«Lasama» e Partido Democrático apoiam Ramos-Horta

Diário Digital / Lusa
26-04-2007 8:56:38

O terceiro classificado da primeira volta das eleições presidenciais timorenses, Fernando «Lasama», anunciou hoje em conferência de imprensa que apoia José Ramos-Horta na segunda volta que o primeiro-ministro está a disputar com o presidente do Parlamento Nacional.

Fernando «Lasama» de Araújo e o seu Partido Democrático assinaram com José Ramos-Horta um acordo de apoio, fazendo com que o primeiro- ministro timorense e candidato à sucessão de Xanana Gusmão se torne, pelo menos "matematicamente", o mais sério candidato à chefia da mais nova nação do Mundo.

«Apoiamos porque vimos nele que pode representar e implementar os planos e os programas que prometemos ao povo durante a campanha», justificou Fernando «Lasama», quando questionado sobre as razões que levaram a sua candidatura e o seu partido a definirem um sentido de voto para a segunda volta das presidenciais.

Já Ramos-Horta disse estar muito «sensibilizado e satisfeitíssimo» com apoio do Partido Democrático que considera ser uma força política de «futuro» já que integra a «geração do futuro».

Ramos-Horta não deixou de sublinhar que o apoio do Partido Democrático e de Fernando «Lasama» de Araújo - que obteve 77.459 votos (19,18 por cento) - faz com que a sua candidatura passe "pelo menos aritmeticamente" a deter cerca de 70 por cento dos votos.
Se estivesse garantida a transferência de votos dos candidatos que já manifestaram aos seus apoiantes um sentido de voto - Avelino Coelho, Xavier do Amaral, Lúcia Lobato, João Carrascalão e Fernando «Lasama» -, Ramos Horta teria então 274.741 votos depois de ter conquistado sozinho 88.102 votos na primeira volta.

Já Francisco Guterres «Lu Olo», que ficou no primeiro lugar com 112.666 votos, recolhe apenas o apoio directo de Manuel Tilman ou 16.534 votos, o que traduz um total de 129.200 votos.
A segunda volta das presidenciais timorenses estão agendadas para 09 de Maio com a campanha eleitoral a terminar a 06 de Maio depois de ter tido início no domingo, 22 de Abril.

Timor-Leste tem 522.933 eleitores inscritos tendo na primeira volta das eleições votado 427.198 pessoas nos 13 distritos do país.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Thursday, 26 April 2007

National Media Reports

Horta has no principles, KOTA supports Lu-Olo
Klibur Oan Timor Asswa’in party (KOTA) decided to support the Fretilin candidate Lu-Olo, because ‘Jose Ramos Horta has no principles.’

The president of KOTA, Manuel Tilman, on Wednesday (25/4) at the national parliament declared that even though KOTA supports Lu-Olo, he will not force his supporters to vote for Lu-Olo. (DN)

Rerden: “ISF has not halted the operation on Alfredo”
In response to Horta and President Gusmão’s declaration to halt the operations to capture fugitive Reinado, the Commander of the ISF, Brigadier General Mal Rerden, said that the ISF will not halt the operation until it receives a clarification letter from the government.

“ISF has not received any formal letter from the government requesting to halt the operation. Once ISF receives the letter, it will discuss the issue with the government,” said Rerden on Wednesday (25/4) at the ISF office in Caicoli Dili.

In addition, Rerden said that the operation to capture Alfredo could be easily stopped, however a public declaration to so should first come from the government. (DN)

General Prosecutor does not want to mediate Alfredo’s case
The Prosecutor General (GP), Longuinhos Monteiro, said that the GP would not mediate a dialogue but rather would take the case through a proper legal process.

“I don’t want the youth or the public in general to say that the GP intervened in some way. The GP will take the case through the proper legal process,” said Longuinhos on Wednesday (25/4) at his office in Caicoli Dili. (DN)

Horta promises to be a president of peace
Presidential candidate Jose Ramos Horta’s second round of campaigning began on Wednesday (25/4) in Manufahi, Dotik Village sub-district Alas.

Horta took this opportunity to affirm that if he is elected to be president, he will be a president for peace. He said his priority is to maintain peace and work on poverty reduction. (TP)

Seven members of government against Ramos Horta
Presidential candidate Jose Ramos Horta, who left his post as Prime Minister to run his campaign for the second round of elections, is now being challenged by other government officials.

At a press conference on 25/4 at the MTRC office in Caicoli Dili, the Minister of Labor and Solidarity, Arsenio Paixão Bano, accompanied by the Vice Minister, and the Ministers of Transportation and Telecommunication, Education, State, Finance, and the Vice Ministers of Education and Public Works, the Secretary of the State, and the Minister of the Presidential Council, said that Horta has no right to intervene in the government’s duties until the second round of elections are complete. (TP)

Estanislau asks for an investigation on the case of rice distribution
At a press conference on Wednesday (25/4) at the Office of Ministry of Agriculture Dili, the Minister of Agriculture and Vice Prime Minister, Estanislau Aleixo da Silva, said that if Prime Minister Horta insists on an investigation, then the Minister of Labor and Solidarity and Community Reinsertion, Arsenio Paixão Bano, should be investigated.

He explained that the rice was distributed to the population in Balibo by MTRC as government assistance to the people.

“If the Prime Minister does not agree with it, then the case will be investigated. Arsenio is being courageous,” said Estanislau. (TP)

CNE held meeting with political parties
After attending a meeting with CNE Commissioners on Wednesday (25/4) at the CNE office in Kintal Boot Dili, the Secretary-General of the Democratic Party (PD), Osorio Mau Lequi, said that the CNE held a meeting with the political parties that have registered with the court of appeals and these parties will compete in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He said the meeting focused on ways that the political parties could present their parliamentary candidates and on security matters. (STL)

Government ignoring CII recommendation
The Chief of Human Rights Assosiasaun Hak, Aniceto Neves, reportedly told journalists on Wednesday (25/4) at his office in Farol Dili, that the government is ignoring the recommendations made by the Commission of International Investigation (CII), which was formed by the United Nations to investigate and analyze the atmosphere of Timor-Leste during the crisis.

He said that ignoring the recommendations is a way for the government to protect those involved in the crisis and who have not yet been arrested.

He said that the government has no intention of bringing these actors to court as recommended by CII. (STL)

Population in Hudi Laran flee from their homes to Hosana Church
In the past two days, at least 13 families from Hudi Laran moved to IDP camps due to confrontations between martial arts groups, 7-7 and PSHT in Bairo Pite.

On Tuesday night, some evacuated to Seminário Fatumeta IDP camp and others to Hotel Hong Kong then on Wednesday morning they moved to Cathedral Villa Verde.

Members of PSHT used homemade weapons, looted and damaged property and fired a man, who was immediately brought to a hospital in Dili by UNPol. (STL)


International Media Reports

East Timor election: what's cooking?
East Timor's recent Presidential election has been characterized by allegations of fraud and voting irregularities
Reports, Peter Westmore

Despite the evident desire of about half a million people to vote in East Timor's recent Presidential election, the counting of the ballot has been so tainted by allegations of fraud and irregularities that it should be done again.

Although the United Nations has been involved, the conduct of the election was in the hands of an East Timorese government body, STAE (the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration), a body reputed to be dominated by members of Fretilin, the governing arty.

The early count indicated high levels of support for Fernando de Araujo of the Democratic Party and Prime Minister José Ramos Horta, but the final vote showed that the Fretilin candidate, Lu Olo, won the largest number of votes, with Mr Horta second.

If the count is confirmed by the National Electoral Commission, these two candidates will go into the second round of the election, to be held on May 9.

Six of the eight candidates, including José Ramos Horta, indicated publicly they had concerns about the conduct of the election.

Intimidation

Five of them wrote to the president of the National Electoral Commission alleging that there had been a climate of intimidation by Fretilin against opposition candidates in three of the country's 14 districts, Viqueque, Baucau and Ermera. In two of these, opposition supporters had been attacked, and some had sustained injuries.

