenses queremos ou ‘quem está contra quem’ e nas vésperas do Natal, como timorense apenas tenho que dizer :

Ainda não é tarde,
Pensemos um pouco nesta oração de São Francisco de Assis :


“Senhor, fazei de mim um instrumento de vossa paz!

Onde houver ódio, que eu leve o amor,
Perdão, onde houver ofensa,
União, onde houver discordia,
Verdade, onde houver erro,
Fé, onde houver dúvida,
Esperança, onde houver desespero,
Luz, onde houver trevas,
Alegria, onde houver tristeza.

Fazei que eu procure mais consolar do que ser consolado,
Mais amar do que ser amado,
Porque é dando que se recebe,
É esquecendo-nos que nos encontramos,
É perdoando que obtemos perdão,
É morrendo que ressucitamos
Para a vida eterna”



Joel Simão
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Notícias - traduzidas pela Margarida

O presidente de Timor-Leste espera discutir questões da fronteira com a Indonésia
18.12.2006
Fonte: Xinhua

O Presidente de Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmão em visita, expressou a esperança de que funcionários dos governos da Indonésia e de Timor-Leste terão diálogo regular sobre problemas que se levantam nas áreas ao longo da sua fronteira comum.

Xanana declarou isso quando se encontrou com o seu contra-parte Indonésio Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono no gabinete do último aqui no Sábado à noite, A agência de notícias de Antara citou o Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros Indonésio Hassan Wirayuda como tendo dito isso.

"Há certos interesses que serão servidos por comunicações contínuas (entre os dois países)," disse Wirayuda depois do encontro.

Depois do encontro, Xanana disse a Yudhoyono que apreciou bastante a decisão do governo Indonésio sobre as suas áreas que bordejam Timor-Leste a seguir ao episódio de violência no seu país há alguns meses atrás.
Depois de ter irrompido a violência em Timor-Leste, a Indonésia fechou parcialmente a sua fronteira com o país.
Xanana, que chegou aqui na Sexta-feira para uma visita oficial, expressou também esperança de que homens de negócios Indonésios se preparem para investir no seu país.

Disse que apesar da população de Timor-Leste ser pequena, a Indonésia podia usar o seu país como uma base para de exportação para a União Europeia e os USA.

Wirayuda disse que Timor-Leste era um dos mais pobres países do mundo mas que por causa deste estatuto as suas exportações para a Europa e para os USA estavam sujeitos a taxas de importação mais baixas.


***

Timor-Leste, Kuwait juntam-se no petróleo e no gás
The Associated Press Dezembro 15, 2006, 10:50PM EST
DILI, Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste estabeleceu uma joint venture com o Kuwait para distribuir petróleo e gás e construir instalação para armazenagem de fuel em todo o pequeno país do Sudeste Asiático.

O acordo criará a Companhia de Comércio de Timor-Leste (ETTC) que vai ser a 100 por cento dos Kuwaitianos, disse uma declaração emitida pelo gabinete do Primeiro-Ministro José-Ramos Horta.

Sob um acordo entre parceiros, os lucros da venda do petróleo e do gás serão divididas 70-30 entre a ETTC e o governo de Timor-Leste, respectivamente.

Não foram divulgados detalhes financeiros

***

Timor-Leste, Kuwait juntam-se no petróleo e no gás

The Associated Press Dezembro 15, 2006, 10:50PM EST
DILI, Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste estabeleceu uma joint venture com o Kuwait para distribuir petróleo e gás e construir instalação para armazenagem de fuel em todo o pequeno país do Sudeste Asiático.

O acordo criará a Companhia de Comércio de Timor-Leste (ETTC) que vai ser a 100 por cento dos Kuwaitianos, disse uma declaração emitida pelo gabinete do Primeiro-Ministro José-Ramos Horta.

Sob um acordo entre parceiros, os lucros da venda do petróleo e do gás serão divididas 70-30 entre a ETTC e o governo de Timor-Leste, respectivamente.

Não foram divulgados detalhes financeiros

EAST TIMOR: MOSQUE SHELTERING HUNDREDS OF CHRISTIANS DURING ONGOING VIOLENCE

Dili, 18 Dec. (AKI) - More than 400 Christians have been sheltered in East Timor's capital, Dili's largest mosque since Friday, when fighting between rival gangs forced them to flee. Dili Annur Mosque coordinator, Anwar da Costa, told AdnKronos International (AKI) that the refugees live near the mosque, at the capital’s ‘kampung’ [village] Alor.

"We have received more than four hundred people. Most of them are women, children and elderly people. They are utterly terrified of the martial art gangs fighting near the mosque," da Costa, 32, told AKI on Monday.

