East Timor News Digest 22 - October 14-27, 2002

Yemris Fointuna, Kupang -- Hundreds of East Timorese refugees sheltering in Kupang and Belu regencies have refused to be repatriated, pending the disbursement of Christmas bonuses promised by the Indonesian government.

Belu regent Marsel Bere said on Monday Coordinating Minister for Peoples' Welfare Yusuf Kalla had promised during his recent visit here to give Rp 1.5 million in cash to each family so that they could buy necessities for Christmas celebrations.

Soon after Kalla announced the incentive, hundreds of East Timorese refugees registered themselves with the Belu office to join the repatriation program.

Their travel was slated for mid-October, but the refugees asked for a delay until the government had paid the bonuses.

"We have asked the coordinating minister to immediately fulfill the promise so we can send the refugees back to their home soil," Bere said in Atambua, the capital of Belu.

Separately, Kupang Military Command chief Lt. Col. Pieter Lobo added that around 70 refugees had confirmed their participation in the repatriation program. He urged Kalla to meet the refugees' demand so as to smooth the program's implementation.

"The government should not delay any further the promise to distribute the Christmas bonuses because we fear that would affect their behavior while still in the shelters," he said.

Some 250,000 East Timorese fled (sic) the former Indonesian province in 1999 to escape violence and destruction following the UN-sponsored independence ballot. Most of them expressed an intention to return to their home country as soon as East Timor declared independence in May this year.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) initially ran the repatriation program until September. The Indonesian government took over the obligation and set a deadline of Dec. 31 for the program, or else the East Timorese would automatically become Indonesian citizens.

Alfonso, 29, a resident of Viqueque district in East Timor, said he had been staying in Noelbaki refugee camp for the last three years with three members of his family.

He said his family had registered themselves for repatriation and hoped to arrive home before Christmas so that they could celebrate the holiday and New Year with relatives back home.

"After three years, now is the time to go home because the situation and conditions in Timor Leste have much improved," he told The Jakarta Post.

Timor Gap

East Timor ready to complete energy deal with Australia

Radio Australia - October 24, 2002

East Timor's Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta says his country is ready to ratify the Timor Sea Treaty and the Australian Government will owe his people an explanation if it decides to delay proceedings.

The Northern Territory Government is concerned Australia's push to resolve unitisation issues, before it will ratify the Treaty, may threaten the future of the Bayu Undan gas field.

Bringing gas into Darwin from the Bayu Undan field is dependent on the Treaty being ratified soon.

Mr Ramos Horta says recent signals from the Australian Government are disturbing.

"If now Australia has a change of heart, a changing in its mind, ah then it is Australia that will have to clarify to us, to the Timorese people, why now it is dragging its feet."

Justice & reconciliation

Gusmao wants reconciliation, not international court

Lusa - October 23, 2002

President Xanana Gusmao defended Wednesday a dynamic of national reconciliation rather than the setting up of an international court to try human rights abuses committed in East Timor.

"There is talk of an international court, but an international court for whom? For Timorese? I would be the first to disagree", Gusmao told Dili's legislature in a 90-minute speech. He charged the international community and unnamed foreign non- governmental organizations of seeking to impose inappropriate "international standards" on East Timor.

"Some say there is no reconciliation without justice. But why? Do we not have our own experience of forgetting the past, of forgiving each other"?, Gusmao argued. He insisted the Timorese "do not need the standards of other countries".

In contrast to the government's demands for the trial of Indonesian officers and officials and Timorese militias responsible for the wave of anti-independence violence in 1999, Gusmao has long championed a policy of forgive-and-forget reconciliation.

"Social justice is the best remedy for trauma", the president told the lawmakers, questioning the value of imprisoning abusers of human rights while leaving "the wife and five children of the victim" without aid.

He said, for the first time, that he had opposed the former UN transition administration's decision to set up a special court in Dili to try "serious crimes" committed around the time of the independence plebiscite in 1999. "Ninety-five percent of the crimes were committed during the previous 24 years", Gusmao said, apparently referring simultaneously to Indonesia's brutal occupation, Timorese resistance and the excesses of the country's brief but bloody civil war in 1975.

He criticized former UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello, currently the UN's High Commissioner for Human Right, for having initially accepted dialogue with repentant militias, but later ordering that they be arrested on crossing the border from Indonesia. "This is the inheritance he left", Gusmao said, adding that he recently raised the issue with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, given that Timorese security forces remain under UN supervision.

The president announced that he was taking his concern for reconciliation to Indonesian West Timor next month, leading a delegation of about 100, including Parliament Speaker Francisco Guterres, cabinet ministers, sports and cultural groups. The visit, scheduled for November 1-4, will include tours of refugee camps where many thousands of East Timorese refugees and hundreds of former militiamen remain in miserable conditions.

Human rights trials

Guterres has no regrets over action in East Timor

Jakarta Post - October 25, 2002

Jakarta -- Suspected gross human rights violator in East Timor, Eurico Guterres, said he had felt neither guilt nor sorrow over what he did in the region before it separated as an independent country.

Eurico said his action in East Timor was a moral call to fight for the country's sovereignty. "What I did was a moral call, protected by the law, especially article 30 of the 1945 Constitution [on the obligation to defend the state]," he said firmly.

