tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48039134384976584812024-03-18T20:32:50.388-07:00East Timor Legal News Archive 2006 - 2008Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-17438614770149391792015-11-06T22:38:00.001-08:002017-10-09T00:44:22.944-07:00East Timor Legal News Archive 2006-2008<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm_nEshTKG_ELMlB8dTCxaA1Nj2Sg8I41NWMVy3xOCFOc26H4O5GPYjli9EafNri3gfAbtcb2iF6m0cAJ_Uq9wdWjqoHbQGEkeqTIlUS-VuX5Upj4DpBcA74dak6CjIUMRVZuSqIeazy-/s1600/unmit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm_nEshTKG_ELMlB8dTCxaA1Nj2Sg8I41NWMVy3xOCFOc26H4O5GPYjli9EafNri3gfAbtcb2iF6m0cAJ_Uq9wdWjqoHbQGEkeqTIlUS-VuX5Upj4DpBcA74dak6CjIUMRVZuSqIeazy-/s200/unmit.png" width="200" /></a><b>Introduction</b><br />
<br />
East Timor Legal News (ETLN) is an archive of legal news reports from East Timor from April 2006 until May2008.<br />
<br />
ETLN
is a reconstruction of the legal news archive originally published on
the East Timor Legal Information Site (ETLIS) which has been
re-published here.<br />
<br />
<b>Sources of Legal Information</b><br />
<br />
The primary sources of legal information that were the basis of ETLIS (now ETLN) were:<br />
<br />
1. <b>UNMIT Daily Media Reviews</b>
The United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor local media
monitoring disseminates English translations of reports in the East
Timor national media (newspapers, television and radio). This
information was collected and archived in chronological order in the
Legal News section of ETLIS.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Press releases from the National Parliament of East Timor</b>
These press releases issued by the External Relations office of the
National Parliament's contain summaries of the plenary proceedings, the
bulk of which relate to legislation under consideration by the
Parliament and discussions on national legal issues as well as the
record of the voting in plenary. While these press releases are issued
only in the Portuguese language, and for the purposes of ETLIS, these
are translated automatically using free software on the internet. These
translations are then checked and obvious errors corrected. These press
releases are archived in both the Portuguese original text and the
automatic English translation.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Press releases from the East Timor Council of Ministers</b>
These press releases contain summaries of the meetings of the East
Timor government's Council of Ministers and include decisions on new
government legislation and draft laws that are to be submitted to the
Parliament as well as all other important decisions of the Council of
Ministers on matters of State. These are issued in Portuguese and Tetum.<br />
<br />
4. <b>Security Reports from the United Nations Police in East Timor</b>
Until this year, the UNPol security reports were issued several times a
week. Now, summaries are issued once or twice a month. They are also
principally comprised of information about the state of public security
in the country as well as statistics and details of arrests and crimes.
These reports are issued in both English and Tetum.<br />
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5. <b>Press releases from the Office of the President of the Republic</b> These are not frequent but most often pertain to critical matters of State and the law. They are usually in Portuguese.<br />
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6. <b>Press Releases from National and International Law and Justice NGO's</b><br />
<br />
One
of the most important sources of information on legal matters in East
Timor is the Judicial System Monitoring Program and other law and
justice organisations such as HAK and Fokupers. JSMP press releases are
entirely about legal issues including cases (along with case reports)
and are issued in both Indonesian and English (as well as Tetum from
time to time). The JSMP court reports are a vital source of information
that should be more widely available. There is also the not infrequent
press releases from international law and justice organisations such as
Human Rights Watch, East Timor Action Network and others that are also
one of the sources of information.<br />
<br />
7. <b>International Media Reports</b>
There are frequent reports in the international media about legal
issues in East Timor. In the case of international media reports,
headlines links to the original source of the report are made available
through an RSS news feed.<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b><br />
<br />
Legal
issues dominate political and social life in East Timor and there is
always a strong public discourse about the legal problems that the
country is facing - particularly since the disintegration of the rule of
law in 2006 and the armed attacks on the country's leaders on 11
February 2008.<br />
<br />
There are numerous reports in the national media covering these issues.<br />
<br />Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-82356111064590675952013-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:002017-10-09T00:41:51.176-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News July 2008 (Part 6)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 09 July 2008</b><br />
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Continue to fight: 37 students detained, 4 women – Timor Post <br />
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Even though the Government has used police forces to arrest 37 students, there is still no sign that the demonstrations will end any time soon. <br />
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The Association of Timor-Leste Students (ASUTL) stated yesterday that the demonstrations will continue until the National Parliaments changes its plan to purchase the luxurious cars from Japan. <br />
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After meeting with NP President Fernando Lasama de Araujo, the Coordinator of ASUTL Santiago Ximenes Vaz said in response to Lasama’s statement that the government would not change its plan, that the demonstrations would continue. <br />
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Mr Vas said that the students are also demanding that the detained students be released. <br />
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In response, PNTL Spokesperson João Belo said that he has no authority to release the detained students. <br />
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“We have no right to release people we have arrested as this needs to follow the judicial process. Such cases will be presented to the prosecutor,” said Mr Belo. <br />
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PNTL condemned for student arrests – Timor Post <br />
Even though they are upholding law and order by arresting the protestors, the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) are being strongly condemned by key members of civil society. <br />
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Luta Hamutuk’s Spokesperson, Joãozito Viana, said that he believes the PNTL’s motives have been to silence not only the students, but the people as the student’s have given a voice to the voiceless. <br />
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He said that it is normal to hold demonstrations in a democratic nation like Timor-Leste and that everyone should be proud of the moral sensibility of the students to give voice to the suffering of the masses. <br />
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The United Former Political Prisoners of Indonesian occupation have also strongly condemned the actions of the police. <br />
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“We are very concerned about the attitudes of PNTL-UNPol against the students,” said Mr. Gregorio, member of the former political prisoners. <br />
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Mr Gregorio has demanded the PDHJ cooperate with the UNMIT Human Rights unit to investigate these cases and to publicize the results. <br />
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Fretilin condemns the attitude of PNTL-UNpol – Suara Timor Lorosa’e <br />
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Fretilin has strongly condemned the actions of PNTL/UNPol against the students, claiming that it is violating their human rights. <br />
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The party said that these actions are reminiscent of the behaviour of the TNI (National Army of Indonesia) which systematically violated human rights during the 24 years of occupation. Fretilin also believes that the demands of the students are reasonable. <br />
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Fretilin MP Osorio Florindo said that UNPol should know better as it is their mission in Timor-Leste to calm the situation, not to provoke. <br />
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“I think that UNPol should be setting a better example for the PNTL,” said Mr. Florindo. <br />
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Civil society preoccupied with the ratified budget – Suara Timor Lorosa’e <br />
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Viriatu Seac from Lao Hamutuk has said that members of civil society are preoccupied with the ratified budget as proposed by the Government for the 2008 General State Budget. <br />
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“We are preoccupied with the ratified budget which is higher- whether the Government is going to execute it all by the end of the year or not. If we just spend the budget and there is no income, it will have a big effect on our country,” said Mr. Seac. <br />
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“We see that the ratified budget is too big; there is an annual budget of US$347. Then there is the ratified budget of US$400+M. so the AMP Government plans to spend about US$700 this year.” <br />
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Ed: peaceful acts get violent treatment – Diario Nacional <br />
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The peaceful acts of the university students have been met with violence by the police. The response of the police has solicited much concern among the public and especially among the academics at the university as the police have violated the autonomy of the campus. <br />
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Recently, there have been protests against the parliament – maybe people have lost faith in their representatives because they don’t believe they have listened to the needs of the people. <br />
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We did not think that such actions and arrests would happen again, but they have. <br />
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How to solve the problem … dialogue; protest and demonstrations may not bring solutions. The arrogance of the Parliament will also not bring a solution. Both parts should sit together to create a solution. We wait …<br />
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More legal news from East Timor is published on the <a href="http://easttimorlegal.blogspot.com.au/">East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin </a>Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-81195077220003715372013-06-08T12:59:00.002-07:002017-10-09T00:38:31.962-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News July 2008 (Part 5)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 08 July 2008 </b> <br />
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Horta condemns police action – Diario Nacional <br />
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The police have shot two students and arrested 21 at the university campus following student demonstrations against the Parliament’s plan to purchase cars for the MPs. The students who were shot have sustained wounds. <br />
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President José Ramos-Horta has condemned these actions by the PNTL and has stood up for the rights of students to campaign in their own campus. Members of the Social Science Faculty Senate Carolino Marques and João Nascimento said that the demonstration is an academic right. <br />
<br />
PR Horta explained that as the campus is autonomous, no one has the right to violate it, but if there is violence, then the university authorities may ask for police intervention. <br />
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Police capture protesters. Osorio: “Dictatorship is starting to appear” – Diario Nacional <br />
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The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) have shot and wounded two students at the campus of Universidade Nasional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) on Monday (7/7). Twenty one university students were also arrested as they protested against the planned purchase of luxury cars by MPs. <br />
<br />
Fretilin MP Osorio Florindo said that the PNTL’s action reminded him of November 14, 1997 when the Indonesian military took violent action against the East Timorese University. They destroyed property and wounded many of the students. Mr Florindo said that the attitude of PNTL on such occasions was leading to a dictatorship in Timor-Leste. <br />
<br />
“There is no law that prevents people from holding demonstrations in their homes or campus ….Even during Indonesian times, no miliitary or police entered the campus without provocation. Today, even though the students have remained peaceful, they are shot at and threatened.” He has appealed to the students to not be frightened and to remain calm. <br />
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Lasama appeals for studnts to be calm – Diario Nacional and Suara Timor Lorosa’e <br />
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NP President Fernando de Araujo Lasama has asked the students not to be emotional when holding demonstrations. Lasama said that the National Parliament will proceed with the car purchases as this has already been included in the budget set to be approved in the next few days. “Luxury cars are BMW and Mercedes [Benz].The police also use [Toyota] Prados and Pajeros in the country. Are these luxurious cars?” asked Mr Lasama on Monday (7/7) in the National Parliament. <br />
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Ed: Petroleum fund, people’s money – Diario Nacional <br />
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Recently, members of civil society, political parties, and the opposition party have strongly questioned the use of the petroleum fund by the Government to run its programs. The criticisms are that the government has no program and is just using the money. <br />
<br />
The Prime Minister has retorted that that those who are questioning the Government are stupid and frustrated- the fund is the people’s money and is being used for the people. His statement is right that the money should not only be saved in the US Bank but should be used to benefit people of the country. <br />
<br />
However, everyone in this country has a right to know how the money is being executed and allocated; the people’s money should be used for the people but it should also be based on appropriate plans and programs. We wait … <br />
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CTF report to hand over in Bali – Timor Post <br />
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Pending confirmation from Indoneisa, the final report of the Timor-Leste/Indonesian Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) is set to be handed over on 15 July 2008 in Bali, Indonesia. <br />
<br />
“We agree on the data, 15 July but still waiting for Indonesia’s confirmation,” said The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Zacarias Albano da Costa. The Timor-Leste and Indonesia Commissaries will directly give the final report to the Presidents of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. <br />
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Lateste legal news from East Timor is on the <a href="http://easttimorlegal.blogspot.com.au/">East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin</a>Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-49540416952283299402013-06-08T12:55:00.002-07:002017-10-09T00:39:07.475-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News July 2008 (Part 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 07 July 2008 </b><br />
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JSMP: Horta wrong over amnesty law – Timor Post <br />
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The Non-Governmental Organization, Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP), has said that they consider the President’s plan for the amnesty law to be a mistake. The Acting Director of JSMP Casimiro dos Santos said that the amnesty law, approved in the Presidential Cabinet, has taken away criminal responsibility of those directly involved in the 2006 crisis. <br />
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JSMP stated that while the court still lacks human resources, it is good to allocate the budget for such programs to solve such cases as those of the 2006 crisis. <br />
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PM Xanana: payment for the petitioners in final process – Diario Nacional <br />
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Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that the payment process for the petitioners is in its final stages. “ I am surprised at Major Tara: we have fed them [petitioners] and supported them, and now he [Tara] is talking to the media with no direction; the pension is in the final stages of being processed,” said PM Gusmão on Friday (3/7) in Bairo Formosa, Dili. <br />
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Ed: Good for PM Xanana to respond in Parliament - Suara Timor Lorosa’e <br />
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PM Xanana stated that he is ready to respond in Parliament to Fretilin’s allegations that there was corruption, collusion and nepotism (CCN) in the process to give the contract for the rice distribution. <br />
<br />
The accusation is based on the contract letter with the PM’s signature to give the contract to a single source, the Tres Amigos Company, to buy and provide rice. “I am ready to respond and discuss the process of the contract,” said the PM. <br />
<br />
Is it true that the process of contract should be considered as CCN? The PM said that he signed the contract to respond to people’s need as there is no rice in most places. Many are starving. The opposition party is pressuring the Government to immediately take action. <br />
<br />
In this kind of atmosphere, what should be the priority? The legal process or people’s need? Of course, people’s needs. Here is a question to consider: is the rice sourced from here? If the rice has been distributed to those who are starving and everyone buys it, is this CCN? <br />
<br />
The process of granting the contract cannot be classified as a CCN, even though it did not follow the legal process – the position taken by the PM is for the necessity of country, not for himself, his family, or for any party. <br />
<br />
But, the PM should go to the Parliament to respond to the allegations that are daily getting bigger. Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-80562160932246980172013-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:002017-10-09T00:40:38.397-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News July 2008 (Part 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 4 July 2008</b><br />
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Ambassador Klemm: AMP and Fretilin should reconcile – Suara Tiimor Lorosa’e<br />
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Ambassador of the United States in Timor-Leste Hans Klemm is asking the leaders of the Alliance Majority in the Parliament (AMP) and opposition group Fretilin, AD and PUN to continue reconciliation to guarantee peace, security and prosperity for the people of the nation.<br />
<br />
The Ambassador believes that, in general, the Government institutions are functioning well in the country, but emphasised the importance of the leaders working together to guarantee peace and stability.<br />
<br />
“I see that democracy functions in the National Parliament because the opposition demonstrates that it functions,” said Ambassador Klemm on Thursday (3/7) in Pantai Kelapa, Dili.<br />
<br />
The Ambassador also said he appreciates the discussion by the MPs of the State Budget in NP and noted that the opposition group has shown their capacity by contributing constructive criticism.<br />
<br />
TL-Australia signing MOU: to improve security and justice system – Suara Timor Lorosa’e<br />
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The Government of Timor-Leste and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to security and justice in Timor-Leste.<br />
<br />
The MOU signed by the Secretary of State for Security Francisco Guterres and the Minister of Interior of Australia Bob Debus, was witnessed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, Ambassador of Australia in Timor-Leste, Minister of Justice and other members of the Government on Thursday (3/7) in the capital’s Government Palace.<br />
<br />
Minister Debus visited Timor-Leste to meet PM Gusmão to discuss security, particularly the work of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and other subject matters related to justice.<br />
<br />
The main objective of Debus’ visit is to see directly the assistance of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to PNTL through the program of PNTL development.<br />
<br />
“I feel happy to visit Timor-Leste and witness the signing of the project plan to widen language training, general education of the police and executive management of PNTL,” said Minister Debus.<br />
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PM Xanana gives rice contract to Vice President of CNRT. Fretilin-Cecilio: indication of collusion, corruption and nepotism (CCN) – Timor Post<br />
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The rice contract PM Xanana’s AMP Government made with the Director of Tres Amigos Ltd. and also the Vice President of CNRT Germano da Silva stirred polemics within the opposition party, Fretilin and some MPs from the CNRT party itself.<br />
<br />
The two parties (Fretilin and CNRT MP) said that the contract which was directly signed by PM Xanana Gusmão as the President of CNRT giving authorization to his Vice President, shows bad administration and indicates collusion, corruption and nepotism (CCN).<br />
<br />
The contact shows that procurement has given the amount of US$4M and 80 thousand – US$14M. The contract lletter was issued from the Ministry of Finance, not the Office of Prime Minister.<br />
<br />
CNRT Member of Parliament Cecilio Caminha said that the amount of money is larger than the budget for food security proposed by the Government to the National Parliament.<br />
<br />
“I just want to say that the amount of money for food security of 2008 as proposed by the Government is only US$4M. This means that it does not correspond. The Government has to explain the process used,” said MP Caminha.<br />
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Separately, Fretilin’s MP Arsenio Bano said that these actions by PM Gusmão with his friend Germano, is an indication of CCN and goes against the people.<br />
<br />
“I do say it is CCN as we all know that Mr. Germano was the Cabinet Chief for President Xanana. Now, he is the Vice President for Xanana of CNRT. What I do not know is if the amount is bigger than what has been proposed by the Government or if NP approved it or not,” said Mr. Bano.<br />
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PM Xanana: going to kick out corrupt minister – Diario Naccional<br />
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PM Xanana Gusmão said that as the Chief of the Government, he is ready to kick out ministers who are corrupt, but those who accuse should provide evidence of the corruption.<br />
<br />
“If the evidence is provided now, I will give one month to any minister to defend himself in the court,” said PM Gusmão on Thursday (3/7) in response to information that some ministers have encountered corruption.<br />
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Former member of Alfredo imprisoned in the preventive prison – Radio Timor-Leste, Suara Timor Lorosa’e annd Timor Post<br />
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The hearing process conducted by national judge Guilhermino da Silva and attorney Felismino Cardoso, Dili Court decided on preventive prison for Caetano Valente because it was evident that he was involved in the attack on President Horta on 11 February 2008.<br />
<br />
After the hearing, Felismino Cardoso told TVTL that the decision from the judge was just and adequate because there was strong evidence that the accused broke the regulation of UNTAET no 44.7/5/2000, article 64 regarding attempted murder and penal code 338 regarding the use of weapon and military uniforms. At the same time, the advocate of the accused, Laura Valente Lay, said she was not satisfied with the decision from the judge and she is going to submit an appeal to the Court of Appeal to move against the decision from Dili Court.<br />
<br />
According to news, the accused Caetano was immediately delivered by NDI police to preventive prison in Becora after the hearing process.<br />
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Front of Timor-Leste Students (FMTL) denies of being supported by political party – Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
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Front Mahasiswa Timor Leste (FMTL) denied the statement from NP that they had been supported by any political party during the demonstration last month.<br />
<br />
Through a press conference in Caicoli yesterday, Front Student of Timor Leste which is composed of students from UNTL and UNDIL declared that they were not supported by any organization or political party during the demonstration which took place for two days on 11 to 12 June 2008.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, they also continue to disagree with National Parliament members who want to buy 65 luxurious cars for all deputies.<br />
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Furthermore, they stated that they will ask the President of Republic to veto the proposal of ratifying budget when it is approved and to play the video in which the NP on 12 June agreed with FMTL not to buy 65 cars.<br />
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In addition, they threatened to undertake a hunger-strike in front of National Parliament.<br />
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Officials of F-FDTL to recruit 300 new members this month – Televisaun Timor-Leste <<br />
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After participating in the launching ceremony of the construction of F-FDTL training centre in Metinaro, Brigadier Taur Matan Ruak informed that the recruitment this year will give priority to those between the ages of 18 to 30 years old.<br />
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“Probably, from 15 July onwards we shall distribute the form to all young people in thirteen districts and the criteria will be written in the form. For those who want to be officials, we will recruit those men aged 30 years old and the maximal standard of education is a master’s degree,” explained Taur.<br />
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According to plan, the recruitment process will take place in the education centre of F-FDTL in Metinaro – Dili.<br />
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215 families of IDP of Police Academy Camp return home – Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
Two hundred and fifteen families of IDPs in the Police Academy office returned to their respective houses.<br />
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Yesterday (3/7), those IDPs who have been occupying the Police Academy since 2006 crisis decided to return to their places.<br />
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At that time, State Secretary of Social Assistance and Natural Disaster Jacinto Rigoberto de Deus said the process of reintegration was a contribution for the Government to solve the problem of this country.<br />
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“You really contribute and participate in the development of this nation. Based on your decision, the Government is ready to attend to and integrate all of you to your homes”, said Jacinto.<br />
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Given the opportunity, the IDPs questioned the security for them and asked the Government to compensate them for their goods that had been destroyed during the 2006 crisis.<br />
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Australia and TL government signed MoU about the reformation law to improve the capacity of PNTL – Radio Timor-Leste<br />
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The Secretary of State for Security Fransisco Guterres yesterday in Government Palace said “in MoU cooperation agreement with Australia, they (Australia) are ready to support PNTL in basic training of such disciplines as intelligence and investigation, serving the law and also trainings for PNTL leaders in management, administration and decision-making”.<br />
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Guterres added that based on the plan, the training might be realised in August this year and for basic training in 2009 when recruitment is conducted for new members of PNTL.<br />
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At a press conference yesterday in the Government Palace among the Council Ministers, Hermenegildo Pereira ‘Agio’ said “the (CM) approved a resolution to hold a national campaign to collect the illegal weapons that are still spread throughout all the territories and which is scheduled from 15 July to 15 August in cooperation with ISF, F-FDTL and PNTL”.<br />
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<a href="http://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/">East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin</a> Legal news from East Timor in English <br />
<br />Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-645564994903628602013-06-08T12:35:00.003-07:002017-10-09T00:40:17.391-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News July 2008 (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 03 July 2008<br /><br />India ready to train F-FDTL</b> TVTL - The Indian Government has declared its readiness to assist Timor Leste by training the F-FDTL. Captain Paban Gohan from the Indian Naval Contingent yesterday met with the State Secretary of Defence Julio Tomas Pinto in the Government Palace. During the meeting, they talked about the intention of the Indian Government to enhance the naval capacity of F-FDTL by training them in India. However, a formal agreement has not yet been signed. “During the meeting they asked me about cooperation and I said that Timor Leste is ready to cooperate with any country. We do not care about different backgrounds or ideology…I told them that the first thing we neeed to do is formalize this military cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding,” said Mr Pinto.<br />
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<b>Population hands over arms</b> TVTL - Early this week, people from Baucau voluntarily handed over illegal arms to the local policy. The weapons included rakitan, grenades, magasen and munitions. According to PNTL Spokesperson Inspector Moises Amaral the arms were voluntarily handed over by community members last Tuesday at 14:30 p.m. in Kelekai, aldeia Osoleru. Mr Armaral thanked the community in Osoleru on behalf of the PNTL for their acts of good faith in handing over the weapons and asked all people in all districts to follow this example.<br />
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<b>2687 families return home: 16 IDP camps closed </b>Suara Timor Lorosae - During this year, the AMP Government has returned home 2687 families who had been living in 16 IDP camps. The big IDP camps that have not closed yet are Aero Porto, Metinaro, Dom Bosco, Obrigado Barracks among other small camps spread through Dili. According to the plan of the Ministry of Social and Solidarity, Aero Porto Camp will be closed at the end of the month.<br />
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<b>TMR: recruitment preparation depends on accreditation</b> Suara Timor Lorosae - The General Commander of F-FDTL Taur Matan Ruak has said that the recruitment process taking place this month for new F-FDTL members will be based on an accreditation system. During his meeting with President Ramos-Horta on Wednesday (2/7) TMR informed the President about the preparation within F-FDTL on the recruitment process.<br />
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<b>Luxurious cars for MPs: FMTL threatens to demonstration</b> Timor Post - The Front of Timor-Leste Students (FMTL) will be back to the streets to demonstrate the plan to purchase luxury cars for MPS. The FMTL Spokesperson, Xisto dos Santos, said that if the National Parliament does not cancel its plan to buy cars then a great demonstration and campaign will be held throughout the country.<br />
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Latest legal news from East Timor in English is published on the <a href="http://easttimorlegal.blogspot.com.au/">East Timor Law & Justice Bulletin</a>Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-14085203120681305922013-06-08T12:27:00.002-07:002013-06-08T12:54:12.938-07:00Timor Leste Legal News July 2008 (Part 1)<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 01 July 2008 </b><br />
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Ramos-Horta: early election, if people are not happy – Timor Post and Suara Timor Lorosa’e <br />
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President José Ramos-Horta said there is no reason to have an early election as the nation is going well and people are happy with the Alliance Majority in Parliament’s (AMP) Government. <br />
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“It is a subject that I am not thinking about right now as the nation is going well. If the Government is not working well then there should be a new election for the government,” said PR Horta in Farol, Dili. <br />
