Timor-Leste Legal News November 2006

UNMIT Daily Media Review - 27 November 2006 National Media Reports

IF there is no justice, I will not hand over the weapons : Alfredo - There was an exclusive interview between Timor Post and Fugitive Major Alfredo Reinaldo prior to the two-day seminar held in Suai, 24-25 November 2006. Major Alfredo in the interview said that this crisis was begun at the military institution which caused his desertion. He then admitted that he was still in possession of weapons but he said that he will not hand them over to anybody if there was not justice for people and himself. He said, "If I am accused for any involvement in this crisis, I am ready to face the court, but as this is a military crisis within the F-FDTL institution, I would like to see the change in this institution." He also stressed that the institution was used for the political purpose which resulted in the ongoing conflict. In respond to the plan of the government and some leaders to hold a dialogue with him, he told that any dialogue might be held as long as it was opened for the public, so that everyone could get access to the information.

Alfredo said that there should be a revolution of our mentality, and a reformation to solve the problem, restore the justice, peace, government structure, and constitution. He added that the revolution' did not mean we should use weapons to fight each other but it means people have to change their mentality in sorting out problems.

In addition, Major Alfredo also strongly criticized the current government for being similar to the first constitutional government, under the leadership of Mari Alkatiri. He said that this government was even worse than the previous one.

In resolving the East Timor crisis, he said that he will take part in the process and will not escape from justice. Hence, he told the participants at the two-day seminar that in finding the solution to our crisis, people should leave behind any personal and political interests, but that there should be a just solution for every East Timorese including himself. Among the participants in the seminar were Major Tara, Major Marcos Tilman, Dr. Lucas da Costa, Father Martinho Gusmao, Jaime Hamjah, representative of the Ministry of Labor and Community Reinsertion, youths and students from Ermera, Ainaro, and Covalima, and Gast"o Salsinha and Railos who took part on the second day session.

Separately, in relations to allegations that illegal money collectors collected money from businessmen in Dili in the name of Major Alfredo Reinado, he then called upon every businessman particularly in Dili to stop giving any money for anybody on his behalf. He said that he has not asked anybody to beg for money. (TP, DN, and STL)

The trial of Rogerio's case - The case of the former Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato is scheduled to be prosecuted on Thursday, 30 November 2006 by three judges, two international judges including Ivo Rosa from Portugal and Telma Angelica from Brazil, and Antonio Gonçalves from Timor-Leste on charges of illegal weapons distribution. The trial is expectedto be opened to the public. (STL & TP)

28 November is not a day of Fretilin Party only: Lu'Olo - In response to the question on preparations to commemorate Independence day, 28 November 2006, Francisco Guterres, President of the National Parliament said that 28 November, is not only Fretilin's day but a day for all citizens to celebrate because it was on this date in 1975 that Fretilin unilaterally proclaimed the independence of Timor-Leste. Lu-Olo said this date is in honor and memory of those that defended the 28 November for 24 years. In addition, Secretary General of Democratic Party, Mariano Sabino was quoted as saying that 28 November was a historical date for the new generation while 20 May 2002 was a date where East Timor was considered a nation with the democratic rule of states. (STL & DN)

No comments by Fretilin Party on the Conspiracy theory - After the release of the conspiracy theory written by the President of Republic, Xanana Gusmao, there was no reaction from any of the CCF members or militants. The silent position taken by the Fretilin leaders did not mean that they were afraid of the truth of the theory, but rather because they do not want to waste their time and energy to instigate any threat to the peace and political stability of this country. However, Juliao Mausiri, one of the Fretilin leaders reportedly justified the theory of conspiracy, saying it is based on facts. He said the theory written by Mr. Xanana reflected acts of the Fretilin-led government, and the politics of CCF that did not correspond to the needs of the people. He then added that the Fretilin leaders did not have any comments as they did not have sufficient support. (STL) UNMIT MEDIA MONITORING www.unmit.org
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UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITOORING National Media Reports 24 November 2006