The defendant was questioned on the decision to declare members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) as well as police guilty of violating human rights in East Timor. "TNI and police personnel posted there [in East Timor] simply carried out their duties to the state. How could they be declared guilty?" Eurico continued.

The former leader of prointegration group PPI was accused of being responsible for the attack on Manuel Viegas Carrascalao's house in Dili on April 1999 that killed 12 people. Prosecutors considered Eurico to be ignorant of his subordinates' action, which violated human rights. In addition, Eurico, as leader, did not hand over the attackers to the police for further investigation.

During the trial, prosecutors submitted a telegram from the Udayana military commander addressed to the TNI commander as evidence. The telegram disclosed the chronology of the incident at Manuel Carrascalao's residence.

However, Eurico's lawyer Nicolay rejected the evidence, saying that it had not been cited in the list of evidence.

In addition, Nicolay questioned the attendance of military high- ranking personnel, such as former military chief Wiranto and former Udayana military chief Adam Damiri.

News & issues

Hundreds of East Timorese face deportation

Green Left Weekly - October 16, 2002

Sarah Stephen -- The 168 East Timorese asylum seekers whose claims were rejected by the immigration department on September 25 are the first of almost 1700 asylum seekers who face the prospect of being forcibly returned to East Timor, despite many having lived in Australia for up to 10 years.

The Australian government's refusal to allow these asylum seekers to stay in Australia on humanitarian grounds will force the separation of families. Edit Horta has three daughters who are now Australian citizens. If the Australian government rejects her claim, she may be separated from her daughters and forced to return to East Timor with her two youngest children. Horta's youngest daughter, eight-year-old Sarah, was born in Australia. She speaks English, not Tetum, and has never been to East Timor. One of the counsellors working with the East Timorese asylum seekers in Sydney, who asked not to be named in case it jeopardised the cases of people she was working with, told Green Left Weekly: "Many have married here, had children here -- they are Australian. We cannot expect them, especially young people, to go back to a culture that is foreign to them. Families that have gone back to find the land that they left [often find] someone else has taken over and considers it theirs now. What they left behind is no longer theirs. Going back to East Timor, many will be rejected. There is resentment, even violence, against those returning.

"They are traumatised people who haven't recovered from their experiences of massacres and violence in East Timor, but also by their wait in Australia, not knowing what's going to happen to them. As many are now realising they may be forced back to East Timor, they have had to seek more trauma counselling. Because they've had to add information to their statements, they've had to relive all their experiences again." Fivo Freitas, an East Timorese asylum seeker who works with community radio in Melbourne and is active in the refugee-rights campaign, told GLW: "People have the right to decide whether to stay in Australia or go back to East Timor. Australia is like a second home for them. I feel that the Australian government is so cruel, they muck around people's lives. It's like being in prison. Young people have no access to university. Even to get Medicare they have to renew their card every three months!" Freitas is one of the 1700 East Timorese waiting for asylum claims to be processed. Two of his sisters are Australian citizens, and the rest of his family is still in East Timor. He has made a decision to speak out about the issue, and campaign for support from other Australians.

Freitas explained that when immigration minister Philip Ruddock announced in March that East Timorese asylum seekers' claims would be reassessed, many panicked. "East Timorese people have made a new life in Australia, but the government clicks its fingers and expects people to go back", he said.

Freitas pointed out that life is still a struggle in East Timor, with very limited access to education and an unemployment rate of 85%. Sending people back, he argued, would create more problems for the East Timorese government.

Sister Susan Connelly in her new book, Questions from the Asylum, notes: "The aim seems to be to squeeze them out regardless of the roots they have laid down in Australian society. In most cases return to Timor would find them jobless, homeless and landless, with little in the way of education and training after their years in Australia, having been denied higher education here." Arguing that East Timorese people should now go home "fails to see the whole human picture", Connelly argues. "It fails to take into account the fact that a devastated country may just not be ready to receive back into its fold people who have been culturally changed by their experiences in the West.

"It fails to see that these people carry a huge burden of guilt in that they escaped while others had to bear the brunt of the Indonesian occupation. Now they are able to go home, but with what? A thorough education to put at the service of their new nation? I think not. That has been one of Australia's abject failures."

Health & education

Schools could get new Portuguese language books

Lusa - October 25, 2002

Lisbon -- The World Bank is studying, with a view to financing, a Portuguese publishing firm's proposal to produce 50,000 school books for use in East Timor's education system.

LIDEL, a Portuguese publishing group, had proposed to adapt two Portuguese language teaching books for Timor, revised by Timorese teachers and illustrators. If the World Bank decides to proceed with the project, it will use around euros 170,000 in donations to publish the books within a three-week deadline, in time for the beginning of the academic year in Timor.

LIDEL has already produced an 170-page atlas of Timor, including sections on history, culture, administration, occupations, business, and development facts. The Portuguese publisher is also preparing a Tetum-Portuguese phrase book, which will be launched at the first Portuguese book fair in Timor in March, 2003.

Separately, Timor's religious leader, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, has challenged Portuguese private media organizations to create "Timor's own television" in the Portuguese language. Belo, in Lisbon on a visit to Portugal, told Lusa Friday that he would like to Lisbon and Dili governments to make more effort in establishing Portuguese as one of his country's official languages, along with Tetum.