Further, they alleged that some supporters of the opposition arties had been prevented from voting, that ballot boxes had not been kept secure, and that government members had intervened at a number of polling centres.

A letter, documenting specific allegations, was also released by Fernando de Araujo, president of the Democratic Party.

They alleged that valid votes cast in favor of the opposition were rejected by STAE officials; that there had been fake ballot papers found in some polling centres; and that in at least one district, the number of ballot boxes returned at the end of the count was larger than the number of ballot boxes issues.

Other allegations were that only agents for Fretilin were permitted to be present at one polling station, while the Minister for State Administration, Ana Pessoa Pinto (a close associate of Fretilin secretary-general Mari Alkatiri) was seen carrying 350 ballot papers outside a polling booth.

Mr de Araujo said, “Based on these facts, the Electoral Team of Fernando 'Lasama' de Araujo demands CNE [the National Electoral Commission] declare invalid the Presidential Election which took place in East Timor on 9 April 2007 and ask competent authorities to investigate and punish those responsible for such repulsive and undemocratic acts of electoral manipulation.”

CNE referred the matter to the judiciary, but no decision has been released at the time of going to press.

Serious problems in the administration of the election were confirmed by CNE. It found more than 100 violations of the electoral law and irregularities in the Presidential election.

The commission plans to submit its findings to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether the cases affect the legal validity of the election.

CNE spokesman Martinho G. da Silva Gusmao said that after a CNE plenary meeting and two days spent examining the cases they had decided to forward them to the court.

“We have found 50 cases in Dili alone. We are still verifying other districts, but so far more than 100 violations have been found. We will submit the cases to the court once we complete our verification. It will then depend on the court to decide on the validity of the election,” he said.

The breakdown in the count appeared to be the result of problems in the official figures compiled at polling centres, as well as in the district offices where ballot boxes were sent after polling day.

One of the most surprising aspects of the result was the relatively low turnout, as recorded by the official vote tally.

According to figures calculated from the unofficial count, days after the election, there were about 401,000 votes cast, compared to 523,000 registered voters, a turn-out of 77 per cent, which was lower than expected. This figure contradicted the empirical observation of observers, who noted that many thousands of people lined up for over an hour to vote.

Shortly after the first unofficial count was released, CNE discovered “95 ballot boxes, holding several hundred votes each, which have either not been counted or were not added to the election data base. Fifty-nine of the boxes come from Dili.”

There is great pressure on the count to recognize the result, despite the irregularities, because the second-round election is scheduled for May 9, and the parliamentary elections are to be held at the end of June.

Delay in the first round would cause problems with the whole electoral timetable. Yet it would be wrong to endorse a flawed electoral process simply to meet the pressures of the election timetable. The result would be to discredit the entire election and the person elected to this office. The News Weekly


EDITORIAL: Implications of East Timor's election
Peter Westmore
Whatever the ultimate outcome of East Timor's recent Presidential election, it is highly likely that Fretilin will lose the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

While the counting of votes in the first round of East Timor's Presidential election has been an utter debacle, the election offers the prospect that fundamental change may be underway in East Timor.

Although the election was conducted by the government, the published results show a massive decline in the vote for Fretilin, the Marxist party which has run East Timor since independence in 2002.

In light of the fact that Fretilin had use of the resources of government to help its election campaign, it is significant that on the published figures, Fretilin's vote has halved from 57 per cent in 2002 to about 28 per cent in 2007, with much of the residual coming from the Fretilin heartland in three districts.

Equally importantly, the vote secured by José Ramos Horta, the darling of the international media and preferred candidate of some foreign governments (including Australia's), was just 22 per cent - far lower than they expected.

Although Horta stood as an independent, he had the authority of being the existing Prime Minister of East Timor, and had the strong endorsement of the retiring President, Xanana Gusmao.

Horta also attempted to project himself as the favored son of the Catholic Church, the faith to which the overwhelming majority of Timorese are attached. His election propaganda showed a photo of him alongside Bishop Carlos Belo, the revered former Bishop of Dili, as they were presented with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996.

Little comfort

The vote, however, gives little comfort to either Fretilin or José Ramos Horta.

On the other hand, the opposition pro-democracy parties, which were completely marginalized when Fretilin took over in 2002, did far better than most international observers expected.

Fernando de Araujo, the leader of the Democratic Party, won about 17 per cent of the popular vote; Xavier do Amaral, leader of ASDT, secured 13 per cent; Lucia Lobato from the Social Democratic Party won about 10 per cent, while other opposition parties won a smaller share of the vote.

The combined vote of these parties, which have established a coalition, is now considerably greater than that of either Fretilin or José Ramos Horta.

A long-time supporter of Fretilin, Mark Aarons, recently wrote a perceptive analysis of the election outcome in The Australian on April 12. He wrote: “In a fractured vote, the standout result of Monday's first round of the presidential election is the devastating blow delivered to the ruling Fretilin party.

“In the 2001 election for a constituent assembly, Fretilin received more than 57 per cent of the vote, ensuring that it later formed the first government when the assembly transformed itself into a parliament. Fretilin then had the advantages of popular goodwill from its role in the independence struggle and its formidable village-based organization.”

Mr Aarons noted that in five years, the Fretilin vote had fallen from three in every five Timorese to one in four.

“The roots of this staggering reversal lie with the dominant wing of Fretilin led by former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri. Alkatiri did little to counter his reputation for arrogance with his pre-vote declaration that Fretilin's candidate would win in the first round with up to 60 per cent of the vote. He was 'with the people' and knew they would vote for Fretilin, as they always had (and, presumably, always would).

“The problem with this self-delusion was that Alkatiri and his group had failed to deliver the basics for their people when they had the chance: education, health, jobs, roads, electricity and clean water,” Aarons noted.

An additional important factor was the role of Alkatiri and Fretilin in the violence which erupted last year. One of Alkatiri's closest associates, the former Interior Minister, Rogerio Lobato, was found guilty recently of supplying government-issue weapons to a group of ex-Fretilin soldiers, who were instructed to assassinate rival political leaders.

In the course of the violence last year, the army and police split, gang violence erupted on the streets with people being stoned and houses burned, tens of thousands of people fled their homes, and a number of unarmed police were murdered in cold blood.

The turmoil was only brought under control when Australian and other international forces landed in Dili, disarming the warring police and army factions, and the death squad. However, tens of thousands of people in Dili remain homeless, and those responsible are still at large.

What counts against José Ramos Horta is that he promised to address the crisis facing East Timor when appointed Prime Minister last year: but nothing has happened. The prevailing sense of frustration with the old government is palpable.

Whatever the outcome of the Presidential election, it is highly likely that Fretilin will not control the next parliament, which may have a democratic majority prepared to face up to the issues which Fretilin has failed to address. The News Weekly

Reuters erra

Last Update: Thursday, April 26, 2007. 10:00pm (AEST)

All losing E Timorese candidates back Ramos Horta for presidency

East Timorese Prime Minister Dr Jose Ramos Horta has become the clear favourite to win his country's presidential election, with all of the losing candidates from the first round directing their supporters to vote for him.

Dr Ramos Horta will contest a run-off election on May 9 against the Fretilin party candidate Francisco Guterres, known as Lu Olo.

Neither man won a clear majority in the first round of voting two weeks ago forcing the second ballot.

The country's electoral authorities have also confirmed that East Timor will go to the polls a third time on June 30 for parliamentary elections to choose a new government

The presidential hopeful who placed third in this month's first round election in East Timor has urged his supporters to vote for Dr Ramos Horta in next month's presidential run-off.

The support from Fernando de Araujo, who picked up 19 per cent of the vote in the April 9 ballot, improves Dr Ramos Horta's chances of defeating parliament chief and Fretilin party candidate, Francisco Guterres, in the second round poll on May 8.

Mr de Araujo, 42, enjoys the backing of many young Timorese who saw him as an alternative to the present leadership dominated by the older generation.

"I ask all my supporters to vote for Ramos Horta because we have the same programs and I guarantee that he would be an independent and responsible president," Mr De Araujo said after signing an accord with Dr Ramos Horta.

