Timor Gap

Negotiations renewed over Australia-East Timor oil dispute

ABC Correspondents Report - February 27, 2005

Reporter: Graeme Dobell

Hamish Robertson: A renewed effort is being made to end the diplomatic war of words between Australia and East Timor over oil and gas deposits in the Timor Sea and the precise location of the boundary between the two countries.

Australia says that the decision on a permanent seabed boundary should be deferred for up to 100 years to allow oil and gas projects to go ahead. This will be put to East Timor at the boundary negotiations that will resume in Canberra in the second week of March.

As Graeme Dobell reports, this third round of negotiations will try to put new life into a so-called "creative solution" to the dispute.

Graeme Dobell: Australia is offering East Timor a choice -- you can have the money out of the Timor Sea or you can have the boundary line, but you can't have both.

Under the take-the-money formula, Australian officials say a permanent boundary in the Timor Sea should be deferred until after all oil and gas resources have been exploited. That would put off any final definition of sovereignty, drawing the permanent seabed line between Timor and Australia, for up to 100 years.

If East Timor agrees to the so-called 'creative solution', it'd open the way for the $50 billion Greater Sunrise project, which has been stalled by the boundary dispute. The third round of talks in Canberra are scheduled to run from the seventh to the ninth of March, but can be extended if there's progress

The previous round of talks broke down in Dili in September because of what Australian officials call East Timor's "ambit claims", and more pointedly what one senior Canberra diplomat calls an "international lobbying campaign by East Timor based on misinformation."

The outline of Australia's "take the money" offer is being more openly discussed, to answer Timorese claims that Australia is a bully, trying to grab resources rightfully owned by the world's youngest nation.

The Australian version of the creative solution is an agreement that puts aside the issue of a permanent seabed boundary without prejudicing the legal position of either side; that gives fully legal certainty to the companies wanting to drill for oil and gas in the Timor Sea; and imposes no onerous requirements, such as East Timor's demand that a gas pipeline from the seabed field should be built to Timor, not to Australia's Northern Territory.

Canberra says the pipeline demand can't be part of any agreement because it's a commercial issue to be decided by companies, not by the two governments.

In return for such a "creative" deal, Australia says it'd agree to transfer extra revenue to East Timor, which would be in addition to the existing royalty formula. If East Timor doesn't accept the cash-for-sovereignty deal, then Australia is promising lengthy negotiations over a permanent boundary, stretching out for a decade or more.

On the issue of ultimate sovereignty, the two countries are as far apart as the Timor Sea. Dili says a permanent boundary should be drawn at the mid point between Timor and Australia. Canberra, by contrast, says more weight should given to the reach of Australia's continental shelf, which runs much closer to East Timor than the median line.

This argument says Australia and East Timor sit on different continental shelves, and that's decisive in defining ownership of the seabed.

One Canberra official says Australia isn't giving too much credence to some of East Timor's claims because, he says, they don't recognise the existence of Timor's neighbour, Indonesia.

He says East Timor's ambit claim asks for ownership of virtually all the oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea, including ten-and-a-half thousand square kilometres of Indonesian seabed.

So that's the choice Canberra is offering Dili -- put aside the issue of a border for 50 to 100 years to allow oil and gas projects to go ahead today, or push on with the full negotiations over sovereignty, and expect a complicated legal wrangle that will stretch well into the next decade.

Hamish Robertson: That report by Gareme Dobell.

Australia wants decision on seabed boundary deferred

Radio Australia - February 24, 2005

Australia says the decision on a permanent seabed boundary with East Timor should be deferred for up to 100 years to allow oil and gas projects to go ahead. The timetable will be put to East Timor at boundary negotiations which will resume in Canberra in the second week of March. The third round of talks will attempt to put new life into a so-called "creative solution" and end the diplomatic war-of-words between Australia and East Timor.

Presenter/Interviewer: Graeme Dobell

Dobell: Australia is offering East Timor a choice -- you can have the money out of the Timor Sea or you can have boundary line, but you can't have both.

Under the take-the-money formula, Australian officials say a permanent boundary in the Timor Sea should be deferred until after all oil and gas resources have been exploited. That would put off any final definition of sovereignty -- drawing the permanent seabed line between Timor and Australia for up to 100 years.

If East Timor agrees to the so called creative solution, it'd open the way for the 50-billion dollar Greater Sunrise project, which has been stalled by the boundary dispute.

The third round of talks in Canberra are scheduled to run from the 7th to the 9th of March, but can be extended if there's progress.

The previous round of talks broke down in Dili in September because of what Australian officials call East Timor's ambit claims, and more pointedly what one senior Canberra diplomat calls an international lobbying campaign by East Timor based on misinformation.

The outline of Australia's "take the money" offer is being more openly discussed, to answer Timorese claims that Australia is a bully, trying to grab resources rightfully owned by the world's youngest nation.

The Australian version of the creative solution is an agreement that puts aside the issue of a permanent seabed boundary without prejudicing the legal position of either side; that gives full legal certainty to the companies wanting to drill for oil and gas in the Timor Sea; and imposes no onerous requirements, such as East Timor's demand that a gas pipeline from the seabed field should be built to Timor, not to Australia's Northern Territory.

Canberra says the pipeline demand can't be part of any agreement, because it's a commercial issue to be decided by companies, not by the two governments.

In return for such a "creative" deal, Australia says it'd agree to transfer extra revenue to East Timor, which would be in addition to the existing royalty formula.

If East Timor doesn't accept the cash-for-sovereignty deal, then Australia is promising lengthy negotiations over a permanent boundary, stretching out for a decade or more.

On the issue of ultimate sovereignty, the two countries are as far apart as the Timor Sea. Dili says a permanent boundary should be drawn at the mid point between Timor and Australia. Canberra, by contrast, says more weight should given to the reach of Australia's continental shelf, which runs much closer to East Timor than the median line. This argument says Australia and East Timor sit on different continental shelves, and that's decisive in defining ownership of the seabed.

One Canberra official says Australia isn't giving too much credence to some of East Timor's claims because, he says, they don't recognise the existence of Timor's neighbour, Indonesia. He says East Timor's ambit claim asks for ownership of virtually all the oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea, including 10-and-a- half thousand square kilometres of Indonesian seabed.

So that's the choice Canberra is offering Dili -- put aside the issue of a border for 50 to 100 years to allow oil and gas projects to go ahead today. Or push on with the full negotiations over sovereignty, and expect a complicated legal wrangle that will stretch well into the next decade.

Stop stealing East Timor's oil

Green Left Weekly - February 9, 2005

Jon Lamb -- A 30-second television advertisement screened on January 26 during the Australian Open tennis tournament has returned to the limelight the theft of East Timor's oil and gas resources by PM John Howard's Coalition government. At prime time and to a record number of viewers, the message was very clear: stop stealing East Timor's oil and gas wealth.

Businessman Ian Melrose's TV advertisement notes that "The Howard government has stolen $2 billion dollars in tax revenue from gas and oil royalties, which East Timor needs to create a working health system". In an advertisement printed in major newspapers on the same day, Melrose stated that this stolen revenue "is contaminating the Australian economy".

The newspaper ad accurately highlights the Australian government's refusal to abide by international law to settle the disputed maritime boundary: "By withdrawing from the relevant jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice two months before East Timor became a nation, John Howard's government prevented East Timor from taking the dispute over gas and oil to an independent arbitrator. Howard's government is denying the East Timorese their legal entitlements."

In an interview on ABC Radio on January 27, Melrose made his intention clear to keep this advertisement campaign, which he initiated prior to the federal election, running for some time. He said that during "all those sorts of events where the government tries to gain glory, we will be advertising the poor conduct of the Australian government in relation to East Timor".

Predictably, the Howard government responded to the advertisements with misinformation and half-truths. According to an unnamed "senior Australian official close to the boundary negotiations", quoted in the January 28 Australian, only $15 million in royalties has been received by the Australian government, not $2 billion as stated by the ad. This, however, is the revenue only from within the area in the Timor Sea covered by the Joint Petroleum Development Authority. It does not include the revenue stolen from fields outside the JPDA that rightfully belong to East Timor.

Tomas Freitas, an activist and campaigner with the East Timorese non-government organisation La'o Hamutuk, told Green Left Weekly: "The problem here is that the Australian government won't even acknowledge that East Timor claims areas outside the JPDA, like Laminaria and Corallina. Australia pretends the whole dispute is about 10% of Bayu-Undan. It's not Australia's decision what fields are contested -- if East Timor claims them, and Australia also claims them, they're contested. This is a Goebbels-type big lie from Australia -- they keep saying it over and over again as if that makes it true." La'o Hamutuk is part of the Movement Against the Occupation of the Timor Sea (MKOTT), an alliance of East Timorese organisations campaigning for East Timor's sovereign rights in the Timor Sea. Freitas said: "Our plan for this year is to focus our campaign in Australia; our target is the people of Australia. They have to know that their government is stealing our oil and gas from the Timor Sea.

"The issue is fundamentally the Australian people getting their own government to follow international law. In a sense, it's the East Timorese activists like MKOTT who are in solidarity with the Australians, not the other way around. The Australian people should take the primary responsibility for this effort, as it's their government that's wrong." The Howard government is taking steps to re-start the negotiations on the Greater Sunrise gas field that broke down late last year. Australian negotiators tried to induce the Timorese government to accept a once-off payment of $3 to $4 billion, about half of what East Timor is rightfully entitled to.

According to Freitas, "The negotiations broke down because Australia wants to pay East Timor a little money and have East Timor give up its claims to the resources. But East Timor wants not only money (and more than the most recent Australian offer) but also control over how the oil and gas is developed. Australia refused to even discuss that." Along with the diplomatic bullying and intimidating tactics applied in 2004, we can also expect that the government will attempt to keep the public's attention away from the plight of the mass of impoverished East Timorese who are trying to survive on less than US$1 a day.

The dire economic and social conditions that most East Timorese people face are no better reflected than in the area of health care, as Melrose's advertising campaign highlights. The majority of the population live in rural villages, often isolated and far from medical facilities or hospitals. There are impassable roads during the wet season, electricity is scant and telecommunications are next to non-existent. Curable and preventable diseases are life threatening for most in these circumstances.

Despite the best efforts of local medical staff, international volunteers and aid workers, there are simply insufficient resources to provide adequate health care to meet the needs of most East Timorese. The most recent World Bank and United Nations Development Program health statistics for children are a sobering reminder of the situation at present in East Timor:

• Around one in 10 babies die before the age of one.
• 12 in every 100 children die before reaching the age of five.
• The probability at birth of not reaching the age of 40 is 33%.
• Only 24% of births are attended by a skilled health professional.
• 42% of children under five are malnourished.

East Timor is currently suffering an outbreak of a deadly strain of dengue fever. At least 10 people died in Dili during January and a further 84 were hospitalised, many of them suffering painful symptoms including internal haemorrhaging. Such an occurrence is unimaginable in Australia today. The city of Darwin (around 700 kilometres away from Dili) has not reported any cases of dengue since the 1950s.

These horrendous conditions could be alleviated if East Timor is allowed to gain full sovereignty over its resources in the Timor Sea and direct the income from this towards developing its infrastructure.

"We have been discussing these issues with our government. The new regime laws were passed by the council of ministers in December, and during this week the draft law will be going to the parliament to debate. La'o Hamutuk wrote a submission about that, and another about the plans for managing the petroleum revenues", said Freitas.

Freitas and other human-rights and solidarity campaigners in East Timor are wary about the impact of dependence on these resources. "The pattern of every oil-producing country around the world that wasn't rich before they started producing oil is that the oil does not benefit the people of the country -- but only helps international oil companies, people in rich, oil-consuming nations, and sometimes a few corrupt leaders", Freitas explained.

"If East Timor is to avoid this 'resource curse', strong measures need to be taken, especially since our government and civil servants are inexperienced and our people have experienced much corruption during the Indonesian occupation. East Timor needs laws that protect the interests of future generations against oil companies and others who don't put our people's and communities' interests first."

Downer hopeful on Timor Sea deal

Australian Associated Press - February 7, 2005

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said he was cautiously positive about reaching a deal with East Timor on how to share lucrative energy reserves beneath the Timor Sea.

Australia and East Timor have so far failed to reach agreement on how best to divide the estimated $A41 billion worth of oil and gas deposits lying beneath the sea between Australia and East Timor.

Talks last year broke down when East Timor accused Australia of making an ultimatum on the boundary terms. Mr Downer told reporters the discussions were to resume next month.

"We are moving forwards towards constructive discussions with the East Timorese in March when our next meeting is scheduled to take place," he said. "From my contacts with the East Timorese ... I am cautiously positive about how those talks will go forward. These are difficult issues, we just take them forward piece by piece."

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer raised the issue with Mr Downer during a bilateral meeting at the request of East Timorese foreign minister Jose Ramos-Horta. Mr Ramos-Horta asked Mr Fischer to take up the issue during his meeting with Mr Downer and Prime Minister John Howard.

Mr Fischer said he was confident the issue would be resolved amicably by the two nations. "These pending issues should be settled between two friendly nations," he said.

Canberra hits Timor ads

Associated Press - February 1, 2005

Julian Lee and Cynthia Banham -- An advertising campaign accusing the Prime Minister of stealing billions of dollars in oil and gas revenues from East Timor has been branded "deceptive and misleading" by the Government.