New clinic to be Balibo Five memorial

Melbourne Age - October 21, 2002

Jill Jolliffe, Balibo -- The Victorian Government will establish a medical clinic in the East Timor house used by five Australian-based journalists whom Indonesian invaders killed.

The villagers of Balibo, where the journalists were killed in 1975, are enthusiastic about a State Government plan to build a memorial clinic there.

"Our town was wiped out by the Indonesian invasion in 1975, and then again by the militias in '99," village chief Abel dos Santos said. "We have very little. But when the Australians came here to consult us about a memorial we said 'yes, a clinic would be good'." Premier Steve Bracks' office has been negotiating with Timorese authorities since 2000 to acquire a house in Balibo that could be suitable. Mr Bracks and East Timorese Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta will announce details in Melbourne today.

A spokeswoman for Mr Bracks last night confirmed the announcement would take place this morning. She said the government wanted to preserve the house as a permanent memorial. The house proposed is one in which the television reporters known as the Balibo Five sheltered some days before they were killed.

Greg Shackleton, Gary Cunningham, Tony Stewart, Brian Peters and Malcolm Rennie were shot dead as Indonesian troops entered the border town on October 16, 1975, and a UN police investigation is continuing. All lived in Melbourne, with the exception of Sydney-based Mr Peters. Mr Peters and Mr Rennie were British, and Mr Cunningham was a New Zealander.

The house was known as the Australia house because Greg Shackleton was filmed by Portuguese television painting an Australian flag on it days before the attack, but it is not the house in which they died.

Both houses are in danger of collapse. They have been without roofs since 1999, and the brickwork is unlikely to survive another monsoon season, due to begin next month.

Balibo's population of 3500 is strongly conscious of the history of the houses, and the foreign interest in the town.

It is on the road to recovery three years after the militia terror, when buildings were torched and residents deported to Indonesia.

"Recovery has been enormous," Mr dos Santos said, "but we are still very poor. Many houses need rebuilding, and we have no running water. However, most people agree that a clinic would be the best contribution." The Premier's office has recently begun consulting the families of the journalists on the memorial. The three Melbourne-based families were invited to today's announcement, and British relatives have been briefed.

Margaret Wilson, a cousin of Mr Rennie, said by phone from London that his family saw the clinic proposal as a positive memorial tribute.

East Timor press reviews

East Timor Press Review

UNMISET - October 14-25, 2002

Dili -- Suara Timor Lorosae front page carried a photo of the victims of the bomb explosion in Bali, Indonesia.

It is reported that Foreign Affairs Minister, Josi Ramos-Horta left for Thailand yesterday to prepare the visit of President Xanana Gusmco to that country scheduled for November.

MP Jacob Fernandes of Fretilin party was quoted as saying that East Timor government should be careful in discussing about Indonesian assets, due to its complexities.

MP Cipriana Pereira of Fretilin party said that due to pressure from certain groups, the law on the immobile properties should be approved as soon as possible.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Josi Ramos-Horta was quoted, as saying that in 2004, UN Peacekeeping Force will cease its duties in the border between East Timor and Indonesia because the mission ends.

MP Vicente Faria of Commission A of the Parliament said that certain criteria must be met in order to establish a university.

Secretary of State for Electricity and Water, Egidio de Jesus has assured that prior to Christmas, the electricity service will run without power cuts interruptions, reported STL.

Rector of University of Dili, Lucas da Costa noted that it is normal to honor Foreign Affairs Minister, Josi Ramos Horta with the title of Professor of Emeritus because Mr.Ramos Horta has fulfilled in collecting enough credit points to obtain such honor.

STL quoted President of National Parliament, Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres as saying that Foreign Minister, Ramos Horta deserves to be honored with the Professor of Emeritus degree because he has also been a fighter of the nation.

It is reported that most of serious crimes cases have been put on hold for the last month and half due to the absence of judges and time required by the public defenders to prepare their client cases.

Head of Dili District Court, Aderito Tilman was quoted as saying that he personally supported the recent action conducted by the Association of East Timor lawyers because it was a peaceful one.

World Bank mission in East Timor is to tackle poverty with professionalism and patience, STL quoted Elizabeth Huigens, Representative of World Bank in East Timor as saying.

East Timor needs to learn the good and bad experiences from Mozambique, STL quoted Primer Minister Alkatiri as saying.

Timor Post's front page reported on the death toll of 181 people in the bomb explosion in Bali, Indonesia.

TP quoted Bishop Basilio Nascimento of Baucau Diocese as saying during his homily in a mass in Aitara, Soibada sub-district, Manatuto district on 13 October, that independence is not only the product of diplomatic, clandestine and armed resistance but also the fact that East Timorese have a deep faith in God.

Foreign Minister Josi Ramos-Horta said that East Timorese and the international community like Xanana Gusmco to continue as President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

MP Antonio Ximenes of Christian Democratic Party, PDC was quoted as saying that his party will have a new secretary general replacing Arlindo Margal, who will soon take post as East Timor ambassador to Indonesia.

TP quoted MP Cipriana Pereira of Fretilin party as saying that the problems of electricity power and clean water are national ones.

Lucas da Costa, the Rector of Dili University said that Foreign Minister Ramos-Horta's honor as Professor of Emeritus is due to his many achievements.

