Transition & reconstruction

East Timor's population booming

ABC Radio AM - September 15, 2004

Reporter: Anne Barker

Mark Colvin: A few short years ago East Timor lost hundreds of thousands of people to death and deportation in the militia-led violence of 1999. But today there's a remarkable turnaround. Results from the first national census show a population heading for one million by next year - one of the fastest growing populations in the world.

And as Anne Barker reports, there's definitive proof that many of the 250,000 refugees forced out of the country have finally come home.

Anne Barker: It's a far cry from the bloody violence of 1999 that stripped East Timor of about one quarter of its entire population. Thousands killed and tens of thousands more forced over the border into West Timor.

But now, just two years since independence, the tiny nation is nearing one million people and has one of the highest birth rates in the world. Results from the country's first national census put the population at 925,000 -- a 17.5 per cent increase since 2001.

And significantly, the areas registering the strongest growth of all point to a steady flow of refugees who've returned home. Dan Baker heads the UN Population Fund in Dili, which organised the census.

Dan Baker: One of the things that was really interesting that we found out was that the population growth rates were highest in the districts that bordered on Indonesia, and especially in Ocussi, which is the enclave surrounded by Indonesia.

For example, one district in Ocussi doubled its population, and that would indicate that those... a lot of those were people who had come back to their homes after they had been in camps in Indonesia, in West Timor.

Anne Barker: Do you know how many refugees are still in West Timor?

Dan Baker: There are some, the population of the refugee camps, however, is very, very much smaller than it was before, and it's very unlikely that very many of these people now will be coming back to Timor L'este. They will probably be trying to integrate into Indonesia.

Census Taker: We have total enumerators, not quite, it's about 2,700.

Anne Barker: The logistics of counting East Timor's population have been daunting. The rugged and remote terrain outside Dili has forced statisticians to find novel ways to reach every home in the country, from the presidential home of Xanana Gusmao to the tiniest wooden hut.

(census workers talking)

And in a world first, census workers have used satellite technology to record the locations of each and every one of the country's 194,000 households.

Dan Baker: And this is the first time that any country in the world has done it, and we feel quite confident that we've achieved a complete coverage of the country because we have all of these GPS readings.

Anne Barker: But for all its success, the census sounds a clear note of alarm for a country still struggling to provide for its people. Dan Baker says the high birth rate could put enormous strain on the country's meagre resources.

Dan Baker: This is a country where very high unemployment, very high poverty rates, and if the population is going to continue at this rate, so that in fact we cross the million mark some time next year, how is this country going to be able to provide jobs, education, and health for such a rapidly expanding population?

Mark Colvin: Dan Baker, from the United Nations Population Fund in Dili in East Timor ending Anne Barker's report.

The world's youngest country

BBC News (UK edition) - September 4, 2004

Jonathan Head, East Timor -- Five years ago the people of East Timor had their first opportunity to choose their own future and a staggering 98% of registered voters turned out to cast their ballots in favour of independence.

What do people have a right to expect five years after winning a Titanic struggle for independence?

That thought played on my mind as the old Indonesian airliner made the familiar approach alongside East Timor's dramatic coastline, my 17th visit here.

It had always looked the same: barren, mountainous and poor. The only time it had been different was when we arrived after the madness of five years ago.

Then, as a parting gift from the Indonesian military, everything was on fire. Everything. And even after 24 years of heavy-handed development by the Indonesians, East Timor did not have much to begin with. So, you still see burnt-out houses everywhere, even in the centre of Dili, the pretty little capital.

But this does finally look like a real country, with its own functioning government, and with many of the modest, Portuguese buildings restored to what little colonial glory they had.

There are neatly uniformed policemen directing traffic and a bewildering one-way system around which the creaking taxis circle endlessly.

There is even a rusty old ice-cream van tootling around, playing the tune Greensleeves.

And, of course, there are the ubiquitous white trucks ferrying international workers between meetings and long lunches in the cafes, which sprang up after liberation in 1999.

Rocky road

Even with a much reduced UN presence here, East Timor is still an economic basket case, dependent for much of its meagre $70m (#40m) national budget on foreign aid.

Five years on though, you would have thought they would have time to fix the road up to Bazartete, or any of the other roads.

The Indonesian military used to maintain them, for its own sinister purposes -- true -- but at least the people of Bazartete could travel easily down from their mountaintop village to sell vegetables.

Today the road is a terrifying, crumbling track clinging to the slopes and it takes twice as long to make the journey to the coast.

And with a new high-cost dollar economy, what they earn buys them much less than it did in Indonesian days.

Few people here can afford electricity or healthcare. But the astonishing thing is that they do not mind being even more abjectly poor than they were under the Indonesians.

People here, everywhere, still take such heart-warming pride in their historic achievement five years ago. And who can blame them.

Determination

The day of the referendum was one of those moments no journalist who covered it will ever forget. For the tiny United Nations mission charged with organising it, in the most impossible conditions and timeframe, it was even more moving.

Today, as I share recollections with Patrick Burgess -- one of the UN team then who stayed on to help East Timor get back on its feet -- the tears still flow freely as we remember that day, and, knowing now, the terrible violence that followed it.

East Timor had already been subjected to an occupation of unparalleled cruelty for over 20 years.

But in the months leading up to the vote, the Indonesian military inducted thousands of young men here, into militia gangs who kept up a relentless campaign of intimidation to try to deter people from choosing independence or from voting at all.

A large proportion of the population had been driven from their homes, and had to walk for hours to reach the polling stations, which were still menaced by militiamen.

Yet, there they were in their thousands, waving their registration papers, as the sun rose, waiting to vote for the very first time on their own future.

Many could not read or write. Many had suffered unspeakable barbarities.

But etched on their faces was a determination that you can still see today.

"We knew", the old pastor of Bazartete church told me, "that this was our moment to show the international community what we really wanted and we were ready to die to prove it." Fearless identity

There are some grubby realities facing East Timor now. It is the poorest country in Asia, with a government led by exiles who fought in their own way for independence, but who lost contact with the struggle and suffering shared by the people who stayed.

Rumours of corruption abound. The police and judicial system are hopelessly inadequate to resolve today's disputes over how this country's very limited wealth should be distributed.

But ask anyone whether it was worth it and they all answer with a resounding "yes".

The government tells them to be patient, and even five years on with little to show for all their sacrifice, they are prepared to wait. After all, it is their government.

And there is something else that hits me every time I come back. It is the families laughing and playing on the beach in Dili or eating grilled fish from roadside stalls. We never saw that in the days of Indonesian rule.

Instead what we used to feel -- taste almost -- without anyone talking to us (because few dared) was the fear. That has been lifted and it is something the East Timorese are still enormously grateful for. Even now, five years on.

[From Our Own Correspondent was broadcast on Saturday, 4 September, 2004 at 1130 BST on BBC Radio 4. Please check the programme schedules for World Service transmission times.]

West Timor/refugees

Timorese reiterate compensation demand

Jakarta Post - September 7, 2004

Semarang -- Some 25 former residents of East Timor descended upon the Central Java provincial administration on Monday, demanding that the Indonesian government pay the compensation promised to them after they fled East Timor in 1999.

The East Timorese relocated to Indonesia, mostly to areas in Central Java, after East Timor claimed independence in 1999.

Amancio Da Silva, the coordinator of the protest, said the group, which had been living in Central Java for the past few years, had requested the compensation offered by the government for their loyalty to the country, but they had not received any funds to date.

Timor Gap

Downer now pushing for early Timor Gap deal

The Guardian - September 29, 2004

Bob Briton -- Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is now in a hurry to conclude an agreement with the government of East Timor over the maritime boundary between the two countries.

At stake is control of oil and gas reserves estimated to be worth $42.74 billion. Even though all three major oil and gas fields lie on the East Timor side of the midway point between the coasts of the two countries -- the internationally recognised method used to define a maritime boundary -- it is estimated that the struggling nation will earn only $5.7 billion under present arrangements.

While Downer had previously said that a final agreement on the maritime boundary and revenue sharing might be decades away, he is now saying that an accord might be in place by Christmas.

While much is being made of the new "creative" atmosphere in discussions being held with East Timorese negotiators, it is more likely that pressure from the oil industry is responsible for the Foreign Minister's sunnier disposition. Woodside Petroleum has reportedly been pressuring parties to finalise the legal situation or risk stalling its $6 billion Greater Sunrise project.

East Timor's Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta and his Australian counterpart agreed last month to fast-track discussions.

Negotiators met in Darwin last week and in Canberra the week before. Downer could not resist trying to portray the Australian side as victims of a bullying effort on the part of the East Timorese. He claimed that East Timor had "run a bit of a campaign against us publicly and a lot of abuse has come flying our way.

But, you know, that's not really made any difference. We've got to do the right thing, not just by East Timor but by Australia."

While comments from East Timor's PM Mari Alkatiri's about the very real bullying by Australian officials were widely reported, the claim of a "campaign" is rich. Our impoverished neighbour simply does not have the funds to mount an effective public relations campaign about the theft of its natural resources.

The fact is that much of the moral pressure being applied on this issue comes from Australians ashamed of the behaviour of successive Australian governments. A campaign by grassroots organisations in support of East Timor's independence and its rights to its resources has been carried on for over a quarter of a century.

Demonstrations against the Howard Government's stance were held during the recent discussions in Canberra. A TV advertising campaign favouring a more just distribution of the oil wealth was funded by wealthy WA accountant Ian Melrose. A 30-second ad was screened and a one-minute message is coming. Father Frank Brennan, founder of the Jesuit Social Justice Centre has warned the East Timorese about losing their country's sovereignty in the deal currently under discussion.

Recently two former peacekeepers went public with their views on Australia's treatment of East Timor. Former Australian Federal Police officer Wayne Sievers told the media that the maritime boundary dispute was about nothing other than the theft of East Timor's oil. Former army major Chip Henriss-Anderssen said, "We're a country that's developed and on our feet. Timor is a country that's really struggling -- these people have nothing."

The Australia East Timor Friendship Association and the Australia West Papua Association are holding an open air forum outside Downer's Adelaide office -- at the Commonwealth Bank building 100 King William St -- this Friday at 12.30PM. East Timor will be an inevitable topic of discussion for the candidates for Downer's seat of Mayo.

For his part, Opposition Leader Mark Latham said that he would re-open boundary discussions to ensure a fairer deal for the East Timorese. The Greens have consistently backed calls for an internationally arbitrated readjustment of the sea boundaries between the two countries.

Protesters demand: 'give back Timor oil'

Green Left Weekly - September 29, 2004

Nick Everett, Canberra -- On September 20, 70 people demonstrated outside the foreign affairs department to demand the Australian government stop trying to steal East Timor's oil and gas resources. The protest coincided with the resumption of negotiations between Dili and Canberra on Timor Sea oil and gas revenue.