"Most of these people are not Muslim. They are Christian and are our neighbors, living near the mosque. But we accept anyone who is in danger. Islam does not discriminate. It is really about humanity,” he added, specifying that Christians were housed in the mosque compound, but not inside the mosque building, a place considered off-limits for non-Muslims.

"They do not enter to the mosque building. They are respecting our holy place," he said.

Among those sheltering in the mosque compound, together with his wife and three children, is Armando Soares, 45, who appealed for more action from the government.

"I urge President Xanana Gusmao and prime minister Ramos to immediately deploy police and soldiers to quell the situation. We can not live in a situation like this," Soares told AKI

Luciana Mendonca (27) housewife at the mosque with her two children, told AKI that she had been here before.

"I was here when the crisis began in April. I returned home last September, but since last Friday my family and I have taken refugee at the mosque again because the fighting is getting worse in the area,” she said.

Sunday saw over 100 people caught up in fighting in Kampung Alor. One person was reported dead and more than 12 people have been killed in violence in recent weeks.

East Timor has seen sporadic violence since May when over 600 soldiers were dismissed by then prime minister Mari Alkatiri, after that they had gone on strike complaining of discrimination.

Rival police and army factions battled in the streets and clashes later spilled over into widespread gang warfare, looting and arson.

At least 37 people were killed and 155,000 fled their homes as Alkatiri was forced to resign following allegations that he did not prevent some of his closest allies from setting up civilian militias.

A relative calm was restored after international troops were deployed to East Timor earlier this year.

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E Timor, Kuwait sign oil, gas JV

KUWAIT TIMES NEWSPAPER

segunda-feira, 18 de Dezembro de 2006 17:58:27


DILI: East Timor has established a joint venture with Kuwait to distribute gas and oil and build fuel storage facilities across the tiny country.

The agreement will create the East Timor Trading Company, to be 100% Kuwaiti owned, said a statement released by the office of Prime Minister Jose-Ramos Horta.

Under a shareholders agreement, profit from oil and gas sales will be split 70-30 between ETTC and the government of East Timor respectively. No other financial details were disclosed.

-- AP

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Acordo

Comunicado do Conselho de Ministros de 14 de Dezembro de 2006*19. Decreto que aprova o Acordo de Cooperação entre a República Portuguesa e a República Democrática de Timor-Leste no Domínio da Comunicação Social, assinado em Díli, em 22 de Fevereiro de 2006

*
O Acordo tem por objecto a instalação e o desenvolvimento de um projecto que garanta a cobertura de rádio e televisão ao território e populaçãode Timor-Leste, fomentando o acesso ao serviço público de rádio e televisão locais.

Este Acordo visa, deste modo, contribuir para a difusão da língua português e o reforço dos especiais laços de amizade e solidariedade que ligam os dois Estados, bem como para um melhor conhecimento recíproco entre o povo português e o povo timorense e a intensificação das iniciativas que reforcem a cooperação mútua, tendo em vista o desenvolvimento cultural, científico e técnico de Timor-Leste, no quadro do respeito mútuo pelos valores culturais próprios.

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Man shot dead during gang violence in East Timor

17 Dec 2006 12:50:52 GMT17 Dec 2006 12:50:52 GMT
Source: Reuters


DILI, Dec 17 (Reuters) - A man was shot dead during a gang fight involving more than 100 people near the Australian embassy in East Timor's capital on Sunday, a family member said.

Joaquim, the brother of the dead man, told Reuters his brother was killed when international security forces fired into a crowd after the violence erupted in the Kampung Alor area.

Neither U.N. nor government officials could be immediately contacted for comment.

Australia led a force of 3,200 foreign peacekeepers to East Timor in late May after the tiny country descended into chaos following the sacking of 600 mutinous soldiers.

The territory of around a million people voted in a 1999 referendum for independence from Indonesia, which annexed it after Portugal ended its colonial rule in 1975.

East Timor became fully independent in 2002 after a period of U.N. administration.

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Estudante morto em Timor-Leste gera acusações da família à polícia das Nações Unidas

Público, 18/12/06
Por: Jorge Heitor

Um morto e um ferido foi o saldo dos confrontos de ontem em Dili, entre dezenas de elementos de grupos de artes marciais, no bairro de Fatuhada, disse à Lusa fonte da ONU.

A vítima mortal é Sebastião Pinto, de 24 anos, aluno da Universidade Nacional, e a família, segundo a agência espanhola EFE, acusou a polícia das Nações Unidas (Unpol) de ter feito o disparo que obrigou à sua entrada no hospital, já moribundo.

