West Timor/refugees

Government agrees to repatriate East Timorese refugees

Jakarta Post - November 8, 2002

Jakarta -- The government has agreed to hold a special repatriation program for East Timorese refugees who want to go home late this year, Antara reported.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Piet A. Tallo said on Friday that the decision was conveyed by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla in a letter sent to a group tasked to handle the refugees.

The special program offers Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year assistance packages of Rp 1.5 million to each returning family.

Members of the Indonesian Military and National Police as well as civil servants who return to East Timor would receive between Rp 5 million and Rp 15 million in cash, he said. The special repatriation program is valid until December 31.

East Timorese refugees who opt to stay in East Nusa Tenggara beyond that date will be resettled to other parts of Indonesia.

Data from the local administration office show that 30,129 East Timorese from 10,387 families have been staying in refugee camps in the province.

About 200,000 East Timorese fled to East Nusa Tenggara, which shares a border with East Timor, to escape violence following the vote in August 1999 to secede from Indonesia.

UN urged to lower West Timor's danger rating

Sydney Morning Herald - November 5, 2002

Jill Jolliffe, Atambua -- East Timor's President Xanana Gusmao has called on the United Nations to lower its security rating for West Timor, which is now at a higher stage of alert than Afghanistan or Bali.

"I appeal to the UN to review the security level," he said at a news conference. "It is really needed." The former guerrilla commander was on a four-day tour of West Timor, where he worked with local authorities to bring home around 30,000 refugees -- including former militiamen who are seen by both sides as a potential source of destabilisation for his new nation.

The Indonesian half of the island was placed on a Phase 5 level of alert when three employees of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees were murdered by militia gangs in Atambua in September, 2000. It has not been altered since and means that UN organisations are forbidden to work here without extraordinary security measures.

The scale of 0-5 is determined by UNSECORD, the security body for the UN. Under the system, Phase 1 means UN staff should exercise care in a zone, while Phase 4 indicates that only essential staff with security clearances can work there. Phase 5 bans UN staff from working at all.

Bali was reclassified from Phase 0 to Phase 1 after last month's bombings, while Afghanistan is on Phase 4.

Kristio Wahyono, the head of Indonesia's diplomatic mission in Dili who is travelling with the President, said he was delighted with Mr Gusmao's stand. "Its very important for us," he said.

West Timor Governor Piet Tallo also welcomed it as a move that strengthened ties between the neighbouring territories.

Mr Robert Ashe of UNHCR said that West Timor was feeling the impact of the security ban. "UN agencies like UNICEF and WHO want to return to do development programs, but they can't," he said, adding that embassy travel advisers echoed the rating. "Travellers think there are thousands of militias on the rampage -- it's false," he said.

He said Indonesian authorities, police and military, had worked hard with the UN to improve the situation.

Timorese refugees urged to come home

Melbourne Age - November 4 2002

Jill Jolliffe, Kupang -- President Jose "Xanana" Gusmao has led a delegation of more than 100 East Timorese, including parliamentarians, cabinet ministers, a football team and 16 entertainers, to West Timor in a new bid to empty refugee camps there.

Ignoring critics who accuse him of selling out on human rights principles by meeting former militia leaders and pro-Indonesian figures and hosting dinners for them, Mr Gusmao shook hands with the man accused of killing Dutch journalist Sander Thoenes in September, 1999.

"It's time to come home" was his message at the weekend to about 30,000 refugees still living on the Indonesian half of the island. Their chances of return will be reduced drastically next month when the United Nations High Commission for Refugees closes shop in East Timor.

The former guerrilla commander had a riotous welcome at Nai-bonat refugee camp, near Kupang. As he plunged into a waiting crowd, Indonesian soldiers threw armfuls of T-shirts with Portuguese slogans to mark East Timor's independence, sparking a stampede.

Mr Gusmao is determined to unite his people, despite UN demands that refugees accused of human rights violations should be arrested if they cross the border.

He met former Baucau militia leader Joanico Belo, and the former administrator of Lospalos, Edmundo da Conceicao, whom he singled out at a meeting. "You need to give explanations to the nuns of Lospalos," Mr Gusmao said, referring to a 1999 massacre of priests and nuns.

Mr Gusmao also held talks with Joao Tavares, the chief commander of militia groups active in East Timor in 1999.

At a meeting of Kupang refugees, he presented booklets to representatives of each district of East Timor. Among them was Camillo dos Santos, formerly of Indonesia's battalion 745, who has been named by Dutch police as the killer of Financial Times correspondent Sander Thoenes. Lieutenant dos Santos caused a press stir last April when he socialised with Mr Gusmao on an earlier visit.

Defending his stance, Mr Gusmao said this act was not beyond the acceptable limits of the tolerance he preaches. He told The Age that his only concern was to bring home all East Timorese.

"I have not said we will negotiate with militias. I used words like 'persuade' or 'convince' our brothers, including those who maybe have blood on their hands, to come and face justice in East Timor," Mr Gusmao said.

He brought with him a team from the Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to explain the legal mechanisms for dealing with perpetrators of the 1999 violence.

One of the President's dinner guests was Abilio Osorio Soares, the former governor of East Timor, who was recently condemned to four years in prison for failing to use his authority to prevent militia killings in Dili. He is free on appeal, and refused to speak to the media.

The entertainers were key to the presidential strategy. The Kupang refugee meeting was attended by a mix of ordinary East Timorese who were deported in 1999, as well as militia toughs. When the band struck up a Timorese song with soulful violin accompaniment, the crowd fell silent and even the tough men wiped tears from their eyes.