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Commenting on criticism that there is corruption in the AMP Government, PR Horta said that such criticism was also raised about the previous Government. According to PR Horta, PM Xanana is dedicated to Timor-Leste and will establish an anti-corruption commission in Timor-Leste. <br />
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<b>Carrascalao: supports Xanana to debate with Alkatiri</b> Diario Naciional - President of Social Democratic Party (PSD) Mario Viegas Carrascalão has given his total support to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão for a public debate with the former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri about the accusation of corruption, collusion and nepotism (CCN). <br />
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“If I were the Prime Minister, I would accept to have the debate with Alkatiri as it is good for the public to know whether it is right of wrong it depends on Prime Minister Xanana, he accepts or not,” said Mr. Carrascalão on Monday (30/6) in the National Parliament. <br />
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Mr. Carrascalão said that he supports the debate. <br />
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“If people accuse us, it is better to open ourselves and defend our position rather than keeping quiet then others will say that we recognize our guilt,” added Mr. Carrascalão. <br />
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<b>UNMIT awards medals to 141 GNR</b> Diario Nacional - United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) through its Special Representative of Secretary-General (SRSG) Atul Khare awarded medals to 141 officers of Formed Police Unit (FPU) from Portugal (GNR) on Monday (30/6) in the Headquarter of GNR in Caicoli, Dili. <br />
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The award medals directly assisted by President Ramos-Horta, Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato, ISF Commander James Baker, Acting Police Commissioner Juan Carlos Arevalo and the Director of Police Academy of PNTL Carlos Geronimo. <br />
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“I want to congratulate the GNR members who provided security in critical [time] after the attempt of February 11. I just want to think back that as a police, should be critical to guarantee security and guarantee the security for the leaders,” said SRSG Khare. <br />
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Separately, the Commander of GNR João Martinho said that the awarded medals are very important and special to the 141 GNR members to think and continue dedicate their services for the peace. <br />
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The overall security situation in the country remains calm when GNR with the people maintain the security in the country. <br />
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Commander Martinho also said that GNR is also providing academic formation to PNTL during three months about tactics in taking anticipation to the law and order. <br />
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<b>PSD-CNRT: not preoccupied with Xavier’s decision</b> Timor Post - The AMP bench, including ASDT in the National Parliament, stated that they are not preoccupied with the statement of ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral who feels sorry in forming AMP and supporting an early election. <br />
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ASDT’s Chief of bench João Manuel Carrascalão stated that the position of the ASDT in the National Parliament is clear; to support the AMP. <br />
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“As we all know that we continue to support the AMP as many things have gone well. <br />
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It is too early to judge that AMP is doing nothing and I don’t agree with what is said by our president [Mr. Xavier],” said Mr. Carrascalão. <br />
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At the same time, the President of PSD Mario Viegas Carrascalão said that his party is not worried with the decision of the ASDT president about a deadline to the AMP Government. <br />
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<b>Ed: Xavier’s reason to give deadline to Govt is unclear</b> Suara Timor Lorosa’e - ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral has given a deadline to the Government to improve its political plan in two months and resolve the problems of the county. <br />
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At the same time Fretilin President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo also said that his party will shout at the Government that using money with no direction is not using money for people. <br />
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“The political statement of the leaders of these two parties is very strong but when we analyze deeply the statements have no clear reason. <br />
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Yes, the majority of the people are still suffering and this condition is not created by the AMP Government but is continuation from the past; AMP’s Government does not add poverty and suffering for the people.” Investigation of PDHJ: no indication of corruption in the Ministry of Justice – Diario Nacional <br />
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The investigation which was undertaken by Provider of Human Rights and Justice proved that there is no corruption in the Ministry of Justice. <br />
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With reference to the allegation of corruption by the Provider of Human Rights against the Ministry of Justice, Lucia Lobato stated there should be an urgent investigation undertaken. <br />
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Lobato said that when the result of the investigation does not indicate any corruption she will react against the Provider of Human Rights. In response to this statement, Provider Sebastião Dias Ximenes said Minster Lucia Lobato has no competency to act against him because it was not Provider of Human Rights making the allegation. He added that Minister of Justice should act against the media and those who report the case because they got the report from media and some other sources. <br />
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<b>Luis: no transparency of replacing Baucau District Administrator</b> Diarioo Nacional - The District Administrator of Baucau Luis Aparicio Guterres a plan by the Ministry of State to nominate another person to substitute him is not transparent because Minister of State does not keep his promise. <br />
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On 10 June 2008 the Ministry of State sent him a letter to discharge him from his position as district administrator. <br />
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In relation to this, Aparicio said it is hard to abandon his position because he really loves this nation and young people of Baucau, but as a civil servant he has to accept the decision from Ministry of State. <br />
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According to Mr Guterres, there is no transparency from the Minister of State Arcangelo Leite because on 29 May 2008 when he was inaugurated, the Minister stated he fully supported him. <br />
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<b>University in TL to be accredited in next week</b> Diario Nacional - The Minister of Education, Joao Cancio Freitas said yesterday in Liceu that universities in Timor Leste which fulfil the criteria will be credited this week. <br />
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According to Joao once arrangements have been finalised, the results of universities that qualify will be announced at a press conference by the Prime Minister. <br />
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At the same time, Joao Cancio appealed to all parents and students, especially those who are studying at a secondary school, to enrol at the qualifying university. He added that ministry of education does not forbid the students to enrol at any university but they have to see whether the university is qualified or not. <br />
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<b>James Baker: ISF to continue work with PNTL and UNPol</b> Timor Post - The FSI commander James Baker said after attending the medal ceremony for the UN’s GNR that the ISF will cooperate with UNPol and PNTL to maintain law and order in Timor-Leste. <br />
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“We have sent our soldiers to every district so we hope that with our presence may contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and success in this state”. <br />
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Baker added “after 11 February attack the situation is under control, not only because of the the PNTL, UNPol and the ISF cooperation, but because of good and strong contribution from the societyl,” he said. <br />
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UNPol handover responsibility: PNTL ready to take over security responsibility – Timor Post <br />
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The commander-designate of PNTL Afonso de Jesus yesterday said “PNTL are ready to follow their duties to set security to secure this state. <br />
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“If UNPol will handover their duties for us (PNTL), but I (Afonso) ask to UNPol that before handover their mission they need to pay attention to some districts that still suffer from violence – it is tthere where the PNTL still needs to be accompanised by UNPol”. <br />
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The PNTL still faces some problems about lack of logistics, places, and transportation but as Timorese we try to cooperate with the government to strengthen the security for this state. <br />
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Every problem that the PNTL faces, such as transport and equipments is temporary; in 2009 the government will approve funds to complete it,” said Afonso. Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-67887649660917668752013-06-01T22:46:00.001-07:002013-06-08T16:01:59.732-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 9)<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 20 June 2008 </b><br />
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<b>Xanana: “No business monopolies”</b> Suara Timor Lorosae -The Prime Minister has authorized the PNTL to arrest any business person who sells rice at an inflated price. Prime Minister Gusmão said yesterday that the Government is trying to intervene to regulate the prices in the market. In relation to this, the Government has invited district commanders from all districts to decide on a convenient mechanism of coordination in order to handle this case. The PM said again that anyone who sells rice for more than US$16 will be arrested. <br />
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<b>Horta: investigations into human rights abuses to continue</b> Suara Timor Lorosa’e -President Jose Ramos Horta has instructed the PNTL and F-FDTL to continue investigating the officers who have committed human rights violations during and after the Joint Operation Command. According to the President, F-FDTL and PNTL must be serious in investigating these abuses otherwise the reputation of these two institutions will be tainted, as a consequence people will not believe and respect these them.<br />
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“I heard there have been allegations of human rights abuses. I want a deep investigation into this,” said the President. <br />
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<b>Australia-China: big commitment to continue supporting F-FDTL</b> Timor Post -The Government of Australia and China will keep their commitment to support the F-FDTL to become a professional institution capable of serving the people as well as contributing to the security of the nation.<br />
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The Australian Ambassador for Timor Leste Peter Heyward said that as neighbouring countries and friends, Australia and Timor Leste have established a lot of bilateral agreements. These include assistance for the F-FDTL and the Ministry of Defence along with supporting the development of infrastructure. In the coming days, Australia wants to cooperate with the F-FDTL on how to provide qualified training for the F-FDTL as well as providing the appropriate military equipment. <br />
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<b>24/06/08 Head of MCATL appeals to the nation’s leaders to control corruption</b> Suara Timor Lorosae -The Head of the Millennium Challenge Account of Timor-Leste (MCATL), Joao Saldanha, has appealed to all leaders of the nation including the Government, National Parliament, civil society and development partners, to seriously tackle corruption so that Timor-Leste can have assistances from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).<br />
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“If we want Timor-Leste to obtain assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), we should rid ourselves of corruption because it is very important that Timor-Leste get this assistance,” said Saldanha. Mr Saldanha also added that the fund will be used for poor people and not for political parties as the aim of the fund is to help reduce poverty in the poorest nations.<br />
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<b>26/06/08 Deputy SRSG says UNPOL hasn’t handed over command to PNTL</b> Diario Nacional -The Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General Finn Reske-Nielsen said that the Untied Nations Police who have been working with PNTL officers in all district have not as yet handed over power to the PNTL and that any future handover was still being discussed with the government.<br />
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“There was a ceremony held in the HQ of Manatutu PNTL last Saturday (21/6). It was a closing ceremony for those PNTL who have successfully been certified and all people should bear in mind that it was not handover command. For the handover command, this is still in discussion process between the Government and United Nation,” said Mr Reske-Nielsen.<br />
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Mr Reske-Nielsen also added that UN in Timor-Leste and the Government are still assessing the PNTL’s resumption of responsibility in all districts and at the national levels.<br />
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<b>24/06/08 Head of MCATL appeals to the nation’s leaders to control corruption Suara Timor</b> Lorosae -The Head of the Millennium Challenge Account of Timor-Leste (MCATL), Joao Saldanha, has appealed to all leaders of the nation including the Government, National Parliament, civil society and development partners, to seriously tackle corruption so that Timor-Leste can have assistances from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).<br />
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“If we want Timor-Leste to obtain assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), we should rid ourselves of corruption because it is very important that Timor-Leste get this assistance,” said Saldanha. Mr Saldanha also added that the fund will be used for poor people and not for political parties as the aim of the fund is to help reduce poverty in the poorest nations.<br />
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26/06/08 Deputy SRSG says UNPOL hasn’t handed over command to PNTL - Diario Nacional<br />
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The Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General Finn Reske-Nielsen said that the Untied Nations Police who have been working with PNTL officers in all district have not as yet handed over power to the PNTL and that any future handover was still being discussed with the government.<br />
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“There was a ceremony held in the HQ of Manatutu PNTL last Saturday (21/6). It was a closing ceremony for those PNTL who have successfully been certified and all people should bear in mind that it was not handover command. For the handover command, this is still in discussion process between the Government and United Nation,” said Mr Reske-Nielsen.<br />
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Mr Reske-Nielsen also added that UN in Timor-Leste and the Government are still assessing the PNTL’s resumption of responsibility in all districts and at the national levels.Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-62550355256902178892013-06-01T22:40:00.001-07:002015-12-10T21:47:11.888-08:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 8)<b>Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 18 June 2008 Archived by Warren L. Wright</b><br />
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<b>Salsinha's trial may take one year</b> Suara Timor Lorosae -Law researcher and the Secretary-General of Timor-Leste's Lawyers' Association Tiago Sarmento said that based on the penal code process of Timor-Leste, a criminal case of a person who was accused of committing a crime against the nation may take up to one year before his/her case is judged. This was said in relation the cases of Salsinha and the other rebels. <br />
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Mr. Sarmento said that when a suspect's case is under investigation, this does not mean that the case is processed immediately as the prosecutor needs to collect evidence for the trial.<br />
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<b>High level discuss to strengthen Government-UNMIT Accord</b> Suara Timor Lorosae -The nation's leaders met in the Presidential Palace, Farol Dili on Tuesday (17/6) to discuss the strengthening of the Accord between the Government of Timor-Leste and UNMIT to reform security sector in Timor-Leste.<br />
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After the meeting, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão informed that President José Ramos-Horta had called him together with Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, PNTL Commander Designated Afonso de Jesus and others to talk about the development of security sector [of the nation]. “We know that I have just signed an accord with UNDP to assist us in this process. The result of this accord signifies that Timor-Leste should organize [prepare] itself to join with the technical assistance of UNMIT,” said the Prime Minister.<br />
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PM Xanana also said that President will write a release to UNMIT about the placement of those who are involved in the commission in order to establish a working calendar to start the process.<br />
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<b>Australia becomes team leader of development plan for security and defence</b> Suara Timor Lorosae -The Secretary of State for Defence has concluded and indicated that Australia has become the team leader of the development plan in the areas of defence and security.<br />
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“We met with the donors to talk about the national priority in security and defence and justice. From the meeting we have established a team to provide program implementation assistance in the area of justice, prosecutions and security and defence,” said Secretary of State for Defence Julio Tomas Pinto on Tuesday (17/6) in Dili. Mr. Pinto said the Ambassador of Australia for Timor-Leste has appointed to lead the team as Australia has given a lot of support to the country in these areas. Separately, Prosecutor-General Longuinhos Monteiro accepted the decision to appoint the Australian Ambassador to lead the team of development plan for security, defence and justice sector.<br />
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Coliati: the Joint Operation Command might become operational again at the request of the State – Diario Nacional<br />
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Lieutenant Coliati has said that the Joint Operation Command had planned to head to the eastern districts to continue searching for weapons, but that this would depend on the decision of the State.<br />
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“The operation to search for weapons in the eastern district will be implemented if there is a decision from the State. So far we still awaiting the decision from the State as it has to be carried out based on the rule of law,” said Lieutenant Coliati at the HQ of Joint Operation Command in Memorial Hall Dili.<br />
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Joint Operation commander Lieutenant Coliati added that the main priority for the Joint Operation Command is to ensure the return of the IDPs to their communities in peace and stability. <br />
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<a href="http://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/">East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin</a> Legal news from East Timor in English Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-74145965715877371712013-06-01T14:57:00.005-07:002013-06-08T15:57:35.546-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 7)<b>Source: UNMIT Daily Media 16 June 2008 Archived by Warren L. Wright</b><br />
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<b>Guterres: conditions are needed to establish rule of law</b> - Vice Prime Minister José Luis Guterres has said that certain conditions are needed to guarantee a democratic system. “We need to create conditions for all institutions who take part in the State of Timor-Leste to guarantee a democratic system,” said Mr. Guterres in his briefing at the inauguration of Dili District Court office on Friday (13/6) in Dili.<br />
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Mr. Guterres said that the Government intends to create appropriate conditions for the justice sector even though the justice sector is not functioning well in many areas. He also said optimistically that the Government has resolved many of the nation’s problems, such as IDPs, petitioners, veterans and the elderly and will now turn its attention to improve the quality of work. (Suara Timor Lorosa’e )<br />
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<b>Government signs reform of security sector with UNDP-RTL</b>, 14 June - The Government has signed an agreement to reform the security sector with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) until 2009. At the Government Palace yesterday, PM Xanana Gusmão said during his speech that this support offered by the UN to the Government will guarantee the sustainability of human development. The PM added that this cooperation is a part of the overall support to the Government in order to assist with the Government’s efforts to reform and the development the security sector.<br />
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“The State of Timor Leste is a group which is collectively protected by the President of the Republic, the National Parliament and the Government who pay attention to the security in our country,” said the PM. The agreement of cooperation was signed by the PM and the UNDP Representative.<br />
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This agreement will also help strengthen the capacity of both officials and national authorities in the areas of foreign affairs, justice, customs, intelligence, fishing protection, border control, natural disaster, finance, maritime protection, health and the PNTL and F-FDTL. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General Atul Khare said that the reform of security sector is a step to reinforce and help this nation in establishing itself as a stronger democratic nation and to promote human rights.<br />
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<b>Ramos-Horta surprised at NP plans to create law to buy luxurious car</b> - President José Ramos-Horta said he was surprised to hear that the National Parliament (NP) is creating a law to justify the purchase of 65 luxurious cars for each MP. “I do not accept this as people are still suffering,” said PR Horta in a community dialogue on Friday (13/6) in sub-district Laleia, Manatuto.<br />
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The President suggested that it is good for the National Parliament to buy cars for each bench or commissions and/or a mini bus for the daily transportation of MPs. (Suara Timor Lorosa’e and Diario Nacional ).<br />
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<b>UNDP supports security sector</b> - Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao signed an agreement between the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP to formalize support for the security sector reform in Timor-Leste on Friday (13/6).<br />
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The Review will encompass a comprehensive evaluation of the security sector in order to support the Government’s efforts to reform and develop national institutions. The Review will be carried out by national institutions with UN assThe overall aim of the Review is to strengthen the nation’s ability to protect itself, both internally and externally.<br />
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It will do this by identifying threats, proposing steps to ensure that the security architecture is able to mitigate them, and by helping develop the capacity of public servants and national authorities to implement those measures in accordance with the democratic principles of law.<br />
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The Review will consider all areas connected with the sector including, foreign affairs, customs, intelligence services, justice, fisheries protection, border control, natural disasters, finance, maritime protection, health and the police and army.<br />
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The Review will allow the authorities of Timor-Leste to further the work they have undertaken in the sector so far and to fine tune its national security policy. It will also provide national authorities with the tools they require to make informed decision in the implementation of this policy.<br />
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The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Timor-Leste Atul said: “The review, reform and development of the security sector are vital to strengthening institutions that can weather future crisis without external assistance and that will help Timor-Leste establish itself as a strong democracy, upholding the rule of law and promoting human rights.”<br />
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Furthermore, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and UNDP Resident Representative Finn Reske-Nielsen said: “The reform of the security sector is based on the fact that the stability of a nation and its development go hand-in-hand. Without stability based on democratic principles and firmly anchored in a respect for human rights, sustainable human development can not be achieved.” (Suara Timor Lorosa’e )<br />
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<b>State Secretary for Defense: 50 veterans to retire from F-FDTL by end of 2008</b> - The State Secretary for Defense, Julio Tomas Pinto, said that at least 50 veterans have decided to retire from the F-FDTL by the end of 2008 and return to civilian life as veterans. “Those veterans will receive a pension fund as has been planned,” said Mr Pinto on Wednesday (11/06) in his office at Palacio.(Timor Post )<br />
<br />
<br />Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-74076307676692391362013-06-01T14:54:00.000-07:002013-06-08T15:56:40.364-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 6)<b>Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 09 June 2008</b><br />
<br />
PM: All political parties have a duty to TL - Diario<br />
<br />
In the seventh National Conference of PD, held yesterday in Manleuana, PM Xanana Gusmão said all Political Parties are set up in Timor Leste to respond to the needs of the nation. According to the PM, when any political party participates in an election, they are elected to lead in order to monitor the democratic process. The PM also added that all political parties have a great responsibility to educate the population to be tolerant, to value human rights and democracy.<br />
<br />
Veterans to receive US $20 million - Diario<br />
<br />
The State-Secretary of Veterans Marito Reis said in Baucau that those Timorese who contributed in the war for a period of 3-7 years will receive a premium from the Government.<br />
<br />
Mr Reis confirmed that he has ratified US$ 4.000.000 of funds to complete the US$ 16.000.000 that they have before bringing the total of funds to US$ 20.000.000. According to plan, this money will allotted next year and every veteran will receive a one-off payment.<br />
<br />
<br />
National Parliament approves resolution to implement CAVR Chega Report - TVTL, 7 June<br />
<br />
The National Parliament has approved a resolution to recognize the implementation of the final report of CAVR "Chega". National MP Fernanda Borges said her commission has approved the resolution and they will continue discussing it in the plenary.<br />
<br />
She added that the National Parliament formally recognizes the importance of this report which contains the serious crimes occurring from 1974 to 1999. "This resolution is very important because this is the first time the relevant organ of the NP has officially recognized the importance of this report. Therefore, I ask all Timorese to acknowledge the writers as well," said Ms Borges.<br />
<br />
NP approves intelligence law - Timor Post, 7 June<br />
<br />
National MP Duarte Nunes has confirmed that the National Parliament has currently approved the intelligence law for the F-FDTL and the PNTL. "The law has been approved by Parliament, so we ask that the government implement it well in both institutions in order to strengthen our intelligence capacities," said Mr Nunes.<br />
<br />
Duarte also said that candidate chosen to be the Chief of Intelligence should be a neutral candidate and not be a part of either institution. <br />
<br />
Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-58342964896646857582013-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:002015-12-10T21:47:37.632-08:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 5)Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 06 June 2008 Archived by Warren L. Wright<br />
<br />
SRSG meets with civil society - TVTL<br />
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Atul Khare has asked members of civil society to keep their commitment to establishing peace in Timor Leste. During a meeting held in the office of FONGTIL in Kaikoli yesterday, civil society members and students discussed security and defence issues, reformation of the PNTL and F-FDTL, corruption and cost of goods among other things.<br />
<br />
SRSG Khare said that before long, the United Nation would be transferring power to PNTL in all districts. He also added that the officers involved in crimes would not be allowed to undertake their positions in the police or military. Regarding this, UNMIT has signed an agreement with the General Prosecutor to set up an investigation team in some districts including Dili, Baucau and Bobonaro to investigate alleged crimes. <br />
<br />
Horta told Salsinha not to be afraid to tell truth – Radio Timor-Leste<br />
President Horta has encouraged Gastão Salsinha not to be frightened to tell the truth of the 2006 crisis and the events of February 11 and to collaborate with the Court. The President confirmed that Salsinha is being treated well in prison and is able to give his statement to the Court. Salsinha is awaiting his judgment in Becora Prison.<br />
<br />
Rogerio to be freed conditionally – Radio Timor-Leste<br />
The Former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato has been freed conditionally for five years as he return home from Malaysia. President Ramos-Horta has praised the decision to free Rogerio as he has already fulfilled a quarter of his sentence. "I think it is a good thing…¦If he does something wrong then he should be back to prison for seven years," said PR Horta.<br />
<br />
Last week's meeting: Horta encourages Salsinha to tell the truth - Timor Post<br />
<br />
President José Ramos-Horta has strongly encouraged Gastao Salsinha to tell the truth about the events surrounding February 11.<br />
<br />
"It is true that I asked the Prosecutor-General and the Court if I could have a short time to meet Salsinha. As a human being and a President, I wanted to talk to him and tell him not to be afraid and to collaborate with the Court and to reveal what he knows. I also inquired about his condition in Becora [Prison] to see whether there have been any abuses committed," said the President. "I am not influencing him. I do not know his information. I just told him not to be afraid as there no one could take vengeance on him." Luxurious cars and laptops: necessary for the dignity of each MP – Timor Post<br />
<br />
Opposition MPs have criticised the plan to provide MPs with luxurious cars (Toyota Prado) and high capacity laptops. AMP Government MPs argue that purchases are a positive step and are necessary to preserve the dignity of MPs. However, MPs from Fretilin and PUN are vehemently against the plan arguing that this is not time to buy luxury items when people are still going hungry. <br />
<br />
"I think it will cost lots of money to buy cars for each MP. It is better to buy two or three cars for each commission of the National Parliament," argued Ms. Fernanda from PUN. The costs of the cars is estimated at US$2million.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/">East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin</a> Legal news from East Timor in EnglishEditorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-44747698556648689232013-06-01T14:48:00.003-07:002013-06-08T15:53:31.152-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 4)<b>TMR: lack of human resources in F-FDTL/PNTL Radio Timor-Leste, Suara Timor Lorosa'e, Diario Nacional and Timor Post</b> - The General Commander of the F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak (TMR) said that a lack of human resources was the main challenge faced by F-FDTL and PNTL.<br />
<br />
"We need to strengthen these two institutions," said TMR after a weekly meeting with President José Ramos-Horta on Wednesday (3/6) in Farol, Dili. Talking about new F-FDTL recruitment, TMR said that the recruitment for the armed forces will be held in June and July. The Ministry of Defence is working on the recruitment process for the 300 new F-FDTL members set to be trained in August.<br />