"We went over there, did a really hard job and thought we were doing some good. But it turns out the [Australian] government wants the oil reserves", said former army major Chip Henriss- Anderssen. "Timor is a country that is really struggling -- these people have nothing."

Former Australian Federal Police officer Wayne Sievers, who participated in the police mission to East Timor during the independence ballot in 1999, said the boundary dispute was nothing more than the theft of East Timor's oil.

"[The East Timorese] were a people who had nothing -- who earned less than a dollar a day -- and I don't think the price of their liberation, given that they lost 15% of their population during World War II to support us in the fight against Japanese fascism and militarism, should be the loss of their oil", Sievers told the rally.

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said: "Timorese people need the billions of dollars from oil revenue to fund schools and hospitals and much-needed infrastructure." The oil and gas reserves are estimated to be worth $42 billion. Already the Australian government has collected an estimated $2 billion in royalties from oil and gas deposits since the occupation of Indonesian occupation of East Timor ended in September 1999.

James Vassilopoulos, the Socialist Alliance candidate for Fraser, told the rally: "I am a maths teacher and I know that the median line -- the boundary under international law -- is in the middle, between Australia and East Timor. The Australian government's theft of East Timor's resources demonstrates that Australia -- a rich country -- is an imperialist power." Vassilopoulos called for bans on companies that were profiting from Timor Sea oil.

The Canberra Union Voices choir performed East Timorese liberation songs and led the protest in the singing of the Australian national anthem, with the words "In defiant strains now let us sing, denounce Australian greed!"

Peacekeepers accuse Australia of stealing from Timor

Australian Associated Press - September 20, 2004

Former Australian peacekeepers in East Timor accused the federal government of stealing from the fledgling nation today as talks resumed over the carve-up of gas and oil reserves in the Timor Sea, five years to the day since the first peacekeepers arrived.

On the fifth anniversary of the arrival of the Australian-led peacekeeping force (InterFET) in Dili, former peacekeepers called on the government to give East Timor a bigger share of the royalties.

"We went over there and did a really hard job and thought we were doing some good," former Army Major Chip Henriss-Anderssen told AAP. "But it turns out that the government wants the oil reserves. "We're a country that's developed and on our feet. Timor is a country that's really struggling -- these people have nothing." East Timorese government officials arrived in Canberra today for three days of talks over the seabed boundary and division of the rich oil and gas reserves, estimated to be worth $US30 billion. All three major oil and gas fields -- Sunrise, Bayu Undan and Laminaria -- are closer to East Timor than they are to Australia.

Under an interim deal, East Timor will get 90 per cent of government revenue from the joint petroleum development area, including the Conoco Phillips operated Bayu Undan field and part of the Woodside Petroleum operated Sunrise project. But under a second deal, the international unitisation agreement, only 20 per cent of the Sunrise field lies in the joint zone, with the remaining 80 per cent given to Australia.

The boundary has been a sticking point between the two countries, with Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri accusing Australia of bullying his country, one of the world's poorest.

Former Australian Federal Police officer Wayne Sievers, part of the police mission to East Timor during the independence ballot in 1999, said the boundary dispute was nothing more than the theft of East Timor's oil. Mr Sievers said the East Timorese had voted for independence from Indonesia despite knowing it would lead to bloodshed.

"They were a people who had nothing -- who earned less than a dollar a day -- and I don't think the price of their liberation, given that they lost 15 per cent of their population during World War II to support us in the fight against Japanese fascism and militarism, should be the loss of their oil," Mr Sievers told a rally outside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) building.

"They have nothing apart from the oil and that's the only thing that's going to rebuild their country back from the year zero visited upon them by the Indonesian forces."

Today's talks are the second round of negotiations, following on from similar talks in Dili last April. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer threatened to call off further talks in July after Opposition Leader Mark Latham said a Labor government would start the talks again from scratch.

But after talks in Canberra with his East Timorese counterpart Jose Ramos Horta last month, Mr Downer agreed to look for creative solutions to the problem and said he hoped a decision could be reached by Christmas.

The two delegations released a brief statement this afternoon describing today's initial discussions as good. "The delegations look forward to further productive discussions over the next few days," the statement said.

Justice & reconciliation

Leaders seek support against international tribunal

Associated Press - September 14, 2004

East Timor's leaders will seek public support against moves to establish an international tribunal over alleged human rights violations during Indonesia's 24-year occupation, Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said Tuesday.

Expressing sympathy for Indonesia's troubled switch from dictatorship to democracy, Ramos-Horta said a tribunal would undermine democracy and stability there because of a potential backlash against the nation's leaders, some of whom have been implicated in the East Timor abuses.

"If we are neighbors and friends of Indonesia, and we respect what they are trying to do ... we should not attempt anything that actually creates problems for them," the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner said.

He acknowledged opposition to his view, which he said he shared with President Xanana Gusmao. "We are working with our parliament, the church, with [non-governmental organizations], and the various branches of the government to try to have a proper view of this," he said. "But it is beyond any doubt that we will not support any attempt at establishing an international tribunal for East Timor."

East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, was devastated during a long war that followed Indonesia's 1975 invasion and killed about 200,000 East Timorese and 10,000 Indonesian troops. The country gained full independence in 2002 after a period of UN rule.

Human rights groups insist that Indonesian military commanders must be punished for abuses in East Timor, and have urged the United Nations to set up a war crimes tribunal.

"In my view, the greatest gift of justice for the people in East Timor is that we are free today," Ramos-Horta said. "I always have faith that sooner or later that nations address their own history."

Ramos-Horta signed agreements with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo on economic and technical cooperation and training Timorese diplomats in Manila hours after his arrival Tuesday. He thanked the Philippines for being an "older brother" to his young nation.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was to host a dinner for him on Wednesday. Romulo said the Philippines backs East Timor's membership in the ASEAN Regional Forum, which Ramos-Horta called "increasingly important in addressing security issues in the region." The forum includes the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States, China, Japan, Australia and other countries.

Foreign minister opposes rights tribunal

Associated Press - September 8, 2004

East Timor's foreign minister reaffirmed his opposition to an international rights tribunal Wednesday, telling parliament that the country's economic future depended on good relations with its former occupier.

"I believe that the right thing for us to do is reconcile with Indonesia," Jose Ramos Horta said. "Almost everything for our daily needs comes from Indonesia," he said.

"Therefore, if we have a bad relationship with Indonesia it will effect the living standard of the people of East Timor. The past is history now ... the future is more important."

Human rights groups demand the establishment of an international tribunal to punish Indonesian officers and their proxy militias blamed for killing at least 1,500 people in 1999, when East Timor voted to break away from Indonesia.

Last month, an appeals court in Jakarta overturned the convictions of four Indonesian commanders implicated in the bloodshed. This means all 16 police and military officers charged over the violence have been acquitted.

Only two people -- both ethnic East Timorese civilians -- were found guilty. In contrast, a UN-backed panel in Dili has indicted more than 380 people and convicted more than 50 so far. Still, most of the top defendants _ including former Indonesian presidential candidate Gen. Wiranto _ remain free, spurring activists to press their demands for an international court.

"What has happened is a disgrace," Silverio Pinto Baptist, a rights activist, told reporters Wednesday. "The international community and the government of East Timor should establish an international tribunal," he said. "Those who masterminded the 1999 violence should be brought to justice."

But the East Timor government has been reluctant to seek justice, saying ties with Indonesia -- which ruled the half-island for 24 years -- are more important for the country's future.

Abilio Soares - The man in the middle

SBS Dateline - September 9, 2004

Last week was the fifth anniversary of the independence vote in East Timor and the Indonesian atrocities that followed. At the time of the killings there was an international uproar and some confidence that the perpetrators would be prosecuted. That confidence has now turned to dust. As promised, Indonesia put its own military on trial. But one by one, they have all walked free, except for one man, Abilio Soares, the former governor of East Timor. His imprisonment just a few weeks ago marks a miserable end to the quest for justice. Mark Davis met with him in Jakarta's Cipinang prison.

Reporter: Mark Davis

One of Jakarta's most democratic institutions is Cipinang prison. It takes all comers -- corrupt businessmen and politicians, the Bali bombers, rapists, fraudsters and murderers. Anyone can get in here -- anyone that is, except those who murder, rape and torture East Timorese. For them, it seems these gates will never be prised open.

Abilio Soares is in shock. After five years of impressive-looking trials and hearings, he has just become the only person to be imprisoned for crimes against humanity in East Timor.

Abilio Soares, former governor of East Timor (Translation): If human rights violations occurred who is responsible?

Indonesia's former governor in East Timor has become something of a martyr in political circles here since he was set to Cipinang in July. A loyal servant of Jakarta, rewarded with a jail cell for doing what was asked of him.

Mark Davis: Do you feel betrayed by people who were your friends, who supported you when you were supporting Indonesia? Do you feel betrayed that...?

Abilio Soares (Translation): I don't feel betrayed by the people but by the government.

No television interviews with Abilio have been allowed but I managed to speak with him in Cipinang as he met with his legal team, preparing one last appeal, and it seems he no longer feels obliged to protect his former friends in the Indonesian Government and military.

Abilio Soares (Translation): I didn't help them to kill people. You can see here that I did not form the militia and neither did I support them.

This week, five years ago, East Timor was being burnt to the ground and its people massacred. The Timorese had just spurned Indonesia at the referendum. It was a fittingly brutal end to Indonesian rule.

In its first year, the newly independent East Timor seemed more like a huge crime scene than a nation. The country was awash with evidence of the murders and massacres that had occurred there with the complicity of the Indonesian military. To avoid the growing call for an international criminal tribunal, the Indonesian Government struck a deal with the UN.

Indonesia would prosecute its own military, police and officials. It seemed like a bad joke at the time. And now, five years later, the punch line has been delivered -- just one fall guy, and an East Timorese one at that.

Soares no longer feels obliged to mince his words about who he holds responsible for the atrocities of '99 -- not the militias, but the local police chief and in particular, the Indonesian military commander based in Dili.

Abilio Soares (Translation): Indeed, he should be punished, because I shouldn't be the one here. It should be Tono Suratman.

Tono Suratman was 1 of 21 military and police officers that Indonesia claimed would be prosecuted for abuses in East Timor. All of them walked free. At his hearing, Suratman was cleared of responsibility for a wave of killings, in particular two appalling massacres in early '99, five months before the referendum, massacres for which Abilio Soares was held responsible.

Mark Davis: Do you now accept any responsibility for those killings?

Abilio Soares (Translation): I think the killings were carried out by armed men. The people bearing arms, either legally or illegally, were the security forces, not the governor. That wasn't the governor's role. The people with weapons who would oppose those using arms, were the defence forces, either the police or the army.

From the beginning of '99, militias began terrorising remote villages far from public scrutiny, forcing people to join, torturing or murdering those who refused to do so.

Man (Translation): If you'd been there last night, you'd be dead now.