Timor Gap

West Timor gets bad effects of explorations in Timor sea

Antara - November 8, 2002

Kupang -- The people of the western half of Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara, must also enjoy their traditional rights as owners of the Timor Sea, the site of oil and gas explorations known as the Timor Gap, and not merely receiving the impacts of damage of the ecosystem in the Timor Sea.

This statement was made by chairman of the West Timor Foundation of Care for West Timor (YPTB), Ferdi Tanoni, in Kupang Friday after meeting an invitation from commission D of the East Nusa Tenggara legislative assembly to discuss the formation of a working group to fight for the rights of the people of Timor in the Timor Sea, and to regain the Pasir Island.

During the meeting, he said, the local legislative assembly and the YPTB shared the view that all Timorese have the right for all the wealth in the Timor Sea.

For this struggle, he added, the East Nusa Tenggara provincial agovernment has allocated funds for the establishment of a working group secretariat and for the intensification of pressure on the central government to resume talks on the Timor Gap and the Pasir Island.

He said traditionally the Timorese are the owners of the Timor Sea but in view of the interest of the western countries' political affairs, oil and oil reserves in the future in the interest of the West, the rights of the traditional people became ignored.

He said at present, the Timorese in the western part of Timor Island have their "rights" (quote/unquote), because they are new in the struggle to get international recognition.

Because of these "rights", he said, for the time being the Timorese in the west part of the province gave priority to the interest of the people in the Timor Sea, especially with regard to oil and gas explorations which damaged the ecosystem and caused pollution of the Timor Sea.

He also expressed disapproval of foreign parties to prove that the Pasir Island located only 70 miles south of Rote Island, was for the first time discovered by the fishermen from Rote and not by western people. The Pasir Island was found far before the British came to Australia.

When asked about the East Timor has more rights to the Timor Gap, Ferdi said actually President Xanana Gusmao should realize that the Timor people in the west part of East Nusa Tenggara also have the rights as the people in East Timor.

If Xanana wished that the two regions develop rapidly, thought must also be given to the interest of the Timorese people of the western part of East Nusa Tenggara in the oil and gas explorations in the Timor Sea, stretching from Pasir Island to the Arafura Sea.

Government & politics

Ruling party meets to discuss internal rifts

Lusa - November 7, 2002

Dili -- The leadership of East Timor's ruling Fretilin party met Thursday with its deputies in the Dili parliament to discuss recent revelations of high absenteeism among Fretilin MPs and threats by the party's chiefs to expel "rogue" members.

Fretilin president Francisco Guterres and secretary-general Mari Alkatiri told Lusa Wednesday they were unhappy with the behavior of some Fretilin lawmakers, who had missed sitting of the Dili parliament without valid excuses. "We will take measures against any deputy on the Fretilin benches who is absent and doesn't behave as they should", said Alkatiri, who is also the speaker of the Dili parliament.

Alkatiri also gave indications for the first time that there are some internal divisions within his party in parliament, and these potential rifts need the urgent attention of Fretilin's leaders. "Obviously this kind of thing cannot be tolerated within the party and if anybody is doing this, they will be expelled", said Alkatiri.

After Thursday's meeting Fretilin chiefs, some party deputies said they had complained at the lack of coordination and transparency within the party. Others criticized the lack of facilities in the Dili assembly, where MPs lack rooms for meetings and commissions work where they can find free space.

The perceived tensions within Fretilin led the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) to call a "day of mourning" next Monday in solidarity with Fretilin's disenchanted MPs. PSD secretary general Leandro Isaac told Lusa that his party's six MPs would be wearing black "as a sign of total mourning".

Absenteeism among MPs causes concern

Lusa - November 5, 2002

Dili -- An average of 12 percent of lawmakers do not attend sittings of East Timor's parliament and only one in ten of these absentees offers a valid excuse for their non-appearance, a report commissioned by the Dili parliament reveals.

Lusa saw the restricted access document Tuesday, requested by parliamentary speaker Francisco Guterres, which analyses absences of deputies between September 2 and October 23.

Of the 407 non-appearances by MPs in this period -- an average of 11 per sitting -- 281 were by members of the ruling Fretilin party. A lack of sufficient MPs in the 88-seat chamber has delayed voting on and the approval of a wide range of legislation.

Last month, speaker Gutteres postponed a vote to choose a new deputy-speaker for the assembly. Guterres told Lusa that MPs "must take responsibility" for the role they perform, while reminding deputies that they faced expulsion from the assembly if they run up five unjustified absences. "We are aware of all this, I have already called the attention [of party chiefs in parliament] and hope there won't be so many absences in the next session", said Guterres.

President Xanana Gusmao strongly criticized absenteeism amongst MPs in July, saying he would request an investigation of the problem to uncover who were the main culprits. "This is also corruption. Mental corruption is corruption as they don't work and earn money... I am going to order an investigation and we'll examine this", the Timorese president said.

Timor`s MPs currently have a net monthly salary of USD 450, and receive a daily attendance allowance of USD 2.5.

Foreign aid keeps Timor's budget in surplus

Lusa - November 4, 2002

Dili -- International donations were used to plug East Timor`s USD 22 million budget deficit in the financial year 2001-2002, although the world's newest nation's state receipts were higher than anticipated in this period.

Lusa has seen a report drawn up by the Dili finance ministry, which states that expenditure in the period up to June 30, 2002 was USD 52.6 million. State revenue over the year was USD 26.9, eight percent above the government's own targets, with the largest slice of earnings coming from oil revenues (USD 6.4 million).