<b><br />Secret meeting of Horta-Salsinha: PR Horta obstructs justice Suara Timor Lorosa'e</b> - President Horta's secret meeting with Salsinha is not normal and jeopardises our nation. Including the pardons, this shows that the President is starting to obstruct justice.<br />
<br />
The President of PUN Fernanda Borges said that President Horta has begun to interfere in forbidden areas of justice by secretly meeting with Salsinha.<br />
<br />
"I am concerned with why PR Horta meets Salsinha privately. I feel something is going wrong. So I need him [PR Horta] to go to the court to give his statement as he knows a lot [about February 11]," added Ms. Borges.<br />
<br />
In response to this, a law observer, Timotiu de Deus, said yesterday that the secret meeting between Horta and Salsinha was indeed legal given that the meeting was authorized by the Court.<br />
<br />
Separately, CNRT MP Aderito Hugo da Costa said that following the controversial decision to pardon Rogerio, PR Horta has taken yet another step to interfere with the judicial process. <br />
<br />
<b>Secret meeting of Horta-Salsinha is legal Suara Timoor Lorosa'e</b> - The Director of Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP), Timotio de Deus, has said that the secret meeting between President José Ramos-Horta and Salsinha is considered legal as it was authorized by the Dili District Court.<br />
<br />
According to Mr de Deus, the function of President is to guarantee national unity, so the President's initiative [to meet Salsinha] was to guarantee national unity.<br />
<b><br />Lucia Lobato: Rogerio Lobato is free Suara Timmor Lorosa'e</b> - The Minister for Justice, Lucia Lobato, has confirmed that Rogerio Lobato has been freed conditionally based on the pardon granted by President Horta.<br />
<br />
"Yesterday I had a meeting with the Dili District Court Judge and he informed me that the Court's decision was to conditionally free Rogerio because he has been pardoned and because he served half his sentence before having received the pardon," said Minister Lobato on Wednesday (4/6).<br />
<br />
<b>Ed: PR Horta steps on justice Suara Timor Lorosa'e</b> - President Horta calls Salsinha to meet him in the presidential office in Farol, Dili. We do not know what the subject was. It was an urgent meeting, no one knows.<br />
<br />
Maybe the meeting was about a possible pardon to Salsinha or perhaps on any other matter related to February 11 – only President Horta and Salsinha know the truth.<br />
<br />
The meeting between Horta and Salsinha can be considered unique as it has only happened in Timor-Leste, not in the world.<br />
<br />
Maybe because of his position as a Noble Prize Laureate the President wants to make history by following in the steps of Pope John Paulo II who met Ali Aca (the man who shot the Pope) in prison.<br />
<br />
It is possible for Horta to use his position to do whatever he wants, because he is the President and also as the first man of the nation, what ever he does is legal, even though it may interfere with justice.<br />
<br />
The phenomenon shows that PR Horta has stepped over the lines of justice, and is embroiled in conspiracies with his friends and enemies for his own private interest.<br />
<br />
<b>Horta-Salsinha's meeting: CNRT-Fretilin for, PSD against Diario Nacional</b> - The meeting of Salsinha and PR Horta has solicited many reactions from MPs in the National Parliament. CNRT and Fretilin consider the meeting to be acceptable as it is for the sake of national stability. The PSD party however is calling the meeting illegal.<br />
<br />
Former Minister of Justice and Fretilin MP Domingos Sarmento said that the meeting of Horta and Salsinha is a positive step to accelerate the judicial process. PSD MP Mario Viegas Carrascalão however believes that as a prisoner, Salsinha had no right to meet others outside the prison. <br />
<br />
Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 05 June 2008 Archived by Warren L. WrightEditorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-53013202185079575902013-06-01T14:44:00.000-07:002013-06-08T15:52:56.482-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 3)<b>Pardon to Rogerio against justice</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
<br />
The Vice Director of the HAK Association, Aniceto Guro Berteni Neves, has said that he considers that President Horta's pardon to the former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato has created discrimination and injustice.<br />
<br />
"We could say that President Horta's pardon to Rogerio is discrimination and an injustice given that Rogerio is the alleged principle actor of 2006 crisis," said Mr. Neves. Mr. Neves said that while constitutionally all citizens have the rights to receive a pardon this should not apply to Rogerio.<br />
<br />
<b>Salsinha and Horta held secret meeting</b> – Timor Post, Suara Timor Lorosa'e and Diario Nacional<br />
<br />
President José Ramos-Horta held a secret meeting with Gastão Salsinha in his office on Saturday (31/5) in Farol, Dili. The meeting, which lasted for two hours, was closed to public.<br />
<br />
The National Director of Social Services, Helena Madalena Gomes, confirmed that Gastao Salsinha went from Becora Prison to meet PR Horta in Farol and that this was authorized by the Dili District Court.<br />
<br />
"I know about the meeting, but I do not know what PR Horta and Salsinha talked about. What I know is on Thursday, the President asked Minister Lobato to authorize Salsinha to meet with him," said Ms. Gomes. <br />
<br />
<b>Ed: F-FDTL Withdraw from Ermera</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
<br />
Since the establishment of F-FDTL/PNTL Joint Command Operation (JOC), many criticisms have been levelled against the F-FDTL. However, many people do not realise that the JOC allowed many fearful people to sleep well.<br />
<br />
The two institutions act in good faith to protect the population from irresponsible people even though some members of the F-FDTL and PNTL fail in their role. The issue raised by MP Joao Maia in the National Parliament is not intended to improve the institution - it was only a statement with a political agenda.<br />
<br />
We cannot withdraw the F-FDTL from Ermera. Let's see whether Ermera is an independent nation or Timor-Leste's territory; if Ermera is the territory of Timor-Leste then there is no reason to withdraw F-FDTL from the area as the institution belongs to Timor-Leste.<br />
<br />
We need to improve the attitudes of the members of F-FDTL – they have an obligation to protect nott to intimidate.<br />
<br />
We are worried if someday the MPs will withdraw F-FDTL from Timor-Leste. It is bad if this MP compares the F-FDTL with the National Army of Indonesia (TNI) – thhe TNI were here to occupy while the F-FDTL belongs to Timor-Leste.<br />
<br />
<b>Francisco Branco: "Pardon to Rogerio was based on his attitude"</b> – Diario Nacional<br />
<br />
The Fretilin MP Francisco Branco said that the decision of President Ramos-Horta to pardon Rogerio Tiago Lobato was based on Lobato's attitude and cooperation with the justice system.<br />
<br />
According to Mr. Branco, public comments are not balanced and tend to discriminate against people who they dislike. "I am concerned about the reactions from the community over the decision of the President to pardon Lobato," said Mr. Branco.<br />
<br />
Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 04 June 2008 Archived by Warren L. WrightEditorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-10729412515394895162013-06-01T14:40:00.000-07:002013-06-08T15:51:38.207-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 2)<b>MP questions Horta's pardon</b> Suara Timor Lorosae - The PSD Member of Parliament, Vidal Sarmento 'Riak Leman', has questioned the pardon given by President José Ramos-Horta to Rogerio Tiago Lobato, the former Minister of Interior, arguing that as a criminal, Mr Lobato did not deserve the pardon.<br />
<br />
"I think that the pardon of President Horta to Rogerio is not good. It is not good when a criminal who just spent two months in prison before going abroad for medical treatment receives a pardon for half of his sentence," said Mr. Riak Leman on Monday (2/6) in the National Parliament. Mr Leman also said that he believes PR Horta's pardon to Lobato should have acceptance from the public, especially the victims of the weapons' distribution that Lobato is alleged to have been involved in May 2006. <br />
<br />
<b>UNDERTIM demands that Fretilin stop early election's campaign</b> Suara Timor Lorrosa'e - UNDERTIM President Cornelio Gama 'L-7' has demanded that Fretilin stop their campaign to hold early elections. He said that Fretilin has to provide an opportunity for the Government to improve people's life through development.<br />
<br />
According to L-7, it is difficult to have an early election as people are not prepared yet. He suggested that Fretilin should consider the progress made so far by the AMP Government and to provide constructive criticism when needed, rather than to demand early elections.<br />
<br />
<b>PNTL violates law: UN asks Govt to take action</b> Suara Timor Lorosa'e - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Atul Khare is asking the AMP Government to take immediate action against the members of the Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) and the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) who have committed human rights violations.<br />
<br />
"There are some members of F-FDTL and PNTL who have violated human rights," said SRSG Khare after his weekly meeting with President Horta on Monday (2/6) in Farol, Dili. SRSG Khare has asked the F-FDTL Commander Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak and the National Parliament to investigate the allegations of human rights violations. "If the investigation proves that violations have occurred, we will take action," added SRSG Khare.<br />
<br />
During the meeting, the SRSG and President Horta also discussed how to accelerate the reform of the PNTL. SRSG Khare said that in a short time, the United Nations Police (UNPol) based in the districts will hand over to the PNTL, but will still maintain a presence in the districts.<br />
<br />
<b>NP asks F-FDTL to withdraw from Ermera Suara Timor Lorosae</b> - The PUN MP Joao Maia yesterday claimed that the F-FDTL soldiers still operating in Ermera are considered illegal as there is no recognition of their work from Parliament. "It's illegal, so they (F-FDTL) have to retire. The state of siege ended last month on 23 of May. I ask the F-FDTL to explain what they are doing and on what basis are they still continuing their operation," said Mr Maia.<br />
<br />
Mr Maia added that they had violated the law, and if the were still continuing their investigations, such as the search for illegal weapons, then the Government should present their case to the Parliament. "Their presence in Ermera is just nonsense- they go to the market and beat the youth." Responding to this, CNRT MP Duarte Nunes said that the F-FDTL presence in Ermera is not illegal and is based on the organic law of the PNTL law.<br />
<br />
<b>Tara: difficult for the petitioners to return to F-FDTL</b> Timor Post - After the government announced to the public that some of the petitioners would be returning to the F-FDTL, the coordinator of petitioners, Agusto de Jesus 'Tara', said that this would be difficult. "It's to hard for us [petitioners] to return to the F-FDTL because our big brother from F-FDTL will not welcome us, specially Maun Lere who made the comment that if we returned, he (Lere) would have his members leave and form a petitioner's group. So from our perspective, it's really hard for us to return," said Major Tara on Monday (2/6).<br />
<br />
Major Tara also said that the statement of Colonel Lere would greatly impact on the petitioners who want to return to the military. He also said that any decision made by the Government will be warmly welcomed for the sake of freedom and stability of people and the nation.<br />
<br />
<b>Pessoa asks for report on high numbers of advisors employed within the finance ministry</b> – Televisaun Timor-Leste - Fretilin MP Ana Pessoa has asked for a written report from the Ministry of Finance explaining the high numbers of advisors employed in the ministry as well as to explain the Government's decision to give financial assistance to NGOs that support the Government's programs.<br />
<br />
"I never heard of so many advisors employed in a ministry. It is normal that in any ministry there are two or three advisors. Why should a ministry employ 10-60 advisors?" asked Ms Pessoa. "Why should they not employ Timorese people in such positions? Why do not they value Timorese capability?"<br />
<br />
The Minister of Finance, Emilia Minister Pires, responded that "talking about finance it is big and complex. All areas, including budgeting and treasury need skilled people. We do have 18 long term advisors and other short term advisors- they are employed when needed." Related to the financial assistance to NGOs [ETDA], Minister Pires said that it was the decision of the Government.<br />
<br />
<b>Fernando Lasama: AMP always works with ASDT party</b> Diario Nacional - The President of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama de Araujo has said that AMP is always together with the ASDT party, although the President of the ASDT Francisco Xavier do Amaral has declared that his party no longer has any responsibility in making decisions with the AMP Government.<br />
<br />
"There has been no formal notification that the ASDT party has pulled itself from the AMP alliance, but it was stated in a document that ASDT no longer has a responsibility in making decisions with the AMP," said the National President Fernando Lasama de Araujo in the National Parliament(02/06). <br />
<br />
Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 03 June 2008 Archived by Warren L. WrightEditorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-77822073751341471062013-06-01T14:35:00.001-07:002013-06-08T15:50:28.888-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News June 2008 (Part 1)<b>ASDT bench in NP to have dialogue with Xavier</b> – Timor Post
ASDT members of the National Parliament have made efforts to conduct a dialogue with ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral and ASDT Acting Secretary-General Francisco Gomes.
ASDT's bench chief in the NP Jose Manuel Carrascalao said that there has been a small confrontation between the party [ASDT] and its MPs on decision making processes. "We do not want the confrontation getting any bigger, so we are finding a way to talk with the President," said Mr. Carrascalao.<br />
<br />
<b>TL Government gives opportunity to telecommunication operators</b> – Timor Post
The Minister of Finance Emilia Pires said that in order to reduce the price of Timor Telecom (TT) and to create competition, the Government is providing opportunities to new telecommunication operators. Minister Pires said that to establish the new telecommunication in Timor-Leste, the Government has to remove the existed monopoly. The Minister also said that the Government announced the resolution on the new telecommunication's policy to TT on 19 March 2008.<br />
<br />
<b>Ramos-Horta: judges to decide Rogerio's sentence</b> – Timor Post and Diario Nacional
President José Ramos-Horta said that it is the judge's responsibility to decide whether prisoner Rogerio Tiago Lobato will continue to fulfil his sentence in Becora Prison.
PR Horta said that before granting pardons to the prisoners, including former Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato, he had informed the judges. He added that he didn't know how long the sentence of Rogerio would be reduced.
"I do not know until now. The judges will make the decision over whether his time in Malaysia will be included or not. If not, then he should go to Becora Prison to fulfil his sentence as required," said PR Horta.
PR Horta furthermore said the he welcomed criticisms over his decision to pardon the prisoners.
"I welcome the critics when we make a decision like this. This is the President's burden. I did what my conscience dictated," PR Horta added.<br />
<br />
<b>Lu-Olo: Rogerio deserves to be pardoned</b> – Diario Nacional
Fretilin President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo said that former Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato deserves to be pardoned. "Rogerio deserves to be pardoned. PR Horta pardoned Rogerio not because they are friends or because his family died during the war, but because of his good attitude during his detention in Becora Prison," said Mr Lu-Olo.
Answering the National Parliament's concerns that the pardon to Rogerio will create a culture of impunity, Mr. Lu-Olo said that the pardon will not create impunity as it is a normal process based on the Constitution of the nation.<br />
<br />
<b>Pardon to Rogerio: creating a culture of impunity culture</b> – Suara Timor Lorosae
The Director of the Commission of Peace and Justice of Dili Diocese, Fr. Cyrus V. Banque, said that a pardon for a big criminal like for Rogerio Tiago Lobato creates a culture of impunity and kills justice in this nation.
"We feel that President Horta's pardon is against the good interests of many people…Even though he [Lobato] received a sentence, he diid not fulfil it…" said Fr. Banque on Saturday (31/5) in the Dili Cathedral.
According to Fr. Banque, the pardon was given the chance to be publicly debated, but was published immediately as a presidential decree. He further said that the pardon negatively impacts on people's rights and it could create an atmosphere where the Government loses its credibility.
"As the church we demand justice to be granted through the proper legal channels so as to promote the interests of Timorese people," added Fr. Banque.<br />
<br />
<b> F-FDTL/PNTL Command: ready to discharge their members involved in violence</b> – Timor Post
The General Commander of the F-FDTL Taur Matan Ruak said on 29/5 in Memorial Hall that the F-FDTL and PNTL institutions would tolerate officers or soldiers who displayed bad attitudes against the communities. He also said such officers/soldiers would be dismissed.
"As a democratic state, none of us is above the law. We are all under the rule of law, that is why our officers will not run away from the law", said the Commander.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: UNMIT Daily Media Review 02 June 2008. Archived by Warren L. Wright </i></span>Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-50975412694264377522013-06-01T07:54:00.002-07:002013-06-01T07:54:49.731-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 7)<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 30 May 2008<br /><br />Mario Carrascalão: asking the Government to cancel MAF-Indonesian MOU – TVTL</b><br />
PSD
Member of Parliament Mario Carrascalão is asking the Government to
cancel the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Ministry
of Agriculture, Forests-Fishery (MAF) and the Indonesian Government.
Last Monday in National Parliament Mario said the MOU was a secret
agreement that will not be beneficial for the population. "We ask this
MOU to be cancelled because they signed it in secret. There should not
be a law that is created only for the interest of the Government. We do
not agree at all with them to sell the land to Indonesia, as stated in
the MOU that TL will give a concession to Indonesia for two years to use
100,000 hectares of land," Mr. Carrascalão said.<br />
<br />
In
response to this, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
said the agreement was not secret because at that time journalists were
invited to the signing. "This agreement is not secret. We just want to
say that on 15 January 2008 when we signed the MOU, it was witnessed by
many journalists as well broadcast on TVTL that the Ministry of
Agriculture had signed an MOU with a company named "GT. Leste Birotec,"
explained Lourenzo Borges Fontes. He added that this agreement may be
cancelled if there has been no activity from the time of the signature
up to now. <br />
<br />
<b>Government: to take 3% of petroleum funds as social subsidiary </b>– Radio Timor-Leste<br />
Prime
Minister Xanana said that the government will take 3% of petroleum
funds to give subsidize social programs. "The food crisis is an issue
around the world, not only in TL. The government should allocate funds
to respond to needs of society," said PM Xanana during ameeting with
President Horta in the government palace yesterday (29/5).<br />
<br />
<b>MSS: plan to have department to protect children rights</b> – Radio Timor-Leste<br />
Minister
of Social and Solidarity Maria Domingas Alves said on Thursday (29/5)
in Delta Nova, Comoro that the Ministry of Social and Solidarity will
create a new program and plan to establish a department to protect child
rights. The department will focus on runaways, children who need
protection from abuse within the home, and those who are facing
violence.<br />
<br />
<b>Pardon to Rogerio: MPs ask PR Horta retract his statement</b> - Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
Members
of the National Parliament are asking President José Ramos-Horta to
withdraw his statement concerning the pardon of former Minister of
Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato in which he said that many of the
Rogerio's family died in the fight for the country's liberation. "The
president should give a pardon based on his authority and not because
someone's family died during the struggle," said CNRT MP Natalino dos
Santos on Thursday (29/5) in the National Parliament.<br />
<br />
The
big impact [of the president's pardon] is setting a bad precedent to
the nation – therre is no legal basis on which to give a pardon based on
family members who died during the war. President Ramos-Horta did not
comment on the request even though journalists have been questioning him
about the pardon and his recent statements<br />
<br />
<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 28 May 2008<br /><br />Ministry of Justice: the Government does not need to report to NP about its recommendations </b>– Diario Nacional and Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
Minister
of Justice Lucia Lobato said that the Ministry of Justice does not need
to notify the National Parliament on what they have recommended to the
president. Minister Lucia Lobato said that the Constitution does not say
that the President has to inform the National Parliament before giving
pardon to prisoners. "All of us know, especially the deputies, know the
duty in all institutions of the Government based on the Constitution.<br />
<br />
What
is the authority of Parliament, the Government's authority, President's
authority and the Court's authority? Each institution has its own area
of authority to carry on as the constitution states.<br />
<br />
In
connection with the pardoning of prisoners by the President,
particularly the deputies want to know about prisoner Rogerio Lobato. I
think Constitution does not say that when President wants to extend
forgiveness to the prisoners he must inform the deputies in National
Parliament. If it is written in Constitution, I humbly ask the deputies
to show me the article," said Minister Lobato.<br />
<br />
She also
said that the Ministry of Justice still has not received any
information from the president about granting pardons to the prisoners
as the case is being taken to court.<br />
<br />
<b>PNTL human rights violation against people continues to take place </b>– Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
A
human rights violation victim, Silvina Assuncão de Jesus yesterday
(27/5) reported her case to Committees A and B in the National
Parliament. Silvina said the case occurred when the members of the Task
Force forced them to leave the place where they were staying. At that
time, the members of Task Force destroyed the victim's kiosk, causing
here to lose approximately US$200. Ms. Silvina is asking the Government
to reimburse her loss.<br />
<br />
In a separate matter, Chefe
Aldeia of Caicoli, Tomas Jose Goncalves said the Government should
inform the local authority in the community before they send the
population to live there. "If the Government wants to relocate some part
of the population to any place in the community, they have to make an
agreement or hold a dialogue with us first so that we can be on the
alert and prevent any disturbances. Also, we can know whether those
people have their own house or not", explained Tomas.<br />
<br />
In
response to this case, President of Committee A, Antoninho Bianco said
he has instructed the victim to report the incident to the PNTL in order
to investigate those members who tortured the population. "Some of
members of the Task Force yesterday tortured a victim in Caicoli. In
relation to this, we have directly contacted the PNTL and asked them to
gather evidence from the victim to thoroughly investigate all the
parties involved. Also, we have also contacted the Provider of Human
Rights and asked them to also gather evidence from the victim, so that
if there is no follow-up from PNTL about this case, the Provider of
Human Rights can present this case to General Prosecutor to be
investigated", confirmed Bianco.<br />
<br />
The Commander of Joint
Operation Command Filomeno Paixão said the JOC also has taken any
measures regarding human rights violations which were allegedly
committed by the members of the F-FDTL during its field operations.
According to Filomeno, 73 cases have been identified so far - 39 of the
cases were committed by F-FDTL and the other 34 were committed by the
UN. <br />
<b><br />Ministry of Finance to present audit report</b> – Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
Minister
of Finance Emilia Pires said that the internal audit report of the
former Government is ready to be presented to the parliament. "As
discussed with the auditors, auditing processes generally take a long
time to do complete as they conduct the audit unit by unit. The report
has been prepared and still need some work as the previous government
did not have a good system in place. There are no documents and audit
archive and it is difficult to find the auditing files," said Minster
Emilia.<br />
<br />
<b>Fretilin-PUN: unhappy with NP plan to buy 65 cars for MPs</b> – Timor Post<br />
MPs
from PUN and Fretilin have reacted strongly to the plan of the National
Parliament to buy new 65 cars [Toyota Prado] for the 65 MPs in
parliament. According to PUN-Fretilin, saying it is unconscionable to
proceed with this plan while the people are suffering.<br />
<br />
MP
Fretilin Aniceto Guterres said that initially Fretilin did not accept
the plan of buying cars for the MPs as people are starving due to the
food crisis. "I concur that the parliament need cars to carry out
assessments and other duties, but not cars for every MP," lamented Mr.
Guterres.<br />
<br />
PUN MP Fernanda Borges said that her party is
in the parliament to represent people and she is happy with US$10 per
diem [per day. There is no need for cars as the cars are so expensive
and will put too much strain on the State budget. "For me this is a
serious step to take for the State. If the cars are bought for the
current MPs, then the next MPs will also need cars, as we do now,"
questioned Ms. Borges. <br />
<br />
The Vice President of the
National Parliament Maria Paixão said that the cars will be bought to
facilitate the work of the MPs and may be sold at a lower price. <br />
<br />
<b>ASDT withdraw from AMP</b> – Timor Post, Suara Timor Lorosa'e, Diario Nacional, Radio Timor-Leste and Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
The
Social Democratic Association of Timorese (ASDT) decided to withdraw
form the Alliance of Majority in Parliament (AMP) on Tuesday (27/5),
saying that the party's has not yet received any response from Prime
Minister Xanana Gusmão on its demands.<br />
<br />
ASDT President
Francisco Xavier do Amaral stated that ASDT is no longer a part of AMP.
Any difficulties people face can be directly addressed to CNRT, PD and
PSD. Earlier ASDT had proposed to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão to remove
the Minister of Commerce and Tourism Gil da Costa Alves and the State
Secretary of Environment Abilio Lima from their positions. ASDT is also
asking the Prime Minister to place ASDT members as much as possible in
the role of ambassador, district and sub-district administrators in
areas where the party received the majority of more votes during
parliamentary elections.<br />
<br />
"Up until now we have no
response from the Prime Minister. Such political dynamics may have a
strong impact on the economic crisis in the country and people will lose
their confidence in the AMP," said ASDT President Xavier do Amaral on
Tuesday (27/5) in Lecidere, Dili. Mr. Xavier said that people's lives
were getting more difficult as the large state budget approved by the
National Parliament has not yet reached the people. "Starting from today
(27/5), we declare directly to the people that everything that is going
wrong is the fault of AMP fault. Just ask CNRT, PD and PSD. ASDT has no
responsibility anymore for decisions made by the AMP Government," he
said.<br />
<br />
ASDT President Xavier do Amaral also said that he
is still concerned with some of his members' statements that they want
to be independent MPs in the parliament. "I (Xavier) ask them (ASDT
members) to respect to the votes of ASDT supporters when they make
decisions. The members in the parliament have rights and in a democracy
can do it. But they were not voted in by the parliament/government. They
were chosen by the ASDT supporters to take a seat in parliament, so
they have to follow ASDT. They are free to discuss anything but we
[ASDT] do not regard them as ASDT members and their statements are not
considered as representing the party," said Xavier.<br />
<br />
Another ASDT member of the NP, João Manuel Carascalão said the as an MP will continue to support the AMP Government.<br />
<br />
"As
an MP, I have a moral conscience and a big responsibility to serve the
community and state, not only the party. In parliament, we are the
representatives of the community, not only the representative of the
party," said Mr. Carrascalão. With other ASDT MPs, Mr. Carrascalão said
that they are not concerned about ASDT's decision concerning them.<br />
-----<br />
<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 27 May 2008<br /><br />February 11 case: investigators find 6 more suspects</b> – Timor Post<br />
Six
rebels who used to deny that they were not involved in the case of
February 11 should now accept the results of the new investigation into
the incident that will be presented to the court. The new investigation
shows that they were involved in the attacks against President José
Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The National Investigation
Department (NID) identified the six rebels as being directly involved
in the incident. However, the six rebels deny that they were involved in
the attacks of February 11, saying that they were only involved in the
Fatuahi case on May 23, 2006.<br />
<br />
The General Commander of
NID, Nuno R. Gomes said that he presented the information yesterday
afternoon (26/5) to the Public Ministry as part of the court hearing on
the case. "We did the previous investigation with the Public Ministry
based on their statements that they only involved in the Fatuahi case.
But the later investigation identified them as being involved in the
attempt of February 11," said Mr. Gomes on Monday (26/5). <br />
<br />
<b>Fretilin-PUN: No audit report, Govt tries to hide corruption</b> – Timor Post and Diario Nacional <br />
Members
of the National Parliament demand that the Government of the Alliance
Majority in Parliament (AMP) immediately release an audit report. The
MPs said that the report is very important for them to construct a
budget for the implementation of the Government's program. The Chief
bench of the National Unity Party (PUN) Fernanda Borges said that up
until now, the National Parliament has not received any audit report of
the budget which has been executed.<br />
<br />
"We demand that the
Government send us the report immediately. We want to know whether the
budget has been executed properly or not, and if there is any sign of
corruption that has been identified or not," said Ms. Borges.<br />
<br />
Former
Prime Minister and Fretilin's MP Estanislau da Silva said that if the
Government does not provide the audit report to the National Parliament,
it signals that the current Government is not transparent and is trying
to hide existing cases of corruption. "This is clearly shows that the
Government is not transparent. They say that Fretilin is corrupt, but
they are the worst," said Mr. Estanislau. CNRT MP Aderito Hugo said that
every financial report is delivered late to the National Parliament
because it has to be annexed with the audit results. The audit report,
which was created by international consultants hired by the Government,
will also cover the previous government financial report.<br />
<br />
<b>Pardon to Rogerio: Minister of Justice still waiting for Horta's decision</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
Even
though Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato has made recommendations to PR
Ramos-Horta regarding to the reduction of prisoners' sentences,
including former Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato, no final decision
from the president has been received. "I still not see or receive any
report because this is the president's decision. If this is published in
the Jornal da Republica, then it will be considered as a law," said
Minister Lobato on Monday (26/5) in Vila Verde, Dili. Minister Lobato
recommended to PR Horta a reduction of three months from Rogerio's
sentence of 7 and a half years.<br />
<br />
<b>IDPs of Jardim Colmera Camp unhappy with payment process</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e and Diario Nacional<br />
The
IDPs of Jardim Colmera Camp are unhappy with the payment process of the
Government's recovery grants because the funds have still not yet been
transferred to IDPs through the Authority Payment Bank (BPA). The
Coordinator of Jardim Colmera Camp, Leopoldino Pinto said that all the
IDPs in the camp want to return home but until now the Government has
not transferred the money to the Bank. "We are asking the Government not
to make promises that are confusing," said Mr. Pinto on Monday (26/5).<br />
<br />
Manuel
Ximenes, an IDP from Baucau, said the Government has to give the money
to the IDPs as they are entitled to it. "We came here to get our rights.