Two other losing candidates with significant support have also given their backing to Dr Ramos Horta.

Dr Ramos Horta, a Nobel Peace prize winner, urged the international community to help improve security in East Timor and send more electoral observers.

"I am already satisfied but what makes me angry is when I see people who are illiterate, very poor, the only thing they have is the right to vote, and even on that the only thing they have every five years, they are intimidated, they are attacked and abused," he said after a meeting with foreign ambassadors.

Campaigning for the run-off, which began on Tuesday, has been peaceful but the United Nations police and international troops have been patrolling the streets in case of trouble.

The drawn-out elections have raised concerns about fresh instability in the impoverished nation, still suffering from deep divisions five years after independence.

- Reuters

Todos?! Não. Manuel Tilman apoia Lu-Olo.

UNMIT - Security Situation - Thursday, April 26, 2007

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

The security situation in most of Dili has been relatively calm, although Bairo Pite and Surik Mas remain volatile.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted a total of 34 patrols and were required to attend only five incidents. In one, UNPol responded to reports of local men harassing students at the pre-secondary school of Fatumeta. UNPol made seven arrests and recovered one makeshift pistol. UNPol were also called to Surik Mas, where some young males had caused minor damage to a house. Separately, and abandoned house was set on fire in the area. The investigation into both is ongoing.

In the districts yesterday, there were reports of young men in martial arts clothing were causing disturbances in the College Church area of Bobonaro. UNPol and PNTL repeatedly patrolled the area, but found no evidence of the men. Similarly, in Manufahi, UNPol received reports of an illegal roadblock at Datina. Nevertheless, no road blocks were discovered upon arrival.

Across the country, the two remaining Presidential candidates are continuing their campaigns for the second round of elections. So far, there have been no serious security incidents linked with the campaigning.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Report any suspicious activities and avoid traveling the areas affected by disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste

Ramos-Horta convida corpo diplomático para sua casa... para dizer mal da FRETILIN

O candidato Ramos-Horta recebeu em sua casa ontem representantes do corpo diplomático e das Nações Unidas para dizer mal da FRETILIN.

Impressionante o constante abuso da posição de Primeiro-Ministro nas convocatórias que faz. Ou pensa que não se confundem os convites?

Pessoais?...

Pfff.

Indicted Indonesian General Leads Joint Military Exercise with U.S.

John M. Miller (718) 596 7668; (917) 690-4391 (cell)

April 26, 2007 - The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) today condemned the participation of Indonesian Major General Noer Muis in a joint U.S.-Indonesia military exercise this week. General Muis has been indicted for crimes against humanity in East Timor.

Photos of the general with U.S. Army, Pacific commander Lt. General John M Brown III are featured on the U.S. Army, Pacific website (http://www.usarpac.army.mil/news/GS2007/CGCheckProgress.htm) where Muis is described as co-director of a "command post" exercise, Garuda Shield, now taking place in West Java. It is scheduled to run from April 16-27.

"General Muis belongs in a courtroom, not a joint U.S.-Indonesia command center. The Bush administration has repeatedly stated that it supports accountability for the horrendous crimes committed in East Timor in 1999. Working with an accused mastermind of those crimes is a funny way to show it," said John M. Miller, ETAN's National Coordinator.

"That the U.S. Army should so proudly feature General Muis on its website, demonstrates the meaningless of administration pledges of vetting to keep Indonesian officers accused of human rights crimes from U.S. training programs and other direct cooperation," said Miller.

"This is further evidence that the administration's short-sighted rush to expand assistance to an unaccountable Indonesian military sacrifices human rights," he added.

Muis was tried and convicted for crimes against humanity by Indonesia's Ad Hoc Human Rights Court in 2003 for his role in brutal attacks on East Timor's Dili Diocese, East Timorese Bishop Belo's house and the Suai Church massacre in September 1999. His conviction and sentence of five years were overturned on appeal in that widely discredited process, in which all but one conviction was overturned.

A colonel at the time, Colonel Muis (variously spelled Nur Muis and Noer Moeis) became local military commander in East Timor two weeks prior to the August 30, 1999 independence referendum. In that
capacity, he bears major responsibility for the atrocities committed by his troops and their militia proxies. Just before the referendum results were announced, he described contingency plans to evacuate up to a quarter-million East Timorese from their homeland, a plan that was soon forcibly implemented.

On February 24, 2003, Muis was indicted with other senior officers by the UN-backed serious crimes process in East Timor. The indictment states that Muis "failed to take necessary and reasonable measures to prevent the crimes being committed by his subordinates and he failed to take necessary and reasonable measures to punish perpetrators of those crimes," despite being "repeatedly informed" of those crimes.

At least 1400 people died, hundreds of thousands were forcibly displaced, and most of East Timor's infrastructure was destroyed as the Indonesian military punished East Timor for its pro-independence vote.

Muis is currently commander of the 1st Infantry Division of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad).

Additional information about Muis's role in 1999 can be found in the Masters of Terror database: http://www.villagechief.com/mot/Nur%20Muis.htm.


ETAN was formed in 1991. The U.S.-based organization advocates for democracy, justice and human rights for Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

For more information see ETAN's web site: http://www.etan.org.

Ramos-Horta rejeita acusação de uso eleitoral de ajuda humanitária

José Ramos-Horta

Nobel da Paz ba PREZIDENTE



INFORMAÇÃO À COMUNICAÇÃO SOCIAL
26 de ABRIL de 2007


O Dr. José Ramos-Horta rejeita completamente acusações do secrectário-geral da Fretilin de que ajuda humanitária teria sido utilizada para fins eleitorais e lamenta a falta de rigor e a ligeireza que revelam.

“Conheço o Primeiro-Ministro do Kuwait há uns 20 anos. Quero agradecer publicamente a sua grande generosidade e da organização humanitária Crescente Vermelho, do Kuwait”, afirmou o Dr. José Ramos-Horta

“Foi porque pude explicar directa e pessoalmente ao Primeiro-Ministro Nasir al-Sabah as carências sentidas pelos pobres do nosso país que ele assegurou o envio desta ajuda em tão grande quantidade”, afirmou.

O Dr. Ramos-Horta prometera arranjar cobertores para o povo pobre das aldeias mais frias do país, nos sub-distritos de Laklubar, Soibada, Salele, Maubisse, Uatu-Builico e Same.

“Quando visitei o Kuwait há seis meses, ficou combinado, entre outras formas de apoio, a oferta de cobertores para os aldeãos pobres das montanhas de Timor-Leste”, disse o Dr. Ramos-Horta.

“Já foram entregues os 5.000 cobertores que chegaram a Díli, dias antes das eleições de 9 de Abril. Foram desalfandegados 4 dias antes do dia da votação. Por isso, decidi não os entregar antes das eleições exactamente para não misturar a ajuda com as actividades da campanha”, afirmou.

Os cobertores – acompanhados de tâmaras, frutos secos ricos em calorias que o governo do Kuwait mandou em simultâneo – foram distribuídos a partir do dia 11 de Abril, dois dias após a votação.

“Não estive presente na entrega de uma única manta e quero deixar claro que escolhi a Igreja Católica para as distribuir para evitar que os 5000 cobertores fossem parar às mãos de algum grupo de artes marciais!”, sublinhou Ramos-Horta.

“As acusações que me fizeram, insinuando que as entregara para fins eleitorais são falsas e despropositadas e apenas revelam uma forma errada de fazer política. Felizmente, o povo tem mostrado que rejeita essa forma de fazer política”, acrescentou.

“Dos cobertores, mandei 700 para as Falintil-FDTL. Os restantes foram entregues aos párocos, nos distritos abrangidos, para que os distribuissem por quem é realmente necessitado.”, explicou.

Algumas mantas foram também entregues a religiosos que trabalham com IDP’s em Díli, tendo sido distribuídas em campos de deslocados e a outros necessitados.

Na sequência da visita do Dr. Ramos-Horta àquele país do Golfo, o governo do Kuwait enviou ainda um grande fornecimento de medicamentos e outro de pesticidas..