Funcionários das Nações Unidas disseram à imprensa que os disparos partiram de um dos grupos em confronto, os quais totalizariam uma centena de pessoas, mas um irmão de Sebastião, Raimundo dos Reis Pinto, atribuiu-os a polícias do Bengladesh ao serviço da organização.

Enquanto isso, numa entrevista ao jornal diário australiano Sydney Morning Herald, o novo representante da ONU em Dili, o indiano Atul Khare, afirmou que “o mundo tem estado demasiado optimista quando ao que já se conseguiu em Timor-Leste”, não tendo ele ilusões quanto ao duro trabalho à frente da missão integrada internacional ali destacada (Unmit).

A continuação da violência, a existência de 25.000 pessoas deslocadas em acampamentos, numa altura em que a época das chuvas está a principiar, e a necessidade de concretizar eleições presidenciais e legislativas durante o primeiro semestre de 2007 são parte das preocupações do diplomata que ontem mesmo entrou em funções.

Algumas das reuniões que Atul Khare tem agendadas para hoje em Dili são com o ministro australiano da Justiça, Chris Ellison, e com o comissário federal da polícia australiana, Mick Keelty, dado que as autoridades de Camberra são das que mais atentamente seguem o que se passa em Timor-Leste.

A unmit foi criada em 25 de Agosto último pelo Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas, a fim de procurar estabilizar a situação timorense e conseguir a reconciliação nacional, depois de toda a violência a que se tem assistido desde Abril.

Xanana confraterniza com ex-inimigos indonésios

O antigo comandante militar das Forças Armadas Indonésias, general Wiranto, acusado de atrocidades em Timor-Leste, manifestou ontem em Jacarta o seu apoio ao jovem país, quando juntamente com o ex-ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros Ali Alatas esteve com o Presidente Xanana Gusmão a ver o documentário “A Hero’s Journey”.

Este filme retrata a luta do velho comandante de guerrilha para conseguir a independência do seu país e Alatas comentou que “deveria ser visto pelo maior número possível de indonésios”.

Xanana abraçou-o e colocou-lhe pelos ombros um pano típico timorense, enquanto o antigo chefe da diplomacia do ditador Suharto dizia que Jacarta está a procurar que Timor-Leste seja admitido na Associação das Nações do Sueste Asiático (ASEAN).

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Timor order 'set back three years'

AdelaideNow

December 18, 2006 02:56pm
Article from: AAP

IT would take a sustained effort over years to establish law and order in East Timor, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said today.

Commissioner Keelty, who arrives in East Timor along with Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison today, said it would be at least three years before international police could hand over control to local officers.

The pair will be briefed on the latest gang violence to rock the capital, Dili. One man was shot dead and others were injured when hundreds of gang members battled with guns and machetes yesterday.

"It will be years. I mean the setbacks from April this year where a number of police were killed has set back the program I would say three to five years," Commissioner Kelty told the ABC.

"We need to be in this for the long haul to develop what is the youngest and newest police force in the world, and you won't do that overnight."

East Timor spiralled into chaos in April and May this year, following the sacking of 600 soldiers by then Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.

Rival police and army factions battled in the streets and clashes later spilled over into widespread gang warfare, looting and arson.

At least 37 people were killed and 155,000 fled their homes in Dili, seven years after East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia.

Commissioner Keelty said violent crime was a persistent problem in countries where young people were unable to find work and were denied economic opportunities.

East Timor was no exception, he said.

"It's beyond policing in a sense," he said.

"It really needs to be driven at the leadership level to try and create peace and security on the ground.

"But also opportunities for employment, opportunities for economic growth and that not (just) relates to East Timor, that's the same problem right around the region."

Commissioner Keelty and Senator Ellison will this afternoon visit about 50 Australian Federal Police officers who are working in the country, under the command of the United Nations.
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Notícias - traduzidas pela Margarida

Violência em Timor-Leste deixa um morto
AP/SMH - Dezembro 17, 2006 - 6:39PM

Centenas de membros de gangs lutaram com pistolas e catanas na capital de Timor-Leste, Dili, hoje, disseram funcionários e testemunhas matando um e ferindo dois.

Um jovem morreu baleado perto da maior mesquita da cidade, aparentemente por um membro de um gang rival, antes da polícia da ONU intervir, disse a porta-voz da polícia da ONU Mónica Rodrigues.

Foi a última violência na nação de menos de um milhão de pessoas, onde o desassossego matou dúzias e derrubou o governo anteriormente, este ano.

Tropas estrangeiras restauraram uma calma relativa em Junho, mas violência esporádica deixou mais de uma dúzia mortos nas últimas semanas.