The Government has gone on the defensive as it attempts to resume stalled talks over disputed maritime boundaries in the Timor Sea.

The television ads, paid for by Ian Melrose, the owner of Australia's second-largest optical chain, claim Australia has "stolen" $2 billion in revenue from the Timorese.

The Melbourne businessman is running a campaign to embarrass John Howard over Australia's claim on the lucrative oil and gas fields.

However, Mr Melrose's ads have cost him the support of a coalition of groups, with Oxfam, World Vision and the Uniting Church moving to distance themselves from him.

Earlier this week Mr Melrose and the Timor Sea Justice Campaign said the groups were part of a "coalition" that supported his pledge to ambush Mr Howard at public events. Oxfam advocacy manager Marc Purcell said: "It's a matter of employing different methods of trying to achieve a just outcome for the Timorese. That involves talking to Government ministers ... it's unhelpful to be associated with a campaign targeting the Prime Minister."

A World Vision spokesman said: "An ad campaign such as this is not a strategy we would use to influence government. We don't endorse it." The Uniting Church said: "We welcome community action but we don't support any personal attacks."

The Government's reaction to Mr Melrose's ad was swift. One official involved in negotiations over East Timor's maritime boundary said the figure of $2 billion was incorrect. He said Australia had received $15 million at most from the joint petroleum area.

"That's where his campaign is deceptive and misleading," said the official, who asked not to be named. "He's including things East Timor has never had a right to."

A spokesman for Mr Melrose said: "If the Australian Government is so sure of its legal case, why doesn't it simply take it to the International Court of Justice and settle it once and for all?"

The Government has not received any response from East Timor to its invitation to attend a third round of talks in Australia in February or March.

down when the current UN mission leaves East Timor in May.

Timorese human rights lawyer Aderito de Jesus Soares said in Dili that the Truth and Friendship Commission could 'bypass and undermine' the UN proposal.

Bishop da Silva said the Timorese church would not actively petition the United Nations on the issue, "but our door is always open".

The 61-year-old cleric said he was puzzled by Gusmao's stand. "I don't understand," he said. "If you reconcile, does justice remain to be done, or is it not going to be done? When a person steals, and they're not tried, where are we? If there was a crime, there has to be justice. This is independent of Xanana's position. It's nothing new, it's always been the church's position on justice and peace... Guilty or not guilty, justice must be done", de Silva said.

He said he had not yet spoken personally to Gusmao on the issue, but would like clarification.

The bishop defended a younger generation of East Timorese who survived a 1991 massacre in which around 200 unarmed demonstrators were killed by Indonesian soldiers.

As the parish priest who said mass before the nationalist demonstration, he has always argued for perpetrators to be judged.

Under pressure from human rights groups and governments, including the US government, the Suharto dictatorship tried several officers.

Their nominal sentences did not satisfy world opinion and led to a US arms embargo still largely in force, but currently under review.

Australia, Timor set to resume talks in march: Source

Dow Jones Newswires - February 2, 2005

Veronica Brooks, Canberra -- East Timor is poised to formally accept Australia's invitation to resume negotiations on a permanent maritime boundary.

Talks are expected to be held in Canberra next month, forming part of a previously agreed timetable of six-monthly meetings in a bid to resolve ownership of vast oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea, a person familiar with the situation told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday.

Discussions between Canberra and Dili broke down in October, prompting Woodside Petroleum Ltd. (WPL.AU) to shelve its US$5 billion Sunrise liquefied natural gas project after the parties failed to meet an end-of-year deadline.

Woodside had warned it needed fiscal certainty on the project by the end of 2004 to capture a 2010 marketing "window" for LNG exports. The company recently restated it won't be spending any more money to advance Sunrise and has reassigned staff to other projects.

Woodside owns 33.4% of Sunrise, regarded as the richest prize in the Timor Sea. Its partners are ConocoPhillips (COP) with 30%, Royal Dutch/Shell Group ( RD) with 26.6% and Japan's Osaka Gas Co. (9532.TO) with 10%.

East Timor is fighting for a maritime boundary in the middle of the 600 kilometers of sea separating the two countries.

Australia, instead, argues the boundary should be the edge of the continental shelf, which in some places is just 80 kilometers from East Timor's coastline. That border puts the bulk of natural resources in the Timor Sea under Australia's control.

Timor oil hearing ruled out by court

Sydney Morning Herald - February 4, 2005

Sarah Crichton -- The Federal Court has ruled it cannot hear a US oil company's multi-billion dollar compensation claim against the Commonwealth for loss of rights to vast oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea.

In its decision handed down yesterday, the full bench ruled the issue could require interference in Australia's international relations and foreign policy and so the court did not have the power to act.

The majority of the full bench, Chief Justice Michael Black and Justice Donald Hill, were persuaded by a 1906 precedent, known in legal circles by its case name, the "Potter" principle -- that domestic Australian courts will not enforce rights granted by a foreign sovereign.

PetroTimor, a subsidiary of Denver-based public oil and gas company Oceanic Exploration, was granted an exploration concession for 50,000 square kilometres of the Timor Sea between Australia and East Timor in March 1974.

It had sought legal recognition of the concession, which others argued effectively became null and void as a result of Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor.

The company's concession area formed much of the area covered by the 1989 Timor Gap Treaty between Australia and Indonesia.

Australia and East Timor have since reached an agreement on a new treaty, which is still subject to ratification by Australia.

PetroTimor was outraged when, rather than being given any validation of its concession, it was invited along with several other companies by the joint Indonesian-Australian authorities to bid for exploration permits for the Timor Sea after the treaty was finalised.

The company refused to bid, arguing it already held a claim to much of the "Zone A" area and hoped to proceed with separate plans to develop the Bayu Undan gasfields by building a pipeline to gas processing facilities in East Timor.

In their ruling Justices Black and Hill said: "We are of the view that ...

the court would simply have no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the application of the law of Portugal in granting to the applicants (PetroTimor) the concessions to which they claim to be entitled."

PetroTimor sought more than $2 billion from the Australian Government but after dismissing the claim, the court ordered the company to pay legal costs.

Ron Nathans, litigation partner at Deacons which represented PetroTimor in the court case, said last night an appeal to the High Court was possible.

"We think the High Court would be interested in revisiting this principle in light of contemporary law."

While he had not been able to receive instructions from PetroTimor US representatives in the time available, Mr Nathans believed it was "more likely than not" he would be instructed to lodge a special leave application for an appeal.

Transition & Reconstruction

Call to end Timor peace mission

Reuters - March 1, 2005

The United States and Australia today called for ending the United Nations peacekeeping mission in East Timor when its mandate expires in May, going against recommendations by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The United States was the only Security Council member not to endorse Annan's recent call to extend peacekeeping operations of a scaled-down United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) for a year until May 2006.

The Bush administration, however, was backed by Australia, which sent soldiers to East Timor to keep order in 1999 after Indonesian military-backed violence left 1,400 people dead.

The United States, which pays more than a quarter of UN peacekeeping costs, said Timor no longer represented an international security threat that required peacekeepers.

Annan's report praised the progress made by East Timor, formally known as Timor-Leste, since breaking from Indonesia but said support was still needed to resolve a dispute over the border with Indonesia, improve its police force, develop justice and financial institutions and fight political corruption and human rights violations.

He called for cutting military personnel from 472 troops to 179 in addition to civilian advisers.

"It is clear to us that the peacekeeping phase of Timor-Leste's path to full sufficiency can now be concluded," said US delegate Reed Fendrick, who suggested UN support might continue in the form of a political mission.

"There is no longer a threat to international peace and security requiring a peacekeeping mission."

The General Assembly appropriated $US85.2 million ($A107.75 million) for the mission for the year ending June 30, 2005. The United States pays 27 per cent of the cost of UN peacekeeping operations.

The Security Council will vote on whether to extend the peacekeeping mandate before it expires.

East Timor recently held elections in two districts with plans for more in the coming months. It has agreed on about 96 per cent of its border demarcation with Indonesia.

The Timorese, who experienced centuries of Portuguese colonial rule and then 24 years of occupation by Indonesia, voted overwhelmingly in August 1999 to break free, prompting an orgy of violence and Australia's intervention.

The United Nations ran the territory until independence in May 2002. The peacekeeping mission numbered 11,000 troops and civilians when first authorised.

A stream of speakers in the open council session praised the East Timor "success story" and advocated extending the mission following a briefing by UN envoy Sukehiro Hasegawa and a speech by Timorese Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta.

"Since 1999 you have made a tremendous contribution to what remains one of the most successful UN stories in the world," Ramos-Horta said in seeking a 6-12 month mission extension.

Australian Ambassador John Dauth backed the US position. "In our view the current external security environment of Timor-Leste does not warrant the continuation of peacekeepers on the border," Dauth said.

US opposes Annan's East Timor proposal

Associated Press - February 28, 2005

United Nations -- The United States said Monday it opposes Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recommendation for a one-year extension of the UN peacekeeping mission in East Timor, saying there is no longer a threat to peace between the tiny country and its powerful neighbor Indonesia.

At an open Security Council meeting, East Timor's Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta appealed to members for a final yearlong extension to strengthen the fledgling military, police, and government institutions.

"I am... sure that you do not want to be remembered by the East Timorese as having turned down a last request, a very modest one, but a critical one," he said.

The people of East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia in 1999, unleashing a wave of killing, looting and burning by the Indonesian military and its proxy militias that displaced 300,000 people.

For 2 1/2 years, the United Nations administered the territory, then handed it to the Timorese in May 2002. A UN mission has remained.

Many council members were sympathetic to Annan's recommendation to keep a scaled-down mission, though European Union members did not specify whether it should be a peacekeeping mission with troops or a civilian peace-building mission.

In a report to the council last week, Annan called for about 275 military personnel, police trainers, civilian advisers and human rights officers to remain in East Timor until May 2006, along with a small staff for the UN

representative. The mission currently has about 900 military, police and international civilian staff.

"The need to continue to support Timorese institution-building efforts remains critical, so as to protect the gains made until now," he said, warning that a pullout in May could affect the nation's security and stability.

But Reed Fendrick, a senior US diplomat, made clear that Washington wants the peacekeeping mission wrapped up on schedule in May. He did not rule out a non-peacekeeping mission.

"There is no longer a threat to international peace and security requiring a peacekeeping mission, and relations between East Timor and Indonesia are improving," he said.

He said the United States would be open to considering a political mission for a limited period to focus on the country's most critical needs.

The United States pays about 25 percent of UN peacekeeping operations, so US opposition to extending the current mission would likely mean an end to the military component.

Sukehiro Hasegawa, the UN special representative to East Timor, warned the council on Monday that if the UN military and police are withdrawn on schedule "the country may face insurmountable challenges in its path towards peace and stability."

Ramos Horta urged the council to increase the numbers Annan proposed for the scaled-down mission.

'Too soon' for UN to leave East Timor

The Australian - February 25, 2005

David Nason, New York -- The UN Mission of Support in East Timor looks certain to be extended, after Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned of continuing government corruption, police human rights abuses, judicial chaos and the danger of renewed hostilities on the fledgling's nation's undecided border with Indonesia.

Mr Annan's blunt assessment was delivered in a report to the Security Council and came with a recommendation for a reduced UNMISET force to stay in East Timor until May next year, 12 months beyond the UN's scheduled departure date.

Mr Annan's plan involves reducing the number of UN military personnel in East Timor from 477 to 179 and police trainers from 157 to 40. At present, Australia, with 92 soldiers and 17 police, is the third-largest contributor to UNMISET's security component, behind Brazil (143 military personnel) and Fiji (136).

While Mr Annan said the overall situation in East Timor had been "calm and stable" over the past year, he made it painfully clear the nation was incapable of running its own affairs.

He said corruption was a particular concern in the finance and justice sectors and revealed that as recently as January 20, all 22 of East Timor's national judges had failed a written evaluation test -- a disaster that meant none was eligible to convert from probationary to career judges.

Mr Annan said this meant there was now a "complete reliance" on UN-backed international judges for criminal and civil cases.

He said only half of East Timor's 1700 police had "achieved the desired level of competence" and that the force not only lacked professional ethics but was critically short of skills in the key areas of investigations, forensics and logistics.

Even worse were figures showing that assaults and human rights abuses by police -- including sexual assault and gender violence -- had increased since August last year.

On the unresolved issue of East Timor's border with Indonesia, Mr Annan said East Timor's 300-strong border control unit lacked the capacity to "manage and interact with Indonesia's national army on its own".

"Provision of international assistance beyond the expiration of the current UNMISET mandate on May 20 will be crucial for the long-term security stability and sustainable development of the country," Mr Annan said.

"The need to continue to support Timorese institution-building remains critical."

At the same time, Mr Annan said East Timor, which endured 24 years of brutal occupation by Indonesia from 1975-99, had made "truly remarkable progress" since it gained independence in May 2002.

Last December, East Timor and Indonesian reached agreement on a South African-style truth and friendship commission to resolve issues surrounding the violence in August 1999, when East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence.

An estimated 1400 people were killed by pro-Jakarta militias backed by the Indonesian army at the time.

Timor to ask UN to further extend peacekeeping mission

Agence France Presse - February 22, 2005

Dili -- East Timor will ask the United Nations Security Council to extend its peacekeeping mission in the fledgling nation, Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said Tuesday.