In a separate article, President of National Parliament, Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres was quoted as saying that Foreign Minister Ramos-Horta deserves the honor due to his work worldwide in defending the rights of East Timorese for independence during the past 24 years.

MP Mariano Sabino Lopes of Democratic Party, PD said there has not been any regulation in place to determine which university is classified as the State University.

MP Vicente Faria of Fretilin party was quoted as saying that the recent founded University of Same, Manufahi district has not fulfilled the criteria to be an academic institution.

It is reported Colimau Group 2000 continues to carry out its activities in Leimea Karaik village, Hatolia sub-district, and Ermera district.

Children in Ermera district are reporting to have suffered from diarrhea during the month of September and October.

October 15, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae front page carried a photo of the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Richard Smith receiving flowers wreath from Jakarta residents who visit his office to express their condolence over the death of Australians in the recent bomb explosion in Bali.

STL quoted the Officer in Charge of UNMISET Spokesperson, Ceu Brites as saying those 7 UNMISET staff were victims of the Bali incident.

It is reported that both President Xanana Gusmco and the National Parliament expressed deep sympathy to the people and government of Indonesia over the Bali tragedy.

STL reported that Foreign Minister Josi Ramos-Horta has condemned the Bali terrorist operation.

National Parliament President, Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres was quoted as saying that the government has been asked to improve the national security mechanism because the Bali-type tragedy can happen in East Timor if the security in the border is not tightened.

In anticipating the Bali tragedy, the Bishop of Baucau Diocese, Basilio do Nascimento was quoted as saying that East Timor government should stay alert towards every sign of terrorist groups attempt to get into East Timor.

Indonesian Head of Mission, Kristiyo Wahyono suggested that, following the Bali incident, it is better for UNMISET, PKF and other international organizations staff to temporarily cancel their visa to Bali.

Dili District Administrator, Ruben Braz de Carvalho stressed that it is the government and the resident's responsibility to design a good and beautiful Dili city.

It is reported that 39 cases were abandoned due to judges absent in the local Court of Appeal.

In response to a recent statement made by the Minister of Justice, Ana Pessoa on the local television, TVTL, noting that the actions taken by East Timor Lawyers Association, AATL was not professional, the President of AATL, Benevides Correia Barros stated that in fact the Minister herself was not professional in leaving the country 10 days after her nomination to go on a three month leave.

Vice President of National Parliament, Jacob Fernandes urged AAT not to burden the people seeking justice with demonstration in front of Dili District Court.

Head of Suai District Court, Francisco Agostinho Pinto said the court started to function on 14 October after its inauguration on 13 September.

Indonesian Bank Mandiri, will operate in East Timor by the end of the year. STL quoted Head of Indonesian mission, Kristiyo Wahyono as confirming.

It is reported that Bishop Basilio Nascimento of Baucau Diocese yesterday signed an agreement of Cooperation with UNICEF on the Pastoral Project for Children.

MP Elias Freitas (Baucau District Representative) was quoted as saying that Catholic schools students in his area are complaining over high school fees payment.

Government, Parliament, Police and PKF as East Timor authority institutions should take necessary measures to prevent the terrorist and their actions, Timor Post quoted FDTL Chief of Staff, Colonel Lere Anan Timor as saying.

Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres, President of National Parliament said that the Bali tragedy shows that it is necessary to have stability and security reported TP.

National Parliament has been reported as condemning the Bali bomb explosion tragedy in Bali on Saturday. The plenary session yesterday started with one minute of silence for the soul of those who died in the incident.

East Timor Police Service (ETPS) Commissioner, Paulo Martins said that ETPS is ready to secure the residence of foreign ambassadors, NGOs offices as well as places often frequented by foreigners

It is reported that the Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) asked President Gusmco to establish court of appeal in East Timor. In its 14 October press release, JSMP, in addition, asked the President and the National Parliament to make an inventory judge's names to be appointed to the court.

TP quoted Benevides Correia Barros of AATL was quoted as saying that AATL plans to coordinate a coalition with NGOs to take a stand on the government over the Border Control case.

It is reported that security in the Australian embassy in Dili increased after the Bali incidents.

The would be East Timor Ambassador to Indonesia, Arlindo Francisco Margal was quoted as saying that it is not easy being an ambassador. But, in addition, he said that with the confidence given to him by the government, he hopes to do his best in his new job.

The Bali tragedy will have an impact on the economy of East Timor in the near future, TP quoted Lucas da Costa, and Rector of Dili University as saying.

In a separate article, Minister of Transport and Telecommunication, Ovidio de Jesus Amaral also said that the Bali tragedy would affect the operations of the Indonesian airlines, Merpati.

MP Alfredo da Silva of Aileu District representative is reportedly upset with the presence of illegal foreigners doing business in that district and sub-districts as well as the lack of interest from the people in preserving the environment by burning the forest, cutting trees and selling them.

October 17, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae front page quoted Timor-Leste Police Service Commissioner, Paulo Martins as saying that in anticipating the terrorist operation, the national police and UNPol will continue to work together in maintaining security in the country.

It is reported that Sergeant Marco Antonio Faria, a PKF solider from Brazil was killed in the recent bomb explosion in Bali.