Os medicamentos chegaram ainda no ano passado, tendo sido imediatamente entregues aos serviços do Ministério da Saúde. Os pesticidas foram entregues ao Ministério da Agricultura.


Cinco ambulâncias novas


“Esta semana, chegaram a Díli cinco ambulâncias que, na mesma altura, eu tinha pessoalmente solicitado ao meu bom amigo e Primeiro-Ministro Nasir al-Sabah”, declarou Ramos-Horta.

“Timor-Leste tem razões especiais para estar satisfeito, porque este equipamento é uma ajuda muito valiosa. Quando fiz este pedido o governo não tinha planeado a aquisição de ambulâncias.”, afirmou.

“Durante a visita, percebi que havia disponibilidade da parte das autoridades e que este país amigo de Timor-Leste tinha possibilidade de as fornecer. Por isso, decidi solicitá-las. Elas permitem colocar, agora, os serviços de emergência médica de Timor-Leste num novo patamar”, explicou.

“Ainda bem que as incluí no meu pedido. Em breve estarão disponíveis, após decorrerem as necessárias formalidades portuárias e alfandegárias. São cinco novos auxiliares, muito valiosos, para salvar vidas”, declarou.

“Após consultar o Vice Primeiro Ministro e Ministro da Saúde, Dr Rui Araújo, decidimos que duas ambulâncias vão reforçar os meios do Ministério da Saúde e as três restantes vão apoiar organizações descentralizadas que estão a fazer um trabalho de grande mérito na saúde”, anunciou Ramos-Horta.

“Uma das ambulâncias será entregue à clínica do Dr. Dan Murphy, no bairro do Pité, onde está a ser desenvolvido um grande trabalho de apoio à saúde de milhares de moradores pobres. Outra será para a Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste e outra, ainda, para a Diocese de Baucau”, concluiu.

A entrega das ambulâncias será feita após as eleições presidenciais, em data a anunciar. - FIM.

Para outras informações contactar:

Dr. Dionísio Babo, PhD

Telefone + 6707243952

GNR vão desempenhar papel importante na formação da polícia

Díli, 25 Abr (Lusa) - Os elementos da Guarda Nacional Republicana estacionados em Timor-Leste vão desempenhar um importante papel na formação futura da Polícia Nacional do país, disse hoje à agência Lusa o primeiro-ministro em exercício, Estanislau da Silva.

Falando à margem da cerimónia de condecoração pelas Nações Unidas do segundo contingente da GNR estacionado em Timor-Leste, o chefe do Governo disse que os militares portugueses devem ficar em Timor por alguns anos para ajudar na formação operacional da Polícia Nacional de Timor-leste.

"Gostaríamos que a GNR continuasse no futuro. Timor é um país jovem em termos de reconstrução, governação, formação das próprias instituições e vamos precisar da experiência de Portugal e dos países da Comunidade de Países de Língua Portuguesa, mas neste caso da GNR, para treinar a polícia nacional", afirmou Estanislau da Silva.
O mesmo responsável recordou que já antes da crise de 2006 em Timor-Leste, o governo timorense tinha solicitado a Portugal o envio de um contingente da GNR para treinar a polícia timorense, acção de cooperação que não viria a concretizar-se devido à instabilidade que se verificou.

Sobre a acção da força portuguesa, Estanislau da Silva disse que a GNR "tem feito um bom trabalho, um trabalho excelente, apreciado e valorizado pelos timorenses".

"Temos dito em muitas ocasiões que nós continuamos a precisar da assistência técnica de Portugal nesta área, particularmente da GNR, para treinar as nossas forças à altura de poder ajudar a controlar a segurança, a manter a ordem e a segurança no nosso país", concluiu.
JCS-Lusa/Fim

Boa, Bravos!

GNR em Timor condecorados em dia de festa portuguesa e da ONU

Díli, 25 Abr (Lusa) - Um grupo de 143 militares da GNR estacionado em Timor-Leste foi hoje condecorado numa cerimónia que também assinalou os 33 anos do 25 de Abril e os 62 anos da primeira reunião para a constituição das Nações Unidas.

"O primeiro motivo para a escolha de dia de hoje foi porque há 33 anos, em 1974, decorria em Portugal a Revolução dos Cravos, que de forma pacífica, através de um movimento militar e popular, derrubou um regime de ditadura de quase 50 anos e instituiu um regime democrático, sendo o dia de hoje, para além de feriado nacional, designado por Dia da Liberdade", afirmou o capitão Jorge Barradas.

O líder do contingente da GNR em Timor-Leste salientou também que essa liberdade conquistada em Portugal "representa a razão que trouxe a GNR para Timor-Leste (...) numa primeira fase a fim de repor a lei e a ordem, o que foi alcançado de forma notável (...) e numa segunda fase permitir que a mesma liberdade democrática" de escolha dos dirigentes da Nação "possa igualmente decorrer em Timor-Leste" neste período eleitoral.

Jorge Barradas lembrou ainda que há 62 anos tinha lugar em São Francisco (Estados Unidos) a primeira reunião para a fundação da Organização das Nações Unidas com a participação de 50 países, uma data que "representa o espírito de ajuda internacional" que na está base da criação da organização e da sua própria intervenção em Timor-Leste.

Jorge Barradas elogiou ainda o "desempenho e disponibilidade permanente" do subagrupamento Bravo que comanda e recordou que algumas das missões foram "cumpridas com sucesso e muitas vezes em condições extremamente difíceis".

Os elogios ao trabalho e ao empenho da GNR em Timor-Leste foram ouvidos também pelo representante do Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas, Atul Khare, que disse estar "orgulhoso da resposta positiva de Portugal" ao desafio de trabalhar em Timor-Leste e sublinhou o "grande contributo" daquela força portuguesa na estabilização do território e numa acção "reconhecida pela população".

Já Jacob Fernandes, vice-presidente do Parlamento Nacional de Timor-Leste, afirmou que o país tem um "profundo reconhecimento pelo trabalho da GNR" e classificou de "essencial e insubstituível" o papel da força portuguesa.

"O trabalho da GNR em Timor-Leste tem sido desenvolvido com mestria e profissionalismo e isso é uma evidência para todos nós" e para a população, que "constantemente elogia o seu trabalho", sublinhou.

"São exemplos a seguir para as polícias nacionais de Timor-Leste", defendeu Jacob Fernandes.

A medalha hoje entregue aos 143 militares da GNR que irão permanecer em Timor-Leste até meados de Julho é atribuída a todos as forças que participam por mais de três meses em missões de Paz das Nações Unidas.

JCS-Lusa/Fim

Operações para deter Reinado continuam, major deve entregar-se

Operações para deter Reinado continuam, major deve entregar-se

Díli, 25 Abr (Lusa) - As operações de busca para tentar capturar o major fugitivo Alfredo Reinado "continuam" e o militar deve "entregar-se" à justiça, considerou o primeiro-ministro timorense em exercício, Estanislau da Silva.

"Todos os esforços vão ser feitos mas o Estado timorense é um Estado de Direito, tem de ser respeitado e as operações de segurança e de estabilidade continuam", afirmou o actual líder do governo que substitui José Ramos-Horta enquanto o líder do executivo está em campanha para as eleições presidenciais.

Falando à agência Lusa à margem da cerimónia de condecoração pelas Nações Unidas de 143 militares da GNR que estão a participar na missão de manutenção de paz, o mesmo responsável salientou que "houve uma reunião de alto nível presidida por Xanana Gusmão" onde foi colocada a possibilidade de serem suspensas as operações de busca a Alfredo Reinado, "mas não houve uma decisão nesse sentido".

"O que o Alfredo terá de fazer é entregar-se à justiça. Ele em muitas ocasiões disse que queria que a justiça ande e ele mais do que ninguém deve apresentar-se à justiça", considerou.

Estanislau da Silva disse também que existem contactos indirectos - através da Igreja - com o major Reinado e que os órgãos de Estado vão continuar a permitir essa aproximação, embora na perspectiva de uma rendição de Alfredo Reinado.