Ramos-Horta said he would convey the request to a council meeting in New York next Monday. "I have received an instruction from President [Xanana Gusmao] and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri to request at the Security Council meeting to extend the PKF [peacekeeping force] mission in East Timor," he told journalists.

Ramos-Horta said East Timor would settle for the presence of military observers and police and public administration advisers should the council reject the request.

Last November the Security Council extended its mission for what it called a final six months. The council unanimously adopted a resolution prolonging the mandate until May 20 and asking the mission to focus on an "exit strategy" so that Timorese can take over after it departs.

East Timor gained independence in May 2002 after more than two years of UN administration following 24 years of often-brutal occupation by Indonesia.

Pro-Jakarta militias organised by the Indonesian army killed an estimated 1,400 people before and after East Timorese voted in August 1999 for independence.

There are 477 UN military personnel in the peacekeeping mission, which had more than 10,000 when it was first established in 1999. Civilian advisers are also part of the UN presence.

Portugal backs continued UN presence, says Lisbon official

Lusa - February 2, 2005

Dili -- The United Nations should maintain a trimmed-down operation in East Timor after the scheduled withdrawal of its UNMISET mission in May, a Portuguese government official said Wednesday.

Jorge Neto, Lisbon's state secretary for defense, told Lusa in Dili that UNMISET (UN Mission of Support in East Timor) had made "notable achievements" since being created in May, 2002.

"We maintain, as does the Timorese government, that this mission has to continue with some reconfiguration to eventually follow a nation-building model rather than a peacekeeping one", said Neto.

Portugal is ready to contribute military personnel to any future UN mission in Timor, said the Lisbon official, wrapping up a three- day visit to the new nation during which he signed an accord to broaden bilateral military cooperation.

UNMISET concludes its mandate May 20 and the Dili government has called for the world body's assistance to Timor to be extended for another 12 months with a reduced presence of peacekeeping troops.

The UN mission currently comprises 58 civilian advisors, 42 militry observers, 150 police officers and a multinational force of over 400 "blue beret" soldiers.

Security & boarder issues

Militia uniforms in West Timor banned

Australian Associated Press - February 24, 2005

Indonesian troops have cracked down on suspected militia members near the East Timor border, banning them from wearing camouflage uniforms as the UN sought an extension for peacekeeping forces in the fledgling nation.

Kupang military commander Colonel Muswarno Moesanip ordered the ban after discovering several members of the so-called Pembela Merah Putih, or Red and White Defenders Front, headed by notorious former militia leader Eurico Guterres.

Guterres was the most prominent pro-Jakarta militia leader in East Timor before the wave of bloodshed that followed the then Indonesian province's vote for independence in 1999.

He urged his Aitarak (Thorn) militiamen to "capture and kill" those who had "betrayed integration" of East Timor.

Muswarno said Red and White Defenders Front members had been recruiting in the border region near East Timor and were wearing military-style camouflage clothing and red berets similar to the uniforms of TNI soldiers deployed in the Atambua area.

"It is forbidden for unauthorised people to wear military clothing," he told AAP. "There's a new tendency for civilians to be militaristic. It doesn't need to be that way. Why don't they just wear white, black or yellow? It's cool. Why do they need military stripes?"

The ban came as UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan recommended that the United Nations keep a scaled-down mission in East Timor for an extra year, warning a scheduled pullout in May could affect security and stability.

In a report on Wednesday to the UN Security Council, Annan called for about 275 military personnel, police trainers, civilian advisers and human rights officers to remain in the country until May 20, 2006, along with a small staff for the UN representative.

The mission currently has about 900 military, police and international civilian staff, including around 100 Australian troops and police, acting as engineers, advisers and logistics experts.

Last November, the Security Council extended the mandate of the mission for what was supposed to be the last time, acknowledging East Timor had not reached a "critical threshold of self- sufficiency".

Annan said East Timor still needed international assistance to control its borders, develop a professional police service, establish judicial and financial institutions, and promote democratic governance and human rights.

Muswarno said despite fears of further militia incursions when UN forces left, security on the porous border with West Timor had recently been bolstered.

Another infantry battalion would soon join the four Indonesian army battalions already there to prevent the West Timor border region from becoming a base for armed incursions into East Timor.

The chief of Belu police told the Detik.com news portal that his officers did not have the authority to ban militia members from wearing military uniforms.

In November 2002, an Indonesian court sentenced Guterres to 10 years jail for human rights crimes, but he remains free on appeal, although confined to Java island.

There are unconfirmed reports he has recently been in tsunami- shattered Aceh seeking new Red and White Defenders Front recruits.

Justice & reconciliation

Violations now international community's concern: Annan

Antara - February 24, 2005

New York -- United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said here Wednesday the human rights violations that occurred in East Timor in 1999 following a UN-sponsored people's ballot were now not the concern of Indonessia and East Timor only but of the international community as well.

"And therefore I have decided to set up a commission of experts," he said in his report to the UN Security Council (UNSC) on the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET).

Annan said he had conveyed his views on the matter to Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayudha and East Timor Foreign Minister Ramos Horta when the two met him last December.

He said East Timor had made much porgress since it ceased being Indonesia's 27th province and had become an independent nation on May 20 in 2002 following the 1999 UN-sponsored people's ballot in which an overwhelming majority of East Timorese chose independence. However, he said, East Timor still needed international assistance, even after UNMISET's mandate expired next May.

"The East Timorese government still needs assistance , among other things, to manage its borders, to form a professional police force and other important institutions," he added. Annan also recommended the creation of a small UN team that would assist the Timor Leste government for a year after the UNMISET'ss mandate expires next May.

The UN chief on the same day announced the composition of an independent Commission of Experts to review the judicial settlement of the 1999 human rights abuses in East Timor. The three experts were Yozo Yokota, professor of international law at Japan's Chuo University, Justice Prafullachandra Bhagwati of India, and Shaista Shameem, a professor from Fiji.

Yokota, an expert on international human rights law and other areas of international law, was a special adviser to the UN University based in Tokyo, Kyodo reported on Thursday.

The commission would assess the progress made in the judicial processes in Dili and Jakarta and make recommendations to Annan with regard to possible future actions over the 1999 anti- independence violence in which dozens of people were killed and hundreds of thousands fled, according to the United Nations.

UN officials expressed concern about the tribunals after the Indonesian Appeals Court last year overturned the convictions of Indonesian officials implicated, and an Indonesian court in 2002 sentenced a former governor of East Tinor, Abilio Soares, to three years in prison -- a verdict far below the statutory minimum jail term of 10 years for crimes against humanity.

Justice at a crossroads in East Timor

Asia Times - February 24, 2005

Jill Jolliffe, Dili -- Justice is at the crossroads in East Timor, with the United Nations formally moving to check the impunity of those accused of war crimes committed during Indonesia's bloody withdrawal from the island in 1999 and Timorese and Indonesian leaders proposing that all such charges be dropped.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announced in New York on Friday that he was appointing a commission of experts to review Timor war crimes prosecutions and assess why a 1999 Security Council resolution to try those accused of war crimes has failed. He named the three experts as Justice Prafullachandra Bhagwati of India, Professor Yozo Yokota of Japan and Shaista Shameem of Fiji.

It seemed symptomatic of the world's slide into apathy over Timor atrocities that the official UN statement said the experts would "recommend possible future action over the 1999 anti-independence violence in which dozens of people were killed and hundreds of thousands fled".

Dili records show that UN lawyers have investigated more than 1,400 homicides, not "dozens", since they arrived in 2000, and have indicted various Indonesians and Timorese over the deportation of around quarter of a million people, who did not "flee", but were forced from their homeland at gunpoint.

Hours before the UN leader's statement, a new director of the Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) in Dili -- set up under the 1999 Security Council resolution -- was sworn in to office by Timorese President Xanana Gusmao, with the task of terminating the unit's work.

Former Canadian minister Carl DeFaria has the job of handing over hundreds of case files to the East Timorese government and ending SCU business by May 20, when the current UN mission ends. He succeeded Nicholas Koumjian, who left recently to work in Kosovo.

Under three preceding directors, the SCU has convicted only 74 of 317 people indicted for the violence that racked East Timor after an overwhelming independence vote in August 1999. Most were Timorese militiamen, who are seen as taking the rap for their commanders.

Jakarta refuses to act on arrest warrants issued for around 300 people at large in Indonesia. Former defense minister and presidential candidate General Wiranto is among the senior officers enjoying apparent immunity from prosecution.

Under the same UN resolution, Indonesia was to try its own citizens, but all except one of 18 perpetrators judged by a special ad hoc court were acquitted.

However, as DeFaria pointed out to Asia Times Online, the dedicated work of the unit's investigators and jurists is there for possible future use.

"Obviously, we would like to have all of the people who have been indicted brought to justice," he said. "It will be up to the Timorese government. I'm sure if they decide to pursue it they will have a lot of support from the international community."

President Gusmao chose his words carefully at DeFaria's investiture. He has been under fire by domestic critics, including the Catholic Church, for his December deal with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to set up a Truth and Friendship Commission, which would have a public truth- telling function but would drop charges against accused war criminals.

He praised the SCU's work as representing "more than just punitive justice; it endeavors to be a form of justice that reports historical truth for the victims". He referred guardedly to prosecutions, stressing instead "the establishment of truth and reparation to the victims" -- values he is championing in the Indonesian accord.

President Gusmao and Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta began work to establish the Truth and Friendship Commission late last year, supported by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri. The decision to form the joint commission came after the UN Security Council expressed concern over Indonesia's failure to punish those responsible for the violence.

Ramos Horta traveled to New York with his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda in December to discuss the commission with Annan, who fell short of endorsing it. The United States was also cool to the proposal, while conceding that it could complement the work of the commission of experts.

In November, US Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth had urged the Security Council to demand responsibility for the Timor bloodshed. "There must be accountability for the human- rights violations committed in East Timor," he asserted. "The international community has a responsibility to address the issue."

An Agence France-Presse report said both Wirayuda and Ramos Horta indicated during their visit that they hoped to avoid the new UN inquiry, with the Indonesian minister, saying the Truth and Friendship Commission was "meant as an alternative to the idea of establishing a commission of experts". The Truth and Friendship Commission was formalized in Bali later in December between presidents Yudhoyono and Gusmao.

As the deal was being cobbled together by politicians, East Timor's powerful Catholic Church weighed in on the argument. The Bishop of Dili, Dom Alberto Ricardo da Silva, criticized the culture of impunity, saying victims deserved justice. "If there was a crime, there has to be justice," he said, "It's always been the position of the Church."

Bishop da Silva, who replaced Nobel peace laureate Carlos Ximenes Belo last year, after his retirement from ill health, said his view represented "all" of the deeply Catholic East Timorese. "They say they're not satisfied ... they come to me constantly saying they want justice," he stated.

The 61-year-old cleric said he had difficulty understanding what Timorese politicians meant by reconciliation: "When a person steals, and they're not tried, where are we?" de Silva asked. "If you reconcile, does justice remain to be done, or is it not going to be done?"

Both President Gusmao and Ramos Horta have since explained their proposal to church leaders, including Bishop da Silva, and consulted party leaders.

Criticism has also come from Timorese human-rights workers. Like the bishop, lawyer Aderito de Jesus Soares is puzzled. "It's demoralizing seeing Xanana, Mari Alkatiri and Ramos Horta asking them to forget," he said. "I agree with concern over border stability, but hugging all these generals doesn't make any sense to me."

He feels deceived: "Justice and human rights are the values we fought for during 24 years, and suddenly we see them betray all those principles."

Annan has written to the presidents of both nations asking for their cooperation with the commission of experts, and further suggested that its work "could complement that of the Truth and Friendship Commission".

Observers in Dili believe that it will be difficult for the UN to revive prosecutions with so little enthusiasm being expressed by Timorese leaders. Judging by the UN's factual errors in describing Timor's history, it doesn't care much either.

[Jill Jolliffe, a frequent contributor to Asia Times Online, has recently returned from Dili.]

Reconciling East Timor

Jakarta Post Editorial - February 23, 2005

All too frequently this nation has refused to come to terms with its past. The circumstances surrounding historical events remain blurred, the rhetoric that exalts heroes and condemns villains left untested.

Our past, scripted for political interest rather than historical purity, is a collection of slanted half-truths colored by emotive perceptions. Still unaltered, our children's history books contain little more than the vain conceits of the powerholders who commissioned them.

Possessed by fear and suspicion, with agitated minds and alarmed eyes, instead of coming to terms with the truth, and our conduct, we desperately invent plans to avoid the inevitable.

Five years after mass violence swept the former province of East Timor, Indonesia has not laid the ghosts it conjured up there to rest.

As regards the disturbances in East Timor that claimed thousands of lives in 1999, Indonesia was the protagonist, a victim of circumstance or just plain negligent, depending on your perspective. Whatever the case, the truth -- good or bad -- has never been revealed.

The Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunal that tried 18 defendants has failed to satisfy many here, and infuriated most people abroad. The tribunal only convicted six of the defendants, of which five were eventually acquitted on appeal. Only civilian militia leader Eurico Guterres is currently serving time behind bars -- albeit after a higher court reduced his sentence from 10 to five years.

Against this background, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's decision to appoint a commission of experts to review the prosecution of human rights violations in East Timor is understandable. Annan has selected India's Prafullachandra Bhagwati, Fiji's Shaista Shameem and Japan's Yozo Yokota to assess the judicial proceedings and present recommendations for future action.