Man 2 (Translation): Did the head of the village die?

Man (Translation): Yes, he died.

The more they killed, the more money they received, and the more outrageous they and their friends in the army became.

Hospital worker (Translation): Who do you think shot you?

Patient (Translation): It was... the Indonesian troops.

Hospital worker (Translation): The troops. You saw the troops.

In early April, together with Indonesian troops, they surrounded a church in Liquica suspected of harbouring independence supporters, and opened fire, hacking to death anyone who tried to escape.

On April 17, the militias made their first direct assault upon the capital Dili, starting with a rally outside the office of governor Abilio Soares.

Until this day, Dili had been free of militia massacres. Victims from the rural areas were seeking refuge in the capital, about 150 of them camping in the house and gardens of Manuel Carrascalao -- a wealthy and influential protector. Most of them had already suffered terribly at the hands of the militias and all of them could hear the speeches coming from outside the governor's office just a stone's throw away.

Rally (Translation): I take this opportunity to order all militia, both ordinary soldiers and commanders, from April 17 onwards, to seek them out, capture them... If they resist, shoot them dead.

Mark Davis: Everybody knew they were going there to kill them so that means that people in responsibility should have taken responsibility?

Abilio Soares (Translation): But who supplied those weapons? And who supervised their use? That isn't the governor's responsibility. And to let you know... when they rallied in front of the governor's office, which resulted in killing of Manuel Carrascalao's son, I did not agree to their rallying. At the time, I didn't agree to it and did not attend the rally.

The mob descended upon the Carrascalao house. With high fences surrounding the building, there was no escape. They were butchered in the middle of Dili as police and army stood by and their commanders ate their lunch.

12 bodies were recovered including Manuel Carrascalao's son. Witnesses believe there were dozens more killed. 40 are still missing.

Mark Davis: Where were you when the killings were happening at the Carrascalao house? Where were you?

Abilio Soares (Translation): I was at the governor's office. I was at the governor's residence at the time receiving the Foreign Minister's delegation from Northern Ireland.

Translator: When it happened he was a guest from...

Mark Davis: The lunch, the lunch. Yes. And what did you do when you heard the killings were happening?

Abilio Soares (Translation): I received a phone call when the killings happened, about an incident at the Carrascalao house. I instructed the head of my department to contact the security forces to handle the situation. If I am not mistaken, the police arrested 20 people.

Mark Davis: Well, it was a terrible massacre, helpless refugees, you know, nowhere to run. Someone should be in jail for that. Who should be in jail for that?

Abilio Soares (Translation): At the time this involved supporters and opponents. Those 20 people who were arrested should be tried. Where are they now?

Mark Davis: Where were the police and where were the army when the mob was going down with machetes to kill the people? Where was the police and where were the army?

Abilio Soares (Translation): Well, that's a good question. Where were the security forces at the time?

Where were the security forces is the key question that could be asked for all of '99 and it's not hard to answer. The police or army were present at virtually every major atrocity of that year, sometimes directly involved in the killings, more often literally standing back and watching as the militias were sent in, militias which, according to Soares, they directed and controlled.

Abilio Soares (Translation): I feel that they are the ones who should be here. I should be free. They were the ones responsible for security.

Mark Davis: Instead of you? Why? Why?

Abilio Soares (Translation): Because under the 5 May agreement, security for the referendum was given to the military and police.

Mark Davis: Well, who else should be here? Should General Wiranto be here instead of you? Should Adam Damiri be here instead of you?

Abilio Soares (Translation): Yes, Adam Damiri was Tono Suratman's superior.

So they are the ones who should be held accountable for the human rights violations in East Timor because they were responsible for security, not me.

Abilio's defence has a familiar ring to it -- it's the defence of every government man under every military regime. And it's not a bad defence.

But in East Timor, government officials were hardly arm's length from the mad plans of the Indonesian military and, according to this former Indonesian sympathiser, neither was Abilio Soares.

Tomas Goncalves (Translation): On March 26 the Governor told us that from May 1, throughout the territory, we were to liquidate all the CNRT members, down to their grandchildren. If the people sought help from priests, nuns or the bishop, these too should be killed.

Mark Davis: Tomas Goncalves has accused you, though, of pulling all the integration leaders together and giving instructions that all the CNRT people will be killed from May 1, down to their grandchildren.

Abilio Soares (Translation): I ask for proof. I ask for the proof.

Because that never happened. That never happened.

Mark Davis: It's hard to prove, I guess, but it is an accusation he's made that, in March, you said that all the CNRT people would be killed from May.

Abilio Soares (Translation): By whom?

Mark Davis: Tomas Goncalves. You don't know Tomas Goncalves?

Abilio Soares (Translation): I know. Who did you say is going to carry out the killings?

Mark Davis: The militias, the militias, not you, not you -- no, you're a government man.

There were lots of government men in Dili and Jakarta involved in 1999, all of whom apparently argued their case better or had better friends to argue it for them than Abilio Soares did. None of them were charged.

Mark Davis: Where did the money come from? Who financed the militias...

and the FPDK?

Translation: He never been supported. He doesn't know. He doesn't have a notion. No idea? No idea, yeah.

Witnesses had detailed the involvement of ministers, like Yunis Yosfiah, officials from Ali Alatas's foreign affairs department and the current head of Indonesian intelligence, Hendropriyono, in heavily funding the biggest pro-Indonesian lobby group in East Timor, the FPDK. Many government officials in East Timor joined the daintily named Forum for Peace, Democracy and Unity. Abilio now has a rather blunt assessment of what the FPDK really was.

Mark Davis: You knew all the FPDK people. You'd go to their meetings.

You know them all, yeah?

Abilio Soares (Translation): Yeah.

Mark Davis: Now, you know they were leaking money to the militias so you must have questioned how did the FPDK get money.

Abilio Soares (Translation): The FPDK was under the army. I've written it down.

Translator: I mean the associates of the military.

Mark Davis: Associates of the military?

Abilio Soares (Translation): At the time the militia were the military arm of the FPDK.

And the FPDK was funded by prominent Jakarta ministers -- now, that would make an interesting court case. And the money trail to Jakarta doesn't end there, as various former public servants in Dili have told.

Mark Davis: So they turned your department into a bank for the militia?

Former public servant (Translation): It was all for the militia. That whole 1999 budget was for the militia alone.

From the rubble of government offices, emerged instructions directly from Abilio authorising development and welfare funds to be diverted for the socialisation of autonomy, supposedly a kind of education program for the referendum.

Government worker (Translation): The penggalangan, which means militia activities,

Abilio Soares (Translation): On the issue of socialisation of autonomy, as part of the Indonesian government, that is something I had to do. And that was my responsibility as governor. The socialisation of autonomy is not the same as murder. It isn't so.

Abilio Soares -- the man in the middle. Neither one of the military masterminds nor one of the machete-wielding thugs who turned against him in the end.

Abilio Soares (Translation): Because even my family and I were subject to their aggression.

One man -- the end result of a grand-sounding quest that was to deliver justice for the dead and a lesson to military commanders everywhere.

One wonders what lessons the rest of the class of '99 drew from the experience.

Militia leader Eurico Gutteres was convicted, but is free pending an appeal and now works for the ruling party in Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri's PDI.

After Tono Suratman was acquitted, he was promoted to the position of Brigadier General. His superior officer, Adam Damiri, failed to appear at the tribunal four times. He was busy running the bloody war against separatists in Aceh. When he finally fronted, he, too, was acquitted.

Timbal Silaen, the chief of police in East Timor in '99, was also acquitted of crimes against humanity. He has now been appointed police chief in West Papua, a province undergoing its own wave of terror at the hands of Indonesian forces. And the ultimate military commander of '99, General Wiranto, is now pursuing his post-military career -- entertainer, politician, businessman. Wiranto has also been indicted for crimes against humanity, but it's unlikely his case will ever be heard. A bizarre end to a very sordid tale.

That story co-produced by East Timorese journalist Jose Belo. And just yesterday the East Timorese Government called for Soares to be released as part of its reconciliation process.

Indonesia

Legal action taken over rights abuses in Timor: Hassan

Jakarta Post - September 29, 2004

New York (Antara) -- The Indonesian government, under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, has taken legal action against the alleged perpetrators of human rights abuses in East Timor in 1999, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said here on Tuesday.

"Indonesia's Mutual Cooperation Cabinet has already taken legal action. I do not know how the next government will see this case after October 20," he said after his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the sidelines of the UN's59th general assembly.

A number of UN member countries have continued to question rights abuses allegedly perpetrated by Indonesian troops during the self-determination ballot in East Timor five years ago.

The Megawati government, whose term ends on October 20, has punished two people, including former East Timor governor Abilio Osorio Soares, for allegedly violating human rights in the former Indonesian province.

New Zealand and the United States, as well as the European Union, have expressed concern over the decision of the ad hoc court on rights abuses in East Timor to acquit several Indonesian Military officers.

Hassan said the government had rejected a UN commission set up last March to deal with rights abuses in East Timor. "We want the cases to be settled by Indonesia, together with East Timor," he said.

East Timorese Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Ramos Horta said recently his country does not support foreign intervention, such as the setting up of an international court to try the rights abuses. He said his country is giving priority to good ties and mutual cooperation with Indonesia.

In the meeting with Annan, Hassan conveyed Megawati's gratitude to the UN secretary-general for UN assistance, including that channeled for the holding of this year's elections in Indonesia.

Horta expects Susilo to strengthen Indonesia-Timor ties

Antara - September 24, 2004

New York -- Presidential front-runner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono could strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and Timor Leste, Timor Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta said here on Thursday.

"I am sure he will continue the Indonesian-Timor Leste bilateral relations established by his predecessor, President Megawati Soekarnoputri," he said during the 59th United Nations General Assembly.

Ramos Horta said he knew Susilo personally and wanted to meet with him immediately once the former top security minister was installed as the country's sixth president.

"I admire him. He is a leader, a reformist and has a high sense of integrity," he said.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) will formally announce the winner of the presidential runoff on October 5. Susilo has thus far maintained a healthy lead of 60 percent against Megawati's 40percent.

Ramos Horta added that Timor Leste was willing to cooperate with Indonesia, including diplomatic efforts in the UN, and said the country would not support the idea of establishing an international tribunal over alleged rights abuses committed by the Indonesian military following a pro-independence referendumin 1999.

He said UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan did touch on the alleged human rights abuse by Indonesian troops in East Timor, and had stressed that whoever was found to be responsible for the rights violations must be tried.

Language & culture

Bishop Nascimento upbeat on future of Portuguese

Lusa - September 7, 2004

Lisbon -- East Timor's religious leader, Catholic Bishop Basilio do Nascimento, is optimistic over efforts, backed by Portugal, to re-introduce the use of Portuguese in his newly independent country.