Do not lie to us, we have suffered a lot," said Mr. Ximenes. <br />
<br />
CNRT
MP Maria de Camara 'Bisoi' asked the Government to immediately improve
the living conditions of the IDPs, as she does not want people suffering
during the time of independence. She also suggested the Government
create actions that promote peace in society and harmonious
relationships in the community on the return of IDPs to their homes.<br />
<br />
<b>Pardon to prisoners: Parliament is awaiting the Government's recommendations</b> – Diario Nacional<br />
The
Chief bench of the National Unity Party (PUN) Fernanda Borges is
demanding that the Government immediately send the recommendation which
it gave to President José Ramos-Horta concerning his pardon of the
prisoners. Ms. Borges said that the constitution gives the president the
authority to pardon prisoners, but he also has to consider the
Government's recommendations.<br />
<br />
"What has been said in
the recommendation and what justification have they [Government] given
regarding the pardons? It is not enough to say that a pardon is being
given to a prisoner because of his/her good attitude and behavior," said
Ms. Borges on Monday (26/5) Ms. Borges is also questioning whether the
president's constitutional authority of the president is being used in a
thoroughly legal manner. "President has authority, but he must use it
responsibly, not using without any consultation," she added. <br />
-----<br />
<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 26 May 2008<br /><br />UNDERTIM: only force could lead to an early election </b>– Timor Post<br />
<br />
UNDERTIM
Vice President Faustino de Jesus-Renan Selak said that only force could
lead to early elections but this would be suicide. Renan Selak said
that the early election might take place if the Government failed twice
in passing its programs in the National Parliament. "If the opposition
has the power to lobby other parties to vote against Government's
programs [in the National Parliament], the early elections will be
realized," said Mr. Selak in the National Parliament. He said that his
party is joining with AMP to block Fretilin's attempt to force early
elections and save AMP and its programs.<br />
<br />
The petitioners' position: AMP-Fretilin recommend civilian life – Timor Post and Diario Nacional<br />
The
AMP and Fretilin bench in the National Parliament recommend that the
petitioners return to civilian life as they had left the military when
they deserted F-FDTL. PSD Member of Parliament Riak Leman said that the
petitioners do not deserve to return to the F-FDTL. He said that the
petitioners were involved in two situations: First, from the military's
point of view they are deserters as they by abandoned their barracks.
Second, the petitioners' case, which was pending for some time, was
destroyed when Salsinha and Alfredo attacked PR Ramos-Horta and PM
Xanana on 11 February.<br />
<br />
"They should have resolved their
problem by the time the abandoned the HQ. Why didn't they want to
resolve their problem, instead abandoning their HQ? So, some of their
friends who did not follow them will not be happy to see them again.
Therefore I have reminded the petitioners' leader former Major Tara to
think ten times if they want to return to military," he said.<br />
<br />
PSD
President Mario Viegas Carrascalão said that the credibility of F-FDTL
will be damaged if it decides to accept the petitioners' return. The
Fretilin chief of bench in the National Parliament, Aniceto Guterres
said that previously his party suggested that, based upon their decision
to leave F-FDTL and the ensuing 2006 crisis, the petitioners should
return to civilian life.<br />
<br />
<b>Rogerio's pardon: Horta starts a bad precedent </b>– Timor Post<br />
Even
though the reduction by three months of the former Minister of
Interior's sentence has implemented, criticism of PR Ramos-Horta
continues. According to AMP leaders, PR Ramos-Horta has constitutional
authority to grant a pardon to former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago
Lobato. But they do not agree with Horta's statement that he pardoned
Lobato because he is the only survivor [of the resistance] in
Timor-Leste or even in the world.<br />
<br />
"It is wrong and
would destroy the nation's judicial system if Rogerio becomes a special
citizen. Under the law, our constitution guarantees equal rights to all
the citizens," said AMP member Hugo da Costa on Friday (23/5) in the
National Parliament. MP Hugo said that PR Ramos-Horta's attitude signals
a start to creating impunity for criminals in the country. Those who
think of themselves as heroes may freely commit crimes and then be
pardoned.<br />
<br />
The President of the National Parliament
Fernando Lasama de Araujo said that PR Horta's decision has generated
criticism. Yet, it is fait accompli - everyone has to respect it as the
constitution gives the President the authority to take such action.<br />
<br />
Ed: Are the petitioners' problems being solved transparently? – Timor Post<br />
Even
though moving slowly, but there are positive signs that the Government
of the Alliance Majority in Parliament is solving the petitioners'
problems. The Government said that the petitioners who want to be
civilians will be compensated and the others will be given an
opportunity to return to the military with good conscience. The result
of the recent questionnaire announced in the last few weeks showed that
356 petitioners chose to be civilian and other 339 decided to return to
the military.<br />
<br />
The Government might be afraid of the
number of the petitioners who want to return to the military – because
they only filled in answers on questionnaires. The Government through
its Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Security Xanana Gusmão
should try another way to brainwash the 339 petitioners who want to
rejoin the military so that they would change the mind and follow the
same path as the other 356 petitioners, to be civilians.<br />
<br />
The
Prime Minister is using this policy to discriminate against the
petitioners who want to return to the military by saying that it is
better for the petitioners who only finished primary school to return to
civilian life. The statement made the 339 reconsider their personal
preference. Only 80 petitioners out of 339 still want remain to return
to the military.<br />
<br />
We should agree with the Government
policy, because the recruitment system will different as done
previously. Now we need a professional force.<br />
<br />
The
concern is why questions about the petitioner's level of the education
were not included among the items on the questionnaire. Of course, we do
not know! We wait …<br />
<br />
<b>MP PUN says State institutions should work together </b>– Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
MP
PUN Fernanda Mesquita Borges said that in order to achieve a good
judicial system in the country, State institutions such as Presidency,
National Parliament, Government and Tribunal should work together to
achieve this. Otherwise everything will be out of sync and reckless if
the state organs always criticize each other, politicians fight for
position, and influence the nation's judicial system. Regarding the
president's comment on the tribunal system is operating without
direction, Fernanda Borges said that the case has to be brought to the
Prosecutor-General in order to investigate the failed judicial system in
the country. "We can not put someone in prison without a decision from
the tribunal. They have to be investigated to determine how this could
happen," said Fernanda Mesquita Borges to the journalist of STL on
Friday (23/05) at the National Parliament.<br />
<br />
Ed: buying luxurious cars, parliament should give clarification – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
All
people recognize that Timor-Leste is the poorest nation in the world.
It is true as we only achieved self-determination a few years ago. We
are still too young. Every year we face poverty and other problems. If
we solve one problem today, tomorrow we will face another. The prices of
goods are getting higher and agriculture products are still limited.
Heavy rains come with storms which and destroy the farmer's corn crops.<br />
<br />
One
problem that the Government is solving is the case of the petitioners.
The second one is the veterans. However, progress on these two problems
is not solving the problems of the population as a whole.<br />
<br />
It
is confusing. In an environment of so many problems, the President of
the National Parliament, Fernando Lasama de Araujo stated that in one
year the parliament will buy 65 luxurious cars to facilitate the daily
work of all the MPs. "We will buy working cars. With half of the budget
we will buy 65 luxurious cars for the MPs," said Fernando Lasama on
Friday (23/5) in the National Parliament.<br />
<br />
The cars will
be [Toyota] Prado. The price will be US$20,000–$30,000: too much money.
Big confusion: after MPs end their elected mandate, then the cars will
be theirs. The decision might be considered an injustice as public money
will be used for private gain.<br />
<br />
The National Parliament
has to clarification the situation. The money, which is coming from
petroleum fund, belongs to Timorese people, not the leaders. How lucky
are the MPs – coming in as poor people - but after one or two yyears in
the NP, owners of luxurious cars. If it is so, then the National
Parliament is not representative – but a place to become rich.<br />
-----<br />
<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 23 May 2008<br /><br />Only 80 petitioners still want to return to the military</b> - Timor Post<br />
<br />
Of
the 339 petitioners who indicated a preference for rejoining the
military, only 80 of them still want to return since Prime Minister
Xanana Gusmão asked them last week to re-consider their choice of
military or civilian life. "There are 80 petitioners who have not
changed their decision to return to the military,†said one of the
petitioners who still wants to be rejoin the military due to his love
for the F-FDTL. He also said those other petitioners who changed their
minds and now want to enter civilian life are illiterate and have some
health problems. Some of them believe that if they return to the
military, then they will not receive Government compensation.<br />
<br />
Recently the numbers of the petitioners who want to become civilians increased from 356 to 605 out of a total of 685.<br />
<br />
The
Vice President of the National Parliament Vicente Guterres said that it
was good for the petitioners to be civilians as they have abandoned
their barracks. Mr. Guterres said that when there is problem within an
institution, the problem should be solved internally, not outside of the
institution. "As they have brought the problem out of the institution,
if I were them, I would not go back," said Mr. Guterres.<br />
<br />
Democratic
Party MP Adriano do Nascimento said that he did not agree with the
Prime Minister who had earlier said that it was good for the
petitioners, who are illiterate, to return to civilian life. This
statement dishonoured the petitioners, he said. "The petitioners left
their barracks because of political matters and actions taken by
political leaders [not because they are illiterate],†said Mr.
Nascimento.<br />
<br />
Be model for the world: PR Horta asks permission for the UN and NGOs to visit Becora prison – Timor Post<br />
On
his visit to Becora Prison on Wednesday (21/5) PR Ramos-Horta asked
prison guards to allow the Red Cross, UNMIT Human Rights and national
NGOs to visit Becora Prison in order to ensure transparency.<br />
<br />
"I
am requesting this prison to allow visits from the National Red Cross,
UNMIT Human Rights and NGOs who work for human rights, not for NGOs who
are working for politics. If we do this, then our prison will be a model
for the world, a prison that hides nothing and reveals everything,â€
said PR Horta. PR Horta also said that he visited Becora Prison as a
Nobel Peace Laureate, not as President, Prime Minister or the Minister
of Foreign Affairs. President's pardon: 10 prisoners freed, Rogerio's
sentence reduced – Timor Post<br />
<br />
Out of 84 prisoners who
received pardons from PR Ramos-Horta on Independence Day, 20 May, ten of
them have received a full pardon. Rogerio Tiago Lobato, the former
Minister of Interior, received only a reduced sentence.<br />
<br />
Minister
of Justice Lucia Lobato said that the Government's preference is for
the president to only reduce Rogerio's sentence by three months as the
court had sentenced him to seven years in prison.<br />
<br />
<b>Minister: Government recommends reduction of three months of Rogerio Lobato's sentence</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
Minister
of Justice Lucia Lobato has recommended to the President Jose
Ramos-Horta that he reduce only three months of the prison term given to
the former Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato because of his involvement
in arming civilians which caused many people to be killed in 2006. She
made the statement to journalists on Wednesday (21/05) while
accompanying president Ramos-Horta's on his official visit to Becora
Prison. "The government has recommended only three months reduction of
sentence but it depends on the president's decision,†said Lucia
Lobato.<br />
<br />
According to the president, the pardon is based
on the former Interior Minister's past struggle to free the country. He
said that Rogerio has also lost many of his family who sacrificed their
lives during the war. Dili's international airport is named after
Nicolau Lobato, the former Minister's younger brother who was killed
during the struggle for independence. Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-3872195820232553402013-06-01T07:52:00.001-07:002015-12-10T21:49:54.833-08:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 6)<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 22 May 2008</b><br />
<br />
<b>Xanana: agrees to three month reduction of Rogerio's sentence – Timor Post </b><br />
Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato said that Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão agrees with President José Ramos-Horta to reduce the sentence of former Minster of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato by three months. "I had discussions with the Prime Minister on this matter. He agrees to give a three month reduction of sentence to Rogerio Lobato and other 82 prisoners," said Minister of Justice on Wednesday (21/5) in the Becora prison, Dili. Minister Lobato said that the Government had recommended that the president also commute the time in jail of prisoners who have served half of their sentences by 6-12 months. Prisoners who were sentenced for domestic and sexual violence would receive a two month reduction.<br />
<br />
<b>Alkatiri dreams of early election. PD: Fretilin creates bad precedent – Timor Post</b><br />
Fretilin Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri stated that in the near future Fretilin will assume the power to govern in order to improve peoples' lives as AMP is not capable of solving the country's problems and so must face early elections. "We [Fretilin] will be back to govern. It wouldn't be too long, " stated Mr. Alkatiri in speech on the ceremony of 34th anniversary of ASDT/Fretilin held in the Central Committee of Fretilin (CCF) on Tuesday (20/5) in Comoro, Dili. Alkatiri said that Fretilin will show that it is different from the Alliance Majority in Parliament (AMP).<br />
<br />
<b>Alkatiri also said that when Fretilin is back in power, he will reappoint the directors and administrators who have been removed by AMP</b>. "Fretilin will reappoint those people as what AMP did to them is against the law and the constitution. Fretilin is only asking for early elections for the legislature, not the presidency. If it happens, then we will win all of them," he said. Even though Mr. Alkatiri strongly criticized PM Gusmão, he continues recognize that he and the Prime Minister have to work together to solve the country's problems. He said that he wants to sit with PM Gusmão as political leaders, not as a commander with his soldier. "If he [PM Gusmão] does not think of himself as a commander, I am ready to sit with him to improve people's life," added Mr. Alkatiri.<br />
<br />
At the same function, Fretilin President and former President of the National Parliament Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo said that early elections are really needed to improve the bad performance of the AMP Government. "We are not satisfied when we won the election, only to become the opposition," said Mr. Lu-Olo. Democratic Party (PD) MP Adriano Nascimento said that early elections might happen but certain criteria must be in place. For example, most of the MPs in Parliament must oppose the Government's programs, the State must be malfunctioning, the situation was unstable -- at this point the president could dissolve the government and call for early elections.<br />
<br />
MP Nascimento said that if Fretilin wants to destroy AMP midway in the implementation of its programs, this would be a bad precedent for the future. He also said that AMP should have 2-3 years to implement its programs. If at that time they were not successful, then one could say it was incompetent.<br />
<br />
<b>President of Republic asked the Government to respect the rights of the prisoners - Televisaun Timor-Leste</b><br />
During the visit to Becora prison yesterday President Jose Ramos Horta said he does not have the authority to interfere in the judicial process but he will make recommendations to the Government to help solve their problems. "Today I came here to show you my love and respect. I have no authority to take part in the judicial process but I will keep asking the Government through Ministry of Justice to pay attention to you", the President said. He also asked the Government to respect the rights of the prisoners. At the same time, Minster of Justice Lucia Brandão Lobato said the Government is now improving the process of justice in order to defend rights of prisoners.<br />
<br />
The Court will extend the time for Rogerio Lobato to return until June – Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato yesterday said the Court will give prisoner Rogerio until June to return to Timor Leste. If he does not return by then, the Government will implement the Court's decision against him. "The Government is ready to help him whatever he needs, such as an airline ticket and accommodation in Bali. He has to obey the decision from the Court. Suppose he does not come back in June -- the Court will take action. Based on plan, the Court will ask the Interpol to get him back if he does not obey the decision," explained Lucia. According to the doctor who has been treating Rogerio during this time, he needs one month more to operate on Rogerio's leg.<br />
<br />
<b>Public Ministry: 24 suspects identified as being involved in the attack of 11 February – Televisaun Timor-Leste</b><br />
The Public Ministry has positively identified 24 suspects who were involved in the attack on 11 February. General Prosecutor Longuinhos Monteiro said the investigation process into the attack on 11 February is going smoothly. "The investigation is running well and we have positively identified 24 suspects in connection with the incidents of 11 February," said Mr. Monteiro. Of the 24 accused people, eighteen of them are currently in preventive detention and the others are under house arrest. Most probably, there is still one suspect more, a civilian at large. In relation to this case, last week I sent the Prime Minister a letter requesting him to make sworn statement. "I asked to him to specify the exact date when he would submit his statement. This is the second request that we have made for his deposition", said General Prosecutor. <br />
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 21 May 2008</b><br />
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<b>Ramos-Horta: 20 May, National Day of Forgiveness – Timor Post </b> <br />
In his speech on 20 May, President José Ramos-Horta said that the country's national day was a day of forgiveness and clemency when people could forego vengeance and concentrate on the nation's development.<br />
"I encourage all the political leaders to work hand in hand to open the ways to the development of the nation. We have to forgive each other as it is easy to fall into vengeance," said PR Ramos-Horta on Tuesday (20/5). <br />
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<b>Afraid if ASDT runs away: AMP try to respond Xavier's demands – Timor Post</b><br />
The Government of AMP is trying to fulfill the demands of ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral in order to win back ASDT's sympathy and its participation in the AMP coalition. AMP President and the president of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama said that the AMP Government is trying to carry out its programme, not only as demanded by ASDT's president, but also for the national interest. "We will follow whoever need us to solve the nation's problem to the end, not stop midway," said Mr. Lasama. ASDT President Xavier do Amaral said that for his part, he will always encourage the Government to improve itself in order to pay more attention to the nation's problems.<br />
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<b>Ed: after Rogerio, who will be next to be pardoned? – Timor Post </b><br />
The President of the country Dr. José Ramos-Horta has said that the pardon he gave to 80 prisoners, including the former Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato, will be realized based on the constitution and the Government's recommendations. There is no citizen who could change the decision of the president, as he has the legal power to grant pardons. Let the President use his [legal] authority, even though many people are concerned and do not agree with his decision about the Rogerio case.<br />
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We have a big question: Which big criminal will follow Rogerio to receive a pardon? There are still many well known people from the 2006 crisis and the attacks of February 11.<br />
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On the surface everyone is talking about who has the legal authority in such matters. But behind the scenes we all know that it is politics which is motivating the quick decision making.<br />
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We should avoid this attitude, if not then Timor-Leste will always lose confidence in its law. We wait …<br />
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<b>Mari Alkatiri: Fretilin-ASDT defend self determination – Diario Nacional</b> <br />
On the speech of 34th anniversary of the founding of ASDT/Fretilin held in the Central Committee of Fretilin in Comoro, Dili on Tuesday (20/5), Fretilin Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri said that his party and ASDT are the only ones defending the nation's self determination. From now on, he said, Fretilin will work hard to improve the party's structure. "Today we are gathering her to celebrate the 34th anniversary of ASDT-Fretilin's life. Glance back at our history to see how we reached today. We pay homage to our founders and remember our history. We are preparing for early elections. Fretilin with his coalition partner ASDT will step forward for early elections and we will win the elections. We demand early elections for the legislature not presidency," said Mr. Alkatiri. The anniversary's ceremony was attended by SRSG Atul Khare and his deputy, the diplomatic corps, members of neighbouring governments such as Indonesia, Brazil, Portugal, the Executive Secretary of CPLP and Fretilin sympathizers.<br />
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<b>Horta: Rogerio Lobato positively receives pardon – Suara Timor Lorosa'e</b><br />
It has been a confirmed that Rogerio Lobato will receive a pardon along with others from President Jose Ramos-Horta. The list includes former Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato who was sentenced by the court of his involvement in providing weapons to civilians in 2006. "I will still assess the recommendation that has already been made by my advisors and the director of the prisons on the number of prisoners who will receive pardons. But the pardon itself commute 100 percent of the sentence," President Jose Ramos Horta told journalists after attending a mass ceremony held on Monday 19/5 at Dili's Cathedral church. Regarding how many years the Rogerio Lobato will have to serve in prison, Ramos Horta said, "To give pardon is my decision as president and the authority to do so is contained in the constitution. I cannot make people happy 100 percent of the time," said Horta.<br />
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 19 May 2008</b><br />
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<b>234 petitioners return to civilian life: recruitment mechanism not helpful – Timor Post</b><br />
A meeting held in Dili few days ago between Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and 600 petitioners made good progress regarding the petitioners who decided to return to F-FDTL, the institution they abandoned during the 2006 crisis. According to the questionnaires filled out the petitioners, 339 petitioners chose to return to the military. However, 234 of them withdraw their decision to rejoin the military as they thought that the recruitment mechanism would not help to solve their problems. The coordinator of the petitioners, Augusto de Jesus [Major Tara], said that the 234 petitioners have re-registered themselves to become civilians. "Two hundred and thirty-four petitioners have registered and declared that they wanted to change their decision. In two or three days they all will prepare declarations that they want to return to civilian life," said Major Tara on Friday (16/5) in Aitarak-Laran, Dili. Cesar Valente de Jesus, one of the petitioners who chose to return to military, said he had questions regarding the mechanism, management and the rules of the recruitment. "We had meetings with the Government but we were never informed whether we would be accepted back along with the new young recruits," said Mr. de Jesus.<br />
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<b>Xavier accuses CNRT, PD and PSD of trying to break ASDT – Timor Post</b><br />
ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral said that his party decided to sign an accord with Fretilin as CNRT, PD and PSD are trying to break the party. Mr. Xavier do Amaral is questioning how power is apportioned in the Government, which is dominated by CNRT, PD and PSD. He also said that the three parties are going to have to engage in dirty politics in order to catch the attention of ASDT followers and recruit them. "They went to the rural areas to get people's attention with money. They may succeed in attracting people. During the elections, CNRT stole many of our supporters, as well as those from PSD and PD. We have good cooperation on the surface but inside something is bad and it makes us sad," said Mr. Xavier on Friday (16/5) in his residence in Lecidere, Dili. Mr Xavier do Amaral said that before forming the AMP Government, the leaders of ASDT, CNRT, PD and PSD agreed that whoever will become the Prime Minister should consult within AMP. Sadly, PM Xanana Gusmão never consulted with them. Mr. Xavier also said that even though AMP has a lot of programs, ASDT is questioning how they are being implemented. Furthermore, Mr. Xavier do Amaral said although that he never agreed to an early election, he would welcome it if it happened.<br />
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<b>Pardon to Rogerio: will be a strongly rejected by Timorese people – Timor Post</b><br />
President José Ramos-Horta's pardon of former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato on 20 May 2008 will be strongly rejected by the East Timorese people. According to the Government, civil society and the National Parliament, prisoner Lobato does not deserve to a pardon as he has not fulfilled the requirements specified by the legal code. Based upon the judicial criteria, a prisoner should fulfill one-third of his/her sentence and demonstrate a good attitude during this period. Mr. Rogerio, however, was imprisoned for just one month in Becora prison. He then went to Malaysia for medical treatment where he is now.Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato stated last week that it was too early to pardon to Mr. Rogerio as he had only served one month of his prison sentence.<br />
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According to Minister Lobato, at present the Government is making efforts to bring Rogerio Lobato back to Timor-Leste to continue medical treatment in Dili National Hospital. National Parliament MP Vital dos Santos said that as a representative of the people he does not question the competence of the president. However, the president must not give a pardon but instead should shorten Mr. Rogerio's sentence. On the part of civil society, the Director of Yayasan Hak José Luis de Oliveira, said that there are important points that the State, including the Government, need to be studied before make a decision. <br />
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<b>Xanana: it is time to embrace peace – Timor Post</b><br />
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that it is time for Timor-Leste to embrace peace for the future. PM Gusmão is asking all Timorese people to commemorate Restoration Day, 20 May, as a day for all people to go ahead to develop the nation. PM Gusmão also said that it was not time to create violence, but to contribute to the nation's future. "Young people want peace. It is time to prepare yourself to develop because you are the future of the nation," said PM Gusmão on Saturday night (17/5) on an Indonesian band concert in Dili.<br />
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<b>Horta: Australia and Portugal support Timor Leste – Suara Timor Lorosa'e</b><br />
President José Ramos Horta said that Australia and Portugal CPLP strongly support Timor Leste in the defence area. The two nations have agreed to provide advisory training for Timor Leste's military (F-FDTL). "In the next five or ten years, we still need the help of Portugal and Australia to provide military training and advice to Timor Leste. These two nations have strongly supported Timor Leste in many aspects including defence," said the President Jose Ramos Horta on Sunday (18/05) at Hotel Timor in Dili. Ramos Horta said that he had spoken to the Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Severino Teixeira who had also agreed that Portugal will continue to support Timor Leste in the defence area. "Portugal will provide technical, human resource, financial and resource facility support to Timor Leste's defence force," he added. The president also said that the Portugal's door was always opened for any request for assistance from Timor Leste in the area of defence. In terms of overall reform of defence forces, the President Ramos Horta said that Timor Leste still needs support from Portugal, Australia and UNMIT as well.<br />
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<b>F-FDTL and PNTL will be deployed across the region – Suara Timor Lorosa'e</b><br />
In order to ensure the security situation within the Bairos, especially to ensure the safety of IDPs returning to their communities, both F-FDTL and PNTL will be deployed across the region including the Bairos in order to ensure the security situation in the country and the return of the IDPs. "If you have decided to return home, it is your decision and the government cannot do anything without your own consent. It is important to be aware that we are Timorese are all responsible for finding solutions to our own problems. Therefore, it is now a time to resolve our problems," said the President of the National Parliament Fernando de Araujo Lasama to the IDPs after a farewell mass on Thursday (15/5) at Jardin IDPs camp in Colmera, Dili.<br />
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The President of the National Parliament said that he has asked the leader of PNTL Afonso de Jesus and F-FDTL Taur Matan Ruak to continue to work together to reinforce the security in the country after Salsinha and his men handed themselves over to justice. People need stability and peace and none of the groups should disturb the people anymore. Fernando Lasama asked all the IDPs to return home spontaneously to their communities in order to create peace and love among each other, and to forget the past. If some people still felt pain or animosity in their heart, then it must be solved through a dispute resolution process like the traditional nahe biti boot where people sit together to discuss their problems and find solutions.<br />
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 16 May 2008</b><br />