FDTL Chief of Staff, Coronel Lere Anan Timur said the Bali tragedy is a lesson for Timor-Leste as a new independent country, reported STL. "To anticipate such thing, all components of this nation need to pay attention to internal and national security matters. And there is a need to make laws on this question," he added.

Vice Minister of Transport, Telecommunication and Public Work, Cesar Vital Morreira was quoted as saying that the Department of Internal Administration must be transparent in determining the recruitment period and a training timeframe.

The Director of Batu Penjuru Cipinang Foundation A.S. Maringka has invited President Gusmco, to celebrate Christmas in the Jakarta-based prison of Cipinang where he was detained as political prisoner reported STL.

It is reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Josi Ramos-Horta asked Thailand assistance to facilitate Timor Leste membership into ASEAN.

Around 20 students of Timor Leste National University have been granted scholarships by UNDP, STL reported.

Director of Water and Sanitation, Joao P. Jeronimo said that from October to December, the capital city, Dili would face problems of providing clean water.

Respiratory diseases is listed as number one problem in Timor- Leste comparing to other diseases, STL quoted Carlos Tilman, Director of Health Service Department as saying.

Head of Administration for the Court of Appeal, Jose Gomes was quoted as saying that due to the availability of one judge only at the court, cases of appeal are not being processed.

It is reported that two local and international judges are currently in charge of the serious crime cases.

Manatuto District Administrator, Mateus Ximenes Belo said that it is necessary to clearly identify the immobile properties belonging to the state and private citizens in the Draft Bill on Immobile Properties in order to avoid problems.

STL quoted MP Maria Paixco Costa (PSD) acting as the Head Economy and Development Commission C as saying that it is necessary for members of Parliament to decide on changes for the draft bill on land and property because there has been a lot of input from the society.

Timor Post quoted Minister of Transport, Telecommunication and Public Works as saying that the Government will provide US$5 million to provide clean running water for the country.

The Head of Bairo Piti Clinic, in Dili, Dr. Daniel Murphy said his clinic diagnosed a girl under the age of 15 with HIV/AIDS.

In a separate article, Mr. Murphy was quoted as saying that Australian Government will send two heart specialist doctors to Timor-Leste.

Filomeno Reis, President of Lisbon-based Center of Timorese Students was quoted as saying that his organization, founded on 27 June 2002, aims to assist students currently studying in Portugal, TP reported.

Head of Dili District Court said the recruitment of international judges is under the Government control.

Director of Timor-Leste Civilian Security, David Dias Ximenes said that, in order to anticipate the terrorist attacks similar to Bali's, he will increase security for the Government's equipment and buildings.

It is reported that around 50 taxi drivers yesterday demonstrated in front of President's Office complaining over the increase of petrol price and the operation of illegal taxis in Dili.

TP quoted Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Armindo Maia as appealing to students currently studying in Portugal not to return to Timor-Leste without any skills.

Manatuto District Administrator, Mateus Belo said that, comparing to residents of other districts, Manatuto residents awareness are higher in not occupying public buildings illegally, reported TP.

MP Lucia da Costa of Fretilin party was quoted as saying that many Oecussi residents in rural areas have abandoned their villages and settled in public houses in the cities. Meanwhile, she said, they have received assistance from the Government with housing materials to rebuild their houses in the villages.

Thailand will make an effort in assisting Timor-Leste as an observer in ASEAN prior to its full membership, TP quoted Foreign Minister Josi Ramos-Horta as saying.

October 18, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae quoted Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jorge Teme as saying that after formally becoming a member of the UN, the world body has not yet decided on the membership fee for Timor-Leste to pay.

STL reported that Primer Minister Mari Alkatiri discussed Timor oil exploration with the Angolan Government during his recent visit to that African Portuguese speaking country.

Director of Land and Property, Pedro Sousa Xavier was quoted as saying that the nuance of handling both Portuguese and Indonesian assets are political. Therefore, he urged the Government to issue a law on Land and Investment as soon as possible as a basis for the Government to identify and classify all mobile and immobile properties.

In a separate article, Mr. Sousa Xavier said that the Government of Timor Leste should issue a one-year deadline instruction to all foreigners who own mobile and immobile properties in East Timor to present proof of ownership.

Cecilio Caminha, Executive Director of East Timor NGOs umbrella organization, NGO Forum is upset with Members of Parliament for not attending the "Training on Human Rights Law and UN Procedure", organized recently by the Forum and the Geneva-based Center for Human Rights Service reported STL.

Secretary of State for Labor and Solidarity, Arsenio Bano stressed that Timorese workers took their own initiatives in seeking employment in Ireland. It was not the government decision.

It is reported that the Border Control Office delayed the deportation of two Filipinos because they did not have money to pay for their airline ticket.

The Government of Timor Leste has allocated US$ 900,000 for repairing bridges throughout the country, the Director of Road and Bridge of Public Work Department, Odete Genoveva announced.

In a separate article, Ms da Costa said that a routine maintenance is done every year to a road with the length of 1,860 km throughout Timor-Leste

Vice Minister of Health, Luis Lobato said that his department would recruit another 730 nurses to be deployed throughout the country in order to fill in the gap currently faced by the department.

It is reported that a one-day seminar on Land issue, organized by East Timor Study Group last Thursday discussed the land survey done by the group in Uatulari, Viqueque sub-district and Ermera District. Pedro Sousa Xavier from the land and property department participated in the debate. STL reported that the 138th anniversary of World Credit Union Movement and the 12th anniversary of Timor-Leste Credit Union were celebrated on Thursday by its members.