"Sabemos que foi vista uma arma de fogo na multidão," disse a porta-voz da polícia da ONU Mónica Rodrigues. "A arma de fogo foi usada para balear membros de um gang rival."

Contrariou afirmações de uma testemunha de que a polícia da ONU tinha disparado contra o membro do gang.

Raimundo dos Reis Pinto, 20 anos, disse que viu um polícia da ONU do Bangladesh "a balear o meu irmão ", mas Rodrigues negou que os polícias estivessem no local quando o tiroteio começou.

A polícia estava a investigar o tiroteio e não podia dizer se tinham usado as suas armas.

O supervisor do Hospital Nacional de Dili Zony Santos disse que tinha morrido um homems por feridas provocadas por balas depois de ter chegado ao hospital e que dois outros foram feridos.

Timor-Leste foi atirada para o caos em Abril e Maio depois do despedimento de 600 soldados pelo então Primeiro-Ministro Mari Alkatiri.

Facções rivais da polícia e das forças armadas lutaram nas ruas e os confrontos espalharam-se mais tarde em guerra de gangs, pilhagens e fogos postos.

Pelo menos 37 pessoas foram mortas e 155,000 fugiram das suas casas na capital, Dili, no meio da violência - um sinal de instabilidade política continuada sete anos depois da independência da Indonésia.

***

Trabalho duro à frente em Timor - chefe de missão da ONU
Por Karen Michelmore, Correspondente da Ásia do Sudeste

JAKARTA, Dezembro 17 (AAP) - O mundo tem sido demasiadamente optimista sobre as conquistas anteriores em Timor-Leste, diz o novo chefe da missão da ONU na pequena nação.

O diplomata veterano Indiano Dr Atul Khare entra hoje no seu novo trabalho como responsável pela Missão Integrada da ONU em Timor-Leste.

Não tem ilusões sobre o trabalho duro que vai enfrentar, com a mais nova nação do mundo minada por surtos contínuos de violência esporádica, 25,000 dos seus cidadãos ainda em campos de deslocados quando a estação húmida começa e as eleições democráticas maiores estão somente a meses de distância.

"É bastante dasafiante porque penso que as pessoas e o país têm atravessado um período difícil... nos últimos meses," disse numa entrevista telefónica.

"Temos as próximas eleições, que tenho esperança sejam um passo no processo do diálogo político e da reconciliação.

"Confio, com a assistência dos parceiros internacionais, ... que os Timorenses estejam à altura dos desafios para garantir que as eleições que se realizarem sejam independentes, livres e justas, e uma expressão da vontade democrática do povo."

Khare, que trabalhou em Timor-Leste durante três anos até 2005, mais recentemente como vice-representante especial do secretário-geral na anterior missão de manutenção da paz da ONU, diz que se sente triste pela violência recente, que matou dúzias de pessoas desde Abril.

"Quando a UNMISET (a missão anterior da ONU) concluiu as suas operações em Maio de 2005, nessa altura eu e vários outros estávamos convencidos que o país tinha sido de forma razoavelmente segura encaminhado para o caminho do desenvolvimento sustentado como um Estado democrático pacífico," disse.

"Mas essa convicção foi abalada pelos eventos dos últimos meses.

"Tive uma associação prévia com as pessoas de Timor-Leste ... por quem tenho muita consideração ... e sinto-me muito satisfeito por várias razões por regressar aqui e, estou muito grato ... pela confiança que têm em mim.

"Mas ao mesmo tempo tenho também de dizer que ... esta felicidade foi pincelada com alguma tristeza por causa das razões que levaram ao meu regresso.

"Estaria muito mais feliz se tivesse regressado lá alguns anos depois como um simples turista a um país pacífico democrático para gozar as praias."

Um dos primeiros encontros de Khare em Dili será com o Ministro da Justiça da Austrália Chris Ellison e com o Comissário da Polícia Federal Australiana Mick Keelty, amanhã.

A ONU guiou Timor-Leste para a independência em, através de um período violento depois dos seus cidadãos terem votado em massa em 1999 pela independência da Indonésia.

Contudo, irrompeu violência fresca em Abril deste ano depois de um terço das forças armadas terem sido despedidas. Dúzias de pessoas foram mortas e mais de 150,000 saíram das suas casas.

Khare acredita que uma das lições da violência foi a comunidade internacional, a ONU e ele próprio pessoalmente terem sido "demasiado optimistas sobre o nível da construção do sistema e da instituição e o desenvolvimento de competências da oficiais individuais da ... polícia Timorense police que se tinha feito ".