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<b>ASDT withdraws its coalition with Fretilin – Suara Timor Lorosa'e, Diario Nacional, Timor Post & Televisaun Timor-Leste</b><br />
Five ASDT MPs are asking the president of the party, Francisco Xavier do Amaral, to end the coalition with Fretilin, as they want to give AMP two years to correct the errors they have made in government. "We will still support the AMP's Government and still give them time to correct themselves. The time given to AMP is intended to help improve people's lives. If this doesn't happen, then ASDT will find a solution to the problem. The coalition with Fretilin is not going to be implemented in the short term," said an ASDT MP José Carrascalão on Thursday (15/5) in the National Parliament, Dili. Mr. Carrascalão said that if the accord signed with Fretilin is implemented in the short term then it will not give stability to the nation but have a negative impact on people's lives. The Vice President of Fretilin Arsenio Bano made no comment on ASDT's withdrawal, as Fretilin still does not know the reasons for the action.<br />
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<b>UNDERTIM to get post in the Government – Timor Post</b><br />
After UNDERTIM decided to join AMP on Tuesday (13/5), the President of the Alliance Majority in Parliament (AMP) said that AMP will prepare a post of State Secretary to be given to UNDERTIM. According to Lasama, UNDERTIM is a candidate for the position as the party has entered AMP''s block. The President UNDERTIM Cornelio Gama said that his party will delegate his Secretary-General to take any post offered by the AMP government. "We will put our Secretary-General on the post as needed by the Government. We support AMP because we still consider Xanana as our resistance leader who led us during the struggle," said Mr. Gama on Thursday (15/5) in the National Parliament, Dili.<br />
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The Vice President of Fretilin Arsenio Bano said that even though UNDERTIM joined AMP, this does not guarantee that the AMP Government will be clear of corruption, collusion and nepotism. Fretilin is still considering options to force an early election. "Fretilin is not concerned with their alliance. They are going to strengthen corruption, collusion and nepotism. Many people will see whether things are right or wrong," said Mr. Bano. Mr. Bano said that there will be early election if the corruption, collusion and nepotism are still rampant.<br />
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<b>Lucia Lobato: don't be in a hurry to pardon Rogerio – Timor Post</b><br />
Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato will present a legal opinion to President Jose Ramos-Horta, asking him not to be in a hurry to pardon former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato as the prisoner is not in Timor-Leste at the present time. Minister Lobato said that based on the Constitution, the president has the authority to grant pardons to prisoners who have been ordered by the Court to serve their full sentences. Whether the prisoners are in the country or outside of the country is an important consideration. "I think the President may give a pardon to Rogerio when he returns to Timor-Leste. If not, this will be a big controversy among the public," said Minister Lobato on Thursday (15/5).<br />
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<b>Gertrudes Moniz-Arsenio Bano: the case of February 11 is still a mystery – Diario Nacional</b><br />
PD MP Gertrudes Moniz and Fretilin MP Arsenio Bano stated that the case of the attacks on PR Ramos-Horta and PM Xanana Gusmão on February 11 is a mystery as the government and the judiciary have still not identified the actors of the referred case. "The National Parliament has approved a resolution to establish an independent commission of inquiry, but has not yet established it. Many alleged people have been arrested but the truth has not yet been revealed.<br />
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The Prosecutor-General made many political comments while working on the investigation. Is the General-Prosecutor working for the interests of the people or someone else? Is he working for politics or justice?<br />
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The President of Republic, a victim of the attacks of February 11, has given his statement, but how about the Prime Minister? In connection with cases from 2006, some leaders have been called to make statements, such as PR Ramos-Horta, Mari Alkatiri, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, and Colonel Lere Anan Timur. They all have given their statements in the court. Has Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as the previous president given his statement or not?," asked Mr. Bano on Thursday (15/5) in the National Parliament, Dili.<br />
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<b>Ed: Veterans saving each other …!!! – Diario Nacional</b><br />
UNDERTIM's joining of AMP is the subject of discussion subject of the leaders in and out of the National Parliament. It has created positive and negative reaction. Some say that UNDERTIM is joining the AMP in order to obtain a position in the government. The Vice president of UNDERTIM said that UNDERTIM is joining the AMP to save the people and bring development to them. It is true that the recent government has started to solve the problems of the IDPs and the petitioners, as well as other problems facing the nation.<br />
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Is UNDERTIM joining AMP because ASDT made coalition with Fretilin to bring down the government? If it is to save the government, why do they need the post offered?<br />
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UNDERTIM may give various reasons that the recent government could develop the people and the nation. But the public analysis may show that UNDERTIM is entering AMP to save Xanana, not AMP, because Xanana is a veteran, their big brother. They do not want a government ruled by a veteran which falls down half way through its elected term of office. We wait …<br />
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<a href="http://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/">East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin</a> Legal news from East Timor in English Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-4360281943559087542013-06-01T07:39:00.000-07:002013-06-01T07:53:29.155-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 5)<b>Carrascalão: ASDT should withdraw the accord with Fretilin – Timor Post</b><br />
Social Democratic Party (PSD) President, Mario Viegas Carrascalão said that ASDT should call off its accord with Fretilin signed on 1 May 2008 to strengthen its block in the AMP. Mr. Carrascalão said that it is difficult to reconcile two different things (AMP block and the platform of ASDT-Fretilin) because the opposition is always opposing the existing government. "AMP is ruling the government. We cannot become members of AMP and at the same time we have an accord with the opposition. He [Uncle Xavier] wants to be in AMP or he leaves," said Mr. Carrascalão on Wednesday (14/5) in the National Parliament, Dili.<br />
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<b>Ed: long-life impunity – Diario Nacional </b><br />
The recent statement of President José Ramos-Horta that he intends to give pardon to 80 prisoners, including former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato, became the subject of discussion within the community. Some say that he is deserves to be pardoned because of his contribution to independence of the country. Others say that he should service his prison sentence as punishment.<br />
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For those who say that Rogerio does not deserve a pardon also say that the leaders are trying to destroy the judicial system in Timor-Leste and allow a climate of impunity to grow in this new born country. The decision of the president to pardon former Minister Interior Lobato is a political intervention by the president in the judicial system, as the reduction of a prisoner's sentence can only be made by a joint recommendation from Public Ministry, Tribunal, and Minister of Justice to the president for a decision.<br />
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What are the criteria used by the president to pardon Mr. Lobato? If the decision to pardon 80 prisoners is implemented, then the judicial system of this country will be in disarray. A new president could pardon a family member who has been convicted and imprisoned. The law is so strong for the small people, while the leaders tread all over it. We may yell and screaming at justice but nothing will change as the authority is in the president's hands. As a man who wants justice, we should start first with reducing the sentence before granting a pardon. We wait …<br />
<b><br />UNDERTIM joining AMP: Fretilin salutes positively – Suara Timor Lorosa'e</b><br />
Fretilin just made a coalition with ASDT for the future and gives positive reaction as UNDERTIM joins AMP block. "It is good for all of us to think about what the alliance is, so we could not only criticize the alliance formed by Fretilin and ASDT," said Fretilin Vice President Arsenio Bano on Wednesday (14/5) in the National Parliament, Dili. Mr. Bano said that the ASDT-Fretilin alliance is formed to combat corruption, collusion and nepotism, but the alliance of AMP is to strengthen themselves to get more power to rule. Separately, ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral said that the coalition of Fretilin and ASDT was established for the future.<br />
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<b>Taur Matan Ruak: JOC's destiny is in the State's hands</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e and Televisaun Timor-Leste<br />
The General Commander of F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said that the decision to continue or end the mandate of the Joint Operation Command (JOC) of F-FDTL and PNTL is in the hands of the State. Related to the spread of illegal weapons in the societies of Timor-Leste, Commander Taur Matan Ruak said that they are still waiting for the decision of the Government about the mandate of the JOC. "We are still waiting the decision of continuing the JOC or not. If the operation is stopped then what should we do … we are still waiting for the decision," said Commander Ruak after the high level meeting on Wednesday (14/5) in the Presidential Palace, Farol Dili.<br />
-----<b><br />UNMIT Daily Media Review 14 May 2008</b><br />
<b><br />UNDERTIM to have position in the AMP Government</b> - Diario Nacional<br />
The UNDERTIM party who just signed accord to join AMP may receive one position in the government. The President of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama de Araujo said that based upon the accord, the party who joined AMP has a possibility to have post in the government, including UNDERTIM. Political parties who are part of AMP should be involved in running the government; it has to be decided whether as a Minister, Vice Prime Minister, or State Secretary of Prime Minister said Mr. Lasama on Wednesday (14/5).<br />
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<b>Press Club, RTTL sign agreement</b> – Televisaun Timor-Leste <br />
Radio-Televisaun Timor-Leste (RRTL) and the Timor-Leste Press Club have signed a "Meet the Press" agreement on Tuesday (13/5) to disseminate information through Televisaun Timor-Leste (TVTL). The accord was signed in the offices of TVTL in Caicoli, Dili by the Director of RTTL Antonio Dias and the President of the Press Club Domingos Saldanha. Mr. Saldanha said that the accord was a real step to facilitate RTTL as a public medium to disseminate information about the "Meet the Press" programs through TVTL's studios. "The Press Club wants to sign an accord with RTTL because RTTL is a public broadcaster whose branches could reach the people in the country, as well to foreign countries. That is why Press Club chose RTTL to transmit the Club's programs," said Mr. Saldanha. The Director of RTTL said that the agreement is also a positive step to disseminate information to the public. "In this cooperation we hope that this is the first step between the Timor-Leste Press Club and TVTL to show the public that there is space to disseminate information to them," said Mr. Dias. The accord also states that the Timor-Leste Press Club will pay TVTL US$1,000 per year to disseminate their programs.<br />
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<b>President: State to review work of the Joint Operation Command</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
President José Ramos-Horta said that the State is going to review the work of the Joint Operation Command in order to determine whether its mandate should be continued or not. "We have discussed many things related to the current situation which concern the State's efforts to strengthen national stability. We also discussed the review of the mandate of the Joint Operation Command to determine whether it should be continued or not," said the President José Ramos-Horta to journalists after a meeting on Tuesday (13/5) at the President's office in Farol, Dili. During the meeting, participants addressed the importance of both the F-FDTL and PNTL working together to strengthen the confidence that they have gained from the people since the crises broke out in 2006. Meanwhile President José Ramos-Horta asked the petitioners to accept the proposed offer from the Government. If they want to rejoin military, they should follow the recruitment process. Those who want to return to civilian life should prepare themselves to receive a grant from the government to restart their lives. "I believe that the recruitment process will be fair. The trained commanders will know and understand what to do," said Horta.<br />
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<b>MP: future election not decided by one party</b> – Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
PUN MP Fernanda Borges said that the future election is not decided by one party and is not something that only belongs to only one group. There was no need to discuss interests that belong to one party during this stage because everything has to be decided based on legal procedures. "We need to know that there is a constitution, that the existing government has the confidence of the members of the National Parliament," said MP Fernanda Borges on Tuesday (13/5) at National parliament. PUN MP Fernanda Borges added that the AMP alliance members are only keen to listen to various rumours. She said that if this alliance was not going stand together confidently in the Parliament, then this government could fall.<br />
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Separately, KOTA MP Olinda Guterres said there is no need to obsess about the future election, as it was better for everyone to tackle current problems facing the nation. "I would like to say that our people have suffered too much. There is no need to create more politics in order to politicize people and bring suffering to the people," said Olinda Guterres.<br />
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<b>AMP's meeting: UNDERTIM to join</b> - Diario Nacional and Timor Post <br />
The Alliance of Majority in Parliament (AMP) held a meeting on Tuesday (13/5) in the residence of President of the National Parliament which was attended by CNRT President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, PSD President Mario Viegas Carrascalão, ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral, PD President Fernando Lasama, and President UNDERTIM Cornelio Gama. The meeting was aimed at welcoming UNDERTIM in order to strengthen the position of the alliance to withstand any efforts to weaken it. CNRT President Gusmão explained that the meeting was held to discuss UNDERTIM joining the AMP. "We welcome it to strengthen the AMP," explained Mr. Gusmão.<br />
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Separately, ASDT President Mr. Xavier said that his party is still in the AMP. The coalition of ASDT-Fretilin is not going to break the AMP down. In addition, UNDERTIM President Mr. Gama said that his party is going to join AMP because they have the same programs to be implemented. "We join AMP with the conscience that the AMP's programs now being implemented are part of UNDERTIM's programs, such as, giving attention to the veterans and vulnerable people. Another reason to join AMP is that some people trying to break the AMP, and we are joining to strengthen it," said Mr. Gama.<br />
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<b>PR Ramos-Horta: the petitioners not to be mixed in the new recruitment </b>– Diario Nacional <br />
President José Ramos-Horta said he is asking to not mix the new F-FDTL candidates with the petitioners in the recruitment process.<br />
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PR Horta said the decision made by the State is still the same: those who want to return to the military are welcomed through recruitment process and those who want to leave will be directly supported by the Government to make better their lives. "If some petitioners might be disappointed then it should be explained that for those who were previously sergeants or officers, they will be allowed to take their posts. But they will have to undergo new training as have been away from the barracks for two years. I think that the recruitment will take some time. It may be started with the [groups] of the petitioners, then the new candidates" said PR Horta on Tuesday (13/5) in Farol Dili.<br />
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Ed: What if I do not pass the recruitment …? – Diario Nacional <br />
On Monday (12/5), the Government of the Alliance of Majority in Parliament (AMP) officially announced the results of the questionnaires submitted by the petitioners as one of the ways to solve their problems. The results show that 339 petitioners want to return to the military and follow the recruitment process, and the other 356 prefer to be civilians. The decision they made does not have significantly different implications. Those who return to F-FDTL will have their monthly salary as military personnel. The others will have equivalent of three years of salary as F-FDTL members. The salary range will be US$3,600 to $7,260. PM Gusmão said that this is not small change. Where does the money come from - from the State Budget or other sources? If it comes from 2008 State Budget, was this planned for or not? The public should know that the money is spent in order to guarantee transparency and accountability. What to do if the petitioners are not recruited in the recruitment process? Do they still having the right to get three years salary or not? The Government should take this into consideration to avoid any unwanted things happening in the future. We wait …<br />
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<b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 12 May 2008<br /><br />Horta: it's not time for ISF to return home </b>– Diario Nacional <br />
Regarding the security situation in Timor-Leste, the International Security Forces (ISF) are still needed to provide security for the country. "I myself see that we still need the presence of ISF to give us security support until our forces can guarantee the security situation of the country," said President Jose Ramos-Horta on Friday (9/5) at a community dialogue held in Fatuhada, Dili. According to PR Horta, the State has an obligation to guarantee the security of the people and continues to need the presence of the international forces and police in the country. "As the President, I do say that I am only asking the international forces and police to return [home] when we know that our forces, F-FDTL and PNTL, are 100% well functioning, that dialogue is going well, and violence has ended," said PR Horta.<br />
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<b>Xanana: I'm ready to give statement about weapons allegation in 2006</b> - Diario Nacional <br />
Based on Fretilin's accusation about weapons in the 2006 crisis, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that he is ready to give his statement to the Public Ministry. As the President at that time, he is ready to give a statement as needed. "Sure. I will go and am ready whenever the Public Ministry needs me to go," said PM Xanana. The case of weapons allegation is under investigation by the International Prosecutor.<br />
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<b>Pardon to the prisoners: Government has no comment on the President's decision</b> – Diario Nacional<br />
Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato said that the Government will not comment upon the decision of President Horta to pardon 80 prisoners on May 20 The prisoners include the former Minister of Interior who allegedly distributed weapons to civilians in 2006 crisis. "The Government will give complete information to the President, as he is the only one to decide. It is clear that the decision of the President may have certain ramifications. From the government side, we have no comment. The public should have known that the decision of the President was not made by the government. I think it needs to think about creating rules and establishing criteria to follow, and then see about giving pardon to prisoners," said Minister Lobato on TVTL last few days in Dili. About the President's controversial decision, Ms. Lobato said that everyone has to respect the Constitution and the Constitution gives the right to the President to pardon prisoners.<br />
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<b>Minister: It is time for Timorese people to give a hand each other </b>– Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
The Minister of Solidarity Social Maria Domingas Alves "Micato" said that there is no need for people to retaliate against each other as it is now time to give a hand to each other and develop the nation. The community dialogue that held in Fatuhada village (Dili) aimed at opening a free dialogue among the people to disclose what they have been thinking about and what they have been expecting, as the dialogue is an opportunity for both IDPs and community to talk each other frankly and openly. "The dialogue in Fatuhada was slightly different then the previous one, as it was postponed because the situation did not permit us to carry out the dialogue in this community. But today the environment has changed. Therefore our presence here is a positive step so that we can clarify what we need to fix and improve," said Minister of Solidarity Social Maria Domingas Alves "Micato" during a dialogue meeting with the community on Friday (09/5) at Fatuhada village in Dili. She added that everyone, together, needs to find a solution to better their lives as most of the IDPs are trying to reintegrate themselves into the community. Therefore, the people in the community should accept one another and live peacefully together to carry out government's program for the development of our villages and nation.<br />
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Separately, Father Agostinho Sampaio da Costa who acted as a moderator during the dialogue said that people should love each other although sometimes they didn't live up to this ideal. The people in this Fatuhada village should welcome each other and give a helping hand to each other in order to develop the nation. <br />
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<b>Fretilin MP: some of the former IDPs present their demands at the National Parliament </b>– Suara Timor Lorosa'e<br />
Fretilin MP Domingos Sarmento said that some of the former IDPs from Fatumeta camp came to the National Parliament to demand what has been promised to them by the AMP government. The presence of the former IDPs at the National Parliament concerned promises made by the Government but not yet fulfilled. The Government had promised each will receive amount of US$200.00 and 16 kg of rice. So far, the Government has not kept its promise. "They were IDPs, but at that moment they did not receive money but the others did. So, government had promised them that they will be given money because they were livining in tents, said MP Fretilin Domingos Sarmento on (8/05) at National Parliament. The MP added that government should not discriminate among IDPs. All IDPs have to be treated equally. So MP Fretilin said that he is going raise this issue in his 'Committee A' to discuss this policy. <br />
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<b>People in Ermera district hand over weapons to the Joint Operation Command </b>– Suara Timoor Lorosa'e<br />
People in Riheu Village, Antigo Sub district in Ermera, voluntarily handed over illegal weaponries to the Joint Operation Command on Wednesday (7/5). The illegal weapons including 84 darts 'Ambon Arrow' or Rama Ambon, one rakitan (traditional weapon), 10 iron sticks, and one Motorola HT radio. The weapons were handed over directly to the F-FDTL Lieutenant Armindo Soares. Lieutenant Soares said that if all the illegal weapons were handed over to the Join Operation Command, the people will be free, unified, and stabile to carry out their activities. Riheu Village Chief, Ildefonso das Neves Soares told his people to hand over their illegal weapons as soon as possible to the Joint Operation Command, before the approaching deadline on 10 May.<br />
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<b>Xanana: Fretilin pushing Xavier to break the AMP</b> – Timor Post<br />
PM Xanana Gusmão said that the Government of the Alliance of Majority in Parliament (AMP) does not accept the accord signed between Fretilin and ASDT last week as it is believes that Fretilin wanted to push President of ASDT Francisco Xavier do Amaral to break up the AMP. In saving the AMP coalition, PM Xanana said that AMP will call ASDT Mr. Xavier do Amaral on Tuesday (13/5) to talk about how to strengthen political stability within the AMP block. "We may be accepting the '1 May Accord,' but we will not accept the '7 May Accord.' We feel that Fretilin wants to push Uncle Xavier to break AMP. We will call the ASDT President on Tuesday to try to find solutions for the political stability of the AMP," said PM Xanana after meeting with the representatives from ASDT, PD and CNRT on Friday (9/5). Separately, Xanana said that AMP was not concerned about the platform of ASDT-Fretilin because most of the ASDT members in the National Parliament will continue support the AMP. In the '7 May Accord,' ASDT-Fretilin said it wanted to establish a grand inclusive government led by Fretilin, as party that received the most votes in the 2007 elections. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Compiled and archived by Warren L. Wright</span></i>Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-19182461355236793482013-05-31T22:35:00.000-07:002013-05-31T22:35:24.866-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 4)UNMIT Daily Media Review 9 May 2008<br /><br />Paulo Martins to give statement in Court on moving weapons during 2006 crisis (Suara Timor Lorosa'e) Former General Commander of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) Paulo Martins (currently a CNRT MP in Parliament) said that he is ready to give a statement in Court on Fretilin's accusation that PNTL weapons that moved from Dili to Liquiça and Aileu UPF Headquarters during the 2006 crisis. "As the commander of PNTL, I can say that if moving weapons from Dili to Liquiça and Aileu UPF Headquarter is a criminal offence, I am ready to make a statement on that in Court. At that time, everything went before the Minister of Interior. Moving weapons to Rai Los is a real crime. But moving weapons from a weapon store to another store is a different matter," said Mr. Martins on Thursday (8/5). Mr. Martins said that the weapons were moved to Liquica and Aileu UPF to avoid violence during the crisis as the security situation in Dili was fragile.<br /><br />Ramos-Horta: coalition is not like going and out from a party (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />President José Ramos-Horta has asked parties who have made a coalition to act conscientiously and responsibly, and not enter into a coalition and then leave it [again and again]. "I do not know why Uncle Xavier stays away from AMP. Maybe there is a lack of dialogue. In the democracy there are coalitions and the members should be engaged in permanent dialogue," said PR Horta after participating in the anniversary ceremony of the Red Cross on Thursday (8/5) in Dili. According to PR Horta the problem of ASDT leaving the AMP has no impact on AMP's ability to rule the country. "In a democracy it [coalition] is normal, but ASDT-Fretilin should be responsible. Recently I see that AMP continues to work and has not rocked the nation's stability. Fretilin is an historical party and is committed to the nation's stability," said PR Horta.<br /><br />Separately, the Minister of Commerce and Tourism [former Secretary-General of ASDT] Gil da Costa said he was disheartened by the accusation of ASDT President Francisco Xavier that there is corruption in the ministry led by ASDT member. "We have an internal inspector and all the projects done have been reported. If there is corruption, evidence should be presented to prove these allegations," said Minister Gil.<br /><br />Francisco Guterres: security and national stability are important subjects in Timor-Leste (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />At the opening ceremony of the training of National Civilian Security Guards (DNSEA) held in Matadouro on Thursday (8/5), the State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres said that security and national stability have become the important subjects in this country, as the Government is trying hard to create better basic conditions for the country's institutions. According to Mr. Guterres the objective of DNSEA, especially in the area of operations, is to provide security to protect government offices and State institutions. DNSEA needs training to strengthen its ability to effectively carry out its duties.<br /><br />Ed: Need a special mechanism to control the market (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />The problem of lack of food and the high price of oil during the last two months is a global problem that is also facing other countries in the Asia Pacific region.As the biggest rice-producing nation in the world, Thailand has failed to produce a big harvest due to climate change and global warming. Besides rice, other agricultural commodities have not increased in production. Timor-Leste's farmers who planted with corn are also facing bad crops this year.<br /><br />Most of the farms were destroyed by heavy rain fall. In the oil sector, the high price of oil is impacting the price of food and construction materials. If the oil price goes up, then automatically the price of food or other goods increase.If we do not pay serious attention to this issue, then people will always be shouting and blaming the Government because of hunger. This scenario may make the political situation unstable.<br /><br />The Government should not be in quiet and calm or watching – or let the market be controlled by market forces. The Government has to anticipate developments or if needed, create a mechanism to control market prices to avoid price speculation. The Government should also lower import taxes to help decrease the price of imported goods. Finally, since the time that PR Ramos Horta was in Darwin [for medical treatment], he said that he told the Government to allocate funds to buy rice for the hungry people in the country. We all hope that this will happen to help the people.<br /><br />PR Horta: end the State of Siege in Ermera (Timor Post)<br />President Jose Ramos-Horta on Thursday (8/5) ended the State of Siege in Ermera District based on an improved security situation in the country, especially in the district. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão was also informed that the president has ended the State of Siege in Ermera District. "President is also telling us that he has ended the State of Siege in Ermera," said PM Xanana on Thursday (8/5) after a high level meeting which focused on security, the high price of goods, IDPs, and the petitioners. <br /><br />Xanana Gusmão: the government is committed to good governance (Diario Nacional) <br />Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that the government is always committed to good governance in order to implement good programs. Xanana Gusmão said this during his speech to the Administrative Conference on Thursday (8/5) at the Office of the Foreign Ministry in Dili. Xanana added it was previously announced in the past year that 2008 would be the Year of Administrative Reform, in order to improve the government's accountability and strengthen public functions. "When we hold this government, we are committed to establishing a good institutional system to carry out good governance," said Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.