"Currently, the percentage of people speaking Portuguese is minimal, following 24 years of [Indonesian] occupation, but I believe this is a battle that will be won in the future", Bishop do Nascimento said Monday after a meeting with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio.

Portugal's aid programs in its former Asian colony are strongly centered on education and promotion of the Portuguese language.

The Timorese prelate is in Portugal on a private visit for what he described as "health reasons and to rest".

The bishop of Baucau explained his meeting with Sampaio, which lasted more than one hour, as an encounter between "friends" to discuss the problems faced by East Timor.

He said the Timorese, who gained their independence from Jakarta two years ago, now lived in a "climate of peace" but faced "economic difficulties", given the slow pace of reconstruction following the scorched-earth campaign that accompanied Indonesia's withdrawal.

East Timor media monitoring

September 2, 2004

Timor Post

The newspaper reports that the Indonesian Government has sent a Senior Police (POLRI) Liaison Officer to be stationed in Dili for two years.

According to the newspaper, Minton Mariaty arrived in Dili on August 27 and has met with the PNTL Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins. The newspaper says that Mariaty's task in Timor-Leste is to liaise with the local police regarding any problems between Indonesians and Timor-Leste citizens in the country, and to establish good cooperation between POLRI and PNTL.

The minister of Health, Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, said that to be able implement the health program in Timor-Leste more human resources are needed to be able to cover the entire country. The Minister said that otherwise it will be difficult to respond to the demands, especially from the rural and remote areas.

The Minister said that there are many nurses and midwives working throughout the country already, but the challenge is to fill the gap in remote and rural areas.

Suara Timur Lorosae

Speaking at the opening ceremony for training the trainers of PNTL officers in Dili, the Vice Minister of the Interior, Alcino Barris, said that although there are many challenges faced by the police, the academy is a place where the police could develop and further their training. According to the newspaper, the Vice Minister said that PNTL was only established in the last two years and has faced many challenges, and he hopes the training will bring more credibility to the institution. Twenty-two PNTL officers, among them one woman, will participate in the train the trainers program which will be conducted by 3 Malaysian police instructors. Today's edition of the paper reports that the Ministry of Health has started a course for midwives in Dili. During the opening ceremony the Minister of Health, Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, said that his Ministry is implementing the national development plan in the health sector with limitations but one of the priorities is to reduce the maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The minister said that the 30 newly recruited midwives will be posted in the Districts and will return to the Districts when the course ends. (The paper does not say how long the training is going for)

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that a group called Tea Growers Xalala Cablaki Agriculture is growing tea in Hatohei, Suco Rotuto in the Sub-District of Same, District of Manufahe. According to the newspaper the Tea Growers received an amount of USD$ 1, 670 from Colombia University, an NGO operating in Timor- Leste. The coordinator of the Tea Growers, Jorge da Silva, said that the group is growing tea on two hectares of land, and will expand it to five hectares when they produce good quality of tea.

The Sub-District Administrator of Hatu-Builico, District of Ainaro, Manuel Martins de Carvalho, said that Hato-Builico has been without electricity for almost one year now. He said that during the Open governance people presented their grievances to the Ministers, but people are still sitting in the dark every night.

Sydney Morning Herald

An American canoeist has again set sail for Indonesia, apparently in a protest against Prime Minister John Howard and US President George W Bush.

Northern Territory police yesterday launched a massive air search for the 38-year-old man after he set out from Dundee Beach near Darwin about 11pm on Monday without safety gear and wearing only shorts and a t-shirt. The man's six-metre canoe was spotted by police on Bathurst Island, about 150km north of Darwin, yesterday afternoon. However, he did not stay on the island long enough for police to reach him, a police spokeswoman said today. Locals on the island said the man had again headed out into the Timor Sea in his six-metre canoe, reportedly after being told he was not in Indonesia. Police will make a decision this morning whether to continue their search for the man. The man apparently told locals before leaving the mainland he was unhappy with Prime Minister John Howard and the presidents of Indonesia and the United States and was going to Indonesia to take action.

September 3, 2004

Timor Post

The head of Suai District Court, Jose da Costa, said that the court has handled cases covering four districts of the western part of Timor-Leste from Ainaro, Suai, Bobonaro and Same. Mr da Costa said that 506 cases has been presented by CAVR to the court which has accepted 374 cases, while 132 cases are still pending approval by the court. Mr da Costa said that CAVR has solved many cases involving the serious crimes unit like burning and torture starting from 1974 up to the 1999 popular consultation through community reconciliation process. He said that legally CAVR cannot handle criminal cases like burning and torturing, but since both parties have agreed to settle the cases, the court has given the approval.

A lawyer from the Dili District Court, Rui dos Santos Pereira, said that any government official involve in crime should be exempted from immunity.

Mr Pereira, who is handling the case of a Timor-Leste government official code-named VS, said he will be processed after the National Parliament approves the removal of immunity. Mr Pereira said that the investigation process by police and the prosecutor's office on VS is being done according to the procedure and it should be approved by the executive leadership. Mr Pereira also confirmed that there has not been any intervention by the government.

The President of the Eventual Commission, established by the National Parliament to oversee the veterans document, Joaquim dos Santos, said that the Prime Minister has requested the Commission to take time and study the document to make a fair and just decision. Mr dos Santos said that the Commission is still having problems coming up with a clear definition of veterans and ex- combatants, and who can really be considered veterans and ex- combatants.

Suara Timur Lorosae

The F-FDTL Brigadier General, Taur Matan Ruak, said that the salary increase for F-FDTL and PNTL employees rests upon the government decision on the budget allocated for the two institutions. The Brigadier General said that the Government is in a better position than him to answer whether there's a budget to increase the salaries or not. According to the newspaper, several members of the F-FDTL have been complaining about low wages and have asked for an increase.

The Brigadier General said that the welfare of F-FDTL members has been taken into consideration, and there are already plans to review the salaries, although things cannot be done overnight. The newspaper also reported the Deputy President for Commission B of the National Parliament in charge of the Independent Enquiry Commission, Jose Manuel Fernandes, said that some F-FDTL officers are unhappy with their salaries but are not forcing the government for an increase, but would rather like the authorities to see their living conditions.

A Timorese entrepreneur, Oscar Lima, said that it is not easy to remove a business license from a company if there is no serious violation committed by the company. Mr Lima made such comments following the statement by the Vice Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Infrastructure, Cesar Vital Moreira, that the government could easily remove a business license from a company. Mr Lima said that he appreciates the criticism made on projects technical mistakes that were committed on the ground, but the government should not only point to mistakes made by certain companies.

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the Ex-commander of Region III, Cornelio Gama (L7) has refused to participate in a dialogue with the Government because the President of the Republic is not in the country. According to the newspaper Cornelio said that another reason for him not to participate is because he feels that his problem won't be solved, and other people may take the opportunity to create problems. Meanwhile the elected spokesperson for L7, L4, said that a meeting has been scheduled for this Friday but the President said that no other dialogue or meeting will take place to talk about the veterans issue.

September 6, 2004

Timor Post

The Indonesian immigration office in Atambua, West Timor, has deported a Timorese by the name, Silvina Sanches, to the District of Bobonaro, due to her illegal entrance to West Timor. According to the newspaper report Mrs Sanchez did not have the proper entry documents. According to the newspaper the Atambua Immigration Office also deported another Timorese, Antonio Hunu, for the same reason.

The newspaper reports that a meeting between the F-F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri Alkatiri, and the Secretary of State for Defence, Roque Rodrigues to discuss the sharing of the Port of Hera with the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the newspaper the Birgadier General said an agreement has been reached and that the Port of Hera will be shared between the Defence Force Naval Component and the Department of Fisheries. The Brigadier General said that he understands that fisheries is one of the main sources of Timor- Leste's revenue, so therefore priority should be given to this area.

Suara Timor Loro Sa'e (STL)

A reconciliation meeting took place between the Viqueque communities living in Timor-Leste and West Timor, in Mota Ain, where those still living in West Timor were invited to return. According to the newspaper the meeting took place after the authorization was granted by the Immigration Police Commander in Batugade, Alfredo Abel. According to the newspaper the time allocated for both communities was very limited. A Viqueque community member called Antonio Ximenes said he managed to meet members of his family and invited them to return wich they have accepted. He said that he must now make use of IOM and UNHCR presence to facilitate their return to Viqueque.

Vox Populi (Weekly Newspaper)

During the dialogue between the Government and Veterans the President, Xanana Gusmco, reminded the Veterans that they were not a political party.

According to the newspaper the President said that the Veterans were the pillar for security, and functioned to strengthen the national unity. The President also said that the veterans fought for 24 years for the independence of the country, which they did not do as a political party.

The newspaper reports that during a dialogue a member of the National Police Force, Antonio Guterres, who presented himself as the Nationalist Police Force said that corruption exists in the recruitment process in the PNTL. The newspaper reports that Mr Guterres said that only friends and family are recruited over the phone, while others have to follow the procedures.

According to the newspaper, Antonio Guterres demanded that the Government should take quick action and repair the system of recruitment within the PNTL.

September 7, 2004

Timor Post

The newspaper reports that the Office of President, Xanana Gusmco, said that a letter was recieved from the head of the village of Tebabui, sub-district of Bobonaro, about complaints over five PNTL members in that area.

According to the newspaper report in the four-page letter, the leader of the community, Vicente da Cruz, said that four members of PNTL and their commander stationed in that area beat nine members of that village. Mr da Cruz described the incident in detail in the letter, and a copy was also sent to the National Parliament, to the National Police Commissioner, Paulo Martin, and the Minister of Interior, Rogirio Lobato.

Meanwhile the Police Commissioner Paulo de Fatima Martins said, " If it is proven that those police officers have acted wrongly and violently against members of the community, strict measures will be taken against them." The incident was caused by a land dispute when members of Lora community occupied a piece of land that belongs to Tebabui on August 13.

A Member of West Timor Local Parliament on Border Control and Civil Servant Investigation (PPNS), Agung Saptono, said that PPNS and the Border control office have discovered that the illegal sale of Thai sugar in West Timor were smuggled through Timor- Leste. According to the newspaper Mr Saptono said 1105 bags of Thai sugar had entered illegally through the districts of Soe, Kefamananu, Atambua, Betun and Belu. An investigation is being carried out, and is in process to find those responsible.

The Secretary General of Klibut Oan Timor Asu'wain, Manuel Tilman, said that from what he has observed so far little development has taken place which has not changed or affected peoples lives in the country. Mr Tilman said that the changes are slowly happening and needs to accelerate a bit especially on the administration side. Mr Tilman said that many opportunities have been wasted during the emergency times and now we can see the impact on people's lives in the interior(country side).

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the Ministry of Health has opened new posts for Health Departments throughout the 13 Districts, and 285 candidates have sat for written test this week. The newspaper reports that the new staff will be posted in the Districts (regions 1 to 3) which include Oe-Cussi.