The budget deficit of USD 22.7 was covered by contributions from the United Nations trust fund (USD 5.4 million), the United States (USD 4.5 million), Sweden (USD 4 million) and Australia (USD 3.6 million).

Other significant amounts were received from the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, Norway and Canada. Overseas contributions resulted in a USD 14.5 million budget surplus, although only 86 percent of planned state expenditure was actually implemented.

Human rights trials

Ex-Timor army chief in court

Agence France Presse - November 7, 2002

A former militia chief has denied he had committed human rights abuses in East Timor three years ago and said he was a victim of the Indonesian government's desire to appease international criticism.

Reading out a lengthy defence plea at Indonesia's human rights court, Eurico Guterres said he could not be held responsible for an attack at the home of an East Timorese independence leader because he was not in control of the frenzied crowd.

The militia attack on April 17, 1999, at the home of Manuel Carrascalao left 12 people dead including Carrascalao's son. The raid followed a mass rally by militiamen outside the governor's office at which Guterres delivered an allegedly inflammatory speech.

According to court documents, Guterres urged his militiamen to kill all independence supporters. But an impassioned Guterres told the court: "I'm not a monster who has no heart.

"I never ordered, directed or assisted people to injure or kill other people," he said, adding that he did not witness the attack and did not know who did it.

Guterres, 28, said his trial was politically motivated. "This political trial is just a formality and in the end I will be punished," he said. "The reality I'm facing now is extremely ironic and painful. It's like I'm being dumped because I'm not useful anymore."

Earlier, Guterres' lawyers also read a separate defence plea, in which they described his trial as "a political conspiracy".

"Does Eurico Guterres not have any human rights that he has to be sacrificed?" chief lawyer Suhardi Sumomulyono asked the court. It is a shame that such a big country as ours could bow to pressure," he said.

Guterres is charged with failure to stop his subordinates attacking Carrascalao's home. The charges carry a maximum sentence of death, but prosecutors have asked for a 10-year sentence.

Pro-Jakarta militias, armed and organised by the Indonesian military, waged a brutal campaign of terror in which an estimated 1,000 people were killed before and after East Timor's vote on August 30, 1999, to break away from Indonesia.

Guterres said he was not officially in command of pro-Jakarta militiamen. He said the militiamen were not recruited but banded together because they were bound by the same goal of defending East Timor's integration with Indonesia.

Guterres accused the media of distorting facts about the violence in East Timor by mainly blaming the militia and of supporting an "imperialist conspiracy" to separate the territory from Indonesia.

A total of 18 people have been tried or are still on trial in Indonesia's human rights court for alleged gross human rights violations in East Timor in 1999.

In widely criticised verdicts, the human rights court has already acquitted six officers, including the former East Timor police chief, and sentenced the former provincial governor to just three years in jail. Guterres' trial resumes next Thursday.

Timor indicts two Indonesian soldiers for 1999 slayings

Associated Press - November 6, 2002

Jakarta -- Two Indonesian soldiers were among seven people indicted Wednesday in East Timor for killing a Dutch journalist and 19 others during the country's independence struggle in 1999, the UN said in a statement.

Financial Times reporter Sander Thoenes was the last person killed in a murderous rampage across the former Indonesian province in September 1999 by Battalion 745, the statement said.

The Serious Crimes Unit's indictment of Maj. Jacob Sarosa and Lt. Camilo dos Santos, both members of the battalion, marks the first time anyone has been charged in the Thoenes murder. Indonesia has argued it lacks evidence to charge anyone, despite receiving information from Dutch authorities that allegedly links the battalion to Thoenes' death.

It remains unclear, however, if the two soldiers will ever see a courtroom for Thoenes' murder. Both are on active duty with the Indonesia military, and Indonesia has so far refused to hand over eight other Indonesians charged in East Timor for 1999 war crimes.

UN officials said the indictment also challenges the Indonesian government's claim that its soldiers played only a minor role in the bloodshed that followed a UN referendum in which East Timorese voted for independence.

The UN has long blamed the Indonesia military and its militia proxies for the violence that left nearly 1,000 dead and forced 250,000 to flee their homes.

Battalion commander dos Santos and platoon commander Sarosa are charged with 17 counts of crimes against humanity, including Thoenes' murder.

Thoenes was forced off his motorbike and shot dead in East Timor's capital, Dili, September 21, 1999. His death came soon arriving in the city to report on the arrival of an international peacekeeping force and the withdrawal of Indonesian troops.

In Wednesday's other indictment, five members of the Mahadomi militia -- including its commander and a former district chief -- are charged with 13 counts of crimes against humanity.

Timor issues indictment over Dutch reporter murder

Reuters - November 7, 2002

Dean Yates, Jakarta -- Investigators in East Timor have issued an indictment against two Indonesian military officers over the 1999 killing of a Dutch journalist around the time the territory voted to break from Jakarta's harsh rule.

The United Nations, which administered East Timor until its formal independence last May, said in a statement that arrest warrants had been requested from the Dili District Court and would then be forwarded to Indonesia's attorney-general.

The indictment, the first to be issued over the murder of Financial Times reporter Sander Thoenes, also covered the alleged killing of 20 other civilians. A military spokesman in Jakarta denied all the accusations against the two officers.

Thoenes, 30, was killed in the East Timor capital Dili on September 21, 1999, when tension was high following a landslide vote by East Timorese to break from 24 years of Indonesian rule. He was shot in the torso and an ear was cut off.