A missão de manutenção da paz da ONU, UNMISET retirou-se em Maio de 2005 e foi substituída por uma missão política mais pequena, o Gabinete da ONU em Timor-Leste (UNOTIL).

"Obviamente, os eventos mostraram claramente que o nosso optimismo foi mal colocado," disse.

"O desafio a longo prazo para construir a PNTL (polícia Timorense) como uma força de polícia forte que trabalhasse com padrões internacionais é a lição imediata a tirar-se desses eventos."

A nova missão da ONU tem estado sem responsável desde Setembro, depois do antigo presidente de Cabo Verde António Mascarenhas Monteiro ter sido nomeado por pouco tempo para o cargo, e aparentemente ter mudado de ideias.
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Antigos inimigos de Gusmão abraçam pedidos para a paz em Timor-Leste

(Tradução da Margarida)

AFP - 17 Dezembro 2006

JAKARTA - O antigo chefe das forças armadas da Indonésia, acusado de ter cometido atrocidades em Timor-Leste, deu prova simbólica de apoio ao Presidente do pequeno Estado Xanana Gusmão num raro encontro de fim-de-semana.

O General Wiranto e o antigo ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros da Indonésia Ali Alatas encontraram-se com Gusmão na exibição do documentário "A Hero's Journey," que traça a luta sangrenta de Gusmão pela independência de Timor-Leste, quando esteve ocupado por Jakarta.

"Penso que este filme devia ser mostrado a quantos Indonésios fosse possível," disse Alatas no Sábado à noite depois de ter visto o filme.

Gusmão, que passou vários anos numa prisão de Jakarta antes de Timor-Leste ter votado pela sua independência, abraçou Alatas e colocou uma faixa sobre os seus ombros.

Alatas disse à AFP que Jakarta estava a empurrar para Timor-Leste se iornar membro da ASEAN (Associação das Nações do Sudeste Asiático) e que tem esperança de ver paz e estabilidade no país.

"Xanana tem mostrado o caminho para a frente ... não podemos esquecer o passado mas devemos olhar para a frente," disse.

Gangs de milícias, que a ONU disse terem sido recrutadas e dirigidas pelas forças armadas da Indonésia, entraram numa fúria de fogos postos e de assassinatos antes e depois dos Timorenses terem votado pela independência numa votação patrocinada pela ONU em 1999.

Mataram cerca de 1,400 pessoas e destruíram a maioria das infra-estructuras da meia-ilha, que foi uma colónia Portuguesa antes da Indonésia a ter invadido em 1975.

Gusmão disse que o filme não foi uma tentativa para "desacreditar a Indonésia", acrescentando: "O que queremos não é sublinhar o passado, mas devemos olhar para o futuro e não para o passado."

"General Wiranto, é sobre você e eu. Não é sobre Timor-Leste e a Indonésia," disse.

"A Hero's Journey" da Grace Phan, com base em Singapura escapou aos censores do Festival de Cinema Indonésio numa altura em que a questão de Timor-Leste ainda é sensível aqui. Três outros filmes sobre Timor-Leste foram proibidos pelas autoridades.

Wiranto gabou o filme, dizendo: "É comovente e o tema sobre reconciliação e perdão é muito bom. Penso que precisamos disso."

Gusmão, que está na Indonésia numa visita oficial para reforçar os laços, encontrou-se com o seu contra-parte Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono no Sábado à noite

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Xanana foi ao cinema com Wiranto

Diário de Notícias, 17/12/06

Uma sessão de cinema reuniu ontem, em Jacarta, o Presidente de Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmão, e o antigo chefe das forças armadas indonésias, Wiranto, acusado de crimes contra a humanidade pela sua actuação em 1999, ano do referendo que conduziu à independência daquela ex-colónia portuguesa.

Wiranto, hoje general na reserva, sentou-se ao lado de Xanana para assistir à projecção de “A hero’s journey” (de Singapura), sobre o antigo líder da guerrilha, preso durante anos pela Indonésia, antes de assumir a chefia do Estado timorense.

A longa-metragem acompanha Xanana no seu regresso aos locais onde chefiou a luta contra as forças indonésias, que ocuparam Timor-Leste entre Dezembro de 1975 e 1999.

No filme, Xanana visita também a prisão de Cipinang, onde esteve preso durante os anos 90, e explica a sua política de reconciliação face a um grupo de timorenses, que exigem processos judiciais contra os responsáveis pela repressão.

Em Agosto de 1999, Timor-Leste votou em massa pela independência. As milícias pró-indonésias, apoiadas e armadas pelo exército de Jacarta, chefiado por Wiranto, mataram então pelo menos 1400 pessoas e destruíram 80 por cento das infra-estruturas do país.