"Timor-Leste é um Estado, há um Governo, há leis que devem ser cumpridas para não criar precedentes no futuro e Alfredo Reinado como cidadão deve cumprir as leis para dar exemplo aos outros e por isso que se apresente perante as autoridades, perante o Tribunal", sustentou.
A afirmação de Estanislau da Silva surge numa altura em que a imprensa timorense tem referido que o primeiro-ministro Ramos-Horta defende uma suspensão das operações para capturar o major Alfredo Reinado e que o próprio militar fugitivo manifestou disponibilidade para se encontrar frente a frente com o chefe do Governo para definir o seu caso.

O militar rebelde é procurado pelos confrontos do ano passado, que causaram mais de 30 mortos.

Em Agosto, Reinado conseguiu fugir da prisão onde estava detido sob acusação de assassínio durante os confrontos de Maio de 2005, motivados pela desmobilização de mais de 600 soldados.

JCS-Lusa/Fim

Rebuilding Timor-Leste's health system

The World Bank Group - 20 Apr 2007

Challenge

More than 70 percent of Timor-Leste's health facilities were destroyed or badly damaged in the violence and conflict that followed the referendum on independence from Indonesia in 1999. Around 80 percent of the country's health managers left the country as did all but around 20 doctors.

Approach

In this context of devastation, the first health sector rehabilitation project aimed to build health institutions and develop a policy framework for a new health system, while providing basic health services. The basic service delivery system had two key features: to work with NGOs to deliver health services while the system was being built, and to start the process of district planning to build capacity and lay the foundations for inter-government relations and institutional linkages. The second project started a hospital restructuring program while continuing the activities begun under the first.

Results

The coverage of basic health services within a two-hour traveling distance of settled populations increased from 75 percent to 86 percent.

Highlights:

- Use of the health system increased from an average one visit per year per person to at least 2.5 visits per year. In child and maternal health, immunization for the three-rounds of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio increased from 34 percent to 73 percent and for measles from 26 percent to 73 percent. Skilled attendance of births increased from 26 percent to 41 percent.
- Together the two projects helped establish a health policy framework, a legal framework for the health system, and a policy on private health provision.
- 28 new health centers were built, existing health centers and health posts were rehabilitated, and a new central medical supplies store and radio communication system linking all districts and hospitals were created.
- The projects resulted in a sector wide approach to assistance to the health sector being taken. This was very important in the early days of limited national capacity.
- The adoption of a Policy Framework for Health provided the basis for a dialogue among development partners on strategy and specific needs for support.
- The construction program, particularly the small works program, contributed to building business opportunities, capacity and local employment.
- A Demographic Health Survey helped develop the capacity of the new central office of statistics to undertake and manage national surveys. It also helped build a foundation for evidence-based policy development.
- A number of reviews, both internal and external, such as the ones done by the World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group or the European Commission rated the first Health Sector Rehabilitation and Development Project as Satisfactory, especially in policy development, long-term sustainability and management capacity building.

IDA Contribution

- The first project: US$12.7 million from the Trust Fund for East Timor (TFET), administered by IDA.
- The second project: US$12.6 million TFET and €16.5 million in additional funding in an IDA-administered trust fund financed by the EC - additional joint funding from the EC of €16.5 million.

Partners

In this post-conflict situation, donors turned to IDA to begin the longer-term development program. IDA was recognized for its capacity to manage a multi-donor trust fund and to bring multi-sector and multi-country experience to the task. As support was channeled through a Trust Fund, donors could provide funds through a single financing mechanism.
- In health, World Bank staff worked closely with major TFET donors interested in the sector to develop a sector-wide approach. Joint donor missions allowed the government to deal with one main interlocutor.
- This process encouraged government ownership of the program, created a forum for technical assistance from UN agencies (WHO, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF), brought NGOs into partnership with the emerging Ministry of Health, and leveraged additional funding from the European Commission's Humanitarian Office and from the EC itself.

Next Steps

Continued strengthening of basic services remains critical to sustained improvement of health, with particular needs in maternal health, nutrition and communicable diseases. The government is looking at "second generation" issues around health systems and personnel management, health financing and partnerships with the private sector. Continued support to the health program continues to be provided, post-TFET, by the EC and Australia.

For more project information on this project, please visit:
http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?Projectid=P070294,P072648&theSitePK=40941&pagePK=64283627&menuPK=228424&piPK=73230

Nota:

Com ou sem namoradas do presidente do Banco Mundial?..

New focus helps crack Balibo Five film

The Australian – April 26, 2007
Sandy George, Film writer

IT has taken four years to work out how to turn the story of the Balibo Five, the TV newsmen killed in East Timor on October 16, 1975, into a feature film.
But director Robert Connolly (The Bank, Three Dollars) is confident filming can begin.

"Lots of film-makers have tried to crack this story but haven't been able to," Connolly said yesterday, speaking publicly about the film for the first time. "We finally think we have - by telling it from the East Timorese point of view." ~

His two key characters are Jose Ramos Horta, now East Timor's Prime Minister but then 25 and a key figure in the Timorese nationalist movement, who went on to win the Nobel prize for peace; and Australian journalist Roger East, who went to East Timor to investigate the deaths and was executed in December 1975 when Indonesia invaded the island.

Mr Ramos Horta does not yet know he will feature so strongly in the film.

David Williamson has written the script from Jill Jolliffe's 2001 book Cover-Up, the inside story of the Balibo Five.

The film will concentrate on the month following the killings and encompasses key events since, including the NSW coronial inquest into the deaths, due to resume next month.

"Thirty-two years later, the Balibo Five is still deeply rooted in our culture and people are still really troubled by it," Connolly said, referring to the uncertainty surrounding Canberra's role in the invasion of East Timor.

"The film is about journalists in war and what it takes to free a country," he said. "The thing I love about it is that it shows how the truth always comes out. Decisions politicians made 32 years ago are still being investigated in the court."

Connolly and business partner John Maynard, producer for The Balibo Five, said they were committed to exploring political issues. The Bank tackled business ethics, for example. Their next film, Romulus, My Father, is a migrant story.

Maynard describes The Balibo Five as his most difficult film yet.

"The cinema world is full of First World heroes going into Third World countries to liberate their citizens, and it doesn't work like that," Maynard said.

"In 20 years, 200,000 people in East Timor, one-third of the population, were killed while the world turned its back on them ... Their desire to be independent is like some sort of miracle."

Exército australiano agradece a português que entregou arma perdida

Díli, 25 Abr (Lusa) - As forças australianas estacionadas em Timor-Leste fizeram hoje um "agradecimento público" a um cidadão português que recuperou uma arma automática do exército australiano numa berma da estrada entre a vila de Ermera e Aifu.

"Confirmamos que a arma encontrada pertence às forças australianas e terá caído à estrada durante um percurso feito de carro sem que os militares dessem pela sua falta", disse o relações públicas da missão australiana, Ivan Benitez, contactado pela agência Lusa.

A mesma fonte disse ainda que as autoridades militares australianas "vão investigar o caso para que situações idênticas não se repitam" e sublinhou o "agradecimento público" à atitude do cidadão português.

António Pedro Mesquita encontrou terça-feira na estrada que liga Aifu a Ermera uma arma automática do exército australiano perdida pelos militares que prestam serviço no país.
Num relato feito à agência Lusa, António Pedro Mesquita explicou que no caminho entre a vila de Ermera e Aifu viu a arma na berma da estrada, parou, recolheu-a e regressou a Ermera para a entregar ao exército australiano.

"Entreguei a arma aos soldados Doig e Heena que circulavam numa viatura do exército australiano e me confirmaram que as armas lhes pertencia e que tinha sido perdida", disse António Mesquita, ao salientar que a arma estava munida de carregador e mira.

Após entregar a arma ao exército australiano, o cidadão português comunicou o facto ao comandante da unidade policial das Nações Unidas estacionadas em Timor-Leste.
JCS-Lusa/Fim

UNMIT – Monitorização dos Media – Quarta-feira 25 Abril 2007

(Tradução da Margarida)

Relatos dos Media Nacionais

Alfredo pede a Ramos Horta para o contactar legalmente
Alfredo Reinaldo disse que está pronto para se encontrar com Ramos Horta.