Machete-wielding pro-Jakarta militia -- backed by elements of the Indonesian military -- laid waste to East Timor following the vote and the UN estimates more than 1,000 people were killed.

The statement by the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) said the indictment was against the commanding officer of Battalion 745 at the time and a platoon commander.

"The indictment charges 17 counts of crimes against humanity, including 14 counts of murder in which members of Battalion 745 are alleged to have killed 21 civilians during September 1999," the statement said.

The UN is providing assistance to the fledgling democracy for another two years following East Timor's formal independence, including rebuilding the territory's legal and court system.

Both the military officers are believed to be residing in Indonesia, the statement added. It did not name them.

Deputy military spokesman Brigadier-General Tono Suratman -- East Timor's military commander at the time of the bloody vote -- said Battalion 745 found Thoenes's body, but did not kill him. "It was certainly not them that did it," Suratman said.

A special human rights court in Jakarta has been hearing 18 cases connected to the East Timor violence, including that of Suratman, who faces the death penalty after being accused of letting his troops murder civilians. He denies any wrongdoing.

Barman Zahir, spokesman for the Attorney-General's office, said Indonesia's own investigation into the journalist's killing had been suspended because of limited staff.

He indicated Indonesia would not cooperate in sending the two officers to East Timor.

"We have to look at the arrest warrant first. We cannot arrest our [military officers] just like that ... We had an agreement with East Timor that human rights trials should be held in Indonesia, not in East Timor," Zahir told Reuters.

The Jakarta court has delivered verdicts for seven of the 18 defendants but only one has been found guilty. The other six, all Indonesian soldiers or policemen, have been set free, triggering scorn from human rights groups.

Suratman, like the other military and police defendants on trial, has remained on active duty during a process being closely watched by the international community.

Timor charges a milestone, says UN

Melbourne Age - November 9, 2002

Jill Jolliffe, Dili -- A United Nations prosecutor has hailed the indictment of two Indonesian officers for the 1999 murder of Dutch journalist Sander Thoenes as a turning point in East Timor war crimes charges.

Stuart Alford, of the UN serious crimes unit in Dili, said the indictment this week "ends the idea that the 1999 violence in East Timor was a civil war, for which pro-Indonesian militias were responsible".

He said the evidence against the men showed that Indonesian officers ran "a planned and orchestrated campaign. They weren't just a part of it, they were the central part." Major Jacob Djoko Sarosa and Lieutenant Camilo dos Santos, formerly of the Indonesian Army's Battalion 745, have been charged with crimes against humanity involving "murder, imprisonment and other inhumane acts", during the battalion's withdrawal from East Timor in September, 1999.

The men are accused of murdering 21 people, including Mr Thoenes, during the retreat from the eastern town of Lospalos. Barman Zahir, spokesman for the Indonesian Attorney-General's office, indicated that Jakarta would not cooperate in sending the men to East Timor.

"We have to look at the arrest warrant first. We cannot arrest our [military officers] just like that ... We had an agreement with East Timor that human rights trials should be held in Indonesia, not in East Timor," Mr Zahir said.

For the first time UN prosecutors are seeking an Interpol warrant for the arrest of the men, as well as a standard warrant and extradition request served on Indonesia. To date Jakarta has ignored all warrants the UN has issued for people accused of complicity in the 1999 violence.

East Timor was admitted to Interpol last month. Warrants issued through Interpol mean the men will be arrested if they try to travel abroad.

Lieutenant Dos Santos is now serving with West Timorese Battalion 743, after the disbandment of 745. He was first questioned by journalists about the Thoenes murder during Xanana Gusmao's visit to West Timor in April. Mr Gusmao was then a candidate for president of East Timor, and Lieutenant Dos Santos socialised with his party.

He was again present when Mr Gusmao returned to West Timor last weekend on his first official visit as President. Despite the publicity in April about Lieutenant Dos Santos' role in the Thoenes murder, Mr Gusmao shook the lieutenant's hand and made a presentation to him in Kupang stadium.

It is the first indictment by the UN's serious crimes unit in which only Indonesian officers have been accused of human rights violations. The evidence shows that the battalion killed various Timorese civilians on the trip from Lospalos, and shot Mr Thoenes on the outskirts of Dili.

The Financial Times reporter arrived in Timor with InterFET forces on September 21, 1999. His mutilated body was found in nearby woodland the next morning.

News & issues

Defense force recruits attack traffic police in Dili

Lusa - November 6, 2002

Dili -- Defense force recruits attacked traffic police in the East Timorese capital Friday, in an apparent act of revenge, injuring at least two officers.

Police and bystanders at the melee around the central market told Lusa a group of uniformed recruits, using knives, had attacked traffic police in the zone until calm was restored by senior officers, accompanied by Portuguese UN peacekeepers.

Two injured police, one seriously wounded, were admitted to hospital, a doctor told Lusa. An unconfirmed report indicated some of the defense force recruits may have used bayonets.

Police Commander Paulo Martins, who went to the zone to help restore order, said the cause of the fighting was unclear. But it could be a "revenge attack", he said, linked to the arrest by police of two defense force members for public disorder last week.

The defense force chief, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, who also rushed to the market zone, promised an investigation and "serious" punitive measures, including possible expulsion from the force.

First Portuguese-language newspaper ready for launching

Lusa - November 6, 2002

East Timor's first Portuguese-language newspaper in more than a quarter century will be formally launched in Dili Thursday.