<br /><br />Xanana said there is a need to establish an effective institutional system in order to achieve effective governance. He said his government would continue to develop the nation, the society, and democracy. He promised to protect democracy via strong and independent organs of government. He said he wanted to form a public function commission to give more power to the Cabinet's Inspector-General so that it could become more independent, and form an Anti Corruption Commission. "I can say that this government is brave to prioritize the establishment of strong and independent institutions," he said.<br /><br />PD MP says AMP suspects Fretilin of influencing ASDT (Diario Nacional) <br />PD MP Vital dos Santos said that the AMP government suspected that the Fretilin party had influenced ASDT to agree to an accord and establish a strategic alliance. "We all know that when we formed AMP, Fretilin approached other parties such as the PD party, but they (Fretilin) did not succeed. Fretilin again has approached another party with an objective of winning power," said MP PD Vital dos Santos on Thursday (8/5) at the National parliament.<br />-----<br />Xavier wants to kiss Fretilin's feet: ASDT wants Fretilin to rule Timor Post 09 May 2008<br />ASDT, which joined with CNRT, PD and PSD to create the Alliance of Majority in Parliament to form the AMP Government, has signed an accord with Fretilin and wants Fretilin to rule. A strategic framework was signed officially be the high level leaders of ASDT and Fretilin yesterday (7/5) which aims to develop the people and nation of Timor-Leste.<br /><br />After signing the accord, President ASDT Francisco Xavier do Amaral stated that ASDT wants to leave the AMP as the AMP has been living a good life while the people suffer. The AMP Government is using petroleum funds to go around by aeroplane, buy good foodstuff, and sleep in good hotel and has abandoned its people. Before I had disagreements with Fretilin and did not want to join them. But now I am looking forward to it and want to save the nation.<br /><br />"Whatever [the beast] Fretilin was, now I can kiss its feet to help me save the nation" said Mr. Xavier on Wednesday (7/5). Mr. Xavier also said that signing the accord with Fretilin does not mean that his party is leaving AMP. But there is no guarantee that they will stay with AMP if the political attitude of the AMP leadership is not changed. "I declare that I am still in AMP but in preparation. If AMP modifies its attitudes, then I will maintain my position with it. I may join with Fretilin or other parties to save the nation" added Uncle Xavier.<br /><br />Separately, Fretilin President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo said that the two parties [Fretilin-ASDT] signed the accord to reaffirm themselves in this democratic state as they come from the same root. "AMP should be aware of recent political movement and change their attitudes.The Government who rules should at least have a program that is focused in each ministry and not be preoccupied with international junkets" said Fretilin President Lu-Olo.<br /><br />ASDT and Fretilin agreed that the grand inclusive government to be established will be led by Fretilin in only two years from now. The two parties have a coalition and established a grand inclusive government to solve the petitioners' problem, create better conditions for the IDPs, reform security and defence sectors, reform public administration, and establish a high authority for good governance.<br /><br />In the Accord of May 1 it also stated that the parties will normalize the functions of State institutions, be open to other parties who have no bench in the Parliament, and defend the establishment of international commission of inquiry to investigate the attacks of February 11, and defend the realization of early legislative elections.<br />-----<br />Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak: one of the rebels is still hiding two guns Suara Timor Lorosa'e 09 May 2008<br />F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said that one of Salsinha and Alfredo's associates is still hiding two guns, and the Apprehension Operation forces are searching for him. "The name of the person is still in not determined. Regarding the two guns, the Apprehension Operation forces are still seeking him," said Taur Matan Ruak to the journalists after a meeting with the PR Ramos-Horta on Wednesday (7/5) at the President Office in Farol, Dili. Meanwhile TMR was asked about the recruitment of new F-FDTL members. He said that only 300 people will be recruited in July and August this year. The biggest priority is to recruit people who have a degree certificate and are 30 years old.<br />-----<br />Ed: The New Government!!! Diario Nacional 08 May 2008<br />ASDT President Francisco Xavier Amaral with his Acting Secretary-General Francisco Gomes signed an accord for a coalition with Fretilin President Francisco Lu-Olo and Fretilin's Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri on May 1 which aims to establish a new government in the near future.<br /><br />The event is a threat for AMP as ASDT is one of the members of AMP. This might weaken AMP in the Parliament. It is a feather in the opposition's heat to take down the Government. If Fretilin succeeds in convincing PUN and UNDERTIM to join them, then Fretilin will have simple majority with 33 seats and may form a new government.<br /><br />It is a normal thing in the world of democracy when these political games happen. But we should also be realistic about the recent atmosphere in the country.<br /><br />What we have to consider is if there will be new crisis, and new IDPs because of the competition between the leaders. We still do not know whether ASDT has left AMP or not. Not yet, because ASDT President Xavier said that they have signed the accord but they are still a member of AMP. Will this last for five years or not? The President of Democratic Party, also the President of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama, said that even though ASDT is stepping down from AMP, AMP will not be shaken. Just wait.<br />-----<br />Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak: all will compete in the F-FDTL recruitment Diario Nacional 08 May 2008<br />The Commander of Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said that the recruitment for the new members of F-FDTL in the next month will allow all qualified people to compete. Commander Matan Ruak said that the petitioners who are going to return to F-FDTL will also compete with the other candidates during the recruitment process. "I still have no list as there are two groups of the petitioners. One is going back to F-FDTL and the other one is going to leave F-FDTL. The competition will be tough. Previously we had 12,000-15,000 candidates to compete for only 260 posts we wanted to fill at that time," said Commander Taur Matan Ruak on Wednesday (7/5) in the Palace of the President, Dili.<br /><br />Ed: Is the ASDT-Fretilin's accord a threat to AMP? Timor Post 08 May 2008<br />At last, Fretilin's struggle to have dialogue with political parties, especially those who are in AMP, has yielded positive results, results that give rise to hope for future governance. Fretilin and ASDT signed an accord to make a coalition to establish a new government in the early elections of 2009 or 2012 elections. The political target of these parties seems to be good and is balanced because the two parties depend on the elections of 2009 and 2012.<br /><br />Do not surprised at the signing of the accord the last week. The decision made by the parties is for the future. It does not affect ASDT's five MPs in the Parliament to continue support AMP. We should congratulate them. If Fretilin wants to rock AMP, Fretilin should try hard with the political parties who have no bench in the Parliament, including parties outside of AMP in the parliament, to support them. If not then, then the dream to crack down on AMP will not realized until the 2012 elections. And if Fretilin gains victory in 2012 then all of their political plans for the nation may be implemented, not now. Just wait!!!<br /><br />Fretilin, not a good party to have coalition with Timor Post 08 May 2008<br />ASDT MPs in the National Parliament said that even though the leaders of their party have signed an agreement with Fretilin, they will continue to maintain their position in the Parliament. ASDT MPs said that Fretilin is not a good model of a party with which to have coalition as it has a history of lack of good governance and has no good relations with other political parties. "It really happened. For instance, on the 23 of April last, Fretilin President Lu-Olo insulted ASDT. It is for me better to stand alone than have a coalition with Fretilin. This is a matter of principle. I do not agree with this position," said ASDT MP Joao Manuel Carrascalão. Mr. Carrascalão said that even though his party's president has signed the accord with Fretilin he himself and four ASDT MPs in the National Parliament will continue to give their support to AMP.<br /><br />Anticipated election will make people suffer and die Suara Timor Lorosa'e 08 May 2008<br />PNT MP Alianca de Araujo said that the anticipated election will create suffering for the people. She asked the ASDT party to not set people against each other. "I ask all the leaders to not play with the people's lives. If you are going to play with the people's lives, you are going to lead these people suffering and death." she said on Wednesday (&/5) at National Parliament. She added that the anticipated election will create another crisis in Timor Leste because it is not embraced by the people themselves but rather by those who seek seats or position. It does not necessarily mean it will prevent the people from suffering and death.<br /><br />President Horta visits Petitioners in Aitarak Laran Suara Timor Lorosa'e 08 May 2008<br />President Ramos-Horta visited the petitioners who are staying in Aitarak Laran cantonment on Wednesday (7/5). During the visit, the President said that he considers the problem of the petitioners as a national problem as it has affected the nation's stability, institution of the F-FDTL, and all the reconciliation process. President Ramos-Horta said that he not able to make a miracle to immediately solve the petitioners' problem as his brain is not same as a scientist. "I have been given a life by God but only a little knowledge. Therefore, I will not be able to make a miracle for the petitioners' problem. But with my patience I will work together with the Government, MPs, and civil society to solve the problems and strengthen peace in Timor Leste," said PR Ramos-Horta on Wednesday (7/5) at the Petitioners' cantonment in Aitarak Laran, Dili. Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-86400737194249150452013-05-31T20:15:00.003-07:002013-06-01T07:55:56.739-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 3)UNMIT Daily Media Review 7 May 2008<br />
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ASDT to stand for AMP, Horta not thinking of an early election – Even though ASDT has given signals that it will leave the Alliance Majority in Parliament (AMP), five of its members in Parliament continue to give their support to AMP to govern the country.<br />
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"The decision in the Parliament belongs to the bench [of ASDT]. We continue to support AMP. If they [ASDT-Fretilin] have signed an accord outside of the Parliament … that's up to them. The president of the party said it would leave the AMP. But as MPs we have the right to continue to support AMP," said ASDT MP José Manuel Carrascalão on Tuesday (6/5) in the National Parliament. Mr. Carrascalão also said that many militants in the party [ASDT] disagreed with the signing the coalition accord.<br />
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ASDT has signed an accord with Fretilin as an agreement and commitment between the two parties to form new government on May 1, 2008. In the accord, entitled Accord of 1 May, the two parties agreed to form a strong coalition to rule the country in the national interest.<br />
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President José Ramos-Horta said that he is not thinking about early elections which are preoccupying<br />
others with now. PR Horta said that the recent Government led by AMP is a Government with legitimacy, a Government he chose to rule the country. "An early election gives no opportunity to the legitimate Government which I chose to implement their programs for the people. At the moment I am not preoccupied with early elections but am thinking about holding a dialogue between the Government and the big party, Fretilin," said PR Horta on Tuesday (6/5) in on his visit to the petitioners in Aitarak-Laran, Dili. (Televizaun Timor-Leste) Respecting dignity, PR Horta visits the petitioners – For the first time after his return from Darwin, Australia, PR Ramos-Horta visited the petitioners in Aitarak-Laran on Tuesday (6/5), a sign of respecting the dignity and rights of the petitioners. "I have come here to give a message to my children, [my] young brothers, the petitioners that the First President never forgets. They are human. We should respect their dignity and rights. That is why I have come to them and I will try to collaborate with the Government to quickly implement the options for you [my] children," said PR Horta. (Timor Post)<br />
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Salsinha does not provide NID with a list of supporters' names – Rebel leader Gastão Salsinha does not want to provide a list of the names of [rebel] supporters who took part in the attempt against PM Xanana Gusmão in, Balibar, Dili on February 11, to the National Investigation Department (NID) as part of their investigation. NID official Nuno R. Gomes said that during the investigation, including a hearing process in the court, Salsinha never gave the names of people who supported him in carrying out the attacks on February 11. "During the investigation we did asked him about the people who supported him, but he did not give any names for the reason that he will do so during his trial in the court," said Mr. Gomes on Tuesday (6/5) Timor Post via telephone. (Timor Post)<br />
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Horta: coalition of ASDT-Fretilin, a normal process in democracy – PR Ramos-Horta said that the formation of a coalition between ASDT and Fretilin is a normal process. But he admitted that he had still not talked about this directly with ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral and the AMP side. "I heard that Uncle Xavier's party had left AMP. I still have had not discussed this with Uncle Xavier and the Prime Minister about the coalition of ASDT and Fretilin and its implications. I am not surprised and preoccupied with this as it is a normal process in democracy," said PR Horta on Tuesday (6/5) in Aitarak-Laran, Dili. "Mr. Xavier Amaral knows the reasons for forming the new coalition. But I know that they have discussions now -- a big delegation of AMP has talked to Mr. Xavier – it is a normal processs, so never be surprised," added PR Horta.<br />
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However, PR Horta said that PM Xanana himself with the Government will have to make efforts to execute public funds appropriately to avoid corruption, collusion, and nepotism within the Government. "Do not look only for cousins and families in the institution. Do not replace district administrators based on their political backgrounds.<br />
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Whether this is happening or not, Fretilin's members are concerned about it. I have talked to the Prime Minister and recommended he pay attention to this issue. We cannot change the political administration based on the party. Public administration should be totally professional," said PR Horta. (Timor Post)<br />
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Fr. Martinho: ASDT-Fretilin coalition, a suicide for Xavier – The Commission of Justice and Peace Director of Baucau Diocese, Fr. Martinho Gusmão considers the decision made by ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral to enter into a coalition with Fretilin is equivalent to political suicide. According to Fr. Martinho, in 2007 Mr. Xavier backed Ramos-Horta in the presidential campaign and appealed to all people not to cast their votes for Lu-Olo (President of Fretilin), as a vote for Lu-Olo equaled a vote for suicide. Fr. Martinho said Mr. Xavier's recent decision to choose Lu-Olo, means he is on a suicidal path. "ASDT has brilliant ideas about the people's interest. But from what I read, they talk about the positions provided after they won over the election. This means that they are using people's interest to achieve particular goals," said Fr. Gusmão on Tuesday (6/5). (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
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Ed: ASDT and Fretilin's coalition – Recently ASDT made a coalition with Fretilin and signed an accord to prepare for the 2012 elections. However, ASDT continues to back AMP by collaborating with Prime Minister Xanana to develop the nation. The coalition between groups or parties is a normal occurrence as foreseen in our Constitution – the questions is why has ASDT made a coalition with Fretilin, which never recognize the historical leader Francisco Xavier do Amaral as the founder of ASDT/Fretilin and the Proclamator of Independence in Timor-Leste.<br />
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We still remember, during the campaign, Uncle Xavier said, "If we vote for Ramos-Horta we will only get a headache. If vote for Lu-Olo we will all die." What we are worried about now is that Uncle Xavier words are coming back to haunt him.<br />
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About the May 1 Accord, it is said that Fretilin wants to give eight positions to ASDT, such as Vice President of the National Parliament, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Telecommunications, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Transportation and Commerce, State Secretary of Environment, State Secretary of Solidarity and State Secretary of Administration. If the ASDT has coalition with Fretilin is based on the positions offered, then we all can see that all parties are ambitious and power hungry. We may say that the coalition intends to go against and knock Xanana down. It is normal boy … !!! (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
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Fretilin wants Xanana to face the court – Fretilin MPs in the National Parliament want Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão to make a statement to the Court as Horta has done, because he is one of the victims of the attacks on February 11. "Related to the cases which took place, we still do not hear that Xanana has given his statement to the Court," said Mr. Arsenio Paixão Bano on a press conference held on Tuesday (6/5) in the National Parliament, Dili. Mr. Bano also said that the work of the Prosecutor-General is sluggish because some cases are still pending, such as Rai Los's case.<br />
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However, the Vice President of the National Parliament, Vicente Guterres said that we should not hamper the work of the judiciary, as the court is an independent body in this country.<br />
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Separately, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that he is ready to welcome inquiries from the Prosecutor-General. Previously he had also responded to an inquiry from Provedor of Human Rights-Justice and the Prosecutor-General. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
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1,137 IDPS return home – Some 1137 IDPs have decided to return home after occupying the National Hospital since the 2006 crisis. At a reintegration ceremony of IDPs at the National Hospital, Dili, the Minister of Social Solidarity Maria Domingas Alves said that the IDPs' readiness to return home was a positive step towards a better life. Among the participants at the ceremony was the President of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama, Vice Minister of Health Madalena Hanjam, Dili District PNTL Commander Pedro Belo and other officials from the UN Agencies that worked together on the process of reintegration. <br />
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Meanwhile, the PR of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama thanked all the IDPs for their decision to return home. "Once again, thanks a lot to all of you who have decided to return home, as the decision is in your hands," said PR Lasama on Tuesday (6/5) during the reintegration ceremony. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e) President José Ramos-Horta said that he is not thinking about early elections which are preoccupying others with now. PR Horta said that the recent Government led by AMP is a Government with legitimacy, a Government he chose to rule the country. "An early election gives no opportunity to the legitimate Government which I chose to implement their programs for the people. At the moment I am not preoccupied with early elections but am thinking about holding a dialogue between the Government and the big party, Fretilin," said PR Horta on Tuesday (6/5) in on his visit to the petitioners in Aitarak-Laran, Dili. (Televizaun Timor-Leste)<br />
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Respecting dignity, PR Horta visits the petitioners – For the first time after his return from Darwin, Australia, PR Ramos-Horta visited the petitioners in Aitarak-Laran on Tuesday (6/5), a sign of respecting the dignity and rights of the petitioners. "I have come here to give a message to my children, [my] young brothers, the petitioners that the First President never forgets. They are human. We should respect their dignity and rights. That is why I have come to them and I will try to collaborate with the Government to quickly implement the options for you [my] children," said PR Horta. (Timor Post)<br />
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Salsinha does not provide NID with a list of supporters' names – Rebel leader Gastão Salsinha does not want to provide a list of the names of [rebel] supporters who took part in the attempt against PM Xanana Gusmão in, Balibar, Dili on February 11, to the National Investigation Department (NID) as part of their investigation. NID official Nuno R. Gomes said that during the investigation, including a hearing process in the court, Salsinha never gave the names of people who supported him in carrying out the attacks on February 11. "During the investigation we did asked him about the people who supported him, but he did not give any names for the reason that he will do so during his trial in the court," said Mr. Gomes on Tuesday (6/5) Timor Post via telephone. (Timor Post)Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-80565597367679450352013-05-31T20:13:00.000-07:002013-06-01T07:56:24.046-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 2)FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE FRETILIN Media Release May 7, 2008<br />
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FRETILIN MPs walk out of parliament in protest<br />
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FRETILIN MPs walked out of yesterday afternoon's session (Tuesday 6 May 2008) of Timor Leste's Parliament in protest at attempts to prevent questioning of two government ministers involved in dubious commercial transactions worth many millions of dollars.<br />
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FRETILIN said the President of the National Parliament, Fernando Lasama Araujo misused parliament's standing orders to restrict questioning of the Mr Mariano Sabino, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, and Mr Gil Alves, Minister for Tourism, Commerce and Industry, to one question per party.<br />
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FRETILIN parliamentary leader Aniceto Guterres said today he wanted to ask the Minister for Tourism, Commerce and Industry why a multi million dollar contract for rice importation was single sourced<br />
instead of through an international tender.<br />
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"The de facto Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries needs to confirm or deny reports that he has signed agreements granting foreign companies 300,000 hectares for rubber plantations and another 100,000 hectares for sugar cane for bio fuel, when our people are facing high prices for all food commodities and our country is still importing most of its rice needs," Guterres said.<br />
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Guterres accused parliamentary President Lasama of misusing standing orders to protect the de facto Ministers and the de facto AMP government from being held accountable to the people's representatives on these very serious questions.<br />
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"This is contrary to parliamentary rules and the practice in the previous parliament. This is an undemocratic trend and shows how desperate the de facto government's allies are becoming in the face of a wave of allegations of maladministration and highly questionable deals involving government tenders worth many millions of dollars," added Guterres.<br />
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"These latest cases of maladministration follow revelations that Deputy Prime Minister Jose Luis Guterres, used public funds to increase his wife's salary as a diplomat in New York, whilst he was Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The money was used to purchase a grand piano.<br />
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"For over one week we have formally requested the parliament to call the de facto AMP government to attend parliament to respond to our queries about the level of success in spending the budget for the transitional period 1 July to 31 December 2007. But to date we have had no response. Given the restrictions by the President of the Parliament yesterday, we fear that our efforts to hold the government accountable on budget execution will be similarly thwarted," said Guterres.<br />
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Despite the lack of quorum once FRETILIN and ASDT were not present, the parliament continued to proceed, another serious issue with the conduct of the President of the Parliament.<br />
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Contact: Jose Teixeira +670 728 7080 Nilva Guimaraes +670 734 0389 <br />
-----<br />
UNMIT Daily Media Review 6 May 2008<br />
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Fretilin-ASDT sign agreement to form Government – One of the AMP members, ASDT has signed an accord with Fretilin which constitutes an agreement and commitment between the two parties to form a new government on May 1, 2008.<br />
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In the accord the two parties stated they have a strong coalition to rule the country in the interests of the nation.<br />
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"ASDT and Fretilin were created to stand for total liberation, the nation, and the Timorese people," declared the two parties in their accord, entitled Accord of 1 May.<br />
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ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral said that the coalition does not mean that his party, ASDT is out of the AMP. Rather the coalition was formed to prepare for the future.<br />
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"We are not saying that we are leaving AMP. When the time comes, we will tell you [the aim of] this policy," said Mr. Amaral.<br />
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Separately, the Secretary-General of Fretilin Mari Alkatiri said that there are still substantial subjects ofthe accord to be discussed within the two parties.<br />
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Mr. Alkatiri also said that as ASDT has made a coalition with Fretilin, the AMP should be prepared to face early elections.<br />
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"I told Prime Minister Xanana before that if you form a government with pieces of cloth, then it will fall apart," said Mr. Alkatiri.<br />
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Other AMP members of Parliament said that up until now, they have not received any information about the accord between ASDT and Fretilin.<br />
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The President of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama de Araujo, also a leader of AMP, said that at the moment the nation's Constitution does not allow for the conduct of early elections when the activities of the National Parliament are routinely going on. He appealed to the people and political leaders to live as a nation as regulated by law, and not create confusion among the different factions in society. (Timor Post)<br />
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Ed: A high price of rice, a challenge for the AMP – Since the end of 2007 the price of rice has been getting higher and has become the preoccupation of the poor people who are feeling threatened.<br />
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Many comments have been made on the subject. Some MPs and Government members of AMP have said that the higher price of rice is influenced by international market prices, which have been affected by poor rice crops in Thailand and Vietnam. This means that the Government has not made any mistakes resulting in the higher price of rice in the country.<br />
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This reasoning that "this is not the Government mistake" might be acceptable. But on the other hand, we cannot ignore that this also the Government's mistake as it has responsibility to save the people of this country, especially those who are at the mercy of the economy.<br />
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Those who have power may not be careless with the situation because the price of rice might be considered as "small change" or the price of a cigarette.<br />
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AMP should know that to rule the nation is not depend only on other nations' policy. We should be able to face our own internal problems. If not, there will be statements like this: "They are not capable of governing but want to rule." During the campaign they promised: "If we are elected, the price of all goods will decrease." The minister responsible for this situation must step down.<br />
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The Government should do something like it did when it provided rice to public servants who have a regular monthly salary.<br />
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Why provide a quick solution for public servants but have difficulty in paying attention to the poor people? If not now, then when?<br />
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If the rice problem is a global problem, the Government should recommend to people to consume their traditional food. (Timor Post)<br />
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PSD, CNRT and PD AMP – The Alliance of Majority in Parliament (AMP) will be strengthened by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Democratic Party (PD) and CNRT, as ASDT is going to have coalition with Fretilin [the strongest opposition in the National Parliament]. PSD representative Fernando Dias Ximenes said that up until now, the reason why ASDT coalition with Fretilin is unknown. Mr. Ximenes said that even though ASDT is leaving AMP, AMP still has 32 seats and needs one more seat to hold an absolute majority in the Parliament. "It is normal if ASDT leaves the AMP, because differences are always cropping up among the members, and even in a single party," said Mr. Ximenes. (Timor Post)<br />
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Bishop Basilio: justice should be equal to all people – Commenting about the pardon given by President Jose Ramos-Horta to Rogerio Lobato, the Bishop of Baucau Diocese Basilio do Nascimento said that to live in peace in this country, justice should be applied equally to all people. According to Bishop Basilio, even though all the people did not agree with the President's pardon given to Mr. Lobato, the President has the power to grant it. Bishop Nascimento also said that the President's pardon is not setting him free but will minimize Mr. Lobato and other prisoners' period of punishment. (Diario Nacional)<br />