Secretary-General of Timor-Leste Lawyers Association (AATL) Cancio Xavier was quoted, as saying that the moratorium action conducted by his group is to alert the people that justice must be defended in the country.

A request has been presented by the National Parliament to 12 District Administrators to register their residents living in Dili in order to identify the number of residents living in the districts and in the capital reported STL reported. The registration will assist the Government in identifying unemployment in each district.

It is reported that based on the recent Joint Commission agreement between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, Indonesian Government will repair the Seroja (Heroes) Cemetery in Dili.

Timor Post quoted Secretary of State for Labor and Solidarity, Arsenio Bano as saying that the Government will not be responsible for the lives of Timorese seeking jobs in Ireland because it is their own initiative and not part of the government program.

It is reported that five UNPOL from Timor-Leste have suffered injuries in the recent bombing attack in Bali.

Vice Minister of Health, Luis Lobato said his department has confidential data on the numbers of HIV/AIDS patients in Timor- Leste.

Many Dili residents are facing clean water shortage due to the long dry season.

TP reported that Portuguese Telecom Company, PTI and Timor-Leste Telecom (TT) signed an agreement with the Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Public Work, Ovidio de Jesus Amaral to officially carry out the telecommunications project in the country.

Estanislau Silva, Minister of Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry was quoted as saying that burning the planting trees is like burning money since it costs money to buy the trees.

October 22, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae's front page reported on President Gusmco's office move to Caicoli yesterday. The new office is located opposite the UN military hospital, and will be open to the public next week.

The paper's front page also reported yesterday the President's message to all Timorese about UN Day. Mr. Gusmco said, " on this day I think it is important to give a message about the crucial role UN played to enable us to achieve our independence." " Our liberation day and our independence began on 30 August 1999 for which we paid a high price for it. But we survived to work together with UNTAET and to ascertain the stability and democracy process". The President added, " today we are working with UNMISET, requesting their support in order to fortify the democratic process, the administration and the security. We will celebrate UN Day by reflecting the role played by UN in the important history of our country and for the future."

On it's front page STL reported on the European Commission donation of 46 Euro million to Timor-Leste yesterday. It is reported that the money will be used in the area of health and rural development and poverty reduction. European Commission Ambassador, Sabato Della Monica and Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jorge Teme signed the agreement, witnessed by President Gusmco in his office.

Member of Parliament Leandro Isa'ac of Social Democratic Party (PSD) said the government must reduce the oil price in order to avoid fare increase by taxi and bus owners. Mr. Isa'ac said the parliament is now discussing 10 important issues and one of them is the oil price.

It is reported that Timor-Leste's sandalwood has been sold illegally in West Timor. "The practice of stealing the country's sandalwood and selling it through West Timor has been taking place for the past two years," said President of Parliament's Commission D, Flavio da Silva.

The Director of AMI, Olga Margal is appalled with accusations that her organisation clinic has been charging 10 cent per patient for consultation. Ms. Margal denies such allegation and says patients are getting free consultation and medicine, reported STL.

"The special commission really needs to make ratification on the Timor Gap agreement between the governments of Australia and Timor-Leste," said Member of Parliament Eusebio Guterres of Democratic Party (PD).

Member of Parliament Cipriana da Costa Pereira of Fretilin stressed that the government should focus more on the economy of the country rather than on the assets because they belong to the state.

STL quoted Parliament President, Francisco Guterres "Lu-Olo" as saying " we have to ensure that the President has a good working condition." On Monday President Xanana Gusmco moved to his new office in Caikoli, opposite the UN hospital.

A FDTL member, Damasio Maria Sarmento said that 10 members of the Timorese Defense Force are currently receiving training in Australia. He said who would ever think that one day Timor Leste's military members would be trained overseas.

MP Maria Paixco of PSD said the law on immobile assets is for foreigners. " The immobile assets law have not been made by Timorese people but foreigners therefore it cannot be adapted in Timor-Leste." STL reported that the demonstration held by Timor- Leste Judges Association, AATL did not get any response from the parliamentarians yesterday. Parliament President, Francisco Guterres said Members of Parliament will have an audience with them on Friday.

Timor Post's front also reported on the European Commission donation to Timor-Leste.

The paper also reported that President Gusmco's new office is in Caicoli. Mr. Gusmco said he is ready to work under any condition even during the office rehabilitation process.

Timor Post's front reported that TNI Commander of Belu, West Timor, Brigadier Kav Tjuk Agus Minahasa as saying that Bobonaro residents are not attending the Mota Ain border market because they fear that the business are run by former militia members.

Timor Post carried a headline story that reads, " Paulo Martins: Former Police Indonesian Republic is ready to quit". Timor- Leste's Police Commissioner, Paul Martins said, " if Timor- Leste's residents do not accept former Indonesian Police as members of the police force, they are ready to leave their duties and seek employment somewhere else. Mr. Martins said the purpose of the police is to secure the nation.

Timor Post reported that UNHCR coordinator, Alberto Santos paid a two-day visit on the weekend to Timor-Leste refugees camps in Sulawesi to see their condition and encourage them to return before 31 December. Around 500 refugees live in the camps in South Sulawesi.