The Secretary of State for Commerce and Industry, Arlindo Rangel, said that 4,330 national and international firms have registered in Timor-Leste through his department. Mr Rangel said that if one counts other activities, like small kiosks and transportation, the number adds up to 7.303. Meanwhile the Vice-minister for Development and Environment, Abel Ximenes, said that Timorese entrepreneurs should not be afraid to compete with entrepreneurs from overseas operating in Timor-Leste. Mr Ximenes said that Timor-Leste as a country in the process of development cannot shut the doors of its economy to the outside world.

Suara Timur Lorose

The Dili District Court Administrator, Malena de Piedade, said that the court had approved 490 cases of the 497 handed by CAVR.. According to the newspaper report Ms Piedade said that only 7 cases have not been approved due to the judges participation in the training at the Centre of Judicial Training, but will be approved as soon as the judges return to work.

The National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that both Timor-Leste and Indonesia would open a free zone of five kilometers between Timor-Leste and Indonesia at the border. (The newspaper does specify the purpose for the free zone). According to the newspaper the issue has been discussed by PNTL operations commander, POLRI and UNSF. The National Police Commissioner,

Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that the plans were also discussed and approved by the Indonesian Ambassador in Timor-Leste Ahmed Bey Sofwan. Mr Ambassador Sofwan said that he would bring together the Indonesian Border Commander and the PNTL Commander in order to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the ex-Falintil commander, Cornelio Gama (L7), said that during the veteran's dialogue the President, Xanana Gusmco, during the dialogue gave powers to the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, the Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, and the National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins. (The paper does not specify want kind of power was given).

September 8, 2004

Timor Post

The newspaper reports that a former Falintil commander for region IV, Jose Ribeiro, known as Samba Sembilan (9), burned down three houses belonging to members of his family. According to the newspaper, the houses located 12 kilometres west of Dili had been empty for the past 3 years. The newspaper reports that Mr Ribeiro said that the reason for him to burn the houses was because nobody was occupying it, and he did not know the owners whereabouts. Mr Ribeiro said that it is frightening to see houses without anyone inside, so it is better to burn it". Mr Ribeiro said that he burned the 3 houses in anger after learning that his nephew, Anatacio Ribeiro, who had been taking care of them, left without informing him.

The newspaper reports that a former Falintil commander, Cornelio Gama (L7), said he made the decision not to proceed with the planned meeting with Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, and the police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, because he received information that a demonstration was scheduled for that day in support of the government. Mr Gama said that it was good that the meeting did not go ahead, because it could have ended in a huge fight between his supporters and the demonstrators. Mr Gama said that in a way it was a victory for him, because he wants stability for Timor-Leste. A political observer, Julio Tomas Pinto, said that the demonstration held on Friday, was done purely to express the group's support of the current government, and indicated that it had political maturity and would not have caused any problems. Mr Pinto said that it would be dangerous if the demonstration had been manipulated, and that otherwise it would only create an ethical dichotomy in Timor-Leste.

Suara Timur Lorosae

The National Police Force in the sub-district of Maubisse arrested two people suspected of involvement in the death of the Maubisse sub-district police commander, Domingos Ressoreicco de Araujo, on August 13. According to the newspaper, the two suspects, whose identities have not been released, were arrested at the location of the killing at 15:00hrs on Sunday at the house of the late captain Araujo. The newspaper reports that both said that they were related to captain Araujo, and were expecting to receive corn seeds from Care International. Meanwhile the National Police commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that the investigation of commander Araujo's death is still in process.

The newspaper reports that the Dili District Court sentenced a F-FDTL member for 30 days detention at Becora prison for allegedly killing Estevco Soares, another member of F-FDTL in Liquiga District on August 29. According to the newspaper report the accused was brought to Dili District Court by public defenders, Ivo Valente and Carolino da Costa, for the hearing process. The paper reports that the alleged culprit still carried signs of serious injuries to the head and feet, and showed regret and cried when the decision was read.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Ramos Horta, said that the Government of Timor-Leste is still waiting for the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, to make a statement on the results of the Ad Hoc Tribunal in Jakarta. Dr Horta said that the Government of Timor-Leste will only make a comment after the announcement is done by the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the Vice-Minister for Development and Environment, Abel da Costa Ximenes, said that the District of Baucau has benefited with four new credit cooperatives that the Government has opened in Suco Bukoli, Ostiko, Kaibada and Baucau Vila. The Vice-Minister said that small business can now borrow from the credit cooperatives to enhance their business not only in the districts but also to the sub-districts of Venilale, Laga and Vemasse.

September 9, 2004

Timor Post

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, during the opening ceremony for the training of judges, prosecutors and public defenders said that the judicial system needs to be revived in Timor-Leste. The Prime Minister said that he recognizes that the judicial system has to confront many difficulties, and sometimes cannot respond to all of them.

The President of Superior Judicial Magistrate, Dr Claudio Ximenes, said that the training of judges will establish for the future a priority to solidify the judicial system in Timor-Leste. The National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that the overall situation in Timor-Leste is calm, but he is still worried about martial arts group activities. The Police Commissioner said that he has ordered the Police to convene a meeting with all the martial arts leaders, but he is still waiting for Government approval of the proposal.

Suara Timor Loro Sa'e (STL)

The Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that the government will not withdraw its decision on the house that used to be occupied by Eng Mario Viegas Carrascalco, the Timor-Leste former governor during the Indonesian times, and that it cannot be interfered with by anybody. The Prime Minister said that the court can make any decision they wish, but the government's decision cannot be interfered. (Decision taken by the Government to evicted the former governor out of the residence in Farol). The newspaper reports that the house is currently being rehabilitated for government use, even though is it under legal dispute in Dili District Court. Meanwhile the Deputy Director of Legal Assistance Foundation Liberta, Benevides Correia Barros, said that while a house or land is in dispute or seized, it should not be occupied and rehabilitated until a final court's decision. He said that legally, before a court makes a final decision, nobody is allowed to occupy or have the rights over a house.

The Nacional Police Force (PNTL) and F-FDTL hold their regular meetings to discuss security of the nation, especially the problem of martial arts groups.

According to the newspaper, the Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that PKF [UNSF] UNPOL, the advisor for security to the government and the Brigadier General, Taur Matan Ruak, also participated in the meeting. The Police Commissioner said that during the meeting they discussed internal security and that in the last two weeks the situation has been calm, but they are all a little concerned with the martial arts group problems.

The newspaper reports that the coordinator for CPD-RDTL, Antonio ai-Tahan Matak, said that his organization will commemorate the establishment of Fretilin on 11 September with festivities starting Wednesday September 8.Mr Matak said that 30 years ago on 11/9, Associagco Social Democratica Timorense (ASDT) was transformed to Frente Revolucisnaria de Timor-Leste Independente (Fretilin) by the late Nicolau Lobato and Francisco Xavier do Amaral. Mr Matak said that the event took place with a small number of people and noted that at the time he was still young but remembers delivering the invitation from Nicolau Lobato to the various party representatives who were unable to attend the ceremony. Antonio Aitahan Matak also said that his group has no intention of creating any problems.

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the Personnel Officer of the District Administration of Baucau, Antonio Augusto Guterres, said that the administration has been paralyzed for the last five days due to a shortage of electricity. He said that the generator offered by UNMISET uses 200 liters of diesel a day, which the administration cannot afford, and that the generator has broken down.

September 10, 2004

Timor Post

The F-FDTL Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Filomeno de Paixco, said that the information in the report released by the Independent Investigation Commission, about the incident involving F-FDTL personnel and PNTL is correct. The paper reports that there are concerns over UNTAET regulations applying to F- FDTL institution in regards to promotion, training, uniforms, facilities and infrastructure and low remuneration as the reasons behind the attitude of some F-FDTL members that led to the shooting like the one in Lospalos against members of the community and PNTL. According to the newspaper the Lieutenant Colonel said that F-FDTL has formed its own commission to investigate the incidents and concerns that influence the lives of its personnel. The Colonel also said, according to the newspaper, that the position of F-FDTL right now is very complicated, and the situation is so complex that they may or may not make a decision regarding the concerns mentioned.

The newspaper reports that two men were detained yesterday for hoisting an Indonesian flag in the sub-district of Laclo, Manatuto District, and released on bail by the judge at Dili District Court. According to the newspaper the two suspects, who are illiterate, argued that they were "only playing" when hoisting the Indonesian flag and that there was no political motive or intension to provoke anyone. Meanwhile the Public Prosecutors, Domingos Barreto and Estaqui Guterres, said that further investigation should be conducted of the incident.

The President of the Timorese Association of Social Democrats (ASDT), Francisco Xavier do Amaral, said that some people now want to have a referendum on the international tribunal, for the crimnes committed in Timor-Leste, but cannot use this to manipulate people. Mr Amaral said that first people have to be informed about the consequences, whether good or bad when the International Tribunal is established. Mr Amaral said that he agrees totally with the opinion of Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Ramos Horta, and that people should look at the future because the future is ruling us.

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that members of the Government have gone to the District of Maliana for a retreat, to reflect on about their past work. The newspaper reports that a Member of the National Parliament for the Democratic Party (PD), Rui Menezes, said that it shows that members of the Government are not professionals, because otherwise they would not need a retreat. Mr Menezes also said that it does not make any sense at all for the Government to have a retreat.

Suara Timor Loro Sa'e (STL)

The President of the Social Democrat Party (PSD), Mario Viegas Carrascalco, said that it is better to hold a referendum to find out if the Timorese really want the establishment of an international tribunal for the atrocities committed in Timor- Leste. The paper reports that Mr Carrascalco, said in his opinion it is better for a democratic country like RDTL to direct the question to the people of Timor-Leste through a referendum whether an International Tribunal is wanted. Mr Carrascalco said that is not fair for the government and the National Parliament, to speak on behalf of the people without asking for their opinion.

September 13, 2004

Timor Post

Mr Alkatiri says some people provoke Fretilin to fight against each other, which is a big challenge for Fretilin, as some members have already forgotten past sacrifices. Many issues have arisen such as veterans and ex-combatant issues.

He said that Fretilin could be dismissed from government if they are not united. He added that the members of Fretilin have to be careful regarding this issue and find a way to deal with such cases. To deal with this, members have to put in a lot of effort rather than dealing with private matters.

Timor Leste government has to prevent illegal crossing from East Timor to West Timor through the border with Bobonaro and Belu(Atambua) in order to respect the regulations of the Republic of Indonesia said Slamet Santoso, Immigration head in Atambua. He says cases of illegal crossing happen every month and we want the government of Timor Leste to prevent its population from crossing illegally. It stated that whoever wants to enter Indonesia via Atambua has to carry legal documents such as a passport. He added that international security is guaranteed if there is to be constructive cooperation between Indonesia and East Timor.