No final da sessão, Wiranto considerou o filme “comovente”. “O tema do perdão e da reconciliação é muito bom. Temos necessidade disso”, afirmou.

Xanana garantiu que o documentário não tinha como objectivo “desacreditar a Indonésia”. “Devemos olhar para o futuro e não para o passado”, disse.

O ex-ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros de Jacarta, Ali Alatas, que também assistiu à sessão, afirmou que o filme “deveria ser visto pelo maior número possível de indonésios”.

A questão das atrocidades cometidas pelo exército e pelas milícias pró-indonésias ainda é muito sensível. Por isso, mais três filmes sobre Timor foram retirados do festival de Jacarta.

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Apoio a campos deslocados prorrogado até 30 de Dezembro - Governo

Díli, 18 Dez (Lusa) - O apoio humanitário aos cerca de 28 mil timorenses que ainda se encontram em campos de deslocados espalhados por Díli foi prorrogado até 30 de Dezembro, disse hoje à Lusa o ministro do Trabalho e da Reinserção Comunitária.

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De um leitor

Prezado Malai Azul

Gostaria de desejar para todos timorenses, "da gema ou não", um Feliz Natal e um Próspero Ano Novo que tanto precisam.
Antes de me despedir, gostaria de enaltecer o Blog sob sua responsabilidade e dar um abraço na Margarida, pessoa que vem defendendo com paixão as suas idéias.
Saudações.

Alfredo Cesar
Brasil

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East Timor, Kuwait join on oil and gas

The Associated Press December 15, 2006, 10:50PM EST
DILI, East Timor

East Timor has established a joint venture with Kuwait to distribute gas and oil and build fuel storage facilities across the tiny Southeast Asian country.

The agreement will create the East Timor Trading Company (ETTC) to be 100-percent Kuwaiti owned, said a statement released by the office of Prime Minister Jose-Ramos Horta.

Under a shareholders agreement, profits from oil and gas sales will be split 70-30 between ETTC and the government of East Timor, respectively.

No other financial details were disclosed.
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Timor-Leste president hopes to discuss border issues with Indonesia

18.12.2006
Source: Xinhua

Visiting Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao expressed the hope that Indonesian and Timor-Leste government officials would hold regular dialogs on problems arising in areas along their common border.

Xanana made the expression when meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the latter's office here on Saturday evening, Antara news agency quoted Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda as saying.

"There are certain interests that will be served by continuous communication (between the two countries)," Wirayuda said after the meeting.

At the meeting, Xanana told Yudhoyono he highly appreciated the Indonesian government's decision affecting its areas bordering Timor-Leste following the spate of violence in his country a few months ago.
After the violence in Timor-Leste erupted, Indonesia partially closed its border with the country.
Xanana, who arrived here on Friday for an official visit, also expressed hope that Indonesian businessmen would be prepared to invest in his country.

He said although Timor-Leste's population was small, Indonesia could use his country as a base to export its various commodities to the European Union and the United States.

Wirayuda said that Timor-Leste was one of the world's poorest countries but because of this status its exports to Europe and the United States were subject to lower import duties.

De um leitor

Comentário sobre a sua postagem "ONU é acusada de matar estudante no Timor Leste":

um apelo de anonimato aos jovens timorenses que se unem num so ideal de paz e se refletem que as artes marciais sao boas defensivas individuais.Mas quando e formado para fazer grupos isto pode provcocar rivalidades que consequentemente cria desordens a sociedade, incluindo familias contra familias,bairros cotra bairros etc. etc... que nao e resolvido de uma maneira mais profunda ate as raizes, podera trazer catastofre aos nossos jovens.

TIMOR LESTE ESTA NAS VOSSAS MAOS.

CONFIAMOS EM VOS PARA A CONSTRUCAO

DA NACAO E NAO A DESTRUICAO DA NACAO.

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Comunicados - PM

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER


MEDIA RELEASE

Dili, December 15, 2006


Government signs deal for cheaper diesel and improved distribution

Lower diesel and gas prices and improved distribution are expected following a Government agreement for a joint venture with the East Timor Trading Company (ETTC) on Wednesday (13/12).

The agreement between the Government of Timor-Leste and Kuwaiti-owned ETTC will establish the Timor Fuel Trading company, which will develop a distribution network throughout the country for quality diesel fuel at lower prices and build temporary and long-term fuel storage facilities.

“The increased availability of diesel gas at low prices throughout the country is one way that the government can help consumers, especially in rural areas,” the Prime Minister said. “This agreement, once materialized, will be a major breakthrough for economic development in Timor-Leste.”