Despite Jakarta's protestations to the contrary, Indonesia's home-grown legal process has abjectly failed to inspire confidence that it is willing to assume responsibility for the death and destruction that befell the East Timorese.

With the prospect of such a commission on the horizon, Indonesia late last year hastily prodded East Timor to jointly establish a Commission on Truth and Friendship.

We agree with senior Indonesian officials who argue that the UN should respect the countries' own efforts. Nevertheless, given Indonesia's record so far it may well be a case of defending the indefensible.

The onus is thus on the Indonesian-East Timor commission to work expeditiously towards a truly judicious outcome. Even if the establishment of the commission has been contrived to thwart the setting-up of a UN team, it must not be employed as a broom designed solely for sweeping everything under the carpet.

Experience in other countries has shown that sometimes, albeit very rarely, justice can be served without prosecution. But the required prerequisite is that the truth -- an admission of guilt, a detailing of the modus operandi and the exposure of intent -- must come out in full. Concessions made by victims through the waiving of their rights to see justice being done in the criminal courts is also a key element.

Furthermore, it is imperative that Indonesia does not be seen as a bully on the joint commission. Despite being two sovereign nations, real politik defines the relationship between Indonesia and East Timor as an unequal one. We are a country of 220 million, a country so vast that it extends the width of the American continent. Compare that to East Timor, which is about the same size as a Jakarta municipality.

The styling of the body as a "truth and friendship commission" will only be apt if it proves itself able to elaborate on what really happened, and not simply serve as a body to make friends and hide the truth.

According to officials, the term "friendship" was chosen because, unlike in the circumstances under which other similarly named commissions were established, Indonesia and East Timor have gone beyond reconciliation and are now focusing on strengthening friendship.

But the real question is whether Indonesia can come to terms with its own history, or whether it will once again turn history into fiction.

Truth Commission not to include officials

Detik.com - February 14, 2005

Detikom, Muhammad Atqa -- Indonesia's foreign minister, Hasan Wirayudha, clarified that the Truth and Friendship Commission [TFC] being formed by the Indonesian and East Timor governments will not include officials from either country, but will, however, include community leaders with high integrity.

"Not officials, but leading figures with integrity, we hope will form our joint secretariat. Maybe they will come from the mid- region between Indonesia and East Timor," said the foreign minister after appointing consul-generals, consuls and two new officials in the Foreign Ministry at its offices on Jalan Pejambon, Jakarta on Friday (11 February 2005).

In relation to the terms of reference (TOR) of the Truth and Friendship Commission which have not yet been finalized, the foreign minister explained that he will meet East Timor Foreign Minister Ramos Horta in the near future to discuss the matter.

"I will meet Ramos Horta again in one week. I met Foreign Minister Horta in Bali on 8 February. The meeting was really friendly. Even though we put forward plans for the terms of reference, it is not a problem because this is a joint idea resulting from our cooperative efforts to complete the terms of reference," explained Foreign Minister Wirayudha.

Foreign Minister Wirayudha also explained that at the end of this month the terms reference should be completed. Now, only small changes need to be made to the formulation's preamble. "Our target is to immediately report to each country's agencies." I hope that by the end of this month there will be an agreement," he said.

Foreign Minister Wirayudha also explained that the Truth and Friendship Commission's [main] task is to close a period in East Timor and Indonesia's past and also to advance friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

"The Commission aims to appropriately close the burden or part of the history between Indonesia and East Timor and particularly not to investigate human rights violations that occurred in 1999," he said.

With the creation of the terms of reference, then in one or one and a half months the Commission will be running. "If the terms of reference can be finalized by February, then in one or one and a half months the Commission will be running," he said.

[BBC World Monitoring.]

Truth body to advance even without consensus - Horta

Lusa - February 11, 2005

Dili -- East Timor's leaders want national consensus on how to deal with Indonesian atrocities committed in 1999, but will move to set up a Truth and Friendship Commission with Jakarta regardless of negative public reaction, Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta said Friday.

Just returned from talks over the bilateral commission in Indonesia, Ramos Horta, downplayed the significance of criticism of the initiative from civil society groups and the influential Timorese Catholic Church.

Ramos Horta, in comments to Lusa after briefing Parliament Speaker Francisco Guterres on his talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda earlier this week, said Dili sought a "solid national consensus" over the controversial issue.

But failing to achieve such agreement, he stressed that President Xanana Gusmao, the government and parliament had the political "legitimacy" to move forward to set up the bilateral commission.

Both the foreign minister and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri described recent criticism of the plan from Catholic Bishop Alberto Ricardo, the head of the church in Dili, as "precipitate" and based on a lack of information.

Local media quoted Bishop Ricardo earlier this week as saying he was "perplexed" by the Dili-Jakarta plan to deal with the wave of crimes against humanity committed by pro-Indonesia militias and troops around the time of East Timor's 1999 independence plebiscite.

"I don't understand: If we reconcile will there be justice or not", newspapers quoted the cleric as asking. "When someone is caught robbing and is not tried" where does that leave the victims, he questioned.

Whatever the future stance of the United Nations or the position of "Timorese leaders", the bishop said the Catholic Church would not budge from its demand that "justice be done".

Gusmao and his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agreed to set up the truth commission after a December meeting in Bali. The two countries' foreign ministers have jointly presented the plan to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, but have yet to get his blessing for the initiative.

Domestic and international critics, arguing Dili appears willing to sacrifice justice for normalized relations with its powerful neighbor and former occupier, have called on the UN to create an international court to try those responsible for the rampages five years ago.

Gusmao is scheduled to begin talks with Timorese political parties next week to seek as broad a political consensus as possible over the issue.

Indonesian forces and militias are blamed for the deaths of 1,500 people, forcing some 250,000 into temporary exile, and destroying most of the country's infrastructure during a scorched earth campaign in 1999.

Trials of 18 Indonesian officers and officials in Jakarta have been viewed internationally as a whitewash, while trials in Dili have dealt with relatively minor cases and faced Indonesia's refusal to cooperate.

Justice for Timor war criminals?

BBC News - February 18, 2005

David Loyn, East Timor -- Aprecio Guterres will be the last person to be tried by the war crimes court set up in East Timor.

After his case has been heard, the United Nations has ordered the court to close, as operations wind down ahead of the final UN pullout on 20 May. It has already stayed a year beyond its original mandate, and no further extension looks likely.

If he is found guilty, Mr Guterres will be the 75th person to be jailed for crimes connected to the events of 1999, when a vote for independence sparked violent gun battles.

More than 500,000 people had to leave their homes, tens of thousands died and most of the buildings of East Timor were destroyed as Indonesian forces went on the rampage.

The end of the war crimes trials will mean that the most high- profile person to be indicted, the former head of Indonesia's armed forces, General Wiranto, will never face charges in East Timor. He is unlikely to face trial in Indonesia either, despite being found "morally responsible" by a government-sponsored human rights inquiry.

The Indonesians did put 18 people on trial, but none are actually in jail.

Compared to Liliput

East Timor's political leadership, which is trying to build bridges with the newly elected democratic government in Jakarta, is glad to see an end to the war crimes process. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta said that independence itself was enough justice.

He has put his considerable moral weight behind a new process to be called a Truth and Friendship Commission, to put a line under the wrongs of the past. Part of the impetus for this comes from a desire not to inflame tensions in Jakarta, recognising that democracy is fragile.

Mr Ramos Horta has compared his country to Jonathan Swift's Lilliput -- too small to take on a giant. "East Timor is not going to be the Lilliputian judge, which is going to bring to justice very powerful Indonesian ministers," he said. "If we are seen by Indonesia as conniving with the international community to continue to embarrass Indonesia, it could have a backlash against East Timor."

But as the UN prepares to pull out, there are signs that the institutions it has built have failed to put down deep roots.

'Corruption and interference'

All of the country's judges are currently in classes, after failing law exams, and the nation's police force appears to have learnt too many of its techniques from the past, and not enough from the UN-financed international trainers. Joaqim Fonseca, a human rights activist who now works inside the government, said the public think the new police are just as bad as the old. "Problems have come in the form of police brutality, accepting kickbacks, and illegal backing of businesses," he said.

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said East Timor's police were very good compared to neighbouring countries. "When you have no problems, then small problems become big problems," he said. But outside observers complain of political interference and corruption.

There has been interference, too, in the judicial process -- most notably when government law officers first endorsed and then disowned the controversial indictment against General Wiranto.

Despite this, the prime minister puts the blame for judicial failings squarely on the UN. "I am sure that the justice sector was the worst done by the UN," he said. "We need a credible justice system in this country for sustainable development... and to attract investors, so I do believe that the UN will understand that and will keep on assisting us."

But there is no sign of continuing assistance for justice beyond May, although the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to continue funding a judicial monitoring project to keep an eye on how things are going.

Local forgiveness

One part of the international community's work which will have a lasting effect is the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor (CAVR), a process to re-integrate former militiamen and Indonesian army soldiers.

Housed in a former political prison in Dili, where some of the cells have been left as a permanent memorial, the CAVR will publish a major report later this year, detailing thousands of horror stories so that East Timor never forgets.

The main culprits may never go to jail, but the small fry have been forgiven after explaining their stories. Their neighbours seem happy enough to accept that they too were victims of the times. Sometimes elaborate village ceremonies welcome them back.

Bernadino Pires is a case in point. He said he was taken by the military and forced to work in a group which burnt houses. After the killings in 1999, he fled to West Timor, only returning when he could go through a public process managed by the CAVR.

His neighbour Jacinta Tillman had her own house burnt down -- although not by his gang -- but she has welcomed him back home. "When he came back he was happy, and that made us happy too. We know that it was not his fault," she said.

Timorese church opposes deal on war crimes

Agence France Presse - February 7, 2005

East Timor's new Catholic bishop has opposed a deal between Timorese and Indonesian leaders to drop trials over atrocities during the country's 1999 independence process, saying it lacks public support.

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his Timorese counterpart Xanana Gusmao agreed in Jakarta last month to form a Truth and Friendship Commission to deal with crimes during Indonesia's scorched earth withdrawal six years ago.

The United Nations has refused to endorse the deal, proposing instead a Commission of Experts to assess why a 1999 Security Council resolution to try those accused of war crimes has failed.

"What Kofi Annan says or not, what Timorese leaders want or not, the position of the church is the same, it's clear and firm. We need justice, justice must be done," Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva said.

Da Silva took over as bishop of Dili -- an influential position in the largely Catholic country -- last year, replacing Nobel peace laureate Carlos Ximenes Belo, who retired due to ill- health.

The new bishop asserted that "all" Timorese people supported war crimes trials, and said he was dealing with constant complaints from his congregation over the issue.

Foreign Ministers Jose Ramos Horta of East Timor and Hassan Wirayuda of Indonesia are due to meet in Bali on Tuesday to hammer out details of the proposed commission, Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa told AFP in Jakarta.

Ramos Horta, who also attended the initial Jakarta meeting, told Portugal's LUSA news agency the scheme would contribute to "closing a chapter of history".

Militia gangs directed by Indonesian army officers killed around 1,500 independence supporters, laid waste to much of the infrastructure and forcibly deported 250,000 people after a UN- supervised poll which returned an overwhelming independence vote.

A UN Security Council resolution later adopted a two-pronged approach to war crimes. Indonesia formed an ad hoc court to try its citizens accused of atrocities, while a UN-backed Special Crimes Unit was set up in Dili to try Indonesian soldiers and Timorese militiamen alike for crimes against humanity.

The Indonesian court wound up last year after acquitting all but one of the 18 alleged perpetrators who appeared before it.

The Special Crimes Unit jailed 74 Timorese culprits, but was powerless to extradite Indonesian commanders: more than 300 people wanted for trial have sanctuary in Indonesia.

It is scheduled to close down when the current UN mission leaves East Timor in May.

Timorese human rights lawyer Aderito de Jesus Soares said in Dili that the Truth and Friendship Commission could 'bypass and undermine' the UN proposal.

Bishop da Silva said the Timorese church would not actively petition the United Nations on the issue, "but our door is always open".

The 61-year-old cleric said he was puzzled by Gusmao's stand. "I don't understand," he said. "If you reconcile, does justice remain to be done, or is it not going to be done? When a person steals, and they're not tried, where are we? If there was a crime, there has to be justice. This is independent of Xanana's position. It's nothing new, it's always been the church's position on justice and peace... Guilty or not guilty, justice must be done", de Silva said.

He said he had not yet spoken personally to Gusmao on the issue, but would like clarification.

The bishop defended a younger generation of East Timorese who survived a 1991 massacre in which around 200 unarmed demonstrators were killed by Indonesian soldiers.

As the parish priest who said mass before the nationalist demonstration, he has always argued for perpetrators to be judged.

Under pressure from human rights groups and governments, including the US government, the Suharto dictatorship tried several officers.

Their nominal sentences did not satisfy world opinion and led to a US arms embargo still largely in force, but currently under review.

East Timor: Justice for whom?

Jakarta Post - February 2, 2005

Adirito de Jesus Soares, Dili -- Many people have commented about the first 100 days of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presidency. One of his campaign promises, as we know, was to deal specifically with corruption -- one of most acute problems facing Indonesia.