“Se ele quer contactar-me, deve fazê-lo legalmente por intermédio dos meus advogados,” disse Alfredo.

Por outro lado, o Procurador-Geral, Longuinhos Monteiro, disse que a Procuradoria não mediará um diálogo mas que vai antes desenvolver o caso através do processo legal adequado. (TP)

Lu-Olo: Horta deve respeitar a Constituição existente
O candidato presidencial da Fretilin, LU-Olo, disse que o sistema judicial é um sistema independente e que ninguém deve interferir nele.

Este comentário seguiu-se à decisão de Ramos Horta para re-abrir o caso de distribuição de armas se for eleito presidente. Lu-Olo disse que Horta deve respeitar a Constituição existente. (TP)

Campanha porta-a-porta pode causar manipulação
O Director do Instituto de Estudos de Segurança, Júlio Thomas Pinto, disse que será bom para ambos os candidatos, Lu-Olo e Ramos Horta fazerem campanhas porta-a-portas, mas deviam assegurar diálogos.

Júlio disse que deviam evitar um monologo mas assegurar que os apoiantes são capazes de partilhar as suas ideias.

Contudo, disse que se as campanhas porta-a-porta não forem controladas, os candidatos podem tirar vantagem desta oportunidade. (TP)

As alegações do Partido Democrático são falsas
Antero Bosco, Vice Comandante da Unidade de Polícia de Fronteira, negou as alegações do Partido Democrático de ameaça de armas em Suku Saburai, no distrito Bobonaro. Disse que nunca ameaçou ninguém e que nunca fez campanha em Suku Saburai visto que estava de serviço em Maliana. (STL)

O cão de raiva de Maputo começa a aterrorizar
O antigo comandante da Fretilin, Vicente da Conceição ou Railos, qfirmou que o cão de raiva de Maputo liderado por Lebo está a planear aterrorizar o povo no distrito de Liquica, particularmente nas áreas remotas. (STL)

Nenhum relato de intimidação por funcionários do governo
O Presidente do Conselho de Ministros, Antoninho Bianco, declarou que não recebeu nenhum relato em relação a funcionários do governo (terem) aterrorizado e intimidado pessoas durante a campanha eleitoral e na segunda volta das eleições presidenciais. (STL)

Primeiro-Ministro Ramos Horta deve ter a coragem de despedir Ministro indisciplinado
Um deputado do Parlamento Nacional, Rui Menezes, disse que não interessa se a decisão do Primeiro-Ministro de despedir o Ministro vem atrasada desde que ele tenha a capacidade de despedir todos os ministros indisciplinados. (STL)

Campanha porta-a-porta de Horta em Lautem
Considerando o falhanço na primeira volta nas eleições presidenciais no distrito de Lautem, a equipa de Ramos Horta está a planear fazer campanha porta-a-porta na área antes da segunda volta. (STL)

10 pessoas detidas por espalharem tensões étnicas em Uatolari
O Vice-Coordenador da Fretilin em Viqueque, Manuel Gaspar, juntamente com outros 9 foram detidos por criarem tensões étnicas entre os clãs Makasae e Nauweti. João Ximenes Amaral escapou.

Parem de fazer promessas envolvendo o sistema da justiça
O Procurador-Geral da República, Longuinhos Monteiro, pediu aos candidatos presidenciais para pararem de fazer promessas em relação a casos que estão sob a alçada do sistema da justiça. (STL, DN e TP)

Relatos dos Media Internacionais

Timor-Leste luta
The Boston Globe
Publicado: Abril 24, 2007

A dura anexação pela Indonésia de Timor-Leste, que durou de 1975 a 1999, deixou feridas profundas e impressionantes. Mas as eleições esta primavera para um novo presidente e primeiro-ministro podem significar pontos de viragem na luta do país para a autonomia democrática.

A segunda volta das presidenciais, marcadas para 9 de Maio, é crucial para o novo Estado, que foi criado com a assistência da ONU depois da retirada das forças da Indonésia em 1999. Passaram cinco anos desde que os Timorenses adoptaram a Constituição e elegeram o seu novo presidente, parlamento, e primeiro-ministro. Nesta altura, antigos combatentes da liberdade muitas vezes lutaram uns contra os outros, abalando as fundações do novo Estado e requerendo a presença prolongada de cerca de 3,000 tropas estrangeiras, a maioria da Austrália e Nova Zelândia.

O conflito no ano passado entre forças de segurança rivais, a consequência de lutas entre elites políticas, Timorenses excluídos, levantaram o espectro da anarquia. Em combinação com o desemprego persistente, esses confrontos entre facções das forças armadas abriram o caminho a guerra de gangs.

"Se for o presidente deste país, pedirei à ONU, Austrália, e Nova Zelândia para ficarem," disse um dos candidatos a presidente, José Ramos-Horta.
Seja qual fou o resultado, haverá uma grande necessidade para a comunidade internacional permanecer engajada a ajudar o país a sair da sua horrível pobreza. A nova nação começou a receber rendimentos das reservas de petróleo e gás offshore, mas precisa ainda de fundos para projectos de infra-estruturas criadoras de emprego e para programas de treino.

Tropas Australianas em Timor comemoram o Dia Anzac
Terça-feira Abril 24 21:19 AEST

Tropas Australianas a servir em Timor-Leste vão parar na Quarta-feira de manhã para serviços na madrugada do Dia Anzac em todo o pequeno país.

Em todas as cidades onde estão soldados Australianos haverá serviços de madrugada, desde que as condições de segurança permitam aos soldados Australianos pararem para alguns momentos de reflexão.

O major Dave Bruhwiller, baseado em Dili, disse que estava também planeado um jogo na capital.

Uma companhia de soldados da Nova Zelândia também a servir em Timor-Leste aumentarão a importância do dia ainda, disse o major Bruhwiller.

"Isso acaba por fazer o dia um pouco mais emotivo," disse.

Timor-Leste entra na próxima fase
Última Actualização 23/04/2007, 23:02:08
ABC – Radio Australia

Começou a campanha da segunda volta das eleições presidenciais em Timor-Leste na Segunda-feira com os candidatos José Ramos-Horta e Francisco Guterres a prometerem umas eleições pacíficas.

Nem o Primeiro-Ministro Ramos-Horta nem o Sr Guterres ganhou a maioria absoluta nas eleições de 9 de Abril, o que leva à segunda volta do próximo mês.

A eleição presidencial é a primeira desde que Timor-Leste ganhou a independência em 2002.

Um porta-voz do Nobel da Paz Ramos-Horta diz que estão a fazer uma campanha porta-a-porta de maneira pacífica e que não forçarão as pessoas a escolherem.

O Sr Guterres, candidato da Fretilin, falou brevemente aos seus apoiantes em Dili antes de começar o seu porta-a-porta.

Os planos do Governo para Timor-Leste
The Guardian 25 Abril, 2007

A Comissão Eleitoral Timorense declarou finalmente os resultados da primeira volta da eleição para o novo Presidente que vai substituir Xanana Gusmão, que decidiu não tornar a concorrer outra vez.

No início da contagem dos votos os media Australianos apressaram-se a declarar a vitória de Ramos Horta e que o candidato da Fretilin tinha sofrido uma "derrota esmagadora ". Com a continuação da contagem, concluiu-se que o candidato da Fretilin estava à frente. Com este desenvolvimento o cacarejar da vitória foi substituído por acusações de desaparecimento de boletins de votos, intimidação de eleitores pela Fretilin e uma atmosfera geral de desconfiança da votação.

A votação foi acompanhada por irregularidades onde o responsável da Comissão Eleitoral abertamente tomou o lado dos candidatos que se opõem à Fretilin. "Tivémos a surpresa de o Sr Lu-Olo [o candidato da Fretilin] chegar a vencedor nesta altura ", declarou o padre Martinho Gusmão.