The shareholder agreement provides for profit-sharing of 70% for ETTC and 30% for the Timor-Leste Government, with Timor-Leste maintaining a 51% share of the joint venture. However, Timor-Leste will not contribute with any equity. There will be no financial implications or liability for Timor-Leste. As soon as a Timor-Leste owned petroleum company is established, it will take over the government’s held shares. The agreement entitles ETTC to the management of the company for the duration of 10 years.

At the signing of the agreement, the Prime Minister emphasized that the policy of this Government and the Prime Minister is that no monopoly should be granted, including any contract to which the government is a signatory party.

“The driving force of any agreement must remain competitiveness and the market economy,” Dr. Ramos-Horta said. “Even when the government is involved in a joint venture with the private sector, this should not be interpreted as the government using its authority to block others, thus creating special privileges for any particular company.”

The Prime Minister said that he expects this joint venture to bring many benefits to Timor-Leste, but that the success of the company will be determined by the quality of their service and the price of the product, and nothing else.

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA ALERT

Dili, December 18, 2006

Prime Minister Ramos-Horta to meet with Australian Minister for Justice and Customs

H.E. Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta and the Australian Minister for Justice and Customs, The Honorable Chris Ellison MP, will hold discussions on issues of mutual interest today, Monday (18/12).

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and Minister Ellison will available to the media at 4.55 P.M. in the entrance hall of the Palácio do Governo.

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Gusmao's former enemies embrace call for peace in ETimor

AFP - 17 December 2006

JAKARTA - Indonesia's former armed forces chief, charged with committing atrocities in East Timor, gave a symbolic show of support for the tiny state's President Xanana Gusmao at a rare weekend meeting.

General Wiranto and former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas met Gusmao at a screening of the documentary "A Hero's Journey," which traces Gusmao's bloody struggle for the independence of East Timor, once occupied by Jakarta.

"I think this film should be shown to as many Indonesians as possible," Alatas said late Saturday after watching the film.

Gusmao, who spent seven years in a Jakarta prison before East Timor voted for independence, hugged Alatas and placed a shawl over his shoulders.

Alatas told AFP that Jakarta was pushing for East Timor to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hopes to see peace and stability in the country.

"Xanana has shown the way forward ... we cannot forget the past but we should look forward," he said.

Militia gangs, which the United Nations has said were recruited and directed by Indonesia's military, went on an arson and killing spree before and after the East Timorese voted for independence in a UN-sponsored ballot in 1999.

They killed about 1,400 people and laid waste to much of the infrastructure in the half-island, which was a Portuguese colony before Indonesia invaded it in 1975.

Gusmao said the film was not an attempt to "discredit Indonesia", adding: "What we want is to note the past, but we should look at the future and not the past."

"General Wiranto, it is about you and me. It is not about East Timor and Indonesia," he said.

"A Hero's Journey" by Singapore-based Grace Phan escaped censors at the Indonesian Film Festival at a time when issues on East Timor remains sensitive here. Three other films on East Timor were banned by authorities.

Wiranto hailed the film, saying: "It is touching and the theme about forgiveness and reconciliation is very good. I think we need it."

Gusmao, who is in Indonesia on a official visit to bolster ties, met with his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono late Saturday.

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East Timor violence leaves one dead

AP/SMH - December 17, 2006 - 6:39PM

Hundreds of gang members battled with guns and machetes in East Timor's capital Dili today, officials and witnesses said, killing one and injuring two.

A young man was shot dead near the city's largest mosque, apparently by a rival gang member, before UN police intervened, said UN police spokeswoman Monica Rodrigues.

It was the latest violence in the nation of fewer than a million people, where unrest killed dozens and toppled the government earlier this year.

Foreign peacekeepers restored relative calm in June, but sporadic violence has left more than a dozen dead in recent weeks.

"We know a firearm was seen in the crowd," UN police spokeswoman Monica Rodrigues said. "The firearm was used to shoot at rival gang members."

She countered claims by a witness that UN police had shot the gang member.

Raimundo do Reis Pinto, 20, said he saw UN police from Bangladesh "shoot my brother", but Rodrigues denied that that the police were at the scene when shots were fired.

Police were investigating the shooting and she could not say if they had used firearms.

Dili National Hospital supervisor Zony Santos said a man had died of gunshot wounds after arriving at the hospital and two others were injured.

East Timor was thrust into chaos in April and May following the sacking of 600 soldiers by then Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.

Rival police and army factions battled in the streets and clashes later spilled over into widespread gang warfare, looting and arson.

At least 37 people were killed and 155,000 fled their homes in the capital, Dili, amid the violence - a sign of continued political instability seven years after independence from Indonesia.