On the one hand, this promise shows the seriousness of SBY's government, at least in public, in establishing good governance and democracy. However, he has ignored the issue of human rights violations committed by state apparatus over the last several decades This includes crimes against humanity that took place in East Timor during the illegal occupation by the Indonesian regime.

People might recall some of the other big atrocities, such as the killing of alleged Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) members in 1965 and more recent cases like the May 1998 riots were thousands of people were killed. We can add to this list cases like human rights violations in Aceh, Papua and Maluku.

In relation to human rights violations in East Timor, East Timorese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ramos Horta and his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirayuda met with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and then US secretary of state Colin Powell in Washington in December last year. In these meetings, the two foreign ministers proposed what they called the International Truth and Friendship Commission to deal with crimes against humanity that took place in East Timor during and after the 1999 referendum there.

It is not yet clear what the mandate of this commission would be. However, as explained by Horta, it seems that the commission would have the task of naming those who committed human rights violations in East Timor. Horta, the main proponent of this commission, has been campaigning for this proposal while ignoring the voices of the victims in East Timor.

Of course this proposal has attained significant support from the Indonesian government, since it would avoid the demands of victims both in Indonesia and East Timor who are still pursuing justice by demanding the establishment of an international tribunal to try the alleged perpetrators.

In other word, this commission would pave the way for the perpetrators to keep enjoying their impunity. In contrast, in the eyes of the victims, an international tribunal would put an end to the impunity enjoyed by those who committed human rights violations both in East Timor and Indonesia. Horta and Wirayuda's proposal seems especially odd as Kofi Annan is preparing to establish a Commission of Experts in order to carry out an assessment of the ad hoc Human Rights Court in Jakarta and the Special Panel Court in Dili. These two tribunals have a mandate to try those who committed crimes against humanity in East Timor prior to and after the referendum in 1999.

It has been more than obvious that these two tribunals have not offered any real justice to the victims of 1999. The ad hoc Human Rights Court in Jakarta is merely a show, with the main alleged perpetrators being acquitted, while the Special Panel Court in Dili has no teeth to bring to court those big fish who are still residing in Indonesia.

So what exactly is the hidden agenda behind this odd proposal? It appears that the underlying aim of the commission is to put bilateral relations between East Timor and Indonesia ahead of justice for the victims or rights abuses. It is obvious that pragmatic politics always puts aside justice for victims in the name of leaders who claim to represent them.

The international community, through the UN, has a noble mission of dealing with perpetrators of gross human rights violations as hostis humani generis -- enemies of mankind.

Consistently, the UN has to push for the idea of establishing a Commission of Experts in order to carry out an assessment. If this assessment takes place, then the UN has to work out how to find an alternative, which could be an international tribunal if the assessment shows that there is no hope for justice via the present mechanisms. This is consistent with all of the UN's earlier findings and recommendations after the 1999 East Timor referendum.

It is likely, however, that Horta and Wirayuda's proposal will bypass and undermine Kofi Annan's idea of establishing a Commission of Experts. Worse still, this proposal shows where the leaders' real interests lie, and for sure it is not justice for the victims.

[The author, a lawyer and human rights advocate, is a former member of East Timor's Constituent Assembly and currently teaches at Dili University.]

Indonesia, Timor to establish commission of friendship

Xinhua News - February 4, 2005

Jakarta -- Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda will host a meeting with his East Timor counterpart Ramos Horta to have talks on the planned establishment of the commission for truth and friendship, a foreign spokesman said Friday.

The commission has been agreed by both countries as a settlement of dispute over alleged human rights abuses by Indonesian officers in East Timor in 1999, Foreign Affairs Ministry's spokesman Yuri Thamrin told a weekly press conference here.

He said the meeting will be held on the resort island of Bali on February 7-8. The meeting is aimed at achieving an agreement on the terms of references for the establishment of the commission, he said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his East Timor counterpart Xanana Gusmao have shared commitment to bilaterally settling the dispute through the establishment of the commission when they met in Bali on December 14, 2004.

Indonesia has been under international pressures over massacre in East Timor before, during and after the former Indonesian province voted for independence in late 1999.

A government-sponsored human rights tribunal in Jakarta has convicted only two civilians and acquitted most of the accused officers of rights abuses, which prompted the United Nations to propose the Commission of Experts that will launch further investigation.

Both governments in Indonesia and East Timor apparently rejected the UN proposal.

Human rights/law

East Timor judges fail their test

Time Asia - February 14, 2005

Lisa Clausen -- Built from scratch like so much of East Timor after the militia rampages in the wake of 1999's independence vote, the nation's justice system is now facing a critical setback.

All 22 of its Timorese judges, some of whom have been presiding over prosecutions for crimes against humanity in the Special Panels for Serious Crimes, have failed their probationary evaluation and are no longer qualified to hear cases. "People ask me, How about those people who have been sent to jail already?" says Carmelita Moniz, who has ruled on hundreds of civil and criminal cases since being appointed in 2000, "and I can't answer them."

None of the East Timorese judges had any courtroom experience when they were appointed, and the fledgling judicial system has been plagued by delays and claims by NGOs of poor decision- making. The President of the Court of Appeal, Claudio Ximenes, who, as president of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, announced the evaluation results on January 25, says they didn't surprise him: he knew "from the cases coming to the Court of Appeal that they were not skilled."

Nineteen judges appealed against them last week; six, including Moniz, have been reappointed to finish their scheduled work on the Special Panels for Serious Crimes, the Court of Appeal and the National Commission for Elections, working alongside a handful of international judges already in Timor on secondment. The Judicial System Monitoring Programme, an NGO, says it's concerned their reappointments aren't valid, and that a large backlog of cases -- already numbering more than 1,000 -- will increase the problem of defendants being held in custody longer than is legal. Evaluation results for the country's public defenders and prosecutors are expected soon.

Adding to the urgency is that on May 20 the mandate of the UN Mission of Support in East Timor ends and the international judges, including Ximenes, a High Court judge in Portugal, are due to leave. "As far as we know, no one has decided what to do about that," says JSMP spokesperson Sophia Cason of the deadline.

The judges last week began a two-and-a-half year training course -- conducted in Portuguese, which Moniz says she and most of her colleagues barely understand -- on $150 a month, half their normal salary. Moniz says that won't be enough for her to support her family, so once her hearings finish, in mid-year, she plans to look for another job. "I have spent five years for nothing," she says.

But Claudio Ximenes says East Timorese should feel reassured by the judges' removal: "People are more confident when they can see that if somebody is not skilled, they are not allowed to serve as career judges."

News & issues

'Radar Timor' daily goes belly up

Jakarta Post - February 28, 2005

Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara) -- The daily newspaper Radar Timor, owned by former governor of East Timor, Abilio Jose Osario Soares, was officially closed down on Friday due to financial problems.

The newspaper, which started printing in 2000, had experienced severe financial management problems since last year. The editor-in-chief, Silvester Sega, said that after the official shutdown, all the editorial workers and employees would be given three months' pay on a rotating basis.

"After evaluating the financial development and the marketing prospects of the newspaper, the investors and the management have decided to close down the newspaper. It is the right decision, although it will affect dozens of the employees, who will lose their jobs," Silvester said.

Radar Timor was printed in Kupang and widely read by East Nusa Tenggara residents. It was also widely read by many displaced East Timorese, who had been in camps in East Nusa Tenggara province until most were repatriated.

Dili freezes out newspaper over report of famine deaths

Lusa - February 25, 2005

Dili -- The government, angered by published reports of famine deaths it denies, has severed relations with one of East Timor's two daily newspapers, "Suara Timor Lorosae".

"It is our right to maintain relations with serious and independent media and not with propagandists that have no objectivity", Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri told Lusa Thursday, explaining the government's cutting relations with the newspaper.

Suara's deputy-director, Domingos Saldanha, said the official "blackout" against his publication was impacting its advertisement revenue but that the paper would not bow to "power pressure".

The dispute arose after Suara, or "voice" in English, reported that 53 people recently died from hunger in the village of Hatubuiliko in Ainaro district. The paper cited a local administrator, who said it was the second time in two years that famine had claimed lives in the area, as its source for the story.

Dili's state secretary for labor and welfare, Arsinio Bano, denied the report. Bano acknowledged that about 20,000 people in that area faced food problems due to a lack of rains and delayed harvests, but denied there was a famine or that people had died from hunger.

Mystery official cut off intelligence to troops

Melbourne Age - February 17, 2005

Mark Forbes, Canberra -- A Defence Department official deliberately cut the flow of military intelligence to troops in the field in East Timor. But the official's identity is being concealed while the department decides what action to take.

Ian Carnell, inspector-general of intelligence and security, confirmed to a Senate hearing that top-secret information was withheld from forces in East Timor. A new inquiry by Mr Carnell rejected a previous one by his predecessor, Bill Blick, and claims by Defence chiefs, vindicating allegations by army whistleblower Lance Collins.

Mr Carnell re-opened his inquiry last year and reported to Defence Minister Robert Hill in November. "There is no doubt as a question of fact that the access was deliberately denied," Mr Carnell said. "I was able to ascertain who did the transactions and who gave that person a direction to do it."

Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, who served as an intelligence officer in East Timor, said former Defence Intelligence Organisation chief Frank Lewincamp had objected to his assessments of the Indonesian army's role in violence.

He said critical intelligence from Australia was withheld for 24 hours in retaliation.

Mr Blick's May 2003 report found Colonel Collins' concerns were sincere, but did not stand up to scrutiny. Mr Carnell found that Mr Blick's inquiry was not exhaustive and had failed to interview three key witnesses.

Senator Hill said Defence secretary Ric Smith was working on the questions raised in the new report, and an outcome was likely soon. He blocked questions about who was involved and if they would be pursued, saying: "I believe providing further details on that aspect at the moment would infringe the rights of individuals."

Market-imposed hunger adds to Timor misery

Asia Times - February 16, 2005

Ben Moxham -- The East Timorese newspaper Suara Timor Lorosae reported on February 7 that at least 53 people had died of starvation in the village of Hatabuiliko since October. "There is absolutely nothing to eat," said Domingos de Araujo, the sub- district secretary, and "those still alive are looking for wild potatoes in the forest."

Reports from districts in East Timor continue to filter in: 10,000 people are staving in Cova Lima; 10,000 households are going hungry in Suai; and Los Palos, Baucau, and Manufahi districts are all reporting a food crisis.

The government's National Disaster Management Office has quickly counseled against overreaction, because this is not "starvation and hunger like in Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan and elsewhere". Instead, what is happening "is known as 'food shortage'", it said, and this "happens every year".

Therein lies the deeper tragedy: this is not extraordinary news. Regardless of whatever definition the government is playing around with, hunger is so common in East Timor, the world's newest and poorest country, that November to March is referred to as the "hungry season". Last year, food aid was distributed to 110,000 people in 11 of the country's 13 districts, and in a 2001 survey, 80% of villages reported being without adequate food at some time during the year.

While a tough drought shares some of the blame, the question that screams to be asked is: Why is a nation of fewer than a million people -- one that is supposed to have received more donor funds "per capita" in the last five years than anywhere else -- starving?

The more things change

Since the independence referendum of 1999, an estimated US$3 billion in aid money has been swirling around board rooms, expensive foreign restaurants in Dili, and the US-dollar bank accounts of international consultants, rarely making the desperately needed trip beyond the city limits of the national capital. In one government department, a single international consultant earns in one month the same as his 20 Timorese colleagues earn together in an entire year. Another consultant charged the United Nations Development Program $8,000 for his first-class air ticket from his island tax haven. These stories add up. A recent European Commission evaluation of the World Bank-managed Trust Fund for East Timor noted that one-third of the allocated funds were eaten up in consultants' fees, to say nothing of overheads and tied procurements. But the problem is far deeper than the financial waste of the international aid industry.

Dili's development elite no doubt blame the past. To be sure, the departing Indonesian military destroyed 70% of East Timor's infrastructure and displaced two-thirds of the population during its bloody exit in 1999. Indeed, since the Portuguese first landed on the tiny island almost 500 years ago, the Timorese struggle to overcome hunger and control their systems of food production has been intimately tied up with their struggle against foreign occupiers.

For the farmers of Hatabuiliko and some 40,000 families across the mountain provinces, coffee is the symbol of this struggle. The Portuguese expanded the industry in the 1800s with the usual brutal colonial formula of land dispossession, forced labor and cultivation. The Indonesian military took over the industry in 1976 with such ruinous exploitation that coffee farmers were in effect forced to fund their own genocide. This left the sector in a state that Timor's Planning Commission described in 2002 as "non-viable".

Since the independence vote in 1999, the donor-prescribed dismantling of state supports for the industry, combined with an oversupplied and deregulated global coffee market, has consigned farmers to misery. Coffee, the nation's flagship export, earned a dismal $5 million in 2003 (total exports were only $6 million), the result of prices being a mere 19% of their 1980 value, and in 2002, the lowest-ever in real terms.

Free Timor, free market

Under the larger donor blueprint of Timor's reconstruction, the market has been radically liberalized, all state support has been curtailed, and the government has been cut in half, restricted to 17,000 staff under World Bank/International Monetary Fund-imposed macroeconomic conditionalities and a miserly national budget of $75 million. There's no need for big government, according to the development elite, when the state should stick to being a cheerleader for a "dynamic private sector", riding high on an export-led economy fueled by foreign direct investment.