28 November Is Not Fretilin's: Lu-Olo - Francisco Guterres, President of the National Parliament says that 28 November, as forecast in the Constitution, is not only Fretilin's day but a day for all citizens to celebrate because it was on this date in 1975 that Fretilin unilaterally proclaimed the independence of Timor-Leste. In addition Lu-Olo said this date is in honour and memory of those that defended 28 November for 24 years. (STL)

Martial Arts Groups Calls For Peace - Up to 7 martial arts groups made a statement on Thursday calling for members of PSHT to stop violence. Representatives of the various group said they no longer accept and tolerate the behaviour of PSHT members in attacking, robbing, burning and damaging homes in the Dili. They appealed for the government to establish regulations for martial arts groups to stop PSHT actions, as they have been responsible for the destabilization of the country. However the Secretary General of Colimau 2000 group, Osorio Maulequi has blamed members of PSHT for their involvement in crimes as a conspiracy with PD to try and win the 2007 elections. But Fernando "Lasama", President of PD, has rejected the accusation as false and appealed to the martial arts groups '77' Korka and Kolimau 2000 to not let themselves be used by other people like political parties. The youth groups of Santa Cruz and Kintol Boot have taken the initiative to reconcile through the youth program "Dame Malu". The two groups are committed to having no involvement in further conflict, said Manuel Freitas, representative of Santa Cruz youth group. (STL, DN)

Escape Of Prisoners Not Guards Fault - Minister of Justice, Domingos Sarmento said the report presented by the Commission in charge of the investigation into the escape of prisoners in August including Major Alfredo found that the prisoners' guards were not involved in the incident. The report says the guards lacked discipline and recommended to the justice ministry to take measures to increase their discipline and obey the tasks appointed to them. (TP)

UN Supports Elections - The Special Assistant to the Electoral Certification Team, told the media yesterday that the Independent Certification Team would work in Timor-Leste to ensure that electoral international standards are implemented, and that they would be in the country soon. According to Diario Nacional, the team would present the report on the next visit, which clearly indicates their mandate and the importance for the elections to take place in 2007. The UN will provide logistical and other modes of assistance. (STL, DN)
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UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITORRING 23 November 2006

F-FDTL Plans to Dialogue with Alfredo - Prime Minister Ramos-Horta reportedly told the media on Wednesday that F-FDTL is planning to hold a dialogue with Major Alfredo and his colleagues to resolve pending problems within the institution. Ramos-Horta said the planned meeting is a proposal from Brigadier General Tara Matan Ruak who also intends to meet with Majors Tara and Marcos to ask them to return to F-FDTL Headquarters. Tara also wants to establish a military commission to carefully define the meetings, without putting aside the justice process, said the Prime Minister. He said he would personally contact Majors Tara and Marcos and that Salsinha Gastao's case is a different one, which would also be resolved. Horta said time is up for Alfredo and his colleagues, including some members of UIR to hand in their guns and meet the President of the Republic and whoever else they wish to meet and to present themselves at headquarters to wait for the justice process. Timor Post reported on the proposed two-day seminar scheduled to start on Friday in Suai with the theme 'Peace And Justice'.

Major Alfredo is expected to participate in the event as well as Minister of Labour and Community Reinsertion, Arsenio Bano, Dr. Lucas da Costa, Director of Peace and Justice of Baucau Diocese, Augusto Trindade and Benevides Correia Barros. The participants each will speak on various topics ranging from establishment of the National Forum for Justice and Peace for Reformation in Timor-Leste. Major Alfredo will focus on Resolving the Problem, Reformation and Revolution. (TP, DN)

Commission Presents Report - Commission A of the National Parliament has presented the proposed projects on the electoral law for the National Parliament and the National Independent Commission to the plenary but was not debated as per the agenda due to other matters under discussion.

According to MP Vicente Faria, the proposed project laws were delayed due to the lack of advisors and a quorum to approve the document. With the help of a legal advisor supported by UNDP, however, the commission achieved its aim and is happy that the work is done.