A 12-page tabloid, "Correio de Timor" aims to "promote the Portuguese language, serve the Lusophone community and underscore local achievements, which often get little attention", Joao Noronha, one of the newspaper's two Portuguese publishers, told Lusa in Dili Wednesday.

"There are some hesitations and fears about the appearance of this newspaper, but there is also great expectation among all the Portuguese-speaking community, including the Timorese", Noronha added.

With a press run of 2,000, the fortnightly publication will depend solely on advertising revenues for free distribution. Its editor in chief is Timorese journalist Aleixo Corte Real.

East Timor's last Portuguese-language newspaper, "Voz de Timor", closed in 1975, ahead of the withdrawal of Lisbon's colonial administration, which was followed by Indonesia's invasion and annexation of the territory.

Since the 1999 pro-independence plebiscite, two daily newspapers have emerged, but they limit their Portuguese coverage to one page apiece. Newly independent East Timor has opted for Portuguese as one of its official languages, and the teaching and promotion of the language is a major pillar of Lisbon's aid programs. The Lusa agency provides its news services free of charge to all East Timorese media.

East Timor press reviews

East Timor Press Review

UNMISET - November 9, 2002

Police arrested 8 former Falintil members allegedly for causing disturbances. When questioned about this issue Commissioner Paulo Martins said he was not aware of the cause for their detention. Reported Suara Timor Lorosae. But Mr. Martins stressed that those detained are not former Falintil members

Attorney General, Longuinhos Monteiro believes that former head of pro-integration group Joco Tavares will be consistence with his plan to return to Timor-Leste

Member of Parliament integrated in Uatu-Lari delegation, Christina Alves da Silva said the commission could not meet with suspects during the two-day investigation. Christina da Silva said this conflict generated many years ago and is going to take time to settle it.

Minister of Internal Administration, Rogerio Lobato said Minister of Justice approved the nomination of Alcino Barros. Therefore lawyers and members of parliament should not kick a big fuss about it.

The Timor Post front page reported on the clash between members of FDTL and police on Friday saying the problem started when two members of the Defense Force on a motorbike did not obey the orders of traffic police and so they were told off by the police officers.

The FDTL member who was seated on the back of the motor bike proceeded to throw a punch at the police officer. Then other police officers and the public bystanders went to support the police. That's when the clash escalated.

In a separate article this daily reported that when two members of FDTL travelling in a car (above article mentioned travelling in a motorbike) stopped by one of the transit police officer to warn one of the FDTL members not to hang out of the vehicle. Than someone in the vehicle said "don't you know I am an FDTL member?" Words were exchange and suddenly a FDTL member got out of the vehicle and started punching the officer by the name of Joaquim Lopes. Another officer, Rui Lobato who was also attacked by FDTL members said he had just returned from Uatu-lari and was carrying on his duties. Both said they are not aware of the circumstances that led to this attack.

University of Timor Leste economy lecturer, Antonia Erna Setiawati said the travelling budget of US $300,00 for the government is lot of money considering how it is managed. Ms Setiawati was commenting on the PM's Alkatiri statement that the budget is small.

Antonia Setiawati also said that the government must explain to the people about the tax cuts. It is reported that workers are being taxed about US$10 dollars monthly.

Timor Post's editorial focuses on Friday's clash. It said the clash between Fatintil/FDTL and the Police on Friday at the old market place have brought shame to the Timorese leadership because such incident could have been anticipated. Or is the national political condition a sensitive issue for the Timorese authorities? Rumors within the communities, that Friday's incident has been a culmination of conflicts between the two institutions. There is also another aspect into it. The historic founding of the two institutions emerged from a management without a strategic view. The formation of Falintil/FDTL started with internal conflicts among the former guerrilla fighters who separated/divided after the selection process with the participation of Australia, Portugal and New Zealand military. The conflicts got worse with the incident of separation in Aileu District-nobody took the initiative to resolve the problem.

The same applied to ETPS institution during the recruitment process through the Police Academy with the support and management of the international police (CIVPOL). They started the recruitment with poor planning. The recruitment process was done with 'blindly' regardless the concern presented to them by many people.

The creation of both institutions raised a huge 'polemic' especially among many Timorese who are part of the struggle history-who also wanted to get higher positions in these areas. Another aspect regarding the legislation which have been established, states that FDTL/Falintil structure will be under the President while ETPS and future Police of Timor-Leste affiliation up-to date is yet not clear. If we compare both institutions, only Falintil/FDTL is clear but the future of Timor-Leste's police it is not yet clear.

The history of both institutions will lead us to the conclusion that the authorities must resolve the conflict and polemic as soon as possible in order to create harmonious and conducive conditions between the two important institution for the people, the nation and the stability.

November 8, 2002

Speaking at the ceremony of the nomination for 110 Timorese Police officers to be members of INTERPOL, Minister of Internal Administration Rogerio Lobato said police must be loyal because they are the ones protecting the nation and its leaders, reported Suara Timor Lorosa'e.

STL quoted Member of Parliament, Clementino Amaral of KOTA party as saying that Timorese refugees currently living in West Timor must decide within these 2 months to return because UNHCR and IOM will end their services at the end of the year and assistance for them will be much harder.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josi Ramos-Horta stressed during his visit to Singapore that the warning put out by many governments on terrorist attacks in the region has drawn attention to foreigners not to travel to the region. Mr. Horta said those living in these countries will eventually leave because of the scary warning leaving an impact on the economy because they depend on foreign help.