Last year, a group of rice farmers in Bobonaro district spoke about how they were faring in this brave new globalized world. They lamented that imported rice from Thailand and Vietnam -- now representing as much as 55% of domestic consumption -- undercuts anything they can produce. While the former Indonesian occupiers invested heavily in infrastructure, subsidized basic commodities and farm inputs, and provided a guaranteed floor price for farmers, the new occupiers have scrapped all of that. These days, farmers visit their World Bank-designed and privatized Agricultural Support Center to purchase farm inputs at prices so high it pushes their production costs above the selling price of rice.

With rural life a struggle, Timorese have flocked to Dili looking for jobs. Last July, I visited Domingos Frietas, an old friend bringing up a family of five squatting in a house in Dili. He is forced to scratch around for more work because his monthly part- time teaching salary of $50 just isn't enough. A dollarized and liberalized economy, combined with the inflationary spending of the aid invasion, has dragged up the price of living beyond the average Timorese wage. Rice alone is $15 for a sack that lasts one month. Malnutrition levels in the capital are among the highest in the country.

"Electricity is so expensive, about $15 a month, if we could pay," said Domingos. That is a massive increase on the couple of dollars charged under the Indonesians. Most cannot and will not pay the tariff under the new user-pays and partly privatized system.

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri is asking people not to "politicize" the food crisis, advice bravely ignored by Abilio dos Santos, a government disaster-management official, who pointed the finger at his employer: "Timor-Leste government has neglected the starvation." He's right, in some ways. For this financial year, the Fretilin government budgeted just $1.5 million for the Ministry of Agriculture, a pitiful amount considering that 85% of the nation relies on agriculture for their largely subsistence livelihood. This is a radical departure from 1975, when the same party protested against famine with anti-colonial defiance: "We are a nation of farmers, but still our people go hungry?"

Thirty years later, the question is still asked. But instead of revolutionary songs, Fretilin is forced to dance to the donors' tune. If they don't? "Put bluntly," states a leaked US congressional memo on activities in Timor, "it seems likely that assistance levels will decline if East Timor's government pursues economic or budgetary policies which were unacceptable to donors."

Like the Indonesians and the Portuguese before them, East Timor's donors dictate policy in agriculture. "Most donor assistance is focused on the rice sector," said Ego Lemos, spokesperson for the sustainable agriculture organization Hametin Sustainabilidade Agrikultura Timor Lorosae or HASATIL (Strengthen Sustainable Agriculture in Timor-Leste). For example, an estimated $18 million of donor funds will have been spent on rehabilitating irrigation schemes from 1999-2006. But increases in rice production have been modest. Few farmers are planting a second crop in land that is dry, and occasionally ravaged by intense floods that bring irrigation-destroying sediments. In fact, rice was never a key staple in Timor, and it was only under the Indonesian occupation that production expanded. "During these 24 years we must eat rice," said Ego, who bemoaned the fact that international donors have continued this trend, neglecting more appropriate upland crops such as maize.

And what of the donor-prophesized arrival of foreign direct investment and the private sector? "[With] start-up costs 30% higher and operating costs 50% higher than the rest of the region, there aren't too many areas for investment in this country," said one government investment adviser. One chicken factory near Dili was forced to shut down because imported chickens are only half the price of the local product.

Meanwhile, the economy is steadily contracting and unemployment is skyrocketing, with 15,000 people entering the workforce each year. Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conceded at the last donors' meeting that these pressures are "reinforcing widespread poverty and serious underemployment". The deepening crisis of Asia's poorest country should be apparent to all. Indeed, donors have been wondering why Timorese farmers and workers aren't blossoming into productive micro-capitalists, just as the textbooks tell them.

Local wages are too high, said the IMF in its latest report, praising the government for resisting "the introduction of populist measures" such as a minimum wage. (The World Bank led by example, forcing Chubb security to cut the salaries of the Bank's security guards from $134 to $88 per month.)

The Timorese people are not ambitious enough, said one donor- commissioned trade report, recommending the engagement of an institute to teach Timor's "low-income youngsters entrepreneurship". They should forget about their rice and chickens, and diversify into "market-dynamic commodities," the US Agency for International Development and the World Bank recommended.

But for Ego, the sustainable agriculture activist, this logic sidesteps reality. "Every farmer has to grow cash crops, for example, vanilla, coffee and so on, under this policy, but this is not looking at the question, 'Do people have enough to eat?'" Ego said. Even if a handful of farmers can produce niche commodities for fickle Western consumers, the rest of the country will continue to suffer, or simply disappear like the 53 men, women and children who died of starvation in Hatabuiliko. Under the free market, Timor is just a tiny half-island of surplus humanity.

Is it so offensive for a nation as poor as Timor to be allowed instead to adopt policies that support and protect 85% of the population? To heal Timor's deep colonial scars, "the government should subsidize the rural poor by investing in basic infrastructure", said Maria "Lita" Sarmento from the local land- reform and conflict-resolution organization Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute (KSI), meaning "streams come together". "We don't need expensive technology; we just need to support our traditional systems," she added.

Ego spoke of alternative ideas for agriculture, many of them inspired by the annual farmer-organized agricultural fair "Expo Popular".

"We need to block imports of food that we can produce here," he said, adding that the argument that people will starve as a result is "nonsense".

"We have the means to feed ourselves but we need the right policies and the right assistance. In times of crisis, people are relying on yams, taro, banana, jackfruit and so on," said Ego. "We need to develop our natural food sources, not to develop a dependence on food aid, and the hybrid seeds and chemical fertilizers they dump on us."

The tragedy of the famine in Timor is that the will to provide the humble assistance Ego and Lita speak of -- to say nothing of the years of struggle and international solidarity -- has been debased into the World Bank's policy architecture. The other barrier is the Australian government, which lays claim to $30 billion of the $38 billion of gas and oil resources in the Timor Sea. This is famine-preventing revenue that belongs to East Timor under international law.

Yet the work of Timorese such as Lita and Ego shows that the independence movement is starting to paint new slogans on old banners, pushing the idea of sovereignty beyond the parliament buildings and out into the fields and forests, as Timorese attempt to regain control over their systems of food production.

Hatabuiliko is perched at the foot of the summit of Mount Ramelau, the tallest mountain in East Timor. From the top, one can see nearly all of the small and beautiful island: a spine of mountains barely 90 kilometers wide, splitting the ocean like a wedge. Since October, people have being dying in this village, just 100km of winding mountain roads away from the capital. Since October, dozens of aid-industry elite have passed through the village on tourist pilgrimages before parking their four-wheel- drives on the other side to begin the ascent. Many would have hired a guide from Hatabuiliko. So why didn't any of them notice? Is the disconnection between donors and Timorese reality so complete that those dying of hunger become an unremarkable part of the landscape?

Last year I spent one cold night in the church at Hatabuiliko. I don't know who among the people I shared a meal and a few happy hours with have died. Those who remain must be asking why their nightmare continues.

[Ben Moxham is a research associate with Focus on the Global South, a research and advocacy organization based in Bangkok, Thailand. For the past two years he has worked in East Timor monitoring the reconstruction process with local organizations and the government.]

Intelligence chief backs East Timor claims

Australian Associated Press - February 15, 2005

Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Ian Carnell says he has no doubt that Australian troops in East Timor have been deliberately cut off from top secret information.

The claims were first made by army whistleblower Lance Collins in a series of allegations he made about the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO).

Mr Carnell last year conducted an inquiry into the claims and presented the report to the government in November.

Mr Carnell's predecessor Bill Blick conducted an initial assessment into the allegations, including claims officials intentionally damaged Lt Col Collins' career by spreading malicious rumours after he upset DIO director Frank Lewincamp with his criticisms of the organisation.

There were also suggestions Mr Lewincamp's dislike of Lt Col Collins had caused the flow of intelligence to East Timor to be suspended for 24 hours.

Mr Blick's May 2003 report found Lt Col Collins' concerns were sincere, but did not stand up to objective scrutiny.

Mr Carnell was asked to conduct another inquiry into the claims after he found that Mr Blick's investigation was comprehensive but not exhaustive.

During a Senate estimates hearing, Mr Carnell said he had no doubt about the authenticity of Lt Col Collins' allegations that intelligence to East Timor was purposely disrupted.

"There is no doubt as a question of fact that the access was deliberately denied," he said.

"I was able to ascertain who did the transactions and who gave that person a direction to do it.

"That persons actions I canvass in the report and also question whether have they themselves received direction from others but didn't feel that there was a case for saying they had received clear direction to do it."

Mr Carnell also told the hearing he had discussions with Mr Lewincamp before the final release of his report.

Asked if he amended the report after feedback from Mr Lewincamp, Mr Carnell said: "Yes. He had some valid points and I took them into account."

"If you're sitting there concerned that I rolled over and was softer on him. No."

Mr Carnell said he was satisfied with the steps Defence was taking to implement the recommendations of his report.

In December, Defence Minister Robert Hill said he could not release Mr Carnell's report because "for reasons of natural justice it is not appropriate to release (it)... at this time".

"The secretary (of Defence) is pursuing legal and administrative issues arising from the report," he said at the time.

Senator Hill said the defence secretary was working on those issues and an outcome was likely soon. "I understand that's not expected to take much longer," he said.

However, Senator Hill prevented questions on whether action was being pursued against current or former defence officers. "I believe providing further details on that aspect at the moment would infringe the rights of individuals," he said.

Health & education

The eyes have it

Melbourne Age - February 18, 2005

Tom Noble -- In a small hospital in East Timor a father smiles. His once-blind son has seen the light, literally, after an operation by Australian doctors. It's a small miracle. A gift of sight.

It's a simple test that takes less than a minute. In the breezy hospital ward in rural East Timor, Australian surgeon Nitin Verma again goes through the routine. He removes a patch from a 10- year-old boy's eye and examines the result of the previous day's operation. Verma waves his hand, then a torch in front of the boy, who has been blind since birth. For a moment, nothing happens. The boy's face remains blank.

"Tell him to reach out, to touch my hand," Verma tells an interpreter. Moments pass, nothing happens. Then the boy's arm slowly comes out, at first moving in random directions. Then it follows the movement of the torch. "He can see," says Verma, putting the torch down on the bed. The boy, Mariano Amaral, is still expressionless, his face frozen -- but his eyes are moving rapidly, seemingly uncontrolled.

"This is common for people who have never seen before. They don't know how to process what's happening. It will come good in time." The boy's father, Silverto, anxiously waits for the translation, then smiles. "I am very happy my son will be better," he says through an interpreter. "And I am very thankful to the doctors." Verma smiles, before heading back to the operating theatre. "We'll do his other eye tomorrow."

Welcome to the East Timor Eye Program, where Australian doctors, nurses and optometrists donate their time and skills and where, in the past few years, thousands of people have had their sight saved, restored or improved.

In surgical conditions far from the typical Australian hospital -- patients in street clothes and bare feet undergo surgery alongside each other -- the medical volunteers come across eye conditions that are only found in textbooks in Australia.

For Brisbane surgeon Kevin Vandeleur, the trips are a chance to re-evaluate life and perspectives. "It brings you back to earth a little bit," he says. "You see things you learnt in textbooks, things you never see in developed countries, disease that would be nipped in the bud at home but here has run an unchecked course.

"In Australia, we devote a lot of time, effort and energy to maximum visual outcomes -- keeping people driving a car or reading. Almost every case here is the difference between being able to see nothing and see something."

On the most recent trip to East Timor, The Age travelled with four doctors and two nurses to Baucau, the country's secondbiggest city and once a popular tourist destination. From Dili, the three-hour bumpy drive in United Nations' vehicles follows a stunning coastline of plunging cliffs and crystal-clear seas. There are also countless burnt-out buildings, the legacy of the 1999 violence that followed an independence referendum, in which pro-Jakarta militia and sympathisers destroyed 70 per cent of the country's economic infrastructure.

Damaged, too, is the countryside. Many hillsides are bare and affected by erosion, the result of slash-and-burn agriculture, forestry and chemical deforestation, damage that came during Indonesia's rule from 1974.

In Baucau, the medical team sets up its base at the 120-bed hospital, which was stripped of its equipment when Indonesian troops left the country.

Some equipment has been replaced, but East Timor is one of the world's 10 poorest countries. The annual budget for the country of 1 million people, which covers everything from health and education to the army and customs, is about $130 million.

The hospital's operating theatre has been set aside for the week and on the first afternoon it is thoroughly cleaned, which includes removing dried blood from underneath the main table.

Portable sterilising equipment is set up and special microscopes for the surgery are unpacked and installed. In a nearby room, three optometrists set up charts and tables, where patients will be first seen.

By 8am on Monday, an expectant crowd has arrived. Many are elderly and have trouble seeing. Those who are blind, or as good as, navigate using sticks or are led by younger relatives. All have a cloudy cataract covering one or both eyes. They are led to a waiting room by the operating theatre and told about the surgery.

Each patient has to sign, or in many cases put a thumbprint on, a consent form. Expectations can be high about people being able to see again, so doctors make sure people do not expect their sight will be restored if it is unlikely.