Opposition MPs were not happy with the Fretilin bench for re-tabling the Project Law 12/I4 on the Status of Former Honoraries of the Sovereign Bodies for discussion and approval. Some of the opposition MPs walked out during the discussion saying that the approval of the document would be to safeguard the former Prime Minister and some ministers of the first constitutional government. (TP, STL)

Police Detain 8 People - Australian Forces together with UNPOL have detained 8 suspects in Ermera District. Minister of Interior Alcino Barris said there are strong indications these 8 people were responsible for the deaths of 5 people, thee burning of more than 100 houses and the population fleeing to other locations. Barris said the population, the elders, youth and the Colimau 2000 group were also holding a dialogue on Wednesday to try and resolve the problem. He said in Maubisse, Ainaro there were some incidents involving the population and Colimau 2000 group leaving one death and some injuries. It is reported that some groups have forced the population to join Colimau 2000 and their refusal resulting in fighting. He also said police tried to detain members of the group but they all fled after attacking the police, one of whom is now receiving medical treatment, at the national hospital. Minister Barris has requested the support of UNPOL and the Australian forces to work together with PNTL in Ainaro to try and detain those responsible for the violence in that area.

In a separate article, Mike Stone, the Australian Forces spokesperson said they would continue to work with UNPOL to detain the people responsible for the ongoing violence. Stone further said the Australian forces are providing security to the people of Timor-Leste and expatriates working in the country because they have the right to live in peace. He said there have been changes in Dili because the majority of the population want to carry on with their lives despite the many challenges they face and said it is imperative for the community to work together to provide information about the problems and help the justice process. (DN, STL, TP)

President Chairs High Level Dialogue - President Gusmao chaired a high level dialogue in Dili Wednesday with the participation of the heads of government, parliament, defence forces, national police, religious institutions, political parties, national and international NGOs. According to information, obtained by Dario Nacional, one of the main discussions of the agenda was the reconciliation and coordination between the two security institutions as well as security for the population. The dialogue was organized by the Commission for Dialogue and Community Reinsertion and closed to the media. STL reported that the motto of the dialogue was "causes, consequences and lessons learned during the crises. President Xanana appealed for reconciliation saying "we must all be honest and acknowledge our mistakes and be humble to forgive others. We must start with dialogue because we know that reconciliation is a process to search for peace within each one of us before we speak to all the community and for us to respect each other'. (STL, DN)
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One killed, two injured in fresh E Timor violence http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200611/s1795182.htm
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Government violates the rights of people - Director HAK Foundation, Jose Luis Oliveira stated that the current government led by Jose Ramos Horta has violated the rights of people as they abandoned the IDPs and prolonged the time of putting an end to the conflict by constructing temporary housing. He added that the effort of the government to sort out the crisis was good but did not have a good system. Hence, abandoning the IDPs and lacking good will to resolve the ongoing crisis meant that the government had violated the rights of people, stressed Oliveira. On another occasion, he also told DN that an apology expressed by the four organs of sovereignty to the people in regards to the conflict was a good sign. (DN, TP)

Diario Nacional reported that the National Commission for Dialogue and Community Reinsertion lost one of its members, 35 years old Jose Soares Barros whose body was found in Aimutin, Comoro. Barros was taken from his home at 03:00 a.m. by unknown people accusing him of having close ties with the Kolimau 2000 group, which is responsible for the recent killings in Ermera. He is survived by his wife and 8 children. (TP, STL, DN)

In a separate article, Timor Post reported that 11 people sought medical assistance in Bairro Pite clinic following violence. Teresa Conceicao, Head of the clinic's emergency section said 9 people were from Dili and two from Ainaro District including a policeman and a civilian. Conceicao said of those who came from Dili, one had a gun shot wound and came from the Bidau Aikadiruhun; others were hit by rocks and rama ambons. (STL, DN, TP) Source of items in preceding section: 22 November 2006 UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONNITORING
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 21 2006

Council of Ministers considers draft report on the rights of children
The Council of Ministers has discussed a draft report on the implementation in Timor-Leste of the United Nation’s International Convention on the Rights of Children.