American and Australian businessmen are visiting Timor Leste for 4 days. They were accompanied by the Vice minister of Environment Abel Ximenes and representative of NCBA (National Cooperative Business Association). The heads of the team are Scott Mc Martin and Christine Day. At the airport they were informed about economic development in Timor Leste, specifically in the private sectors and given an evaluation of NCBA in Timor Leste. During their visit, they are going to visit Coffee Cooperative Comoro, IOB (Institute of Business), Aileu to see coffee being grown and Maubisse to see the work of CCT.

Suara Timor Lorosae

Ex administrator of Baucau, Marito Reis stated that the government and political parties did not organize the population to make a demonstration but there are one or two people in the groups who like to use the government against Cornelio Gama, alias L-7. He says the last demonstration, which happened on September 6, could cause conflict to arise amongst members of the population. If the government had political maturity, then the demonstration would not have happened. He said the demonstration was a response to the dialogue in August regarding veterans issues, which was moderated by Xanana Gusmao. Mr. Gusmao said he would call Mr. Alkatiri and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Tiago Lobato to address L-7's case.

Ministry of Health have been receiving assistance from the government of Australia for 3 years in development in the health sector through AusAID, said Margaret Twomey, Australian ambassador to TL. AusAID is also assisting in recruitment and training for 20 new dental nurses. AusAID has also rehabilitated 2 laboratories and some clinics and provided equipment for nurses for their services.

Chef Electricity operator District Viquque, Romaldo Soares says radio communication, computers and transport are really needed in Viqueque to deliver their service. Consumers are now aware they have to pay their bills; however lack of equipment and materials hold back this service. These difficulties have been conveyed to the National EDTL but nothing has been done yet, although he expects they could be resolved soon.

District administrator Bobonaro said farmers are discontented because rice plants were destroyed by pests. There are 21,000 inhabitants in the sub district of Bobonaro who are now facing this problem. He says this could affect the livelihoods of the population because most of the population in that districts rely on farming. This could also affect RESPECT Projects in three sub districts for rehabilitating OPMT centers, road rehabilitation and rehabilitation of water system. In relation to the pests, there has been a meeting conducted with national and local leaders in order to respond to this matter.

September 14, 2004

Timor Post

PD (Democratic Party) spokesman, Mr. Rui Meneses says that a good policy to attract electors is not by forcing them to vote for a particular party but by letting the electors participate themselves. He also added that it is an internal problem of Fretilin if there are some people who provoke Fretilin to go against each other because it seems that opposition parties are always blamed for such problems. He said that opposition parties are playing their roles according to the constitutional mandate.

During one month KEVC (Eventual Commission of Veterans and Ex combatants) conducted a study on the subject of veterans and ex combatants. However, final conclusions have not been made, and therefore the commission is requesting an extension from the plenary. This was said by the KEVC president Mr.

Joaquim dos Santos. The commission also called for a meeting with the President of Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres in order to discuss the commission role to be based on regulations issued by the parliament and report what has been undertaken by the commission.

Recruitment process of new F-FDTL(East Timor Defense Force) is in its final phase, said the F-FDTL commissioner Mr. Maucalo. There are 5614 candidates and so far 1314 would be sitting on the final selection. The final selection consists of two sessions; firstly, all candidates must take an x -ray as part of the health test, and secondly there will be a team from Portugal (the team includes military doctors) coming to conduct the last test in the F-FDTL headquarters in Metinaro. The final test was expected to be on September 10-11, but it was extended because the team did not arrive on time.

The government should create employment for young East Timorese who have finished their studies, said Ms. Quiteria da Costa, Chief of Union Democratic of Timor Leste (UDT) party. She says, generally the population regrets independence as they have not experienced development in this country, especially in education for their children, supply of clothes, stationery, medication, and electricity. Some young people who have finished their study are living jobless, she added. Ms. Quiteria also recommended that the government provide employment for those unemployed by letting foreign investors invest their funds in this country in order to minimize unemployment amongst the population.

Vise Minister of Health Mr. Luis Maria Lobato said improving nutrition in Timor Leste will not happen only by weighing and giving babies vitamin A, but also providing them with nutritious meals. He also says to improve nutrition in Timor Leste, the Ministry of Health is currently working with related ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture to make a good plan for this program and the Ministry of Education to provide information for the community regarding nutrition.

Suara Timor Loro Sa'e (STL)

Coordinator of Sagrada Familia, Andre da Costa, alias L-4 said that L-7 also known as Cornelio Gama would not bring demonstrators from Baucau to Dili on September 17. This is the information he received from L-7 via phone when they had their last conversation. He also said that he does not know when L-7 would come down to Dili to talk about his case. Mr. Andre da Costa added that Mr.

Cornelio and his group meant to come on September 3 but it was cancelled because there was a pro- government demonstration. Commandant of Frontier Control Unit, Mr. Antonio da Cruz says that relations between PNTL (Timor Leste National Police) and the Indonesian National Army (TNI) are going well. Mr. Antonio says they are always in contact with each other to solve any problems that might happen along the border. Mr. Antonio also says that they are happy to do their duties even though the terrain is very difficult for them to patrol along the border.

The President of the Christian Democratic Party, Mr. Antonio Ximenes says as a person from Baucau, that the government does not respect the veterans regarding Mr. Cornelio Gama or L-7's case. If Timor Leste to be stabe, the government should take immediate action to resolve Mr. Cornelio's case.

The Electricity service in Same is not going well and this is assuming that the power supply might have been damaged or broken down says the District Administrator, Mr. Paulino Verdial. He added that consumers are ready to pay for the bill however it is just a matter of getting these machines or generators fixed. The National EDTL has been informed of this problem.

September 15, 2004

Timor Post

The first census in Timor Leste which started on June 11 has successfully been completed with 924,642 people registered. In response to this, the Prime Minister Mr. Mari Alkatiri says that this is as the first phase as well as a part of success of the development in this country. The Prime Minister was thanked UNFPA and other donors involved for the financial and technical support.

The East Timor Advocacy Association(ETAA) will undertake a Portuguese course starting next week which will be conducted by Camoes Institution, said the Chief of ETAA. This is to anticipate the use of Portuguese and Tetum in court hearing.

This course is in cooperation with a few organizations such as: JSMP(Judicial System Monitoring Program), the Asia Foundation and a European union which is based in Belgium. The paper mentioned that this course will go for 2 months.

The Ministry of Health has been planning to conduct a writing competition writing about AIDS among the media (electronic or non-electronic) in order to increase the knowledge of East Timorese about AIDS, according to Mr.

Ivo Irene, chief of the committee. Mr. Ivo said this competition is to celebrate International AIDS Day on December 1.

Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

90% land border between Timor Leste and Indonesia has been decided on based on the old borders left by the colonists of Dutch and Portuguese in 1904, said The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Jose Ramos Horta. This includes Oecusse district. The paper reports that discussion is still on- going regarding this case between The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Jose Ramos Horta and Mr. Hasan Wirayuda, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

Social officer of Economics, in the district of Manufahi, Mr. Filomenos da Costa Amaral said that there has been a plan to organize the market activities in Same. This is to organize, as well as develop awareness of vendors in doing their daily activities in the market and act according to the rules established.

Before the Independence of Timor Leste, Baucau was known as the second largest city in Timor Leste, after Dili. However, now it is only known Baucau because electricity has not functioned properly for the past nine months. This was said by a resident of Baucau, Mr. Alfredo da Silva do Santos. He also added that electricity is not the only problem faced by the community of Baucau but also a lack in the supply of water.

PNTL Ainaro has three posts to maintain security for the community. It is planned to add more two Police posts in Ainaro in order to provide security in rural areas, said the PNTL Commandant, Mr. Arquimino Ramos. He added the police forces would patrol 24 hours a day around the district, especially in unstable areas. To do this, cooperation between the community and the police forces is needed, said Mr. Ramos.

The population of Mehera (a sub-district of Lospalos) are complaining about electricity, said Jose Freitas, on behalf of the population. He said the independence until now Mehera is still dark at night, and therefore he asks the government/Electricity Department to have the power on just at night time. He also recommended having the power on the same time as in Lospalos town.

September 16, 2004

Timor Post

Chief of Christian Democrat Party (PDC), Mr. Antonio Ximenes says, the current governance should look after those whose fought for the freedom of Timor Leste, because some of them have not experienced the development and freedom of this country. Apart from this, Mr. Aitahan Matak said that there are some things that the government of Timor Leste should consider, such as: forming of forestry officers, road rehabilitation and creation of employment.

Timor Leste should consider illiteracy in this young nation, and take immediate action to minimize illiteracy among the population, said The Prime Minister, Dr.

Mari Alkatiri. The Prime Minister recommends to every parent to encourage their children to go to school even though they may have financial difficulties. In the same article The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Mr. Armindo Maia noted that 50% of the population is illiterate.

Suara Timor Lorosae(STL)

PSD (Social Democrat Party) calls attention to health services for residents situated along the border of Timor Leste and West Timor, in two villages: Kova and Leo Hito, Sub-district Lolotoe, the district of Maliana. A member of PSD, Mr. Joao Gonsalves, said that these residents were forced to travel across Atambua (West Timor) to access health services, and now they have to do the same, by traveling to the town of Maliana in order to be treated.

households in Fatuhada (West-Dili) rejected prepaid installation in their houses. Mr. Ximenes, a resident described that the prepaid system is unaffordable and they would not be able to recharge when it went off.

He also added unemployment is high which unable them to accept the installation of the prepaid system. In relation to this, Mr. Igidio de Jesus from Electricity, and Sanitation Department responded that it is compulsory for every household to use the prepaid system unless a conditional meter is being used and paid regularly.

There have been irrigation lands abandoned for 3-4 years, caused the damaged of water system, said Mr. Domingos da Silva, chief Aldeia (sub-village) Loro, in the district of Manufahi. Mr. Da Silva said that this area was once known as high quality producer of rice during the Indonesian occupation. Mr. Da Silva also added that this water system is expected to be repaired by the government allowing farmers to work on their rice fields.

September 17, 2004

Timor Post

The total number of mental illness patients in the district of Ermera is 87, according to data collected from 2002-2004 shown in District Health Department. The patients come from five sub- districts (Atsabe:6, Letefoho:21, Hatolia:16, Ermera:31 and Railaco: 12). Mr. Antonio de Jesus Fatima, the coordinator of Mental Health Ermera said 27 patients have now recovered. However, they are still recommended to continue taking medicines. Mr. De Jesus added that mental illness causes by family problems, economy, war, trauma, etc. He also noted that this service is supported by AusAID.

Parents are to inform the National Parliament if they find that public schools only take family member for enrolment, Mr. Antonio Cardoco, The chief of Education commission said. He said such action needs to be seriously considered and resolved according to the regulations established by the government of Timor Leste.