It is reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josi Ramos Horta held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Yock Suan on Wednesday in which Mr. Ramos-Horta stressed that it is really important for Timor-Leste to become a member of ASEAN but needs the support of neighboring countries to support its membership.

Rector of UNDIL, Lucas da Costa said the US$300,000 government travelling budget is a lot. He said the budget expenditure must be reviewed in order to see whether it has been spent properly, reports STL.

STL reported that Juvenile Communication Forum would hold a training program on the rights and protection of children. The Forum assistant coordinator, Leonel Ximenes said the training will be for those juvenile who are now scattered without any education.

Attorney General, Longuinhos Monteiro told journalist yesterday that he has set up an INTERPOL office in Timor-Leste and is in the final stage of completing it.

Timor Post's front-page headline read: Paulo Martins: ETPS will participate in UN mission in Africa. This daily also carried a photo of the transfer of national security from UN Police to Timorese during yesterday's ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner Paulo Martins said that the training received in the college from international police and through working with them, the Timorese have shown that they have the capacity and are now ready to take on higher responsibilities. Mr. Martins said various training have been offered to the Timorese police and 10 officers have been selected to participate in a protection for VIP course in Malaysia. The Commissioner also announced that 10 Timorese police officers will participate in the UN mission in Africa next year. He said the result of it came after his visit to New York last June when he told UN that the country's police were ready to participate in other UN missions.

Timor Post reported that Suai District Court's Prosecutor might replace the vacancy left by Alcino Barros who has been appointed as Vice-Minister of Internal Administration. Attorney-General Longuinhos Monteiro gave a hint for the new Dili Court Prosecutor during an interview with this newspaper.

Member of Parliament, Riak Leman of PSD stressed that residents of various eastern and central sub-districts are facing food shortages due to the long dry season. Mr. Leman said that most of the food like cassava, sweet potatoes and other vegetables have all been dried up.

Chairman of General Forum Communication, Roberto de Fatima Magalhaes Soares announced that a local candle factory would soon be established in Timor-Leste.

November 7, 2002

Member of Parliament, Clementino dos Reis Amaral (KOTA party) stressed that the problem of Uatu-lari case originated from past generation and it is going to be difficult to eradicate it. Mr. Reis Amaral said the violence culture between residents of Naueti and Makasae occurred since the Portuguese and Indonesia period, reports Suara Timor Lorosae.

Suara Timor Lorosae's front page reported that President Gusmao held a press conference at the [Dili international] airport before departing for an official visit to Thailand and South Korea. Mr. Gusmao stated that his visit to both countries would be beneficial to Timor-Leste.

This daily also reported that Foreign Minister, Josi Ramos-Horta will be joining the President in Thailand and travel together to South Korea. Mr. Horta was on a two-day visit to Singapore on bilateral meetings and seeking Singaporean assistance for Timor- Leste's ASEAN Regional Forum membership. Commenting about the wish of former pro-integration leader Joco Tavares to return to Timor-Leste, provided security will be granted, Member of Parliament from Bobonaro District, Josi Andrade da Silva said, " security for Joco Tavares will be guaranteed if he confesses in court what he did in 1999."

It is reported that President Gusmao shook hands with the Timorese -- currently serving in the Indonesian army -- accused of being responsible for the killing of the Dutch journalist Sander Thoenes. While shaking hands with the President, Kamilo D. S. explained that he did not kill Mr.Thoenes. Had he killed Thoenes he would have not come to shake hands with the president let alone wear the army uniform.

Before his departure to Thailand, President Gusmao told journalist that 12 November massacre should not be commemorated with tears but with new sweat. Mr. Gusmao said we should hold on to the memories of those killed in 12 November 1991 and put all our efforts in moving forward, reported STL.

STL reported that hundred of people turned up to the local produced furniture exhibition in Farol, Dili yesterday. Minister of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, Estanislau Aleixo da Silva opened the exhibition. He said local products are nicer than those imported. The exhibition was put together by 25 people from the districts of Same, Ermera, Lospalos and Dili after a month of training workshop.

Member of Parliament, Manuel Tilman of KOTA party, criticized the government for not establishing yet a good future plan for the nation because funds donated to the government has never been kept in the country due to their constant travelling. " I agree with government officials travelling abroad but they must also start thinking on a good plan to keep the money donated by donor's countries to Timor-Leste, otherwise the government will not have a budget in the future." Mr. Tilman added that the government must also help the local entrepreneurs because they can become the biggest donors in the future. Mr. Tilman carried on by saying that the motive for this thinking is to anticipate because UNMISET will take its money once its mandate ends.

NGO Forum executive coordinator, Cecilio Freitas said the government must explain to the people about tax because up to now the majority of the population is not aware of how to pay it.

In a separate article Cecilio Freitas said his organization is travelling to various districts during the month of November to explain the Timor Gap process to the people. Mr. Freitas said they would also explain about the roles and work of the Forum as well as collect data on the living conditions of Timorese in the districts, reports STL.

It is reported that a police officer by the name of Antonio, threatened a few youth in relation to past political differences. "I am Antonio, the police, you know who I am. I was a fighter and you cannot step over my head" said the officer. The incident occurred on Friday, 1st November in Aiesa village, Balibs sub- district.

Timor Post reported that Attorney-General Longuinhos Monteiro said Alcino Barros -- who was appointed as Vice-Minister two days ago -- , must complete his work at Dili Court before taking up his new job on 20 November. According to this daily Longuinhos Monteiro is upset because he was not told of Mr. Barros' nomination and was not even invited to participate in the swear- in ceremony of the new vice-minister.