The report – with some minor amendments – is expected to be resubmitted to the Council of Ministers on Thursday (November 23) to be approved and forwarded to the UN Secretary-General.

The Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta told a seminar attended by children from schools and orphanages in Dili that the Government has an obligation to prepare a detailed report on these matters and submit the report to the treaty body in Geneva.

Timor-Leste ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2002 – along with all other human rights conventions. We were one of the few countries in the world to ratify all of the human rights conventions,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

But ratification of any international treaty implies the government has to adapt laws and policies consistent with the obligations deriving
from those conventions. One of the obligations of states that have ratified treaties is to submit a detailed report to the Secretary-General of the UN, who then forwards it to the treaty body in Geneva.”

The one-day seminar was organised by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. The seminar was held at the Ministry of Education Culture and Sports Hall and was originally scheduled to be held on May 30, which is National Children’s Day, however it was delayed because of the crisis.

Dr Ramos-Horta said Timor-Leste was the first country in the world to pioneer a simplified reporting technique concerning convention reports that is less cumbersome and repetitive. He said it consisted of one basic document similar to all other conventions and then a second document of the report specifically dealing with the rights of the child. This format is being adopted by other countries including Australia, Afghanistan and Angola.

Former Timor-Leste human rights advisor Katherine Anderson traveled to Afghanistan to help the authorities there establish a similar reporting format,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

Supporting children is part of national policy and our Constitution sets out the obligations of every person in Timor-Leste towards our children.

While the First Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste immediately ratified this Convention, there might be some areas where Timor-Leste law may need to be amended to ensure it can be applied in practice.”

Dr Ramos-Horta said the report submitted to the last Council of Minister was presented by his Human Rights Advisor Joaquim Fonseca, an experienced human rights activist.

The report will be resubmitted on Thursday to the Council with some minor updates of facts and when approved will be forwarded to the Secretary-General,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

I thank the UN Office for Human Rights Commission for its very generous assistance which was critical in enabling Timor-Leste to fulfil its reporting obligations. The report called for a major effort in consultation.

The staff of MNEC initiated this report and it took almost two years of hard work in gathering the data from across Government agencies, and extensive travel to all districts to listen to people on the ground.

This process served to educate everyone about the content of the treaty.”

The Prime Minister praised the staff of MNEC, Ms Anderson, the UN’s Human Rights Unit in Dili, and UNICEF for their outstanding contribution in making the treaty a reality. November 20 is the day on which the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and also the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
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F-FDTL and PNTL Will Take IDPs Home: Bano - Minister for Labor and Community Reintegration, Arsenio Bano said F-FDTL and PNTL would be involved in the repatriation of IDPs therefore he asked the community to collaborate with the two institutions. To better prepare for the 'simu malu' programme, a first meeting was called on Monday with the participation of Lino Saldanha, representing PNTL, Major Koliati, representing F-FDTL and government officials from the Ministry of Public Works, the State Ministry and youth representatives. Minister Bano said plans have already been drawn and said the involvement of F-FDTL and PNTL is under the humanitarian assistance aspect to help the communities. Bano said a meeting is scheduled for November 25 for 30 members each of both institutions to further grasp the program so they can better contribute to the relocation of IDPs. (DN, TP) (TP, DN) Source of items in preceding section: 21 November 2006 UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITORING National Media Reports
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Notable Commission's Report - The Notables Commission work will soon be concluded and the report scheduled to be presented to the government by December. According to Fr. Antonio Goncalves, the commission's spokesperson, commissioners are now studying the petitioners' proposals. In the meantime, MP Manuel Tilman said the Parliament Commission to study the COI report is half way through and would present their report to the plenary at the end of the month. (STL, TP)

Appointment of DSRSG - The appointment of DSRSG has been reported by both dailies, Timor Post and STL over the weekend. STL said the former military commander of the international forces during UNMISET period, Eric Tan Huck Gim has been appointed DSRSG in charge of security sector support, rule of law, human rights and transitional justice, civil police, military component, administration support sector and security section of UNMIT. Timor Post reported Tan Huck Gim has been nominated by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as the DSRSG in charge of the security sector and rule of law of UNMIT. Mr Tan was former Brigadier General of Singapore. (STL, TP)