Suara Timor Lorosa'e(STL)

A one day workshop was conducted by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with UNICEF for journalists in Ministry of Health's office. The theme of this workshop is "How to prevent HIV/AIDS in Timor Leste". This is to celebrate the International AIDS Day, December 01. Journalists were informed of basic information about HIV/AIDS and the role of media to transfer information to the community in this nation.

September 20, 2004

Timor Post

The President of Parliament, Mr. Fransisco Guterres Lu-Olo, says the youth of Timor Leste must remain confident and maintain the self identity as well as serve the Fretilin party, the nation and the whole population of Timor Leste. He added the nation expects that all youth will work hard towards the development of Timor- Leste even though the Timorese population may have had many difficulties in the past five years. One should look at the past to improve their current and future lives, he noted, but the past should not evoke sadness.

In responding to the prepaid system which being installed in almost every household, Mr. Justino Moniz, village head of Beiramar/Fatu-hada, in the sub-district of Dom-Aleixo, said that the government had not informed the communities prior to the installation. He also noted that lack of information provided by the electricity department as a result rejection is aroused within the communities and he noted that the new system seems to be unaffordable for the communities compared to the conditional meter. In the same article, a Timorese man named Inocencio says the electricity department should allow the community of Fatu- hada, generally in Dili to remain using the old system/conditional meter until the situation becomes better.

Uato-lari (a sub-district of district Viqueque) market was inaugurated by The Vice Minister of Development and Environment, Mr. Abel da Costa Ximenes. The ceremony was attended by several delegations of Ministries as well as companies. It was held after a small business dialogue in Viqueque on private sectors and cooperatives. The topic was "Sharing Ideas and Aspiration to Develop the Economy in Timor Leste through the Activity of Private Sectors and Cooperatives". In the dialogue, The Vice Minister said to be successful in business it is necessary to be committed and be hard working as well as provide employment opportunities for others. Mr. Abel da Costa also noted that there are always difficulties and obstacles encounter in doing business activity towards achievement of the objective which is success.

The Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Mari Alkatiri, and The State Secretary of Investment and Tourism, Mr. Jose Texeira signed an agreement with two companies: BGP and GGS in order to conduct an investigation on gas and petroleum in the Timor Sea. The investigation would be mostly undertaken in the south coast but this would not include those areas which are currently causing conflicts betweenthe government of Timor Leste and Australia. The investigation aims to find potential of gas and petroleum and the results will be sent to the government in order to select interested companies to carry out future exploration.

In order to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, FHI (Family Health International) is starting to cooperate with 4 clinics in Dili, with a program entitled the "Support Project". The aim is to detect the symptoms of HIV/AIDS viruses said Rui Carvalho, Project Officer. Through this program, the viruses would be more easily detected. Mr. Rui noted that to support the mission, they broadcast news on radio every Saturday to strengthen the communities awareness of HIV/AIDS transmission. They also establish and distribute booklets, pamphlets and condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS in the same 4 clinics. In addition, FHI also support local NGOs which are working on HIV/AIDS prevention.

The head of the district Education Department in Baucau Mr. Rodolfo H. Aparicio, recommended that every parent give a moral and educational contribution to their children to be successful in the future. Mr. Rodolfo affirmed that the Ministry of Education has been planning to implement an educational curriculum in every district in Timor Leste by the 2004-2005 school year.

The Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Mari Alkatiri, is currently seeking a direct talk with the ex-commandant of Fretilin, Mr. Cornelio Gama, alias L-7 in order to find a solution to the remaining unsolved problems. According to the mandate of President Mr. Jose Alexandre Gusmao the government must resolve the remaining unsolved problems between the government and veterans from the National Dialogue.

September 21, 2004

Timor Post

recruitment procss has been delayed due to the late arrival of the Portuguese military selection team, said Captain Maucalo from Personel Division. The team has not given a clear response about when the are going to come and conduct the final test for 1,314 candidates who have passed the form documental selection. Their names will be publicized when the selection team's arrival is confirmed. Mr. Maucalo noted that from an initial number of 1,314, they will only recruit 260 since this is what the administration has planned.

Belu (West Timor) Resort Police captured 3 illegal crossers from Timor-Leste in two alternative locations. Two of the crossers, Rafael Magno and Adelina Magno, were captured in the sub-village of Lakus a part of the Kewar village in the sub-district of Lekmanes. The third crosser, Ana Rosita, was captured in the Silawan village, a part of the sub-district of Tasifeto Timur. They are currently reporting to the Immigration Department in Atambua in order to be deported to Timor-Leste. The paper said that Rafael and Adelina Magno illegally crossed into West Timor to visit their parents who were sick. The head of Resort Police of Atambua, Mr.

Elotrio Budlinar, noted that over time the Timorese border patrol will become even more effective.

Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

The vice-Minster of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation called the Indonesian ambassador in Timor-Leste, Mr. Ahmad Bey Sofwan, to clarify information about an Indonesian navy vessel entering the territory. Mr. Ahmad said he is unsure about the presence of this boat and this issue will be escalated to Jakarta. He also stated that this issue will not cause instability between these two countries (Timor-Leste and Indonesia).

September 23-24, 2004

Timor Post

The commandant of the Timor-Leste Defense Forces (FDTL), General Brigadier, Mr. Taur Matan Ruak, said that it is very important to cooperate with our neighboring countries (Australia and Indonesia) to provide assistance to the newly independent country East Timor. He hopes that the Australian forces will continue to deliver land activity (counseling, English course, field training, etc) as well as marine training according to what has been discussed. Mr. Taur Matan Ruak also said that there have been many FDTL sent abroad to undertake military academy courses.

Members of National Parliament from ASDT(Timor Social Democratic Association), called for the government to pay attention to unemployment in Timor-Leste. Mr. Feliciano Fatima, the chief of the ASDT faction, noted that the number of graduating high school students increases unemployment every year. Therefore, he recommended the government to provide employment opportunity for undergraduate students in Dili and out in the twelve districts. He described this as a national issue which could lead to instability in Timor-Leste.

According to the results of Dr. Daniel Murphy's HIV/AIDS survey in Bairo-Pite clinic, 15 peoples are infected, of which 7 have died. Mr. Rui Menezes, a member of National Parliament said that the number above indicates that the government (the Ministry of Health) won't be able to prevent the transmission as communities still have little awareness of the danger. There are 159 patients with mental illness in the district of Baucau, according to data collected in 2002-2004 by the District Health Department. The coordinator of the Health District in Baucau, Mr. Luis da Cunha Rego noted that those 159 patients come from 6 sub-districts, and 100 of them are now recovered.

Most of mental illness cases are women, he added, who were traumatized and suffer mental illness because their family economies are not sustainable. This information is based on patients and family histories. Mr. Rego also said that workshops are conducted to convey health information to communities, especially about mental health.

Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

Police have to comply with the law and cannot act brutally to communities, said the Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Mari Alkatiri in responding to the case where the UIR (Rapid Intervention Unit) physically violated Mr. Alipio da Costa Pinto in Tibar (Western Dili). The Prime Minister asked the UIR to act accordingly and appropriately without violating the law, in dealing with communities. He also asked the communities to obey the rules and respect the tasks of the police.

The community of Vaviquinia Village, in the sub-district of Maubara, in the district of Liquica is currently cooperating with Timor-Leste National University (UNTL) students to construct a 6-km road. The road is financially supported by the Respect Fund of US$ 4. 700,00, said Mr. Lamartinho de Oliveira, chief of the working group.

The students are also reorganizing the administration system and village structures. Through cooperation, these students are aiming to build living capacities in economy and domestic income, as well as illiteracy eradication, Mr. Oliveira added.

September 27, 2004

Timor Post

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Jose Ramos Horta said that Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) would strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. Mr. Horta said that Bambang Yudhoyono is a respectable man and a reformist who has high integrity. The Foreign Affairs Minister also congratulated Mr. Yudhoyono on being selected as the new Indonesian President.

Ramos Horta noted that he looks forward to continuing the cooperation established by the previous Indonesian President, Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri. The Ministry of Health will begin HIV/AIDS prevention programs immediately, especially aimed at the youth, said Ms. Angelina Asy Martins, the Chief of the Health Division. She noted youth are a key risk group because they can change partners often, share needles, and can often use drugs. Ms. Asy noted that transmission among the youth can be prevented easily when everyone, follows the procedures established by the Ministry of Health: not to change partners often, abstinence or use of condoms. In response to the last statement made by Mr. Rui Menezes, Ms. Asy corrected the data from Dr. Daniel Murphy's Bairo-pite clinic that there are 14 HIV/AIDS infections; of the fourteen, ten remain alive.

Negotiation over a maritime boundary with Timor-Leste are expected to be finalized by Christmas, said the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Alexander Downer. Australia and Timor- Leste representatives have spent the past week in Canberra in another round of talks over the boundary, which will divide up the Timor Sea's rich oil and gas reserves. The talks will continue in Darwin next week.

Woodside Petroleum warned in July that its multibillion dollar Sunrise and gas project in the Timor Sea would stall if the countries did not resolve their dispute over the boundaries by the end of the year. Mr. Downer, said that the talks had been very productive and he is confident to say that there would be an agreement drawn by the end of the year.

It was reported that the deal will see an additional $3 billion in tax revenue going to Timor-Leste in the swift resolution of the maritime border dispute. The Timor Sea's oil and gas reserves are estimated to be worth US$ 30 billion. The boundary has been a sticking point between the two countries, with Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri accusing Australia of bullying his country, one of the world's poorest country.

Suara Timor Lorosae

Although the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery has established a law to prevent random cutting of trees, thus far the population has not been exposed to the change because it has not been publicized beforehand, said Mr. Fernando Sarmento, a youth in the sub-district of Mubessi, a part of the district of Ainaro.

As a result of traditional Timorese practice, where farmers burn and cut trees prior to the planting season, he noted that it would require strong coordination on the part of the ministry to change such behavior.

The Vice-Minister of Development and Environment, Mr. Abel Ximenes said that for Timor-Leste to become prosperous, businessmen must work hard to develop the economy. This can be achieved through a contribution and commitment from all businessmen in delivering their services, he noted.

AUSAID Representative and SRSG tour parliament Press release Australia's support to the Parliament of Timor-Leste began in 2001, with the rehabilitation of the Constituent Assembly building, which is now used by National Parliament. Recently, Australia announced a further US$800,000 contribution towards the UNDP 'strengthening Parliamentary Democracy in Timor-Leste project, and on Thursday the AUSAID representative, Mr. Peter Ellis, and the SRSG Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa will meet the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres "Lu Olo", for a special tour of the facility.

The Australian Ambassador, Ms. Margaret Twomey recently signed an agreement with UNDP committing Australia to the project. Australia is very happy to continue supporting the further development of the National Parliament.

This contribution, delivered through the UNDP Parliament Project, will help the members, committees, and secretariat of Parliament to improve their work and will help the Government run the country for the benefit of the people Ms Twomey explained.