TLPS commissioner, Paulo Martins informed that 5 people have been detained in connection with the conflicts in Uatu-lari and that the police Rapid Response Unit is still in that sub-district and maintaining patrol in the area.

Timor-Leste Employers Union signed a workers agreement with Taiwanese business people last week, TP reported.

November 6, 2002

Attorney General, Longuinhos Monteiro said the law should decide Uatu-lari case He said "the government can make a decision and conclusion that this is a political issue therefore it should be resolved politically. But in my view, law must deal all crime cases. If it is resolved politically the issue will rise again", reported Suara Timor Lorosae.

Member of Parliament, Leandro Isac (PSD party) has been quoted as saying that the reconciliation process promoted by President Gusmao in West Timor has been successful but the majority of Timorese in the country are facing various internal problems, "therefore internal reconciliation among national leaders should be focused first."

STL reported that the team sent today by the government to Uatu- Lari sub-district, Viqueque district includes 5 members of the Parliament.

National Parliament President Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres stated that during his four-day visit with president Xanana Gusmao and an official delegation to West Timor, he noticed that Timorese people there are enthusiastic to return to their homeland.

In an interview with journalist in Mota Ain, former pro- integration leader Joco Tavares praised the leadership of Timor- Leste's President.

"With only 6 months in power, the President thought of those Timorese still living in West Timor and came to visit them. He must first focus on his task in Timor-Leste. I will help the refugees return", said Joco Tavares.

Suara Timor Lorosae's front page reported on yesterday's appointment of Alcino de Arazjo Barros as Vice-Minister of Internal Administration. Prime Minister Alkatiri and President Gusmao nominated him.

Director of Dili Hospital, Benjamin Piedade yesterday told journalist that the hospital does not have a car to specifically transport the dead ones back to their districts. Mr. Piedade said there has been lots of criticism from the public in regards to this matter.

STL reported that two pediatrics specializing in heart diseases from Australia, Charles Kilburn and Lance Fong arrived in Dili last Thursday to provide free medical consultaion to children between 0-18 years of age at the national hospital.

It is reported that in the opening ceremony of Lospalos bridge -- named Obrigado Bridge -- Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri noted that when the Japan Engineer Group first arrived in the country they were encountered with a protest by "many of our friends from various NGO's about the presence of Japanese soldiers due to sins committed by their grandfather during WWII in this nation." "But I appeal to these NGO's to focus on the positive things that the Japanese soldiers are currently doing good for the country," added Mr. Alkatiri.

Timor Post's front page carried a photo of former combatants protesting in front of UN Police building in Caicoli about the selection criteria for police officers. Below the photo it reads: Rogerio Lobato: "To be a police officer one must be tall and strong." Minister Lobato said it would be ideal to have tall and strong police officers because they are the ones to serve the communities. This should be the criteria for the recruitment of police officers. In a dispatch, Minister Lobato stated that if 340 former Indonesia police were recruited then the same number should apply for the recruitment of former clandestine and Falintil. The Minister added that the test for the 300 former clandestine should apply to all the recruits in order for one to say it is a balanced process but UN has the last say on the security. The government must coordinate with UN police but the decision on this issue comes from UN, said the Minister. Questioned whether the numbers of former clandestine and Falintil reached 300, the Minister said, "I have submitted this proposal to UN Police Commissioner, Peter Miller in which I stated that the criteria for former Indonesian police, then to the clandestine and armed forces must be treated equally." Mr. Lobato added that although many former combatants do not have education they can still be recruited as police officers to maintain law and order based on whatever capacities they have.

Also on it's front page Timor Post reported that President Xanana Gusmao and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri officially nominated Alcino Araujo Barros as Vice Minister of Internal Administration yesterday. In the same article Prime Minister Alkatiri informed that a travel budget of US$300,000 approved on 20 May for government officials is not enough.

The Chairman of Dili District Court, Aderito Tilman said the vacancy left by the District Court Attorney, Alcino Arazjo Barros should be replaced immediately in order to maintain the workflow.

Baucau District Administrator, Micaela Ximenes told Timor Post that a cement and zinc factory would soon open in Cairabela- Vemasse sub-district of Baucau.

Member of National Parliament, Joco Gonzalves of PSD party said that if Internationals NGO's refuse to follow the country's regulations, they should be sent out of Timor-Leste.

November 5, 2002

Primer Minister Mari Alkatiri stressed that the commission send by the government to Uatu-Lari sub-district of Viqueque district, will investigate the people or groups stealing animals in that area. Speaking to journalists at Hotel Timor, Mr. Alkatiri said this problem has been dragging on for past years and " the government has decided to give specific attention to this case in order to resolve the problem", reports Suara Timor Lorosae.

A team composed of university students from Uatu-Lari is also investigating the case noting that it is not a matter of stealing animals but political problems arising since 1975 until 1980. It is reported that the majority of former pro-Indonesia residents used to steal from the pro-independence residents. And now that the country is independent the pro-independent residents are taking their animals back.

President Xanana Gusmco requested the population of Timor-Leste to stop the violence against returning Timorese refugees. Mr. Gusmco said the violence of 1959, 1975 and 1999 caused many Timorese taking refuges in West Timor, which has been creating a burden to residents of that country.

It is reported that hundreds of former pro-integration militia members under Joco Tavares would like to return to Timor-Leste providing that President Gusmco guarantees their security from West Timor to their villages.

The Rector of Dili Institute of Technology, Joco Cancio Freitas informed that his institution signed an agreement of cooperation with Victoria University in Melbourne in areas of increased education professionalism for Timor-Leste, reported STL.