Sovereign Bodies Ask For Forgiveness - On behalf of the four main pillars of the State, President Xanana Gusmao asks the people for forgiveness for their failures of not governing properly resulting in the people becoming victims. President Xanana's address to the people acknowledged that their failures affected everybody, especially children, F-FDTL and PNTL. Gusmao thanked the youth that distributed flowers to members of both institutions during the parade of unity and for the youths to reconcile during the lighting of candles on the anniversary of 12 November massacre. On behalf of the four sovereign bodies including PNTL and F-FDTL President Xanana appealed for everybody to put aside hatred and revenge and work to create a better country. He said PNTL and F-FDTL would work together with the youths in the neighbourhoods in order to encourage the families to return to their homes. (TP)

Youth Injured Following Violence - Rock throwing in front of IDP camps in Obrigado Barracks has left 2 persons injured. One was hit by a rock on the forehead, close to the eyes and the other was cut on the back with a machete. According to TP, citing a source from inside the camp, on Sunday night a
group of youths, not the ones living nearby, walked past the Obrigado Barracks camp and started teasing the youth sitting outside the camp, resulting in rock throwing. (TP) Source of items in preceding section: Saturday 18, Monday 20 November 2006 UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITORING National Media Reports
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC DE EAST TIMOR CABINET OF THE PRIME MINISTER PRESS OFFICIAL NOTICE 20  November 2006
Official notice emitted for Prime minister Dr Jose Ramos-Horta concerning the tragic death of Edgar Brito

'Was with great sadness and indignation that I took knowledge of the death of the Brazilian citizen Edgar Gonçalves Brito, of 32 years, occurrence yesterday to the night in Dili, crime victim.

In these painful circumstances, contactei the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Its Excellency Mr. António Jose Maria de Sousa and Silva, to who I asked for that it accepted and it transmitted to the family of the Edgar and all its family and friends, and to the Brazilian community, my most sincere sympathies, in my name, of all the Government and the Timorese people, for I fight it that finishes of to reach them.

This afternoon I will visit his Elizama sister Gonçalves Brito, nurse in Dili, that testified the crime, and to who personally I will transmit my regret.

The police authorities had immediately initiated inquiries in the direction of encontar the responsible ones of so horrendous crime.

Mr. Edgar Gonçalves Brito, whose life tragically he was taken off, he was a Protestant missionary of the Assembleia de Deus, a person unanimously respected and whose work in East Timor, teaching Portuguese and giving social assistance in Viqueque, was a strong symbol of the existing friendship between Brazil and East Timor. Its love for the people of Timor will remain as an example for us. We give thanks to God for the life and workmanship of this missionary to the service of its faith in favor of the Timorese people. '
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 19 2006 Prime Minister greets new GNR commander and farewells Captain Carvalho - The new commander of Portugal’s elite GNR police contingent to Timor-Leste will present his commission to the Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Monday, November 20) at the Palácio do Governo.

There are 142 GNR police now on duty in Timor-Leste including officers seconded to the Prime Minister’s Close Protection Unit.

Captain Jorge Barradas is taking over from Captain Gonçalo Carvalho, who will return to Portugal for a short break before redeployment. Both men are from Portugal’s National Crowd Control Unit.

Captain Carvalho who arrived in Dili on May 28 has completed his six-month tour of duty.

“I will miss the people of Timor-Leste,” Captain Carvalho said today. “During my short time here I have made many friends. The ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation are a credit to the nation and to its leaders. “There are many countries around the world who could learn a great deal from Timor-Leste about the steps required towards peace.”

Dr Ramos-Horta praised Captain Carvalho’s leadership. “The captain came here at a very difficult time,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

“His GNR police have been a credit to Portugal and a great support to our nation. We will miss him but at the same time I welcome Captain Barradas to Timor-Leste and look forward to his leadership of the GNR.”