Disposable equipment such as gloves, masks and clothing is used for each operation, the kits funded by AusAID and donations. Equipment is sterilised to Australian standards. While patients do not wear gowns, as they would in Australia, their clothes are clean and pressed. They are wearing the equivalent of their "Sunday best", having dressed up to see the foreign doctors. Before surgery, patients are given an injection to block the nerve to the eye, so they feel and see nothing during the operation. The surgery itself takes about 30 minutes. It is an operation that literally allows the blind to see.

Under a microscope, the skin above the eye is cut and the cloudy cataract removed. A replacement lens is slid into place and the incision sewn up. It is fine work that requires hard concentration, particularly in a hot room where the air- conditioner is struggling and sweat is building up around the face and under the rubber gloves.

Patients are conscious throughout the procedure and occasionally squirm on the table, prompting local theatre staff to tell them firmly not to move.

Surgeons operate on only one eye at a time, in case something goes wrong. If equipment is somehow infected, losing one eye is not as catastrophic as losing two (such adverse events have yet to happen in the East Timor program). Each patient files out with a patch over the eye and is told to come back the next morning.

The following day, about 40 elderly people with eye patches are ushered into a dark room. Once the patches are removed, the smiles and laughter are priceless. The reward makes the unpaid work worthwhile, says nurse Barbara Taylor. "A smile or a squeeze of the hand, it is always very emotional for me. The rough working conditions are erased with that one smile or hand squeeze."

Surgeon John Kearney agrees. His greatest moment of personal satisfaction came in Papua New Guinea after removing the bandages of a 36-year-old man.

"For the first time in his life, he saw his baby boy. The smile on his face was one of the most magnificent smiles I have ever seen." How does he feel about the power to give sight? "As a doctor I'm aware of its power," he says. "We use it to improve the trust a population has in its health system."

It will take some weeks for the eyes to improve, but already the vision is clearer and the patients leave clutching antibiotics and wearing sunglasses to shield their eyes. In the meantime, the optometrists test eyes and prescribe glasses. In the week before the doctors arrived, they scouted the countryside around Baucau, finding blind people in communities and encouraging them to visit the hospital for assessment and surgery.

The eye teams are promoted on Timorese radio and in sermons by priests in Catholic churches. Mariano Amaral's father, a farmer in a remote village several hours' drive from Baucau, took his son to the hospital by bus after hearing of the eye doctors in church.

For Verma, this is his 18th trip. AusAID pays for fares and some equipment, with the rest donated.

On Thursday morning, we drove back to Dili where the steady work of the week continued. In the operating room, Vandeleur is closely involved with the training of a local doctor Marcellino Corriea who, within two years, should take over the work of the Australian doctors and make their visits unnecessary. Corriea, 34, spends the week removing cataracts and implanting intraocular lenses.

"He's made a lot of progress from when I last saw him operate," says Vandeleur. "I was thinking how horrible I was when I started doing my first cataracts. I used to shake, I was terrible. You tend to forget that, but it's worth remembering when you are teaching someone -- and really, he's a lot better than I was when I started."

Corriea will begin his formal training later this year through a Sydney university. He will get specially prepared lessons via the internet that match his practical training. The eye team plans to fly him to Australia for further training later this year. And as his skills improve, Verma wants to ensure there is enough equipment and adequate facilities for Corriea to work. "There's no point teaching him how to drive then not giving him a car," says Verma.

The eye program has received significant support from East Timor's political elite. In July, East Timor's President Xanana Gusmao will visit Australia to support fund-raising efforts to ensure a successful handover of the program. Verma wants to raise $100,000 to keep the work going.

The eye team leaves Dili airport at 9am on Saturday, six days after arriving. Two hours before departure, Verma is removing bandages from two children who had their cataracts removed the previous day. He checks their eyes with the simple test that takes less than a minute. Both operations have gone well.

International relations

Dili, Lisbon port authorities sign cooperation agreement

Lusa - February 9, 2005

Dili -- The port authorities of the East Timorese and Portuguese capitals signed an accord Wednesday for broad bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was signed for Dili by the minister of transportation, communications and public works, Ovmdeo Amaral, and for Lisbon by Ambassador Joco Ramos Pinto.

Under the accord, financing for port projects, including technical assistance and training programs, will be covered by aid agreements between the two countries.

Business & investment

Woodside sees gas project as viable although stalled

AFX - February 16, 2005

Sydney -- Woodside Petroleum Ltd said the 5 billion AUD Greater Sunrise gas project in the Timor Sea is stalled but remains viable.

Woodside chief executive Don Voelte told an analyst briefing a decision to progress depends on the governments of East Timor and Australia reaching agreement.

Last year the East Timor Government refused to present to its parliament for ratification an agreement it signed with Australia in 2003 covering legal and fiscal terms for the Greater Sunrise development.

The agreement would have split revenues from Greater Sunrise 80:20 between Australia and East Timor.

But since signing the agreement, East Timor has been demanding a more equitable share of returns from the Greater Sunrise reservoirs, located about 450 km northwest of Darwin but only about 80 km from the East Timor coast.

"The project has stalled but 9 tcf [trillion cubic feet] of gas is still there -- it is a viable project," Voelte said.

Woodside has a 33.4 pct stake in Greater Sunrise, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP -- news) has 30 pct and Royal Dutch/Shell 25.56 pct, with the balance held by Osaka Gas. The Royal Dutch/Shell group of companies is Woodside's largest shareholding owning about one-third of the company.

Voelte said Woodside will continue to carry Greater Sunrise in its accounts at about 60 mln aud and is not intending currently to writedown this value.

Timor on track to establish oil, gas industry

Dow Jones Newswires - February 8, 2005

Veronica Brooks -- East Timor's bid to establish a viable oil and gas exploration industry has received robust early interest from multinational petroleum companies, according to the nation's top energy official.

Indeed, Jose Fernandez Teixeira, East Timor's secretary of state for tourism, environment and investment, expects healthy competition in the nation's maiden exploration licensing round scheduled for June.

The impoverished nation will soon have a much clearer idea of how oil and gas rich it really is, with a seismic survey being conducted by China National Petroleum Corp. and Norway's Geo Global Services to be completed within two weeks.

"We hope to have the first bid round announced in about June. That is our timetable," Teixeira said in an interview.

"That's when we will seek expressions of interest and give the companies a chance to have a look at the material," he said, though added it is unclear how long this phase will take. We have quite a lot of serious interest being expressed already. There's quite a multinational representation there. It will be competitive. I think we will be able to attract the investment we need to undertake the exploration," said Teixeira.

But first the East Timorese parliament must pass legislation that finalizes the legal framework for an oil and gas industry and that approval is expected this month.

The new petroleum law allows for production sharing contracts that are split 50-50 between East Timor and exploration companies, in addition to a number of financial and tax incentives.

Also, government officials will embark on an international roadshow during April or May that will include stops in Houston, London, Tokyo, Singapore and possibly Perth.

"These [cities] are at the heart of the oil and gas industry. Perth is coming on to the agenda very quickly" in light of interest from Australian companies, Teixeira said.

Nation doesn't want to rely on oil funds

The 2005 licensing round will be made up of offshore, onshore and nearshore acreage in East Timor's territory, with Dili proposing to pour the proceeds into a petroleum fund to spur economic development and alleviate widespread poverty.

"It will ensure the sustainable use of those funds so we don't become an oil dependent country that produces nothing else," Teixeira said.

"This is why in our maritime dispute with Australia our main focus is on the sharing of the resources...not just the revenue.

"It's not about aid, it's about having the resources to utilize them, to create industries, to have as a launching pad for the development of other sectors," he said.

"These resources present an opportunity to establish the foundations for the future."

Still, Teixeira concedes there is scant scientific data to support the country's goal of becoming an oil and gas province, apart from what is known about the Joint Petroleum Development Area in the Timor Sea that East Timor shares with Australia.

"[But] there is a sufficient history and there is sufficient data held out there to arouse interest that exploration should take place," he said.

"We do know from previous exploration that there is a possibility of some hydrocarbon deposits. What we know of the geology is it is very similar to geology elsewhere in the Timor Sea where there are deposits and reserves. That at least warrants us taking responsibility to begin the process of investigating and evaluating those resources," he said.

Dili has said the size of the exploration blocks to be offered will be determined after the seismic survey is finished, while between two and four blocks in the Joint Petroleum Development Area also will be offered this year.

East Timor set to welcome oil and gas explorers

Reuters - February 2, 2005

Melbourne -- Tiny East Timor will open the door to a growing queue of foreign oil and gas explorers later this month when its parliament is due to pass the country's first petroleum laws.

The nation's top energy official, Jose Teixeira, said representatives from more than 20 foreign companies had visited the poverty-stricken south Asian nation in the past year ahead of the first bidding round for exploration blocks in April or May.

"We have already received applications from Australian companies to compete in the bidding round. Interest is coming from everywhere, from China, Brazil, Portugal, France, you name it," Teixeira, secretary of state for mineral resources and energy, told Reuters in an interview.

East Timor shares the island of Timor, 600 kilometres (360 miles) off Australia's north coast, with Indonesia, from which it won independence in May 2002 after a bloody vote held in 1999.

It has vowed to use oil and gas money to alleviate poverty, create jobs and improve education for its 760,000 population. Some 41 percent live below the poverty line and one in 10 children dies before the age of five, according to a May 2004 report by the charity Oxfam.

There is little scientific data on potential oil and gas reserves -- excluding those in the Timor Sea, which are jointly claimed by East Timor and giant neighbour Australia.

The Portuguese, who ruled East Timor for three centuries, drilled about 20 wells onshore in the early 1970s, but there was virtually no scope for any exploration activity during Indonesia's brutal, 24-year military rule.

Teixeira said there was plenty of evidence to suggest East Timor was oil and gas rich.

"There are definite indications of hydrocarbon deposits. Oil is seeping out of the ground along the southern coast and you can see people gathering it up -- some of them put it straight into their cars."

A group of international consultants will be promoting the young country's energy potential during a two-month roadshow from April, which will go to Houston, Singapore, London and Tokyo.

Similar to northwest shelf

A seismic survey covering 20,000 sq km (7,720 sq miles) by China's largest state oil group, China National Petroleum Corp., and Norway's Global Geo-Services is due to end in the next two or three weeks. The results will be used to help issue the first exploration licences in the middle of this year.

Norwegian geologist Geir Ytreland said he was optimistic substantial oil and gas reserves would be found in the survey area, which stretches from East Timor's southern coastline to the northern border of the disputed Joint Petroleum Development Area (JPDA) held with Australia.

"Geologically, we already know that the area is very similar to (Australia's) North West Shelf and very similar to what we see in the JPDA," said Ytreland, on a two-year assignment in East Timor to help establish a petroleum administration.

"In about two months' time when we have the full seismic data we can be more precise."

The North West Shelf, operated by Perth-based Woodside Petroleum Ltd., is Australia's largest resource development and its only producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) -- world demand for which is expected to double by 2010.

The greater North West Shelf area contains identified natural gas resources of about 100 trillion cubic feet (tcf), enough to make about 2 billion tonnes of LNG and meet world demand at 2003 levels for 16 years.

The JPDA contains the $3.3 billion Bayu-Undan gas project, operated by ConocoPhillips, which is estimated to contain 400 million barrels of condensate and liquid petroleum gas and 3.4 tcf of gas. Teixeira said East Timor was due to resume talks with Australia in mid-March over splitting the billions of dollars worth of oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea.

Failure to reach agreement at the last round of talks in October caused the Woodside-operated $5 billion Greater Sunrise project to stall.

East Timor estimates the total value of known oil and gas reserves in the disputed area of the Timor Sea at more than $30 billion. The biggest single resource in those waters is the Greater Sunrise field, with its reserves estimated at $22 billion to $25 billion. That field straddles the JPDA.

Daily media reviews

East Timor daily media review February 1, 2005

UNMISET - February 1, 2005

Anti-Howard ads cost Timor campaigners support

An advertising campaign accusing the Australian Prime Minister of stealing billions of dollars in oil and gas revenues from Timor- Leste has been branded "deceptive and misleading" by the Government. The advertisements, paid for by businessman Ian Melrose, is a campaign designed to embarrass Prime Minister John Howard over Australia's claim on the fields. The ads also accuse the Federal Government of stealing AUS$2-billion in revenue from the Timorese.

However, Mr Melrose's ads have cost him the support of a coalition of groups that share his aims, if not his methods. Oxfam, World Vision and the United Church of Australia have distanced themselves from them. "It's a matter of employing different methods of trying to achieve a just outcome for the Timorese," said Oxfam's Advocacy Manager, Marc Purcell. "It's unhelpful to be associated with a campaign targeting the Prime Minister," he added.

Earlier, Mr Melrose and the Timor Sea Justice Campaign, which has aligned itself with the businessman, claimed the groups were part of a "coalition" that supported his pledge to ambush Mr Howard at public events. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Criticism of Xanana's decision to normalize Indonesian ties

President Xanana Gusmco has dismissed domestic criticism over Dili's efforts to normalize ties with Jakarta. President Gusmco said Timor-Leste will press forward with plans to establish a bilateral truth commission to deal with Indonesian atrocities committed in 1999. Speaking upon his return from an official trip to Indonesia, he underlines that he and the government were "legitimate" elected representatives of the people in contrast to non-governmental organizations, which have attacked Dili's soft stance towards Jakarta.

The President announced that his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, would visit Dili soon for further talks and to sign bilateral accords, including one on land borders and another establishing a 'Truth and Friendship Commission'.