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Bishop Basilio: Salsinha has to present evidence in Court - Bishop of Baucau Diocese Basilio do Nascimento is asking Salsinha to present evidence when giving his statement in Court. Bishop Basilio said that Salsinha is an important key to understanding the 2006 crisis and the attempt of February 11 against PR Horta and PM Xanana. His contribution to the judicial process is very important for development of the nation. "Now we all know that all the problems" keys are in Salsinha's hand," said Bishop Basilio. According to Bishop Basilio, whoever was involved in the process should admit their mistakes to avoid accusation and live in peace. Bishop Basilio wants Salsinha to make a full disclosure about everything he knows, as he has responsibility to do so. (Diario Nacional)<br />
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Four former East Timorese rebels deported from Indonesia to Dili – The four extradited four rebel soldiers from East Timor are wanted for alleged involvement in attacks on East Timor President and Prime Minister in February. The four rebels are Tito Tilman, Ismail San Sao Moniz Soares, Egidio Lay Carvalho and Jose Gomes. They arrived at Nicolao Lobato airport on Monday (5/5) under heavy security provided by Indonesian anti-terror police, two weeks after they were apprehended in Indonesia's West Timor and the capital Jakarta.<br />
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After arriving at the airport, Indonesian anti-terror police handed over the four rebels to Timorese authorities. The four rebels were directly received by East Timor's Prosecutor-General Longuinhos Monteiro who was accompanied by the Rapid Intervention Unit Commander Armando Monteiro, Dili District's Police Commander Pedro Belo and other PNTL officers at the airport VIP lounge. After an official hand-over ceremony, the four rebels were brought to the HQ of the Joint Operation Command in Dili, under heavy security of PNTL Rapid Intervention Unit and Task Force.<br />
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During an official hand-over ceremony, Indonesian chief of anti-terror operations Petrus Galose said that four rebel soldiers were caught by the Indonesian authorities because they crossed the border illegally after the February 11 attacks on East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili.<br />
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"Before we deported them to here, we gave them a medical check up in Indonesia and to make sure they all are in stable condition. These four rebels are brought to here today based on the law enforcement cooperation between to two nations," said Colonel Petrus Galose in a press conference at Dili's airport on Monday (5/5). (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
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People in Hudi Laran area unhappy with the attitudes of the PNTL's Task Force – People in Hudi Laran, Bairo Pite, are unhappy with the attitudes of PNTL's Task Force members as their actions are not bringing the situation under control. Instead of defending one of the martial arts groups fighting among themselves, they also capture people arbitrarily or recklessly. Therefore, the people in Hudi-Laran ask police to maintain their position as a defender of the people to not defend any of the martial art groups during fighting. "Police have to have their eyes and ears opened in order to capture people who usually create problems and to not act recklessly," said one of resident in Hudi Laran, Bairo Pite. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
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Paixão: A residence in Liquiça hands over a long rifle Mauser to the Joint Operation Command – The Commander of the Joint Operation Command Filomeno Paixão said that one residence in Liquiça handed over a long rifle Mauser to the Joint Operation Command on Thursday (01/5). Separately in Ermera district, people handed over 268 AR-16 bullets, one air gun, and 2 traditional weapons. On the 3rd of May, the residents in Fatubesi voluntarily handed over 19 traditional weapons, 39 traditional pistols, 1 rocket propelled grenade launcher, 2 hand grenades and many others traditional weapons to the Joint Operation Command. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
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One member of the Joint Operation Command injures a lady in Haupu, sub-district Hatolia, Ermera – A lady in Ermera was injured by a member of the Joint Operation Command on Monday (5/5). The victim was taken to the National Hospital in Dili for treatment and is in stable condition now. The member of the Joint Operation Command in question has been taken to Dili for further investigation.<br />
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The Joint Operation Command has been criticized by the community for holding a party on the night after Salsinha and his men surrendered. The Commander of the Joint Operation Command Lieutenant Colonel Paixão said that he did not give any order to the members in Ermera to mark any celebration or party regarding Salsinha's surrender.<br />
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"I have never told the Joint Operation Command forces in Ermera to celebrate with any party regarding the Salsinha's surrender. If there was one, it took place spontaneously because the forces have just wanted to celebrate as the hunt for Salsinha and his men has been going on for two months. But there was no order for them to hold a party regarding Salsinha's surrender. I hope the communities in Ermera will feel free to contribute to and cooperate with the forces in achieving stability and national security," said Commander Paixão. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br />
-----<br />
Haburas: Mangrove Devastation in Metinaru 05 May 2008<br />
<br />
The Haburas Foundation<br />
Critical Issue Series - English Edition<br />
Mangrove Devastation in Metinaru - What are the issues?<br />
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Mangrove felling for firewood and building material is out of control in Metinaro. Each day approximately 10 trucks, each fully loaded with 4 tons of illegally harvested wood are leaving the mangrove forests around Metinaro. Should we care?<br />
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The immediate benefits of the felling are financially positive and may be important for some members of the locally based IDP community<br />
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Will this short-term gain justify the disastrous long-term effects that felling mangroves will have across both the local and wider fishing communities?<br />
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Revenue from selling the wood is one of the few income sources available to a jobless and effectively landless, marginalised community.<br />
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Mangrove felling is also directly jeopardising livelihoods and Dili’s access to an affordable, first-class protein source for years to come.<br />
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Timor Leste needs a healthy mangrove resource for its fishing industry, food security, coral reef resource and a future lucrative tourism industry -The current extraction is the epitome of unsustainable resource use!<br />
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What is the answer?<br />
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Many people in Dili adhere to the conventional wisdom that the ‘sustainable environment is only an issue for Timor Leste in the future, once the more obvious and acute humanitarian problems have been addressed adequately.<br />
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Unfortunately it is very difficult to redress issues such as a lack of livelihood opportunities, access to first-class protein and good household food-security after the serious degradation to the environment that provides those services, has already occurred.<br />
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To begin the search for an answer to these problems that lie in wait for Timor Leste tomorrow, we must first generate awareness of their causes through informing all stakeholders about the strongly unsustainable practices that are occurring today.<br />
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A paradigm shift in environmental perception is essential to the future of this country, and the Haburas Foundation is leading the way. However we can only achieve a sustainable Timor Leste if this environmental responsibility is shared across all sectors of society and disciplines of development.<br />
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Bottom-line facts:<br />
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Mangrove forests are a key nursery habitat to the juvenile lifestages of many commercially and ecologically important fish and crustacean species(Mumby et al. 2004, Laegdsgaard & Johnson. 2001).<br />
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Coral reef’s species abundance and biomass has been shown to be severely reduced in mangrove absent areas (Nagelkerken et al. 2001) .<br />
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In Dili, important food fish such as snapper (Lutjanus. sp) jack and even barracuda species (all of which support the livelihoods of the local fishing community) utilise the mangrove forest’s ecosystem services throughout their lives.<br />
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The mangrove forests near Metinaru are being cut down at an observed rate of approximately 40 tons per day.<br />
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Mangrove areas also protect coral reef from the damaging properties of turbid run-off from the already degraded terrestrial environment ie. soil erosion (EDF. 2004).<br />
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If unregulated felling continues evidence from a plethora of studies under similar conditions suggests exacerbation of the problems will occur, seriously threatening fish stocks and livelihoods (see Mumby. 2006, Alongi & Carvalho. 2007).<br />
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There is a strong economic rationale for protecting mangroves since coral reef fisheries have an estimated annual value of $5.7 billion and many people also depend on them for subsistence." (EDF, 2004)<br />
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These issues need to be addressed at both a local and national level by the Timorese government, but also by associated NGOs and other relevant changeagents. NGOs with influence over IDP livelihood practices should aim to address this issue on the ground. These actions will help to raise awareness and stress the importance of protection of the remaining mangrove areas, particularly with respect to harmonising IDP camp and local community’s relationships. The formulation of the State of the Nation document by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is currently in progress and should also include mangrove destruction in its proceedings (with particular reference to the Coral Triangle Initiative that Timor Leste has agreed to implement - relating to coral-reef conservation). The current extraction is illegal under Timorese national laws according to:<br />
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· Article 6 of the Constitution of RDTL, section (F) pertaining to environmental protection of native resources for their continued existence,<br />
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· Articles 61 & 139 related to environmental rights,<br />
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· Regulation No19/UNTAET/2000 relating to protected areas, and also contravenes other ratified international agreements with UNFCCC, UNCCD UNCBD<br />
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For further information, assistance or to share your comments with the Haburas Foundation please contact: Tel +670 331 01 03 Or e-mail: haburaslorosae@yahoo.com Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-35321160466547429962013-05-31T20:10:00.000-07:002013-05-31T20:10:18.485-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News May 2008 (Part 1)FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE<br />FRETILIN<br /><br />MEDIA RELEASE 5 May 2008<br /><br />Party quits Gusmao's coalition to ally with FRETILIN<br /><br />The Timorese Social Democratic Association (ASDT), a member of Timor Leste's de facto government, has withdrawn from the governing coalition and formed an alliance with FRETILIN.<br /><br />Leaders of ASDT and FRETILIN signed an agreement in Dili on Saturday to enter into a "solid coalition" to form the next constitutional government of Timor Leste.<br /><br />Their joint statement criticised the de facto government led by Xanana Gusmao as "full of nepotism and corruption".In the 2007 parliamentary election the ASDT/Social Democratic Party alliance won 18 per cent of the vote and 11 seats, making it the third most popular force after FRETILIN (21 seats) and Gusmao's CNRT (18 seats). ASDT had two ministers in the de facto government. The joint statement was signed by ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral (the first President of FRETILIN and of Timor Leste and the man who proclaimed national independence in November 1975) and current FRETILIN President Francisco Guterres Lu Olo (who proclaimed Timor Leste's restoration of independence on 20 May 2002).<br /><br />The statement said both ASDT and FRETILIN were born as political forces to achieve the total liberation of the people and nation of Timor Leste.<br /><br />It continued: "Today, despite the people of Timor Leste having been liberated from centuries of foreign domination, the people are once again living under a government full of nepotism, corruption, collusion and injustice, and we are witnessing the persecution of our patriots. The situation has once again dragged our people into living lives of fear of those in political power and of a loss of hope for the economic development of their nation."<br /><br />The ASDT/FRETILIN agreement opens the way for both parties to immediately prepare a policy platform for a future government. It guarantees a just and proportional participation by ASDT members in the executives of a future government and parliament.<br /><br />The original ASDT was formed on May 20, 1974, and re-named FRETILIN later that year. Xavier do Amaral re-formed ASDT for the elections in 2001, when he stood against Xanana Gusmao for the presidency.<br /><br />For information please contact: José Teixeira on +670 728 7080<br />For further information from ASDT, please contact João Correia on +670 724 9524<br />-----<br />UNMIT Daily Media Review 5 May 2008<br /><br />Ed: Court demands the truth from Salsinha, not politics – After two years in the mountains, struggling for justice with Alfredo Reinado and their men, Gastão Salsinha should now face justice with no weapons in hand. With five of his men, Salsinha appeared in the Court of Appeal to have a first hearing on the cases they have been involved in for the two years.<br /><br />This is justice … Salsinha demands justice from the Court and now the Court instructs him to explain his motivation and actions.<br /><br />Salsinha is now living in the judicial – not political – world. In the judicial world, only legal facts are needed - need no for more talk about politics. In the first hearing, Salsinha directly faced pretrial detention for charges in connection with the attack on February 11, previous homicide attempts, and carrying weapons illegally.<br /><br />The charges against him show from 2006 - 2008 the Court has been aware of Salsinha"s actions. So, Salsinha has to be responsible and give clear explanations about what he has done. If Salsinha is found innocent of the charges, then we have to say CONGRATULATIONS.<br /><br />But if he is guilty, then WELCOME to the prison newcomer, who was fighting for justice but against the law. This might be our hope: that we may play in the political arena but with no violence. If not, our companions who were with us before will keep their mouths shut and wash their hands of us. (Timor Post)<br /><br />Francisco: PNTL and F-FDTL to cooperate in investigation and collection of illegal weapons – The State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres said that the Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) and the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) are going to cooperate in a thorough investigation of weapons still un the hands of civilians.<br /><br />"If there is information about weapons carried by people, then there will be an investigation into those weapons to know their serial numbers, regardless of whether the weapons are those that are missing or not," said Mr. Guterres. He added that F-FDTL and PNTL will be searching and collecting the illegal weapons so as to avoid further conflicts in the future.<br /><br />"We appeal the community to submit the weapons to F-FDTL and PNTL by 10 May. After that date, possession of weapons will be considered a criminal offense," Mr. Guterres said. (Timor Post)<br /><br />Fretilin does not agree to TNI training of F-FDTL – Fretilin"s bench in the National Parliament rejects a proposal that the Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) be trained by the National Army of Indonesia (TNI). The objection stems from a desire to avoid offending the victims of TNI during its occupation in Timor-Leste. "I do not agree with the training. We have to have to be considerate of sensitive feelings," said Fretilin"s MP Francisco Miranda Branco on Friday (2/5) in the National Parliament, Dili.<br /><br />Mr. Branco said that before conducting the military training, the Report of Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste (CAVR) and Indonesia and TL Commission of the Truth and Friendship should be implemented to heal old wounds.<br /><br />An MP from the Alliance of the Majority in Parliament (AMP), Paulo de Fatima Martins said that Timor-Leste has to cooperate with Indonesia, as it is a neighbour who supports Timor-Leste for membership in ASEAN. "It is valid to cooperate and have good relations with Indonesia. In the first Government, some police officers went to Bandung and Jakarta to take part in staff command courses," he noted. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br /><br />Ed: Do not believe "insane" rumour – In a very mature and calm manner, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão is facing the "insane" rumour that he orchestrated the attacks on February 11. The attacks are merely political "drama".<br /><br />If it is a political drama, then it is not true that Xanana is pulling the strings behind the curtain of violence. If it is true, why didn't Xanana kill himself rather than cooperate with the rebels trying to kill him?<br /><br />We should not be surprised when the rumour is addressed to Xanana, but we should be careful and wise in giving our responses because Xanana has potential enemies from the opposition and inside AMP, too.<br /><br />In such a critical situation, the enemies are smart enough to create issues to find scapegoats for their sympathetic parties and groups. Since August 2007, as the Prime Minister of the country, Xanana has made significant political progress in the country, national stability has returned to normal, IDPs are returning home, petitioners are gathered and cantoned, Salsinha and his men have submitted themselves … corruption,, collusion and nepotism are taken seriously, and the high price of rice is now handled.<br /><br />Administrative reform from the national Government to the districts is ongoing. All will be done. All these matters show that Xanana is really working and responding to peoples' demands, especially the petitioners, IDPs and the veterans. It is impossible for Xanana to kill himself. It is just an "insane" rumour. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br /><br />Guterres: a free press is important for the newest democratic country – Vice Prime Minister Jose Luis Guterres said that a free press is very important for the world's newest democratic country. Journalists around the world should firmly commit to defending justice. But justice will never appear if it is under an authoritative State. Guterres added that most of the Timorese journalists had shown the highest nationalism during the process to the independence. While it is now time for development, there is still a need for all journalists to obey their code of conduct during the course of their work. Sometimes journalists receive threats from others because most people have only a limited understanding about press freedom. It is also important for journalists to show their freedom and responsibility to this nation. "I am very happy today to be with the journalists, as it is an important day for the press in this newest democratic country," said Jose Luis Guterres said during his speech on a World Press Freedom Day on Saturday (3/05) at the office of STL Newspaper. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Bishop: the submission of Salsinha and his men is an important key for shedding light on February attacks – The Bishop of Baucau, Basilio do Nascimento said that the key to shedding light on the events of 11 February is in the hands of Salsinha and his men, as they have already peacefully submitted themselves to justice.<br /><br />"Who will provide us enlightenment so that all of us will be able to understand the things happening around us? It was supposed to be Alfredo but he has died. The secret that Alfredo has is already buried with him. So people hope that Salsinha will divulge the secrets he has now," said Bishop Baucau Basilio do Nascimento trough the TVTL broadcast on Friday (02/05). (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Government and UNMIT program starts to reduce the number of IDPs camps in Dili – The United Nations in Timor Leste and Government through the Ministry of Solidarity Social are currently being working together to reduce the IDPs camps in capital Dili. The chief of the UN OCHA, Pierre Bessuges said during a press conference that the policy to close the IDPs camps is an effort to solve the issue of the IDPs in Timor-Leste. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Bishop of Baucau: collecting weaponry in the Eastern region will contribute to stability and peace in the nation – The Bishop of Baucau Basilio do Nascimento said that he appreciates the plan of the Joint Operation Command to collect illegal weapons that are still at large and in the hands of the civilians in the Eastern part of Timor-Leste, because that effort can contribute to peace and stability in the nation. "I think the plan to collect the illegal weapons in the Eastern region is the same as what the Joint Operation Command has been doing in the Western part of Timor-Leste, so that everyone will know that only the police and F-FDTL have a right to have guns or weapons," said Bishop Basilio do Nascimento. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Prime Minister's official visit to Indonesia is productive and positive – The Prime Minister's official visit to Indonesia is productive and positive but there is a need to follow up what has been agreed between two nations to ensure a good result. During the Prime Minister's official visit in Indonesia, both nations signed and discussed three agreements related to the commercial sector industry. The agreements focus on how Indonesia will provide Timor-Leste with technical assistance, how to establish small industries Timor-Leste in order to strengthen Timorese industrial capacity, and how they will cooperate with each other to promote Timor Leste's health department. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Timor-Leste: Palace, karaoke, and prison: Salsinha's first three days in Dili – Lusa, 1 May Dili, 01 May (Lusa) – On Wednesday, Mari Alkatiri woke up tired and wanted to know who had thrown up a "big party" that had prevented him from getting any rest the previous night at his house in Bairro do Farol, Dili, Timor-Leste. "I was told that the party had been held at the Joint Command headquarters, with Gastão Salsinha in attendance", said the secretary-general of Fretilin to news agency Lusa.<br /><br />Gastão Salsinha is the key (living) suspect of the attacks in which the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, nearly lost his life. The Joint Command is the mixed structure that was set up to go after Salsinha and capture him, in an operation that was named "Halibur". After nearly three months of playing cat and mouse in Timor-Leste's western districts, Gastão Salsinha eventually accepted to surrender on April, 25. His group came down to Dili on Monday, April, 28.<br /><br />Timor-Leste's Armed Forces and several National Police units, as well as the Prosecutor-General's close protection unit, the Portuguese GNR, the International Stabilisation Forces (ISF, under Australian command) and even a "Black Hawk" military helicopter provided a guard of honor to Gastão Salsinha and his twelve men (as well as a coffin containing long weapons).<br /><br />"The reception they are getting is worthy of a President of the Republic", mocked a young Timorese sitting in the Hotel Timor cafeteria when the wailing of the first sirens approaching along Avenida Mártires da Pátria was heard<br /><br />A crowd stood outside to see or confirm the surrender of the country's most wanted man, suspect of leading the attack on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and of having been an accomplice in the attack led by Major Alfredo Reinado against José Ramos-Horta.<br /><br />Many people assembled in front of the Palácio do Governo, which faces the Dili bay, where the vehicles that had left the mountains of Lete-Foho, Ermera (west) earlier that morning eventually stopped.<br /><br />The reference to a presidential-style motorcade for former lieutenant Salsinha makes sense. One day after the surrender, the Joint Command marked the completion of their mission with a dinner and music, where officers involved in operation "Halibur" sang "karaoke" to the well-known tune of "Foin Sae Timor Oan" ("Timor's New Generation").<br /><br />The song is a kind of lyrical praise of hope in Timor-Leste, with lyrics and music by musician Abito Gama. It was the same song chosen by youngsters to welcome José Ramos-Horta at Nicolau Lobato airport, when the Head of State returned to the country on April, 17, surrounded by an aura as a born-again man.<br /><br />Mari Alkatiri lives about two hundred meters away from the Joint Command HQ. The party must have been a very noisy one to be heard across the low-lying houses of the Farol neighborhood.<br /><br />"A lot of beer, a lot of music, happiness everywhere", was how one participant summarized the event to Lusa.<br /><br />Gastão Salsinha ate and drank in the conference hall were the Joint Command has established its headquarters. He sat at the officers table, with lieutenant-colonel Calistro dos Santos Coliati, operational commander of the "Halibur" operation.<br /><br />It was the same room used for several weeks to welcome and question those suspect of having taken part in the February, 11 events, as well as hundreds of petitioners from the Armed Forces, while serving them coffee and biscuits .<br />It was also the room were most of those who were caught or surrendered were presented to the media, together with their weapons.<br /><br />"They all had a good time", said to Lusa lieutenant-colonel Filomeno Paixão, the first commander of operation "Halibur", about the get-together on Tuesday night. "What happened was that the members of the joint forces were happy", the high-ranking officer within F-FDTL explained today.<br /><br />Next to Coliati and Salsinha's table (who first looked uncomfortable, but was later caught smiling, according to pictures seen by Lusa), the fugitives who surrendered on Monday were welcomed, embraced and comforted with emotion by the members of the operation aimed at capturing them.<br /><br />At about 22:30, Gastão Salsinha and his group returned to their place of arrest. The party went on outside the conference hall, without them. The following day, the whole group was turned over to the [judicial] authorities by the Joint Command.<br /><br />"Since 15:00 on Wednesday, they are under the jurisdiction of a judge. We no longer have anything to do with them", said Filomeno Paixão.<br /><br />A few hours after being turned over to the judge, Salsinha and five of his men were named as formal suspects (arguidos) and subject to a first questioning by international judge Ivo Rosa, from the Dili District Court. The questioning continued today<br /><br />As regards the other seven men, "they must certainly be walking free, because if they have been arrested, their detention will be illegal. They weren't even brought to the Court (to be questioned) because there were no arrest warrants outstanding in their name", judge Ivo Rosa explained to Lusa.<br /><br />While the questioning was taking place in the Court of Appeal building, a march organized by Timor-Leste's trade union confederation passed by carrying red flags and shouting "This is your day!"<br /><br />Labor Day<br />The entrance to the court building is always kept open and through the windows at the back of the courtroom the judge could see what was happening on the street.<br /><br />The formal suspects were facing the judge and with their backs to the demonstration. At the end of the questioning, the judge ordered Salsinha and his group to be put on pre-trial detention. Neither the judge nor the Public Prosecution Service, represented by international prosecutor Felismino Cardoso, knew to which prison the six formal suspects would be sent, since such decision lies with the Ministry of Justice.<br /><br />"They must be in Colmera, for sure", said lieutenant-colonel Filomeno Paixão. He was referring to the building on Dili's main avenue that is being used as a top-security prison for those suspects of having been involved in the February, 11 attacks. "I think it is wrong. The house is the [F-FDTL] officers' club", Filomeno Paixão explained. "But the decision was made and I have to follow orders".<br /><br />It is not without irony that Gastão Salsinha, who was expelled from the F-FDTL in March 2006, will await the completion of the inquiry and for a date to be set for his trial as an 'unofficial' officer. "Whether fair or unfair, this is the beginning", replied Gastão Salsinha when questioned by Lusa about what he expected from the legal proceedings.<br />-----<br /><br />TLGov: Minister of Social Solidarity congratulates people of Aldeia Mauk on reconstructing their houses <br /><br />MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY<br />PRESS RELEASE<br />2 May 2008<br /><br />Minister of Social Solidarity congratulates people of Aldeia Mauk on reconstructing their houses<br /><br />On 2 May 2008 the Minister of Social Solidarity, Maria Domingas Fernandes Alves, visited the people of Aldeia Mauk, to view the progress they have made on rehabilitating their houses since they left Canossa Has Laran IDP camp on 25 March.<br /><br />During the crisis in 2006 many houses in Aldeia Mauk, Suco Manleuana, Dili, were damaged or destroyed and as a result many people were forced to flee their homes. Some fled to Canossa Has Laran IDP camp, while others fled to other IDP camps around Dili. The people responsible for destroying the IDPs’ homes also removed all the water piping and dug huge holes in the IDPs’ land in an attempt to prevent them from rebuilding there.<br /><br />The residents of Canossa Has Laran IDP camp were some of the first IDPs to benefit from the government’s Hamutuk Hari’i Futuru national recovery strategy. The government assisted them to leave the camp and provided them with recovery packages and 16kg of rice per person. The IDPs were also allowed to take their tents home with them to provide them with accomodation until they were able to rebuild their house.<br /><br />When they first returned to their land, it was difficult for them to start laying the foundations due to the huge holes dug by those who destroyed their houses. The Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters liaised with the Ministry of Infrastructure for a bulldozer to be sent from the Ministry to help them flatten the land. Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters and the Jesuit Refugee Service also assisted the IDPs to request the Water and Sanitation Department (DNSAS) to reinstall water pipes.<br /><br />The Minister congratulated the people of Aldeia Mauk on their hard work in repairing and rebuilding their damaged and destroyed houses. “I am very happy to see that you have used the recovery grants provided to you by the government to rebuild your homes. I know that you have had to overcome many difficulties and are still suffering, but I hope that the excellent work you have done will provide a good example to other IDPs to use their recovery grants to rehabilitate their houses. I also hope that your positive attitutude to working with the government and with each other will encourage other IDPs to return to their homes.”