The Prime Minister will later this week host a farewell for the GNR officers who have formed his Close Protection Unit.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 20 2006 Radical tax reform proposals will go before the Council of Ministers, says PM - A proposal to heavily reduce or eliminate many taxes would be put before the Council of Ministers as soon as possible, the Prime Minister Dr Jose Ramos-Horta said today.

"I have asked several agencies, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations Development Project and our own Government tax advisors to prepare comparative studies for sweeping taxation reforms in Timor-Leste" Dr Ramos-Horta said today."As soon as I receive these proposals I will study them and prepare a submission for the Council of Ministers for further discussion and consultation."

The Prime Minister said he favored eliminating taxes, particularly on basic consumer items.

"I favor eliminating or reducing taxes altogether on equipment that is necessary for educational purposes – such as computers. And we should eliminate or reduce taxes on equipment that is necessary for industry production, or agriculture or public transport.

"I believe that such reforms will spur economic activity and create jobs." Dr Ramos-Horta said that as soon as he took office he began reviewing the country's taxation system.

"I spent hours going through our taxes, item by item,' he said. "I acknowledge that I am not an economist , least of all a tax expert. But one only needs to have some common sense and average intelligence to figure out the current system is cumbersome, and discouraging to both national and international investors.

"We are a developing country with a dedicated but inexperienced public administration so it seems obvious to me that one way to discourage economic activity is to have a complex and onerous taxation system."

Dr Ramos-Horta said he thought some taxes should simply be eliminated. "This is a very important initiative and it will have to be taken to the Council of Ministers for discussion and consultation," he said.

"I am confident that the Council of Ministers will support the simplification of the tax system so that we can go ahead and enact the reforms. I am very confident that such a move would spur economic activity and create many jobs. Timor-Leste would in time become a net exporting country rather than an importing one. We have enough revenues from oil and gas, the result of a high oil price but that high oil price affects all of our economy. It affects transportation of all goods and power generation – it affects the pockets of Timorese particularly the poor. Therefore we have to find creative ways to put money back into the economy."

Dr Ramos-Horta summed up proposals to reform the tax code as:

Simplification of the tax system.

Abolition of or drastically reducing income tax rates.

Reduction of import duties and strengthening customs administration.

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Timor-Leste NGOs in solidarity with the victims of Santa Cruz massacre - The 12th of November 1991 the Indonesian army committed a horrendous massacre which took the life of 200 young East-Timorese people. This massacre opened the eyes of the international community about the suffering of the East Timorese people during the Indonesian occupation.

The 12th of November is a historic day for the youth and the people of Timor-Leste because that very day the youth shows its nationalist spirit and its courage against injustice to fight for independence.

Today the 12th of November 2006, we all together with the victims, the families of the victims and the whole East-Timorese people commemorate this historic day. We present our sympathy to the victims who suffered from the massacre. We also give our respect to the youth who died and to the parents who lost their children.

To value this, we are stating the following:

1. We ask the whole East-Timorese people especially the youth:

a. Continue to plant and grow the spirit of nationalism, national unity, solidarity and fraternity from the heroes of 12th of November, to build together our nation of Timor-Leste.
b. To take part and contribute to the nation development process according to everyone's capacity like the heroes of our beloved country.
c. To follow the nationalist spirit of the heroes of 12th of November who wanted their freedom from other people's rule.

2. We ask to the UN Mission in Timor-Leste:
a. To implement the justice process for the criminals who have been involved in serious crimes in Timor-Leste including the Santa Cruz massacre.
b. Listen to what the victims and the families of the victims have to say.

A fair, credible and impartial tribunal should be established for the cases of human rights violation during the illegal Indonesian occupation.

3. To the government of Timor-Leste:
a. Enforce law and order in effect in Timor-Leste and the human rights international laws which have been ratified by Timor-Leste
b. To confirm the State of rights and get rid of impunity.
c. The reconciliation policy can't stop the justice for the victims and their families.
d. There should be a will to find the truth about the graves of the victims of the 12th of November.
e. Attention should be given to the victims of 12th of November who survived
f. Create work camps and activities for the youth in order to include them in the nation development process.