It is reported that the bomb explosion in Bali last week did not affect Timorese students in Bali, said the Assistant Coordinator of the Education Department Scholarship, James Roger.

October 23, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae's front page reported on Bishop Belo's interview with Lusa news agency on Sunday in which Bishop Belo criticized the Timorese leaders for spending too much travelling abroad. The bishop said that the people in rural areas are complaining that government officials are not visiting them in order to hear their needs.

The people in those areas are saying only Bishop Belo has been travelling through the districts to listen to their needs. The Bishop added that transport to the rural areas is very difficult and the roads need to repair. In response Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said the religious leader has become involved in the politics of Timor-Leste. Mr. Alkatiri stressed that the Council of Ministers plan to visit the districts and they are aware of the difficulties faced by the communities throughout the country.

It is reported that referring to the new university ? Timor-Leste Investment Development University, President Gusmco has admired the Timorese people in prioritizing education rather than development.

In a separate article STL quoted President Gusmco as saying that tax in Timor-Leste is higher than other nations, making it difficult for investors to invest in the country.

STL reported that Bishop Belo was presented with a donation of $5000.00 Euro to build a women and men college in Ermera District.

It is reported that in the past three weeks, Dili District Tribunal received 56 cases with 29 on land and property issue and 27 on criminal.

East Timor Study Group Executive Director, Joco Mariano Saldanha, said that Timor-Leste has a lots of products to sell but the country lacks experts on how to export it to other countries.

Dili District Tribunal yesterday sentenced two men 6 months and 11 days imprisonment for using violence against two Police officers in Ainaro District.

It is reported that sexual harassment has increased in Timor- Leste.

Two weeks ago in Oecussi, a 60-year old man sexually abused a 12-year girl, a judge in that district said.

Timor Post quoted President Xanana Gusmco as saying that there is a need to change the mentality, and not waiting some one to resolve our problems. This oration was given by President Xanana during the ceremony of the beginning of school year in front of Government's palace.

President of Asset Lorosae, Oscar Lima is sad with the fact that the office of Timor-Leste's President is not in a good condition, and the President does not even have an appropriate car, Timor Post reported. Mr.

Lima added that all other ministers have nice cars with prices ranging from US$40,000-50,000, but not the President.

It is reported that Kolimau Group 2000 blockaded a road and assaulted one car in Ainaro District, stealing everything. One of the passengers said, "we know that the people who did this are from the Kolimau Group 2000. They did not kill us but took everything." TLPS Commissioner Paulo Martins said the incident occurred on Saturday.

October 24, 2002

Upon his arrival in Dili yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josi Ramos Horta told journalists that his visit to Australia and Thailand was to seek continuing assistance for Timor-Leste. Mr. Horta added that his visit to Thailand was also to prepare President Gusmco visit to that country between 6-9 November reported Suara Timor Lorosae in its front page.

Australia Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane on Friday stated in Canberra that the Australian Government is working on the Timor Seas Agreement to ensure it is signed by December.

Addressing the Parliament yesterday, President Xanana Gusmco presented his views again to Members of Parliament about the reconciliation process, justice and amnesty. Mr. Gusmco said, " I and the Parliament as institutions, can take this process forward much better." The President added, " (as) an obligation I have to come to the Parliament to inform you about my visit to West Timor, together with the National Parliament President to discuss about the reconciliation process in order to strengthen relations between, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. President Gusmco reminded members of Parliament that reconciliation is not something new and they shouldn't be surprised about it reported STL.

It is reported that the seat left by Member of Parliament Rosalia Corte-Real (Fretilin Party) is still vacant. Ms. Corte-Real is now the Vice-Minister for Education, Sport, Culture and Youth.

STL reported on a press conference organized by UNDP in which SRSG, Kamalesh Sharma, and UNDP Resident Coordinator, Sukehiro Hasegawa and Minister of Internal Affairs, Rogerio Lobato attended. It was announced that 19,200 former Indonesian civil servants would get payment from a special fund established by UDNP. During the conference Minister Internal Affairs Rogerio Lobato stressed that only formers Indonesia civil servants will be paid by the United Nations.

It is reported that Timor-Leste Police will conduct an operation to stop illegal cars and motorbikes in the country.

Around 18 nursed in Bairro Piti clinic called a strike on Tuesday for not getting paid for the past 2 months reported STL.

Cancio Xavier, one of the judges in Dili District Court said there are 35 pending serious crime cases due to shortage of judges. There are currently 3 international and 1 Timorese judge working on these cases.

In a separate article it is also reported that Dili District Court received 322 cases in the past 3 months. The court cases have been slow due to shortage of judges.

Timor Post front reported that former Indonesian civil servants will get paid between US$50 to US$300 dollars as of 4th of November. The payment will be based on the number of years that beneficiaries have worked for the Indonesian government. United Nations under UNDP will manage the fund. It has been approved by SRSG and Timor-Leste Government in its "Point of Understanding."

Timor Post front page also reported on President Gusmco address to the National Parliament yesterday.

It is reported that the European Union donation of US$ 10.000.000 will be to rehabilitate the Regional National Hospital. World Bank will administrate the fund. Member of Parliament, Antonio Ximenes, gave this information to Timor Post yesterday.