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Tough job ahead in East Timor - UN mission boss

By Karen Michelmore, South East Asia Correspondent

JAKARTA, December 17 (AAP) - The world had been too optimistic about the early achievement of East Timor, the new boss of the United Nations mission in the tiny nation says.

Veteran Indian diplomat Dr Atul Khare begins his new job in Dili today as the head of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor Leste (East Timor).

He has no illusions about the tough job he faces, with the world's newest nation beset by continuing sporadic violence, 25,000 of its citizens still in refugee camps as the wet season begins and major democratic elections just a few months away.

"It's quite a challenge because I think the people and the country have gone through a difficult period ... in the last few months," he said in a telephone interview.

"We have the forthcoming elections, which I hope will prove to be a step in the process of political dialogue and reconciliation.

"I trust, with the assistance of international partners, ... that the Timorese people will rise up to the challenge to ensure that the elections which are held are independent, free and fair, and an expression of the democratic will of the people."

Khare, who worked in East Timor for three years until 2005, most recently as deputy special representative of the secretary general to the previous UN peacekeeping mission, says he feels saddened by the recent violence, which has killed dozens of people since April.

"When UNMISET (the previous UN mission) concluded its operations in May 2005, at that point in time I and several others were convinced that the country had been reasonably securely anchored on the path towards sustainable development as a peaceful democratic state," he said.

"But that belief has been shaken by the events of the last few months.

"I have a previous association with the people of Timor Leste ... whom I regard very highly ... and in some ways I feel very pleased that I'm going back there, I'm very grateful ... for the confidence they (hold) in me.

"But at the same point in time I must also say that ... this happiness has been tinged with a bit of sadness on account of the reason which has prompted my return.

"I would have been far happier if I had returned there a few years down the line as a pure tourist to a peaceful democratic country to enjoy the beaches."

One of Khare's first meetings in Dili will be with Australia's Justice Minister Chris Ellison and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty tomorrow.

The UN shepherded East Timor to independence in 2002, through a violent period after its citizens overwhelmingly voted in 1999 for independence from Indonesia.

However, fresh violence erupted in April this year after a third of the army was sacked. Dozens of people were killed and more than 150,000 were driven from their homes.

Khare believed one of the lessons from the violence was that the international community, the UN and himself personally were "too optimistic about the level of systems building and institution building and the development of competencies of individual officers of the ... Timorese police that had taken place".

The UN's peacekeeping mission UNMISET withdrew in May 2005 and was replaced by a smaller political mission, the United Nations Office in Timor Leste (UNOTIL).

"Obviously, the events have clearly demonstrated that our optimism was somewhat misplaced," he said.

"The long-term challenge to build the PNTL (Timorese police) into a strong police force that works to international standards is the immediate lesson to be drawn from those events."

The new UN mission has been without a head since September, after former Cape Verde president Antonio Macarenhas Monteiro was briefly appointed to the job, but apparently changed his mind.

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ONU é acusada de matar estudante no Timor Leste

EFE - 17 de dezembro de 2006 - 06:17



Organização afirma que jovem foi ferido no enfrentamento de gangues rivais

DÍLI - Um estudante morreu neste domingo em Díli durante os violentos enfrentamentos ocorridos entre gangues de jovens rivais. Mas a família tenha acusa a Polícia das Nações Unidas (UNPOL) de ter matado o jovem.

A vítima foi identificada como Sebastião Pinto, de 24 anos, e era aluno da Universidade Nacional do Timor.

O rapaz morreu no Hospital Nacional de Díli após ser internado em estado grave. Fontes da ONU informaram à imprensa que o jovem foi atingido pelos disparos de uma das gangues que se enfrentavam.

No entanto, o irmão da vítima disse que o estudante morreu por causa dos disparos efetuados por um grupo de agentes de Bangladesh integrados na UNPOL.

"Vi com meus próprios olhos vários oficiais da polícia de Bangladesh dispararem e matarem meu irmão", declarou Raimundo dos Reis Pinto.

Fontes do Hospital Nacional de Díli informaram que no centro estão internados outros dois jovens que ficaram feridos nos mesmos fatos, apesar de não especificarem se eles possuem ferimentos de bala.

Os choques aconteceram nas imediações da mesquita de Díli entre gangues conhecidas como "ninjas", por sua afiliação a diversos clubes de artes marciais da capital timorense.

A UNPOL assumiu as funções de segurança em Díli, em agosto, para acabar com a onda de violência surgida três meses antes, e que deixou o país à beira de uma guerra civil. Desde então, 1.147 pessoas foram presas.

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