TLPS office in Liquiga was confronted with angried former Falintil and clandestine members for misinformation about recruitment of police officers. It is reported that information was passed to residents in that district that those wishing to apply to become police officer should go and collect application forms in the police office. Apparently they were told that only 6 more officers are needed.

Attorney General, Longuinhos Monteiro said Timor-Leste officially became 180th member of the International Police (Interpol). The admission ceremony was signed on 20 October in Cameroon by the Attorney General himself as the country's official representative.

Executive Director of the National Center of Scientific Investigation (CNIC), Helder da Costa said that the 20% tax in Timor-Leste is very high. The government must first study the country's export and import then decides on tax to be charged.

STL reported that the Police services in Ainaro district was transferred from UN Police to Timor-Leste Police Services last Saturday.

Timor Post's front page reported on the meeting between former pro-integration leader, Joco Tavares and President Xanana Gusmco last Sunday night in Intan Hotel, in Atambua, Indonesia for about three-hours in which they discussed about the future of Timorese refugees and the reconciliation process.

It is reported that during a meeting in Kristal Hotel in Atambua, many refugees informed President Gusmco that they really want to return to Timor-Leste but are scare because according to information they received, many refugees have been killed and subjected to intimidation and terror by local Timorese. They appealed to the President to guarantee them security upon their return.

In an interview with Timor Post President of Partido Social Democrat (PSD), Mario Viegas Carrascalco stressed that UN came to help established the democratic foundation and not to fulfill the political ambitions of a group. He said, "independence was not given by UN but a result of the struggle of the Timorese people through the 30 August 1999 referendum."

Timor Post reported that UNMISET and UNDP held a workshop with a theme "Result-Oriented Workshop on Roles and Functions of the International Advisers" It is reported that SRSG Kamalesh Sharma spoke at the opening of the workshop held in Hotel Timor yesterday.

Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri has assured that there will not be more power cuts by Christmas.

Timor Post reported that last Thursday Primer Minister Alkatiri and President Xanana Gusmco held a meeting in the President's office to discuss various issues, specifically on the country's own currency.

Five members of the National Parliament are scheduled to visit Japan at the end of November. The group will consist of 3 members from Fretilin, 1 for Partido Democratico and 1 from Unico Democratica Timorense (UDT). The visit to Japan is to carry out a comparative study and meet Japanese government officials and above all to visit Japan's National Parliament, reported Timor Post.

UN Police Commissioner, Peter Miller stated that the TLPS cannot recruit former Falintil members to the force because the police services are now full.

Timor Post reported two Timorese economists: Helder da Costa, and Dr. Lucas da Costa as saying in separates interviews that the discussion between President Gusmco and Prime Minister Alkatiri on Timor-Leste's own currency is a good initiative.

Minister of Finance Maria Madalena Boavida informed that the government will soon set up a commission to control government cars in order to make sure they are used by staff for work and not for private purposes.

November 4, 2002

Suara Timor Lorosae reported today that during his visit to Kupang, West Timor, President Xanana Gusmco appealed all Timorese refugees to return to their homeland. "If some of you feel you have not done anything wrong, don't be afraid to come back to Timor-Leste. If some of you have been involved in killing, rapes, burnt of houses or looting must take responsibility, and have the courage to face justice. If we do not have justice then hatred and revenge will be passed on to our grandchildren and that can lead to conflict among them in the future. And that is bad. We must provide freedom and unity," said President Gusmco to an audience of 5000 Timorese refugees in Kefamenanu gymnasium,West Timor.

In a separate article it is reported that Mr. Gusmco traveled by car to the refugee camps in order to be able to see the condition of refugees still living in West Timor. Due to time constraint the President visited only 1 refugees camp-the Noelbaki camp- where he met 7000 refugees for more than 3 hours. West Timor governor Piet Tallo and the local military commander, Colonel Moesanip were present at the event, reported STL.

Executive Director of East Timor Study Group, Joco Mariano Saldanha said the reconciliation process in the country is a priority before focusing on Timorese refugees currently living in West Timor.

It is reported that the Government is sending an investigation team to Viqueque District Viqueque tomorrow. The team is composed of FALINTIL-FDTL members and East Timor Police Service representatives. The team will work together with the local Administrator, chief of villages and the residents to resolve a problem occurred in the sub-district of Uatu-lari last week.

Referring to Uatu-Lari problem, the Executive Director of East Timor Study Group (ETSG), Joco Mariano Saldanha, stated that the government must act urgently on this cases -stealing of animals- because it can happen to other districts as well.

Members of National Parliament have agreed with Bishop Belo's request for the establishment of a television station in Portuguese language in order to facilitate the Timorese in learning the language throughout the country. MP Clementino dos Reis Amaral of KOTA party said the Bishop's request is positive because the Timorese children will gain so much from it.

In an interview with STL, Timor-Leste Police Commissioner, Paulo Martins said terrorism is a hot topic in the country right now. The commissioner added that it is important to take adequate measures in anticipating terrorism in Timor-Leste. He added that Timorese Police officers have updated information about terrorist involvement in the country. Norwegian government has agreed to donate a generator to Timor-Leste. It is reported that the generator will arrive by mid December. In the same article Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri said that the electricity capacity would be increased in other areas, starting with Baucau.

Prime Ministers of the government of Timor-Leste, Australia and Indonesia will sit together to discuss the boundaries of Timor Sea, reported STL.

Please note Timor Post was not published today