O padre Gusmão tornou público o seu apoio pessoal ao Sr Araújo, um dos candidatos. Os Comissários Eleitorais são supostos serem neutros. Contudo, o padre Gusmão é um bom filho da igreja católica que teve um papel proeminente na campanha eleitoral e tem feito campanha, desnecessário dizer, contra a Fretilin.

Um artigo no Australian Financial Review (FR) (5-9/4/07) põe a nú os interesses do governo Australiano nas eleições de Timor-Leste.

O jornalista John Kerin escreve: "O que o Governo de Howard mais receia é que a Fretilin triunfe nas eleições presidenciais, tornando mais provável que o politicamente espinhoso Mari Alkatiri … encene um regresso nas eleições parlamentares."

O FR declarou abertamente as suas esperanças em Ramos-Horta ganhar a eleição presidencial e Xanana Gusmão se tornar o próximo Primeiro-Ministro. "Ele e Ramos Horta são considerados apoiantes da continuação do envolvimento Australiano em Timor-Leste … encorajando a estabilidade e atraindo investimento … Ramos Horta prometeu ‘um Estado de comércio livre’ sem impostos, taxas de vendas ou excepções excepto a artigos que ponham a saúde em risco. Impostos de rendimento e para sociedades serão fixas de cinco e de dez por cento.

Alan Dupont que é o director do Centro de Estudos de Segurança Internacional na Universidade de Sydney é citado pelo FR como tendo dito que seja qual for o grupo que ganhe terá de garantir a estabilidade política antes da estabilidade física, rendimentos do petróleo e modestos investimento estrangeiro seguir-se-ão. "Está muita coisa em jogo para a Austrália …"

Com tropas no terreno, Horta como Presidente e Xanana Gusmão como Primeiro-Ministro, o Governo Australiano estará numa posição de força para exercer o domínio colonial sob o povo de Timor-Leste há longos anos sofredor. Este é o objectivo real do golpe de Estado em curso há bastante tempo e que começou abertamente com o ataque preemptivo feito pela Austrália no ano passado quando teve sucesso, devido à propaganda falsa, à violência nas ruas e à pressão, na remoção de Mari Alkatiri do cargo de Primeiro-Ministro e na sua substituição pela marioneta indiscutível da Austrália — Ramos Horta.

Não há qualquer expectativa que as políticas seguidas no Pacífico do Sul pelo Governo de Howard sejam mudadas por um governo do ALP. Os líderes do ALP já deixaram claro que apoiam as políticas e as acções de Howard e de Downer nesta região.

UNMIT – Situação de Segurança – Quarta-feira, Abril 25, 2007

(Tradução da Margarida)

A situação da segurança tem-se mantido relativamente calma, apesar de a do Bairo Pite se manter volátil.

Hoje em Dili, a UNPol conduziu um total de 54 patrulhas e foi-lhe pedido que atendesse apenas em três incidentes. Um foi uma luta de gangs no Bairo Pite perto do Hotel Hong Kong cerca das 0745 horas. A UNPol e a Unidade Formada de Polícia da Malásia respondeu e trouxe a situação sob controlo. Foram recuperadas armas do local, e um jovem sofreu ferimentos menores. Duas horas mais tarde, a UNPol também respondeu a queixas de lutas com pedras em Fatumeta. A situação ficou rapidamente controlada, e não houve feridos.

Ontem. em Dili, a UNPol recebeu relatos de gangs a lutarem em Surik Mas. Quando a UNPol chegou, os gangs tinham fugido, mas uma casa tinha sido incendiada. Os bombeiros chegaram ao local e extinguiram-no. Desde então foram detidas cinco pessoas no Bairo Pite e Hudilaran em conexão com a luta.

Em Oecussi ontem de manhã, foi encontrado o corpo de um homem no Rio Tono Panti Makasar. A polícia identificou a última pessoa que esteve com a vítima, e estão a conduzir mais investigações.

Em separado, um homem foi esfaqueado nas nádegas depois de uma disputa doméstica em Kuluhun, Los Palos. As suas feridas não são sérias.

Pelo país os dos candidatos Presidenciais começaram a sua campanha para a segunda volta das eleições. Até agora, não houve qualquer incidente sério de segurança ligado às campanhas.

Em relação a outro trabalho da polícia, a Unidade de Pessoas Vulneráveis da UNPol está a encontrar-se com a UNICEF para discutir que apoio pode ser dado pela UNPol no caso de emergências em campos de deslocados. A Unidade está também a analisar ponderar afirmações de testemunhas em relação a alegações de tráfico humano.

A polícia aconselha a evitar a evitar viajar durante a noite nas áreas mais afectadas. Relate qualquer actividade suspeita e evite viajar nas áreas afectadas pelos distúrbios. Chame o 112 ou o 7230365 para contactar a polícia 24 horas por dia, sete dias na semana.

Esta foi uma emissão diária da Polícia da ONU em Timor-Leste, para o povo de Timor-Leste.

Dos Leitores

Comentário na sua mensagem "Dos Leitores - militares australianos "perdem arma...":

Vergonhoso.

O exército australiano não tem sequer brio e revela-se uma tropa incompetente, incapaz de lidar com as missões que lhe são atribuidas, deixa "escapar" Reinado, perde armas (das piores desonras para um militar!) e cada vez mostra mais a sua falta de preparação para missões de paz.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Wednesday 25 April 2007

National Media Reports

Alfredo demands Ramos Horta to contact him legally
Alfredo Reinaldo said that he is ready to meet Ramos Horta.

“If he wants to contact me, it should be done legally through my lawyers,”said Alfredo.

On the other hand, The President of General Prosecutor (GP), Longuinhos Monteiro, said that the GP would not mediate a dialogue but rather would take the case through the proper legal process. (TP)

Lu-Olo: Horta should respect the existing constitution
Fretilin’s presidential candidate, LU-Olo, said that the judicial body is an independent body and no one should interfere with it.

This comment followed Ramos Horta’s decision to reopen the case on weapons distribution if he is elected as president. Lu-Olo said that Horta should respect the existing constitution. (TP)

Door-to-door campaigning may cause manipulation
The Director of the East Timor Institute for Security Studies, Julio Thomas Pinto, said that it would be good for both candidates, Lu-Olo and Ramos Horta to conduct door-to-door campaigns, but should ensure dialogue.

Julio said that they should avoid a monologue but ensure that the supporters are able to share their ideas.

However, he said that if door-to-door campaigning is not controlled, the candidates may take advantage of this opportunity. (TP)

Democratic Party’s allegations are false
Antero Bosco, Vice Commander of Border Police Unit, denied the Democratic Party’s allegations of arms’ threat in Suku Saburai, in Bobonaro district. He said that he never threatened anybody and never even campaigned in Suku Saburai as his duties were in Maliana. (STL)

The Maputo Anger Dog Starts to Terrorize
Former Fretilin Commander, Vicente da Conceicao or Railos, stated that the Maputo Anger Dog led by Lebo are planning to terrorize people in Liquica district, particularly in the remote areas. (STL)

No report on intimidation by government officers
The Chief of the Councils of Minister, Antoninho Bianco, declared that he has not received any reports regarding government officials terrorizing and intimidating people during the elections campaign and run-off presidential elections. (STL)

Prime Minister Ramos Horta should have the courage to fire the undisciplined Minister
A National Parliament Member, Rui Menezes, said that it does not matter if the Prime Minister’s decision to fire the Minister came late as long as he is able to fire all the undisciplined ministers. (STL)

Horta’s Door-to-Door Campaign in Lautem
Considering the failure in first round of presidential elections in Lautem district, Ramos Horta’s team is planning to conduct door-to-door campaigning in the area ahead of the run-off elections. (STL)

10 people arrested for spreading ethnic tensions in Uatolari
Fretilin’s Party Deputy Coordinator in Viqueque, Manuel Gaspar, along with 9 others were arrested for creating ethnic tensions between the Makasae clan and Nauweti. Joao Ximenes Amaral escaped.