<br /><br />The Chefe Aldeia, Leonito Guterres, thanked the Minister for visting Aldeia Mauk and thanked her and the rest of the government for the assistance they had provided to returning IDPs. “I hope that when other people from Aldeia Mauk living in other IDP camps around Dili see how much we have been able to achieve with the government’s assistance and through our own hard work, they will be encouraged to return home to Aldeia Mauk.”<br /><br />The Minister for Social Solidarity also thanked the former SLS agency of Canossa Has Laran, Catholic Relief Services, as well as IOM, Jesuit Relief Service and the other Ministries that had been involved in assisting the returning IDPs of Aldeia Mauk, in particular the Ministry of Infrastructure. <i>Compiled and archived by Warren L. Wright </i>Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-50271182647092719572013-04-11T23:19:00.001-07:002013-04-11T23:19:52.246-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News April 2008 (Part 6)<b>FRETILIN Media Release: FRETILIN rejects ceremony to receive rebels</b><br /><br />FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE FRETILIN Media Release April 30, 2008<br /><br />FRETILIN rejects ceremony to receive rebels<br /><br />The FRETILIN parliamentary group yesterday rejected participating in a ceremony to receive the rebel group led by Gastao Salsinha, saying the rebels should have faced the courts first, rather than be presented at the government palace.<br /><br />The Salsinha group is linked to the alleged attack on the de facto Prime Minister on February 11, 2008.<br /><br />The leader of the FRETILIN parliamentary group, Aniceto Guterres, made this clear in response to media questions. Mario Carrascalao, the Social Democratic Party leader and Member of Parliament, is also believed to have refused to attend the ceremony.<br /><br />"This ceremony organized by the AMP de facto government is inappropriate. It portrays a negative image of our nation state. We cannot treat rebels in the same way we would undertake a family ceremony or a traditional ceremony. We must treat these questions of state with much more seriousness. These actions have diminished the dignity of our nation state," said Guterres.<br /><br />According to Guterres these rebels should be immediately presented to the justice authorities and processed accordingly. Guterres added that as a state under the rule of law all those who violate the law are answerable to the courts and not political figures.<br /><br />"The AMP de facto government has organized a reception ceremony whilst ignoring the warrants for the immediate apprehension of these rebels allegedly responsible for engaging in serious criminal action against this state. From what we hear, the rebel Salsinha and his group did not even formally surrender to authorities yesterday, but were permitted to participate in a public ceremony that was a charade. It was simply a farce for political gain."<br /><br />Guterres also added: "FRETILIN views this undignified attitude by the state as projecting a negative image to our people and will only promote disrespect for the law and the constitution. It is also a blatant display by those who govern Timor-Leste today of their lack of respect for the rule of law."<br /><br />Guterres said in closing that once again the FRETILIN parliamentary group congratulated the Joint Operation Command for the success in bringing the rebels to heel and acknowledged the personal efforts by Gastao Salsinha and his group as citizens of Timor-Leste to peacefully submit themselves to justice.<br /><br />For further information please call Nilva Guimaraes in Dili: +670 7340389<br />-----<br /><b>UNMIT Press Release 29 APril 2008 SRSG Khare welcomes Salsinha surrender<br /><br />STATEMENT BY THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR TIMOR-LESTE, ATUL KHARE</b><br /><br />SRSG Khare welcomes Salsinha surrender, calls for renewed efforts to strengthen rule of law in Timor-Leste<br /><br />Today in Dili, a dozen armed fugitives wanted in connection with the attacks of 11 February formally handed themselves over to the authorities. These attacks threatened Timor-Leste, and I share the feelings of the entire community in welcoming the peaceful submission of Gastão Salsinha and his men. They must now face justice.<br />The people of Timor-Leste and their leaders deserve praise for the calm manner in which the events of these past months have been handled, in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws. The lessons learned should serve to strengthen the security institutions in their endeavours at enhanced professionalism and service to the community. I urge the people of Timor-Leste to work together, and with renewed determination, towards the goals of a peaceful, prosperous, and stable nation, securely anchored in a culture of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. <br /><br /><b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 29 April 2008</b><br /><br />Lasama: The State of Siege is nearly over in Ermera district – President of National Parliament Fernando de Araujo Lasama said that the State of Siege has almost finished as Salsinha and his men are willing to surrender and able to collaborate with the justice system. The Apprehension Operation will continue to search for weapons. "I went to Ermera and met Salsinha on Saturday (26/4). He said that he was ready to surrender and collaborate with justice,"said the President of the National Parliament, Fernando de Araujo Lasama on Monday (28/4) at National Parliament. "As a Timorese I am very proud of the decision that Salsinha made because he has learnt and become aware of how to solve the problems,“ he added. Regarding the State of Siege in Ermera, the President of National Parliament said that the Apprehension Operation will be stopped once they are certain that Salsinha and all of his men have surrendered and there no weapons still at large. (Timor Post)<br /><br />IDPs in the National Hospital IDP camp ready to return home – The IDPs in the National Hospital IDP camp say that they are ready to return home. However, the decision from the Government side is taking more time. "As citizens, we would like to go home in order to participate in a development for our nation and not continue living under the tents just doing nothing. Therefore, we need to go home if Government can solve our problem immediately," said one of IDPs on Monday (28/4) at National Hospital camp. A Timor Post journalist observed that some of the IDPs have packed their belongings and are waiting a decision from the Government. (Timor Post)<br /><br />Prosecutor-General: Salsinha and his men will surrender today – Prosecutor-General Longuinhos Monteiro said that Salsinha and 13 of his men are going to hand themselves to the State on Sunday (29/4) Gastão Salsinha and his men are under heavy guard at a house in the country's mountainous interior and will be escorted by truck to the capital Dili on Tuesday to formally surrender to the State," said PGR Monteiro on Monday (28/4) at the Office of Prosecutor-General. Meanwhile the PGR added that the investigation into February 11 attacks has resulted in a total of 24 people being accused of involvement in the assassination attempts against the nation's top two leaders. The investigation will continue. (Diaario Nasional)<br /><br />Minister Hasan Wirayusda together with Timorese Ambassador to Indonesia Ovidio de Jesus Amaral at Jakarta airport on Monday (28/4). (Diaario Nasional)<br /><br />Maria Paixão: State needs to be responsible for stopping human trafficking – PSD MP Maria Paixão said the responsibility for stopping human trafficking in the country of Timor-Leste, is in the hands of the State. "It is crucial to stop human trafficking in Timor-Leste. Therefore, all parties including the Government, Parliament and all others to work together in order to stop human trafficking activities facing this nation," said PSD MP Maria Paixão at National Parliament. (Diaario Nasional)Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803913438497658481.post-83108453500039934762013-04-11T23:16:00.000-07:002013-04-11T23:16:19.127-07:00Timor-Leste Legal News April 2008 (Part 5)<b>Australian prime minister says 200 troops to be withdrawn from East Timor The Associated Press Published: 26 April 2008</b><br /><br />CANBERRA, Australia: Australia will withdraw 200 troops from nearby East Timor because security in the restive nation has improved since rebel soldiers wounded the president, Australia's prime minister said Saturday. The withdrawal Sunday will reduce Australia's troop commitment there to 750 — the same level as before East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot in February outside his home near the capital, Dili, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement.<br /><br />"This drawdown in Australian forces reflects the improved security situation," Rudd said. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, nearly died in the Feb. 11 attack by mutinous soldiers. East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed from an ambush of his motorcade the same day. Most of the suspects in both attacks have been captured. The president's guards killed rebel leader Alfredo Reinado. Rudd said the East Timorese government agreed with Australia's assessment that the security situation is now stable. With 750 troops, Australia will remain leader of a 900-strong international force that was invited by East Timor's government two years ago to restore order. Dozens of people have been killed in clashes between government troops and mutinous soldiers in Dili, and more than 150,000 others were forced to flee their homes.<br />-----<br /><b>Negotiations continue with E Timor rebel</b> By Anne Barker Posted 26 Apr 2008 8:30pm AEST - Salsinha has promised authorities he will not leave the house until his rebel cohorts join him. Authorities in East Timor are continuing negotiations with a rebel leader involved in February's assassination attempt on President Jose Ramos-Horta. Renegade soldier Gastao Salsinha is inside a house in the western town of Gleno, with representatives of East Timor's army, prosecutor-general and political leaders - but he has not formally surrendered. Salsinha has promised he will not leave the house until about eight other rebels join him and United Nations authorities are hoping he will then hand over his weapons and surrender. But Salsinha has had similar talks before where he has offered to surrender, only to tell authorities he was going to get his rebel associates, then not come back. East Timorese soldiers have a strong presence in the area, but it is unclear whether they are preparing to take him by force if he does not surrender of his own will.<br />-----<br /><b>Indonesian police arrest another East Timor suspect</b> - ABC 24/04/08 Indonesian police say they have arrested a fourth East Timor suspect believed linked to assassination attempts against the president and prime minister. Indonesia's Police Chief General Susanto announced the development saying the suspects all entered the country without documents, or passports. Earlier this week, Indonesian police arrested three other people, two in a border town in Indonesia's West Timor and another near Jakarta. General Sutanto says all four are currently being held in Jakarta. He says they are East Timorese citizens, and are all members of the East Timorese military. The arrests followed a request from the East Timor government.<br />http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200804/s2227077.htm?tab=asia<br />-----<br /><b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 25 April 2008</b><br /><br /><b>Salsinha promises to submit himself within April</b> – The Deputy Commander of the Joint Operation Command Mateus Fernandes said that Salsinha and his members have promised to submit themselves within this month even though the operation is still continuing. "He did not nominate an exact date, but he did promise that in short time he will submit himself to the church. That is what he said … we will see the reality, said Commander Fernandes on Wednesday (23/4) in Dili. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Ed: Pardon for Rogerio Lobato – When President Ramos-Horta said that he would pardon prisoners on 20 May, including former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato, many people were surprised as Mr. Lobato was imprisoned for a short time before he went to Malaysia for medical treatment. We know that Mr. Lobato is a political leader who has political maturity, obeys the law and with humility accepted the decision of the court sentence. We may reject the decision of President Ramos-Horta, but the Constitution gives him the right to do so. As citizens of this country, we should bow our heads to the constitution made by our representatives in the National Parliament. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br /><b>Pardon for Rogerio: Horta attacks the Constitution</b> - CNRT MP Aderito Hugo said that the decision made by the president to pardon Rogerio Lobato is an attack on Timor Leste's constitution. "The way that the President has handled this is an attempted attack on our constitution," said Aderito Hugo on Thursday (24/4) at the National Parliament. Mr Hugo added that the man imprisoned for his part in the weapons distribution of 2006, Rogerio Lobato, has not yet earned the right to be pardoned. Separately, National Director of Prison, Helena Gomes said that it is right for President Ramos Horta to pardon Rogerio Lobato as he had shown a good attitude and had collaborated with the justice system before receiving a medical treatment in Malaysia. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e) <br /><br /><b>President holds a meeting with AMP leaders</b> – Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that PR Ramos-Horta held a meeting with the leaders of AMP Government on Thursday (24/4) at the President's new office in Farol, Dili. The meeting aimed at informing the President on the strategies already implemented by the AMP government during his absence. President Ramos Horta also suggested the all political parties work to strengthen national unity. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e) <br /><br /><b>Carrascalao: it is normal to form a shadow cabinet </b>– MP PSD Mario Viegas Carrascalão said that its normal if the President invites all former leaders to from a shadow cabinet in the manner of other countries. He added that a shadow cabinet has the right to provide constructive criticism to the Government. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e) <br /><b><br />Prosecutor General Longuinhos goes to Indonesia to bring back captured rebels</b> – Prosecutor-General Longuinhos Monteiro is today (25/4) going to Jakarta to bring back the three rebels arrested by the National Police of Indonesia (POLRI). Prosecutor Longuinhos said that the rebels will be brought back to Timor-Leste before the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia. He also said that he would be accompanied by court police and the military. The rebels will be transferred from Jakarta to Bali, then to Timor-Leste. (Timor Post)<br /><b><br />President Horta interrogated by Public Prosecutor for more than 4 hours</b> – The Public Ministry has interrogated President Ramos-Horta as a victim of February 11 for more than four hours. Prosecutor-General Longuinhos Monteiro said that the interrogation was conducted well and helped clarify the investigation. "Everything went normally. He provided a chronology of events for February 11," said Mr. Longuinhos on Thursday (24/4). Mr. Longuinhos said that the case is very complex, so it needs cooperation from every part, including from Indonesia and Australia. (Televisão Timor-Leste)<br /><br /><b>Pardon for Rogerio may impact the judgment of 2006 crisis</b> – The Director of HAK Association Jose Luis Oliveira said that the decision of President Ramos-Horta to pardon Rogerio Lobato will impact the process for the unresolved cases of the 2006 crisis. "Because some people have still not been investigated, if the President has decided to pardon Rogerio Lobato this indicates that other cases of 2006 crisis may be closed. The suspects will think this whether they are right or wrong,†said Mr. Oliveira. According to Mr. Oliveira, Rogerio Lobato should at least fulfil his sentence in the prison for half a year. He added that the decision of the President sets a bad example for society. (Timor Post)<br /><br />Ed: all political parties should have dialogue – On Wednesday (23/4), President Ramos-Horta appealed to all political parties to have a dialogue for the sake of peace and stability in the country. It is clear that there should be a dialogue, especially between the AMP Government and the opposition party of Fretilin. We can all see that AMP is facing great challenges by Fretilin who won the2007 elections but lost the opportunity to rule the country. Fretilin used to claim that the AMP is illegal based on the results of the 2007 elections. At the same time, AMP used to say that they were legal based on the parliamentary chairs they had and the decision of President Horta to form the government. So who follows who? We need collaboration and reconciliation from the highest levels. We do not need early elections as proposed by Fretilin We are still questioning whether the dialogue is for collaboration and reconciliation or to decide on early elections (Timor Post)<br />-----<br /><b>Two killed in gang violence</b> - DILI, April 24 (Reuters) - Two members of East Timor's rival martial arts gangs were killed on Thursday in another bout of violence that has beset the young, impoverished nation, police said. One of the victims was decapitated in a revenge attack that followed the killing of a rival gang member in the eastern district of Baucau, said local police detective chief Rogerio Gueterres. "We are searching for 10 perpetrators who have been identified," Gueterres said. The former Portuguese colony plunged into chaos in 2006 after the sacking of 600 rebellious soldiers triggered violence that killed 37 people and drove 150,000 from their homes. Foreign troops had to be brought in to restore order and security has improved, although sporadic violence, vandalism and arson persist, with an unemployment rate of around 50 per cent helping fan a gang culture among bored youths. Indonesia annexed East Timor in 1975. East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia in a violence-marred referendum in 1999. It became fully independent in 2002 after a period of U.N. administration. (Reporting by Tito Belo; Writing by Ahmad Pathoni; Editing by Sugita Katyal)<br />-----<br /><b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 24 April 2008</b><br /><br />Ed: the State of Siege, only for Ermera district – How sad for those who are living in Ermera district. They have to endure the consequences of Salsinha's rebel group for one more month (22 April-22 May 2008) by living under a State of Siege, while other districts resume back to a normal state. Sometimes, the State just takes outrageous decision, but what can we do? They have all the power. The worst thing is that if Salsinha does not surrender in one month, then the people of Ermera will be living and dying under a State of Siege.<br /><br />Why has the Joint Operation Command not taken any alternative action to arrest Salsinha? It is better not to implement a State of Siege just because of one Salsinha. To arrest Salsinha, the State may deploy all the army forces the country to arrest Salsinha. Why should Salsinha become the indicator for the State to prevent people's movement? This might be wrong. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br /><br />Indonesia does not give asylum to rebels – The Vice Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, José Luis Guterres has said that he does not believe Indonesia will grant political asylum to the rebels who were involved in the attempts against PR Ramos-Horta and PM Xanana Gusmão on February 11. "I think no, because Indonesia has arrested three people. This shows that we have a good neighbor who sees that peace and national stability are important for Timor-Leste," said Mr. Guterres on Wednesday (23/4).<br /><br />Separately, the National Parliament said that the three people do not deserve to get political asylum as they are fugitives from justice. "They are criminals who flee and hide in Indonesia. They do not deserve to get political asylum. It depends on the Indonesian Government," said MP Vital dos Santos. According to the information between the Indonesian and Timor-Leste Government, Indonesia continues to cooperate with Timor-Leste as stated by Indonesian President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e) <br /><br />PR Horta to pardon Rogerio; Fretilin's happy, MP sad – In a statement made to the National Parliament on Wednesday (23/4), President Ramos-Horta said on 20 May he will pardon 80 prisoners, including former Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato who was imprisoned for his part in the weapons distribution of 2006. PR Horta said that the pardon he is going to give is based upon the prerogative rights he has and the recommendations from Ministry of Justice. "I went to Becora prison many times. On 20 May I will pardon 80 prisoners, including former Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato," said PR Horta on speech in the National Parliament. PR Horta said that the reasons for pardoning Rogerio Lobato were that Rogerio had shown a good attitude and had collaborated with the justice system. The President is also pardoning Lobato as he is the only one surviving member of his family- all who were killed defending the nation. (Timor Post)<br /><br />PR Horta: asks Alkatiri to form his cabinet – PR Ramos-Horta has asked the Secretary-General of Fretilin Mari Alkatiri to form his cabinet to contribute to the development of the country. "I especially ask the former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, his companions and friends for many years to form a support cabinet of development to contribute to the development of the nation. If the suggestion is accepted, the former Prime Minister may present a clear proposal about the necessities of the cabinet," said the President during his long speech on Wednesday (23/4) in the National Parliament, Dili. Mr Alkatiri said he felt proud of the recognition of President Horta, but he still needs to discuss the details with the President. "I am glad the President still recognizes my ability and I am ready to contribute to the nation. I will talk with the President of how the cabinet is going to be formed," said Mr. Alkatiri. (Timor Post)<br /><br />Ed: The State of Siege ended – The National Parliament has approved to extend the State of Siege for one more month (22 April-22 May 2008) in the district of Ermera. The State of Siege is extended upon the reason that there are still illegal weapons carried throughout the country, including 13 riffles of Salsinha and his group. This policy can be considered as discrimination to the people of Ermera as all people in the other districts are living freely. (Diario io Nacional) <br /><br />President to pardon prisoners – President José Ramos-Horta has announced that 80 prisoners will receive pardons for good behavior on May 20, the anniversary of Independence, and has named Rogerio Lobato as one of them. "Some prisoners have received pardons from me, as recommended by the judicial justice system. I myself have visited and observed prisoners in Becora prison many times. So, at least 80 prisoners will receive pardons from me as the President on May 20, the anniversary of Independence and Lobato is one of them," said PR Ramos Horta on Wednesday (24/4) at the National Parliament. Separately, the president of Fretilin party, Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo said that his party will be happy if the President pardons Rogerio Lobato. However, PUN MP Fernanda Borges said that this is not the time to do so, as some rebels are still at large. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Malaysia ready to train F-FDTL – The State Secretary for Defence Julio Thomas Pinto said that The Government of Malaysia, through its Defence Department, has agreed to give military training to the Defence Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL). "I have met the Vice Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Defence of Malaysia, Dato Sri Najib Tun Rajak. We discussed defences issues of the two nations and Malaysia is committed to help Timor-Leste in its military development. On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I give my gratitude to the Government of Malaysia for sending its military forces to Timor-Leste during the 2006 crisis and for providing scholarships providing military training to F-FDTL …," said Mr. Pinto via telephone on Wednesday (23/4). (Televisaun Timor-Leste)<br /><br />Lao Hamutuk: petroleum funds utilized ineffectively – The Program Manager of Lao Hamutuk Mericio Akara said that because the petroleum funds are not utilized effectively, they cannot give benefits to the people. Mr. Akara said that the fund should be managed in order to use the fund effectively. "Minimally, we could guarantee that this will benefit the population. As we see now that there is no sign that the people will benefit from the petroleum fund which is not currently well managed. Our preoccupation is whether to use the fund or not. Is the accountable? Have we the capability to manage the money? Will we be able to minimize collusion, corruption and nepotism or not? These are our preoccupations," said Mr. Akara. (Radio Timor-Leste)<br />-----<br /><b>UNMIT Daily Media Review 22 April 2008</b><br /><br />PM to pay emergency visit to Ermera – Local authorities in Ermera are preparing today (22/4) to welcome Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and the F-FDTL Commander Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak in their emergency visit to the district. The visit is aimed at meeting with local leaders, political leaders and the population of Ermera, including Gastão Salsinha's wife. Security has been provided and prepared around the capital of Ermera, Gleno. (Radio Timor-Leste)<br /><br />Bishop Ricardo: Salsinha should surrender – The Bishop of Dili Diocese, Mgr. Alberto Ricardo, has called on Gastão Salsinha and his men to surrender. "I pray for them and ask God to help them think positively and to do the right thing." said Bishop Ricardo on Sunday (20/4) after holding a ceremonial mass upon the return of President José Ramos-Horta. (Televizaun Timor-Leste)<br /><br />PR Horta should clarify the involvement of Indonesia in Alfredo's case – Social Democratic Party (PSD) MP Mario Viegas Carrascalão is asking President José Ramos-Horta to provide a clarification to the Indonesian Government regarding his public statements that some Indonesian people were involved in Alfredo Reinado's case. According to Carrascalão, PR Horta should give this clarification in order to maintain good diplomatic relations between the two nations. "This should be explained as we are friends. The two nations have good relations after May 2002," said Mr. Carrascalão. On his return, PR Horta said that the Prosecutor General and Australian Federal Police had indicated the involvement of some Indonesian people involved in Alfredo's case. (Suara Timor Lorosa'e)<br /><br />Indonesia arrests 19 rebels – The Foreign Affairs Minister of Timor-Leste, Dr Zacarias Da Costa, said that the Government has received information through the East Timor Embassy in Jakarta that the Indonesian National Republic Police (POLRI) have arrested 19 rebels who fled to Jakarta, Indonesia. "I know the previous information said that three of Alfredo's man were arrested. They are Ismael S.M Soares known as (Asanku), Jose Gomes and Ijidio Lay Carvalho. They all are former members of the F-FDTL. The latest information on Sunday (20/4) stated that, 19 other rebels were also arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia," said Mr Da Costa to the journalists on Monday (21/4) at Palacio do Governu, Dili. "Now we and the Prosecutor-General are working together with the Indonesian authorities to bring those rebels into East Timor in order to face justice," said the Foreign Affairs Minister. (Timor Post)<br /><br />President postpones speech at National Parliament – The Chief of the President's Office, Natalia Carrascalao, said that the President postponed his speech at the National Parliament yesterday because his condition did not yet permit him to do so. "As we all aware, there were a lot of programs during his return and he has been visited by many people. So, the President decided to postpone his long speech at the National Parliament yesterday," said Ms Carrascalao. (Timor Post)<br /><br />Alkatiri to forward proposal – The Secretary-General of Fretilin, Dr Marii Alkatiri, said that the Fretilin party will move forward with a proposal to establish an International Commission of Inquiry into the events of February 11 and is planning to discuss this with President Jose Ramos Horta. Alkatiri added that in order to ensure the independence of the inquiry, the countries currently involved in maintaining security in Timor Leste should not be involved in the inquiry. "We say that we should trust in our institutions, but the reality is that we do not trust each other yet. So we really need an international investigation," said Mr Alkatiri. (Timor Post)<br /><br />MPs say no need to prolong Sate of Siege – MPs from CNRT, ASDT and Fretilin have said that there is no need to prolong the State of Siege as the current situation does not warrant an extension, even though Salsinha and his men are still at large. CNRT MP Pedro da Costa said that the State of Siege should not be prolonged because it is not suitable for the current country's situation, but added that it depends on the President whether he wants to continue or not. Fretilin MP Francisco Miranda Branco said that the State of Siege has shown a bad image for this government, so it does not need to be prolonged. But he added that the State of Siege can be applied at places where the rebels are though to be hiding rather than all through the country. ASD MP Jose Manuel Carrascalao said that the State of Siege has to be stopped given that there have been a lot of abuses committed by the forces during the implementation of the State of Siege. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />Government needs to address border security – CNRT MP Natalino Dos Santos has said that government need to address the Border Patrol Unit in order to strengthen border security. "I may say that our security at the border is still weak, so it has to be strengthened. Therefore, we have to find out what kind of difficulties are currently faced by our Border Patrol Unit (BPU) in order to provide them with the facilities to carry out their duties," said Mr Dos Santos on Monday (21/04) at the National Parliament. (Diario Nacional)<br /><br />E Timor President Lifts State Of Emergency In Most Areas - 22/04/08 DILI (AFP)--East Timor lifted a state of emergency over most of the country on Tuesday but continued to enforce it in a district southwest of Dili where rebels are believed to be holding out, officials said.<br /><br />The emergency restrictions were imposed in February after rebel former soldiers tried to assassinate President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Both men survived but Ramos-Horta was seriously wounded. "I have received a recommendation from the prime minister to lift the state of emergency in the whole country, except in Ermera," Ramos-Horta said.<br /><br />He said the state of emergency in Ermera, about 40 kilometres southwest of the capital, would remain for another month. Parliament later approved the move. Head of parliament Fernando de Araujo said the state of emergency in Ermera would remain until May 21.<br /><br />The district is where followers of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado -- who critically shot Ramos-Horta at his Dili home on February 11 before being killed -- are believed to be hiding. Emergency restrictions include a night curfew and bans on gatherings and rallies.<br /><br />Ramos-Horta returned home last week following two months of treatment in Australia. He also said Gusmao and military commander Taur Matan Ruak left for Ermera on Tuesday to check rumours that Gastao Salsinha -- the rebel most wanted over the attacks -- wanted to give himself up.<br />
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Compiled by Warren L. Wright BA LLBEditorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359692951995091025noreply@blogger.com0