The project, currently being implemented by the National Parliament with support from UNDP, has a budget of US$2 million dollars and will run for 3 years. The overall aim is to improve the institutional capacity of the elected members (Deputies) and the in-house civil service (The Secretariat), through providing training and advice in legislation and national budget, infrastructure, and equipment. The project also assists to develop technical skills, systems and processes, which improve the institutional capacity of the Parliament to legislate, approve and monitor public expenditure and represent the people of Timor-Leste in policy decisions.

SRSG Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa welcomed the agreement with Australia: "The role of Parliament in scrutinizing and passing laws and overseeing the national budget efficiently and effectively, is so important in keeping the government accountable to the people of Timor-Leste, that I would like to thank the Australian Government for their generous contribution to this project Dr. Hasegawa said.

September 28, 2004

Timor Post

A protest against the National Parliament (PN) was held by the members of the Social Democrat Party (PSD) on the education commission, due to charges of false educational information presented in Parliament. Mr. Fernando Gusmao, the Education Commissioner, noted there were many false statements contained in the report presented; having visited the districts on five occasions, he noted that this information was untrue. The commissioner advised the PN not to provide and distribute false information as the copies of the report would be widely spread to the President, the Prime Minister and to the communities of Timor-Leste.

According to vendors in Comoro, Becora and Taibessi domestic potatoes have not been particularly profitable, with a consumer preference for imported products. One customer noted that he chose imported potatoes due to their better storage condition and their size. Mr. Americo, a spokesperson for market vendors, complained that the government should consider local produce and take immediate action to set quotas for potato importation. He also suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery conduct farmer training, in order to achieve a better quality of local production.

A road connecting Saburai village to the Sub-district of Maliana has been fully rehabilitated by the Respect Fund. The road rehabilitation cost US$ 4.500,50 and is expected to be part of the planned national road connecting the district of Bobonaro to Suai. A community member said that they are now proudly using the new road. The road supports all types of vehicles and has been particularly useful in transporting agricultural products for marketing.

Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

The director of Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV), Mr. Antonio Caleres Junior, noted that there are many things that need to be fixed in the National Hospital as well as the Regional Hospitals. To fix these items, he said, both money and increased attention to these matters would be required. He also said that patients of HNGV would be required to wear uniforms in hopes of improving hospital management and patient care.

Cooperation must increase between parents and teachers in order to in order to improve student achievement, said the assistant director of Continues Training for Teachers Institute (IFCP), Mr. Armindo de Jesus. Parents and teachers must both contribute and support students in order to improve the teaching and studying process, he added.

Estimates largely blame the failed harvest production this year on a series of pests. Mr. Domingos da Costa, head of the Luro village (sub-district: Betano, district: Maufahi), noted that these pests destroyed almost all the rice fields in his village. The pests combined with the long dry season contributed to this year's production of 25% said Mr. Costa. By comparison, last year's harvest production was 75%.

Sydney Morning Herald

Two United Nations agencies have warned that bird flu is "a crisis of global importance A joint statement from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health says the virus represents "a permanent threat" to human and animal health.

The statement comes as Thai officials confirmed that a woman who was feared to have contracted bird flu from her daughter had actually come into contact with dead chickens.

The two UN agencies have released a new set of guidelines on combating outbreaks of bird flu and on ways to prevent outbreaks occurring. To accompany the guidelines they have issued an unusually stark warning.

Based on recent outbreaks in Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, they say the virus will probably not be eradicated in the near future. The new guidelines stress the importance of surveillance and early detection, something which the agencies say governments in east Asia are not doing well enough.

September 29, 2004

Timor Post

There will be an investigation conducted regarding the false educational information presented to the National Parliament (PN). The investigation was proposed by many PN members in order to prevent corruption, said Mr. Rui Menezes, spokesman of Commission C. He noted the false report is a type of corruption in Parliament. To combat corruption in Timor-Leste, the government must control and utilize the budget efficiently and effectively, he said.

Mr. Eduardo da Costa Belo, a resident said only half of households are currently using the prepaid system, which means that they have to pay nearly $20 each month per household. However others who are using tue Conditional Meter do not efficiently use power and are not even making monthly payments to the Timor-Leste Electricity Department (EDTL). Belo asked EDTL to immediately resolve this issue.

Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

Thai ambassador, Mr. Kulkumut Singhara Na. Ayudhaya handed a contribution of $25.000 to the UNDP RESPECT Project and donated 100 tones of Rice to the government of Timor-Leste. This project will facilitate the construction of a National Park for the Victims of the War in the Sub-district of Metinaro.

The Prime Minister of Timor -- Leste, Mr. Mari Alkatiri said that the National Park will also commemorate those veterans and ex combatants who fought for the freedom of Timor-Leste.

Mr. Antonio da Costa Lelan, a member of National Parliament said that nurses in the district of Oe-Cusse are now facing transportation problems both regional and national; he noted that it is very difficult for nurses in the sub-districts to transport medical supplies to attend to patients needs due to the lack of transportation system in that district.

He also added that the same problem is also faced by the PNTL in that region when they patrol the border of Timor-Leste and West Timor.

Communities of the Sub-district of Alas, in the district of Manufahi started rehabilitating an 8-km road presenting August 2004, said Sabino Amaral, a CDO (Community Development Officer). This volunteer work is supported by a fund collected from public employment and the local administration, with the total of $206 to use for workers.

September 30, 2004

Timor Post

New York (Antara) -- The Indonesian government, under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, has taken legal action against the alleged perpetrators of human rights abuses in East Timor in 1999, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said here on Tuesday. "Indonesia's Mutual Cooperation Cabinet has already taken legal action. I do not know how the next government will see this case after October 20," he said after his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the sidelines of the UN's59th general assembly. A number of UN member countries have continued to question rights abuses allegedly perpetrated by Indonesian troops during the self-determination ballot in East Timor five years ago.

The Megawati government, whose term ends on October 20, has punished two people, including former East Timor governor Abilio Osorio Soares, for allegedly violating human rights in the former Indonesian province. New Zealand and the United States, as well as the European Union, have expressed concern over the decision of the ad hoc court on rights abuses in East Timor to acquit several Indonesian Military officers. Hassan said the government had rejected a UN commission set up last March to deal with rights abuses in East Timor. "We want the cases to be settled by Indonesia, together with East Timor," he said.

East Timorese Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Ramos Horta said recently his country does not support foreign intervention, such as the setting up of an international court to try the rights abuses. He said his country is giving priority to good ties and mutual cooperation with Indonesia. In the meeting with Annan, Hassan conveyed Megawati's gratitude to the UN secretary-general for UN assistance, including that channeled for the holding of this year's elections in Indonesia.

Timor Post

In order to apply the traffic discipline and recognize the use of legal documents for everyone who uses motor vehicles, the government (the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Ovidio de Jesus, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr.

Rogerio Lobato and the commandant of Timor Leste National Police , Mr. Paul de Fatima Martins has planned to arrange a meeting to discuss this issue in October. In the first phase, there will be a publication of information in order to increase awareness of holding legal documents and traffic enforcement, said Mr. Paul de Fatima Martins. Respect support a capacity building training for 300 veterans and ex combatants

Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

A capacity building training program led by the Ministry of Labour and Solidarity will focus on veterans and ex-combatants, said the Prime Minister, Mr. Mari Alkatiri. The project will be funded by Respect program and is entitled 'RESPECT Veterans and Ex-Combatants Capacity Building (REVE-CaB) Program'. Mr.

Alkatiri added that this program is to respond to the proposal of Veterans and ex-combatants in the National Dialogue conducted on August 21 2004.

Luis Martins, a farmer from Viqueque said farmers are now facing marketing problems as they have no acces to markets to sell their rice production. And therefore rice production is used solely for family consumption.

Mr. Luis Martins asked the government (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery) to seek companies or businessmen to buy their production to enable them to educate their children and for their family needs. He also proposed the government provide agricultural training to improve the quality of the rice.

Jakarta Post

The World Bank has asked the Indonesian government to return $10 million in loans which it extended for a project to procure school textbooks after it discovered that much of the money had been misappropriated. In an article published in its website (http://web.worldbank.org), the bank said it had also debarred 10 individuals and 26 book publishing companies for fraudulent and corrupt practices in the World Bank-financed "Book and Reading Development Project" (BRDP) in Indonesia.

These firms and individuals will be ineligible to receive any new World Bank-financed contracts for the periods of their debarments. The World Bank also announced the issuance of four letters of reprimand in connection with the same project. These actions are part of the World Bank's broad anticorruption efforts launched in 1996. World Bank Country Director Andrew Steer welcomed the ruling, saying that, 'the funds we lend must go to help the people of Indonesia reduce poverty.

In this case, getting textbooks into the hands of Indonesian school children was an urgent need and donors responded to meet that need. The World Bank has worked closely with the Government of Indonesia to uncover and correct the diversion of funds from this project through corrupt practices. Following an investigation by the World Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT), the World Bank declared missprocurement, and requested the Government of Indonesia to repay $10 million from the disbursed proceeds of the loan and to prepare and implement an acceptable action plan to improve the procurement process in the education sector.

The Book and Reading Development Project-related debarments mark the culmination of an investigation launched by the World Bank in late 2000 following an article in Tempo newsweekly in which allegations of fraud and corruption in the implementation of the BRDP were made. The period of debarment varied between two years, for those individuals and firms which participated in the scheme but not as principal organizers, to 15 years for those individuals and firms which played a central role in the scheme and were its primary beneficiaries through the size and/or number of contracts they won under the project. One firm and three individuals received public letters of reprimand from the World Bank, but remain eligible for World Bank-financed contracts.

The BRDP, which commenced in October 1995, was implemented by the Ministry of Education and Culture and sought to improve the quality of basic education in Indonesia through the supply of and demand for textbooks. The BRDP was funded in part from an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan valued at $132.5 million, which funded the purchase of textbooks for Indonesia's junior secondary schools. The project envisioned four rounds of textbook procurement over the years 1996-2000. For a number of reasons, the fourth procurement round was cancelled and the project closed on December 31, 2001, having disbursed only $53, 232,000 of the loan amount. Among publishers debarred for two years were big names like PT Penerbit Erlangga, PT Grasindo, PT Ganeca Exact, PT Mitra Gama Widya, PT Mizan, of Jakarta, PT Trigenda Karya, PT Pabelan, PT Surya Angkasa, PT Edumedia and PT Tiga Serangkai. Those debarred for 15 years include PT Pribumi Mekar, Ikip Malang/Yayasan Penerbit Ikip Malang, PT Indah Jaya Adipratama, PT Mapan, PT Multi Adiwiyata, PT Remaja Rosda Karya and PT Balai Pustaka. PT Kanisius was one of four firms/individuals who received letters of reprimand from the World Bank.

[Compiled by Jose Filipe External and David de Araujo Receptionist World Bank, Dili Office.]