UN Day events were reported today through information received last nigh writes Timor Post.

Timor Post reported that the National Parliament would have an audience tomorrow with representatives of Timor-Leste Judges Association to listen to their concerns. The parliamentarians made the decision on Tuesday through voting procedures.

Aderito Tilman chairman of Dili Court stressed that Timor-Leste has the right to recruit International judges but only for to deal with serious crime cases. Any other cases will be under the Timorese judge's reports Timor Post.

Secretary State for Investment, Tourism and Environment Dr. Jose Teixeira stressed that the government is now focusing on the development program specially Environment, because this sector is very important for the country's process. Mr. Teixeira said if this sector becomes better then it would encourage the development of other sectors.dar Hasan said the team was still searching for five other gunmen believed to be armed with one AK-47, one M-16 gun and four pistols.

"One of them is Misran, the one who is said to be the GAM commander for the Asahan area," he told The Jakarta Post.

According to Iskandar, the gunmen had been preying on local residents. He said the rebels often kidnapped local fishermen and demanded ransom of up to Rp 50 million.

"The fishermen remained silent until we captured the gunmen. But now they are free to say the gunmen often extorted money from them," he said.

Iskandar said the police and military had stepped up their patrols following last Tuesday's GAM attack that killed Brig. W. Sihombing of the Labuhan Ruku Asahan Police precinct and injured Sgt. Eko Laksono and Pvt. Sanen of the Navy.

Separately, the Tanjungbalai Karimun Naval Base chief for western Indonesia, First Adm. Tedjo Adhie, said security personnel had wounded a gunman, identified as Achmad, a native of Sigli, North Aceh, on Wednesday.

He said the team, comprising Marines, members of Army Battalion 126, the police's Mobile Brigade and the Sea Security Patrol, were still patrolling the waters.

Tedjo said security personnel had determined the gunman was a GAM member based on his weapons. He also said a group of gunmen had kidnapped three fishermen from Tanjung Tiram.

According to Tedjo, the gunmen entered the waters off Asahan because they were trying to elude patrols in the waters of Aceh. "They were tied up so they tried to run to North Sumatra waters to avoid being caught by security personnel," he said.

Tedjo said security personnel were monitoring the waters to prevent other gunmen from gaining a foothold in the area. "We will continue to patrol the waters to anticipate any possibility. Even in Jakarta, GAM walks around," he said.

October 25, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae's front page reads: President Xanana Gusmco defended Wednesday the dynamic of a national reconciliation process rather than establishing an international court. The President said, "There are talks about an international court but for whom? For Timorese people? If that is the case, then I'll be the first one to disagree." Mr. Gusmco made these comments during a 90-minute speech at the National Parliament.

STL reported that UN Special Representative of the Secretary- General in Timor-Leste, Kamalesh Sharma marked UN Day in Dili by saying that this year's celebration is historic for Timor-Leste because it had become a member of UN. " The UN Secretary General, his Excellency, Mr. Koffi Annan sends his special greetings to the people of Timor-Leste who have just become the newest member of the organization. ", said Mr. Sharma. The Special Representative also said that all Timorese should be proud of this Day because the country had found a place among the international community.

STL also reported on President Gusmco's speech on this Day event celebration at Hotel Timor as saying, "I will always talk about the reconciliation process, justice and amnesty because up to now all efforts have put on this were unsuccessful."

Chief of Becora Prison, Carlos Freitas Sarmento said that 16 prisoners who fled the compound during the prison riot are still at large. Mr. Sarmento spoke to STL after a training workshop for Timor-Leste prison staff including 8 new recruits. Malaysian prisoner officers have provided the training.

Member of Parliament, Rui Menezes (PD) said the agreement on Timor Sea is likely to be finalized because Timor-Leste and Australia signed an agreement on May 20 about the exploration of Timor Sea. Mr. Menezes noted that the Prime Minister has yet to address the Parliament on the treaty.

Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, Armindo Maia stated that he is not aware of Timorese working in Ireland as well as those studying in that country.

Timor Post's front page reported on SRSG's statement yesterday during UN Day celebration in Dili.

TP quoted Head of Indonesian Mission in Timor-Leste, Kristio Wahyono as saying that Indonesia government is likely to pay former Indonesian pensioners and civil servants because the special fund established by UN is not enough.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Josi Ramos-Horta stressed that he disagreed with criticisms made by Bishop Belo that this country's leaders spend more time travelling, and not focusing on the needs of the people. Mr. Ramos-Horta said, " is the bishop aware of all ministers' schedules? I don't know about my cabinet colleagues' schedules. I travel overseas a lot, so I must confess my sins to the bishop."

Timor Post reported that President Gusmco will open a dialogue between various martial arts groups in Timor-Leste this morning in the former UNAMET and CNRT compound. Chief of Staff of President's Office, Agio Pereira informed that the dialogue would focus on problems between different groups in villages throughout the country and Dili, the capital.

It is reported that a court case involving conflicts between two martial art groups on 28 May which left a 26-yearl old man dead is still pending because it needs three panel judges to proceed with the case.

Timor Post reported that President Xanana Gusmco will make an official visit to Kupang, West Timor to talk about the reconciliation process. He is scheduled to also meet with former pro-autonomy leaders , Joco Tavares and Sera Malik in the town of Atambua.