Stop making promises involving the justice system
Prosecutor General of the Republic, Longuinhos Monteiro, asked the presidential candidates to stop making promises regarding cases that fall under the justice realm. (STL, DN and TP)

International Media Reports

East Timor struggles on
The Boston Globe
Published: April 24, 2007

Indonesia's harsh annexation of East Timor, which lasted from 1975 to 1999, left deep, disabling wounds. But elections this spring for a new president and prime minister might become turning points in the country's struggle for democratic self-sufficiency.

The second round of the presidential vote, set for May 9, is crucial for the new state, which was created with UN assistance after Indonesia's forces withdrew in 1999. It has been five years since the Timorese adopted a constitution and elected their first president, parliament, and prime minister. In that time, former freedom fighters have often fought one another, shaking the foundations of the new state and requiring the prolonged presence of some 3,000 peacekeepers, mostly from Australia and New Zealand.

Conflict last year between rival security forces, the consequence of feuding among political elites, deprived Timorese raised the spectre of anarchy. In combination with pervasive unemployment, those clashes between factions of the armed forces have opened the way for gang warfare.

"If I am president of this country, I will ask the UN, Australia, and New Zealand to stay on," one of the leading candidates for president, José Ramos-Horta, has said.
Whatever the outcome, there will be a great need for the international community to remain engaged in helping the country overcome its dire poverty. The new nation has begun to receive royalties from offshore oil and gas reserves, but it still needs funds for job-creating infrastructure projects and training programs.


Timor Diggers to commemorate Anzac Day
Tuesday Apr 24 21:19 AEST

Diggers serving in East Timor will stop on Wednesday morning for Anzac Day dawn services across the tiny country.

In every town where Australian soldiers are serving there will be dawn services, provided security conditions allow the diggers to stand down for a few moments of reflection.

Major Dave Bruhwiller, based in Dili, said a game of two-up was also planned for the capital.

A company of New Zealand soldiers also serving in East Timor would add increased importance to the day, Major Bruhwiller said.

"It actually does make the day a bit more emotional," he said.

East Timor enters next phase
Last Updated 23/04/2007, 23:02:08
ABC – Radio Australia

Campaigning for the runoff in East Timor's presidential election has begun on Monday with candidates Jose Ramos-Horta and Francisco Gutteres vowing a peaceful poll.

Neither Prime Minister Ramos-Horta nor Mr Gutteres won an absolute majority in the April 9 election, prompting next month's further poll.

The presidential election is the first since East Timor won independence in 2002.

A spokesman for Nobel Peace Prize winner Ramos-Horta says they are conducting a door to door campaign in a peaceful way and will not force people to choose.

Mr Gutteres, a candidate for the ruling Fretilin party, spoke briefly to supporters in Dili before starting his door knock.

Government’s plan for East Timor
The Guardian 25 April, 2007

The East Timorese Electoral Commission has at last declared a result from the first round of voting in the election for a new President to replace Xanana Gusmao, who had decided not to run again for a second term.

In the early stages of the vote count the Australian media rushed to declare a victory for Ramos Horta and that the Fretilin candidate had suffered a "crushing defeat". With more counting, the Fretilin candidate was found to be in the lead. With this development the crowing of victory was replaced by accusations of missing ballot papers, charges of intimidation of voters by Fretilin and a general atmosphere of distrust of the ballot.

The ballot was accompanied by irregularities in that the head of the Electoral Commission openly sided with candidates opposed to Fretilin. "We have the surprise that Mr Lu-Olo [the Fretilin candidate] came as the winner for the time being", declared Fr Martinho Gusmao.

Fr Gusmao has made known his personal support for Mr Araujo, one of the candidates. Electoral Commissioners are supposed to be neutral. However, Fr Gusmao is a good son of the Catholic Church which played a prominent part in the election campaign and has campaigned, needless to say, against Fretilin.

An article in the Australian Financial Review (FR) (5-9/4/07) laid bare the interests of the Australian government in the East Timor elections.

Journalist John Kerin writes: "What the Howard government fears most is that Fretilin will triumph in the presidential poll, making it all the more likely that the politically prickly Mari Alkatiri … will stage a comeback in the parliamentary elections."

The FR openly pinned its hopes on Ramos-Horta winning the residential election and Xanana Gusmao becoming the next Prime Minister. "He and Ramos Horta are considered supportive of continuing Australian involvement in East Timor … encouraging stability and attracting investment … Ramos Horta has promised a ‘free trade state’ with no tariffs, sales tax or excise except on items that pose a health risk. Income and corporate tax rates would be set at flat rates of five percent and 10 percent.

Alan Dupont who is the director of the Centre for International Security Studies at Sydney University is quoted by the FR as saying that whichever grouping wins will have to guarantee political stability before physical security, oil income and modest foreign investment will follow. "There’s a lot at stake for Australia …"

With troops on the ground, Horta as President and Xanana Gusmao as Prime Minister, the Australian government would be in a strong position to exercise colonial domination of the long-suffering people of East Timor. This is the real objective of the long-running coup that openly commenced with the pre-emptive strike made by Australia last year when it succeeded by false propaganda, violence on the streets and pressure to have Mari Alkatiri removed as Prime Minister and replaced by Australia’s undisputed stooge — Ramos Horta.

There is no expectation that the policies being pursued in the South Pacific by the Howard government will be changed by an ALP government. ALP leaders have already made it clear that they support Howard and Downer’s policies and actions in this region.

UNMIT - Security Situation - Wednesday, April 25, 2007

The security situation in Dili has been relatively calm, although Bairo Pite remains volatile.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted a total of 54 patrols and were required to attend only three incidents. One was a gang fight in Bairo Pite near the Hong Kong Hotel at approximately 0745hrs. UNPol and the Malaysian Formed Police Unit responded and brought the situation under control. Weapons were recovered from the scene, and a young male sustained minor injuries. Two hours later, UNPol also responded to reports of rock fighting in Fatumeta. The situation was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.

Yesterday in Dili, UNPol received reports of gangs fighting in Surik Mas. When UNPol arrived, the gangs had fled, but one house had been set on fire. The fire service attended the scene and extinguished the blaze. Five people have since been arrested in Bairo Pite and Hudilaran in connection with the fight.

In Oecussi yesterday morning, the body of a man was found at Tono River Panti Makasar. Police have identified the last people known to have been with the victim, and a further investigation is being conducted.

Separately, a man was stabbed in the buttocks after a domestic dispute in Kuluhun, Los Palos. His injuries are not thought to be serious.

Across the country, the two remaining Presidential candidates have begun their campaigning for the second round of elections. So far, there have been no serious security incidents linked with the campaigns.

With regards to other police work, the Vulnerable Persons Unit of UNPol is meeting with UNICEF to discuss what support can be offered by UNPol in the event of any emergencies in the IDP camps. The Unit is also looking into canvassing for witness statements with regards to allegations of human trafficking.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Report any suspicious activities and avoid traveling the areas affected by disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste

Dos Leitores - militares australianos "perdem armas"

Ontem as 16:00 quando vinha de Aifu para Ermera encontrei uma arma automática com carregador do exército Australiano, perdida junto a berma da estrada.

Devolvi-a à patrulha que encontrei mais próxima e não ficaram muito surpreendidos, disseram que a tinham perdido com a maior das naturalidades. Agora o quartel dos Aussies em Ermera fica em Aifu, encontrei a arma acerca de 300 metros do quartel deles.

Parece-me que isto não foi inofensivo, todas as noites tem havido tiros em Ermera, eles tiveram azar porque quem deveria ter apanhado a arma deveriam ter sido os Timorenses para gerar confusão e justificar a presença deles em Ermera.

Quem disse que tinha perdido a arma foi o soldado Doig e o soldado Heena e o carro que conduziam era um Land Rover de matricula 48-206.

Isto está tudo a ficar maluco.

O marinheiro encalhado de Ermera

NOTA:

Caro Marinheiro encalhado em Ermera,

Mais do mesmo e evidentemente que ninguém será responsabilizado. Nem o comando australiano, nem a UN se darão ao trabalho de apresentar explicações. Nem nenhum jornalista fará perguntas que incomodem muito...

Apresente queixa à UNPOL, de qualquer maneira.

O golpe continua...

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