4. To the Indonesian government:
a. Show where are the graves of the victims of the 12th of November 1991 to return them to their families so that they can bury them according to the Timor-Leste traditions.
b. To take responsibility towards the victims of the 12th of November who survived the massacre and to the families who lost their members.

Viva joventude feto no mane nebe'e mak mate tan atu liberta povo no mos viva ba joven sira nebe'e kaer nafatin Unidade Nasional hodi dezenvolve ita nia rai doben Timor Leste.

Media & Communication Division FONGTIL
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UNPOL Putting Efforts To Reduce Violence - The UNPOL Commander for Dili District, Graeme Cairns has reportedly said the UN police continue to aim to reduce violence in Dili. Speaking at a press conference in Acanunu Church grounds in Hera, Cairns said the priority of UNPOL is to stop violence. He said that the situation had improved over the past 2 to 3 weeks. Cairns further added that investigators are working with the Prosecutor Generalâ's office to detain suspects and proceed with court procedures. He stressed that the UN is now encouraging PNTL officers to actively engage in their previous activities. On the returns process of IDPs, Cairns said it is important to provide security for IDPs who are returning home, with a further increase of police patrols in the neighbourhoods, as well as ask the community to welcome them. (STL) Source of items in preceding section: United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste Public Information Unit Daily Media Review Saturday 11 Nov, Monday 13 November 2006
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 13 2006 Status of properties must be resolved quickly, says Prime Minister - The status of three prominent buildings in Dili needs to be resolved quickly so that decisions can be made regarding their redevelopment and refurbishment, Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta said today.

“If Timor-Leste expects to attract investment then security of property title is crucial to give investors – both local and international –
the confidence to spend their money,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

“These three buildings have essentially been in ‘limbo’ for too long. The SAPT, ACAIT and Chinese Association buildings all have gone through phases where rent has been paid and then it has stopped being paid, and of course the end result is the redevelopment and beautification of Dili suffers because of this.

“Dili suffers because these beautifully-located properties are not developed and made more attractive. When their status has been resolved once and for all then people will have the confidence to upgrade the buildings accordingly.”

The Prime Minister has instructed the Department of Land and Property to make determinations on the status of the three buildings by the end of this week.

“The department is working hard and diligently to process a large number of difficult decisions,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

“But discussions and decisions about these three buildings have been going on for far too long and it is time for a resolution.”

The SAPT building complex is on the northern side of Dili near the ANZ Bank. The ACAIT building faces the Palacio do Governo in the heart of the city and the Chinese Association Building is located on the waterfront.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTEOFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTE MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 6 2006 Export of scrap metal banned to stop rogue traders - Rogue scrap metal traders buying valuable cabling and other materials suspected to have been stolen have forced the Government of Timor-Leste to temporarily ban the export of all scrap metal.

“The Government will not tolerate this sort of behavior,” the Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta said today. “It is clear that some traders have been dealing in stolen property.

“These unscrupulous people and dealers are preying on people who have already suffered so much.”

The Government today issued a Ministerial Dispatch (a copy is attached to this Media Release) declaring that the “collection, commercialization and export of all scrap metals is hereby temporarily forbidden until further notice.”

The Dispatch stated that any illegal collection and/or transport of scrap metal would result in the immediate cancellation of licences and registrations, and legal action would be taken.

“The collection of scrap metal has grown dramatically in our country as a result of the destruction of property during the conflict that rocked the country,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

“This growth has resulted in difficulties in policing these scrap metal collection activities and metals, cables and other metal products which are not actually scrap have been collected illegally and processed.

The Prime Minister said the actions of some traders were deplorable and intolerable.
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Claudio Ximenes Present Justice Officials - The President of the Court of Appeal, Claudio Ximenes, has presented six justice officials who have arrived in Timor-Leste from Portugal under the cooperation program accord between Portugal and UNDP's Justice Program to assist the judiciary system. (STL)

Survey On Reconstruction Of Houses - Deputy Minister of Public Works, Raul Mosaco said the government is now holding a survey at the suku level to identify houses that were destroyed during the crisis, based on data collected from the Hera, Metinaro, Obrigado Barracks and Lecidere IDP camps. Mousaco said a team from his Ministry has also checked three state locations previously used by the police in areas like Taibessi and Caicoli to set up the new neighbourhood. He said discussion is still taking place on the latter. (TP) Source of items in preceding section: Friday, 10 November 2006 UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITORING National Media Reports
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Vice-Minister Resigns From Post - Isabel Ferreira yesterday submitted her resignation letter for her post as Vice-Minister for Justice following a request by the President of the Republic to the Prime Minister due to the dual positions she is currently holding. Ferreira said when she was invited to take on the position of Vice-Minister she agreed on the condition that she would continue to serve as the CVA Commissioner. But now she has been asked to resign as Vice-Minister of Justice. She said the leaders have not been consistent with their original decision. (TP) Source of items in preceding section: United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste Public Information Unit Daily Media Review Thursday, 09 November 2006
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PNTL Joins Patrols - To further strengthen the security situation in Dili, 100 PNTL officers have provisionally joined patrols with UNPOL. The number will increase this week with another 50 members of PNTL Rapid Response Unit (UIR) joining to help provide security to different neighbourhoods. Vice-Minister of Interior, Somoxo said once the 1200 PNTL officers assigned for the capital pass the screening process, the situation will improve and there will be no more rock throwing. (STL)

F-FDTL Commander Meets President Gusmao - For the first time since the crisis, around 100 F-FDTL commanders met with President Gusmao who is also the Supreme Commander of the Timorese Army Forces. According to Timor Post, some of the officials had travelled from Baucau and Metinaro with full military gear and headed by Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak. The meeting took place at the President's residence in Balibar, Dare. (TP) Source of items in preceding section: United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste Public Information Unit Daily Media Review Wednesday, 08 November 2006
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Alkatiri grilled over allegedly arming civilians - November 7, 2006. 3:45pm (AEDT) Former East Timorese prime minister Mari Alkatiri has appeared under tight security escort at the General Prosecutor's Office for questioning over allegations of arming civilians during the May unrest.

Arriving in a government car under escort from several East Timorese security personnel and six Australian soldiers, Dr Alkatiri made no comment upon arrival.

Today was the second time he had responded to a summons from the General Prosecutor's Office since he appeared there in July.

Dr Alkatiri, who resigned from the prime ministership in June, is being investigated over allegations that he armed civilians to silence his political opponents.

He has vehemently denied the claims.

The UN inquiry into violence in East Timor issued a report last month that said Dr Alkatiri failed to prevent weapons falling into the hands of civilians and should be criminally investigated.

Dr Alkatiri was quoted by the Suara Timor Lorosae newspaper on Monday (local time) as saying the accusation - that he was involved in the distribution of guns by his political party, Fretilin, to its members - had been proven false by the UN Commission of Inquiry.

The tiny nation of 1 million was rocked by unrest in April and May that followed the dismissal of soldiers who had deserted the army, complaining of discrimination from superiors based on whether they came from the east or west of the country.

Some 37 people were left dead in pitched battles between security forces during bloody street violence.

More than 150,000 people fled their homes and 3,000 Australian-led peacekeepers were deployed to restore calm. - AFP
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Government planning to involve F-FDTL in operations - The government of Timor-Leste has reportedly been planning to involve F-FDTL with the International Joinet Task Forces in military operations to restore peace and stability in Timor-Leste. F-FDTL commander, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak was quoted as saying he was called by the Prime Minister to discuss the best possible ways the national Defence Forces can contribute to the restoration of peace and stability of the country. The first Deputy Prime Minister, Estanislau da Silva confirmed that soon, they will make a political decision on the matter. However, he stressed the idea is not with the intention to divide the people of Timor-Leste. Source of items in preceding section: United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste Public Information Unit Daily Media Review Wednesday, 01 November 2006