Those critical of the Government of Timor-Leste's stance have demanded that the United Nations set up an international tribunal to bring to trial those responsible for committing atrocities in 1999. Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta, is expected to travel to Indonesia next week to continue discussions on the composition of the proposed commission. President Gusmco said he and Ramos- Horta discussed the issue "frankly and clearly", telling the Indonesians the commission, which has yet to get approval from the UN, "must be credible in the eyes of the international community". Dili's representation on the future body would be composed of "people of integrity" and would not include members of government and the presidential office, said the President. (Lusa)

Australian authorities to monitor dengue outbreak in Timor

Australian health authorities are closely monitoring an outbreak of dengue fever in Timor-Leste, which has killed at least 10 people in the past month. Another 80 people, most of them in the capital Dili, have been seriously ill with a form of the disease, which causes internal bleeding.

Australian peacekeepers have joined efforts to eradicate problem mosquitos from slum areas in the capital.

Northern Territory entomologist, Peter Whelan, said already one case of the mosquito has been found on Melville Island, on a cargo vessel from Dili.

"These sort of things can easily travel, particularly from near neighbours, but even from more distant neighbours to the Northern Territory into our ports, so we're always concerned and we're always vigilant to make sure that we keep the Northern Territory disease free from the dengue mosquitos," he said.

Timor-Leste's Health Minister, Rui de Araujo, said the wet season rains mean the death toll is certain to rise. "We will expect more cases coming up in at least up until mid-February," he said. According to the Health Minister, a similar outbreak is occurring in Indonesia. (ABC)

Portugal to advise Xanana on new defence body

A senior Portuguese navy officer will advise President Xanana Gusmco on the establishment of a military support service for Timor-Leste's head of state. State Secretary for Defence, Jorge Neto, who is in Dili for a three-day visit, announced that Commander Mario Chagas would arrive by March to advise the President on the creation of the "Military House". (Lusa)

US sells Indonesia C-130 parts The United States has sold Indonesia parts for five C-130 cargo planes, temporarily ending a five-year ban on the sale of arms to Jakarta. The sale, discussed by former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, during his visit to Indonesia last month, has been completed, said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher. The sale of US arms-related equipment to Indonesia was banned in 1999 following allegations the Indonesian military and pro-Indonesian militia committed human rights violations in Timor-Leste.

Whilst in Jakarta last week, Timor-Leste's President vowed his government would lobby the US Congress to lift its embargo on military cooperation and the sale of arms to Indonesia. (UPI)

Access to water for only 21% of Dili

At the end of January 2005, only 21 per cent of Dili residents had access to water from the Water Service. The remaining 79 per cent have not had water facilities installed because of a lack of government funds. Elias P.M., head of the Clean Water Division of the Water Service, said that several areas in the four sub- districts of Dili have long been complaining that they do not have access to water. He said that if there were any non- governmental organizations that would be willing to help with this problem, then the installation of water facilities could be expedited. (STL)

Announcement of the investigation on prosecutor postponed

The Prosecutor General, Longuinhos Monteiro, announced that he has received the report on the investigation of the bribe case involving the Dili District Prosecutor with the initials EG. Monteiro also confirmed that the investigation report would be made public after it becomes available to the Prime Minister, the President and the President of the National Parliament. (Timor Post)

Lere Anan Timor: "Today is a reflection day for F-FDTL"

Timor-Leste's defence force, F-FDTL, has marked its 4th anniversary. Chief of Staff of F-FDTL, Colonel Lere Anan Timor, said that today is a day of reflection for the defence institution to look back on what it has done over the last four years for the nation.

Anan Timor believes much progress has been made by F-FDTL since its establishment, due mainly to the support provided by development partners and other international advisers. However, Anan Timor did acknowledge that there remain problems related to the management and administration of capacity building for F- FDTL. "F-FDTL should make an effort to better its planning for its activities in the short, medium and long term. We admit that we are weak in the area of planning, but will do our best in dealing with it," he said. (STL)

East Timor daily media review February 2, 2005

UNMISET - February 2, 2005

Timor set to welcome oil and gas explorers Timor-Leste is set to open its doors to a growing queue of foreign oil and gas explorers later this month when its parliament is due to pass the country's first petroleum laws. The nation's top energy official, Jose Teixeira, said representatives from more than 20 foreign companies have visited Timor-Leste in the past year ahead of the first bidding round for exploration blocks in April or May. "We have already received applications from Australian companies to compete in the bidding round. Interest is coming from everywhere, from China, Brazil, Portugal, France, you name it," he said.

There is little scientific data on potential oil and gas reserves, excluding those in the Timor Sea, which are jointly claimed by Timor-Leste and Australia. The Portuguese, who ruled Timor for hundreds of years, drilled about 20 wells onshore in the early 1970s but there was virtually no scope for any exploration activity during Indonesia's occupation.

Teixeira said there was plenty of evidence to suggest that Timor-Leste was oil and gas rich. "There are definite indications of hydrocarbon deposits.

Oil is seeping out of the ground along the southern coast and you can see people gathering it up. Some of them put it straight into their cars," he added. (Reuters)

Timor and Portugal broaden defence cooperation

Timor-Leste and Portugal have signed a new military cooperation accord, broadening Lisbon's aid to Dili's fledgling defence forces. The agreement capped a three-day visit to Dili by Portugal's State Secretary for Defence, Jorge Neto, who said Lisbon gave maximum priority to bilateral military cooperation because of its pivotal role in guaranteeing Timor-Leste's sovereignty and national identity. The agreement was signed yesterday by Timor-Leste's Secretary of State for Defence and Security, Roque Rodrigues, and Neto at the Memorial Hall, Farol (Lusa, STL)

Military should be fit and healthy: MP Member of Parliament from KOTA party, Clementino dos Reis Amaral, has expressed disappointment at the number of Falintil-FDTL who he deems are overweight. He believes that neither military or police officers should let this happen and that it gives the impression that they are not training or fit enough. He said that the task of F-FDTL is to protect Timor-Leste from external threats. As yet, there have been very few external threats, but this does not mean that they should just sit around doing nothing.

Rather, they should always be training so that they are prepared for whatever may happen in the future.

Clementino also added that F-FDTL officers need to be kept busy. He suggested they participate in a range of courses, such as language learning, as well as to go out and assist the community by building houses, educating the people about how to plant rice, sweet potato and cassava, and many other types of development activities. (STL)

Timor-Leste and Portugal sign military cooperation agreement

Portugal and Timor-Leste on Tuesday signed an agreement on technical military cooperation, particularly in the areas of organisation, navy and infantry. After the signing ceremony, Portugal's Secretary of State for Defence Jorge Neto told the media that Portugal is aware of the military tradition of F-FDTL, therefore the Portuguese military officers were sent into the country to assist F-FDTL in becoming a professional defence force. Meanwhile, Timor-Leste's Secretary of State for Defence Roque Rodrigues stated that he would try to send F-FDTL officers to be trained in Portugal, and also in other countries such as Australia. (TP)

Ruak: Preparing good soldiers takes time

Speaking to the press on Tuesday after the signing of an agreement on military technical cooperation between Portugal and Timor-Leste, Falintil-FDTL Commander Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak stated that in order to enhance the defence institution for the near future, there is a need to consider three aspects such as training, provision of adequate equipment and accommodation for the soldiers, adding that it will take time to prepare good soldiers.

Moreover, Matan Ruak said that like any other institution in the country, the military will also take time to establish, grow, and further strengthen capacity. In addition, Matan Ruak said, "the most important thing now is we know what we want, and try to put it into practice, and make it a reality".

Meanwhile, after the commemoration ceremony of F-FDTL's 4th anniversary held in F-FDTL's Headquarters in Metinaro, General Matan Ruak stated that to improve and enhance the human capacity of F-FDTL, it is not only the quantity that matters the most but it is also the quality, adding that in so doing, the defence institution would be able to prepare better commanders for the future. "I am ready to step down as a commander any time. However, I want that the one who replaces me to be much better than myself," Matan Ruak added. (TP)

Lisbon, Dili broaden defense cooperation with new accord

Lusa - February 1, 2005

Dili -- East Timor and Portugal signed a new military cooperation accord Tuesday, continuing and broadening Lisbon's aid to Dili's fledgling defense forces.

The agreement capped a three-day visit to Dili by Portugal's state secretary for defense, Jorge Neto, who said Lisbon gave maximum priority to bilateral military cooperation because of its pivotal role in guaranteeing East Timorese sovereignty and national identity.

Neto's Timorese counterpart, Roque Rodrigues, underlined the key role Portugal was playing in organizing and training the country's Defense Force, which celebrated its fourth anniversary Tuesday.

Rodrigues called attention to Lisbon's aid in special defense sectors, like the intelligence service.

With some USD 5.4 million in bilateral defense projects under way, primarily in training programs, Portugal ranks first among Dili's defense partners, according to Timorese figures. The accord represented a novelty in that it was the first of its kind agreed between the two defense ministries.

In the past, Portuguese military aid had fallen under the supervision of Necessidades Palace, Lisbon's Foreign Ministry.

East Timor daily media review February 3, 2005

UNMISET - February 3, 2005

'Infiltrated militia committing crime will be shot dead'

The Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, announced that his ministry will authorize PNTL to shoot dead any former militia who dares to commit a crime in the territory. "Police should take strong action against former militia members who infiltrate to Timor-Leste and disrupt people's tranquillity. Armed officers must use their rifles to defend the masses," Lobato said.

Lobato said that the killing of three Indonesian citizens in Kowa, Bobonaro district, on 27 January was a fatal incident. He said an investigation will be conducted and the results will be sent to the Indonesian Government.

According to Lobato, to tackle the problem of militia infiltrations from West Timor, there is a need for cooperation between the security institutions of the two countries. Lobato also said the other alternative to prevent the infiltration of militia is through strengthening the capacity of PNTL's Border Patrol Unit (BPU) by providing them with adequate facilities. "I notice that many community members want to help the police by providing the information. Thus, this is one of the strategies that we apply in order to guarantee the stability and the security of this nation," Lobato said. (Timor Post, STL)

German foreign minister to visit Timor

Germany's Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, is set to arrive in Dili later this week as part on an official visit to Southeast Asia. Fischer will be only the second European Union Foreign Minister to visit Timor-Leste since it won independence in 2002.

The Foreign Minister will also visit Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand to promote Berlin's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as well as assess relief efforts in the tsunami-hit Banda Aceh region. (AFP)

Health department urges community to be on guard against dengue

The Director of the National Hospital, Antonio Caleres, has urged the community, as well as all hospitals, health clinics and health centres to increase their vigilance against dengue fever. The Health Department has asked health professionals to be proactive in identifying the disease, by carrying out early detection and taking blood samples. Caleres said that there has been an explosion in the incidence of dengue fever and malaria in several areas.

Meanwhile, the Dili District Administrator, Ruben Braz de Carvalho, has asked all city cleaners not to hesitate in capturing livestock wandering around the city as they may also be carrying the disease. (STL)

Bishop Belo: People must not rely on aid

Bishop Belo has urged people to work hard to overcome the starvation crisis. "People must not just rely on help from others or overseas aid," said the Bishop on his way back from Denpasar yesterday. (STL)

Lu-Olo: 'We have decided how to promote Portuguese Language'

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, after returning from his visit to Brazil to attend the Parliamentarian summit of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), the President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres "Lu-Olo", stated that the CPLP has decided to Promote Portuguese language in each of its member states in Asian and African regions.

Lu-Olo said aside from deciding to preserve and develop Portuguese language, the delegates also decided to respect other languages spoken in each country member, such as Indonesian and Chinese as in the case of Timor-Leste. In addition, Lu-Olo stated that during the summit the CPLP's Parliamentarians also decided to create a network on how to deal with HIV/AIDS. (Timor Pos)

East Timor daily media review February 4, 2005

UNMISET - February 4, 2005

Boundary talks to resume in March

Timor-Leste has formally accepted Australia's invitation to resume maritime boundary negotiations. According to Australia's chief negotiator in the long-running border dispute, Doug Chester, "the East Timorese have now formally come back, accepting our invitation for talks in mid-March".

The talks aimed at settling ownership of vast oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea will be held in Canberra.

Mr Chester restated that Canberra was happy to focus on formal legal negotiations to settle a permanent boundary "but we're also open to creative solutions" that would allow development of oil and gas projects to proceed pending a permanent boundary. Discussions between Dili and Canberra broke down in October last year. (Australian Financial Review)

Indonesian ambassador: There is no militia infiltration

The Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Ahmed Yusuf B Sofian, believes there is no concrete evidence of militia infiltration into Timor-Leste from West Timor. The Ambassador said he checked the matter with Indonesian border officers, who claim no such activity is going on.

According to Sofian, cooperation between Indonesian and Timor- Leste's border officers has been good so far, adding that whenever there is a problem the two sides try to inform each other and take the necessary action to solve it. In addition, Sofian said that at the meeting between the border officers of Timor-Leste and Indonesia last month, the issue of militia infiltration was not raised. (Timor Post)

Dengue fever update in Timor-Leste

As of 1 February, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of 95 cases of dengue infection and 11 deaths. Out of the 95 cases, 61 had clinical features compatible with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and 34 were diagnosed as suspected dengue fever (DF). Nearly 90 per cent of cases reported were in Dili.

The Ministry of Health, with the assistance of WHO, is organizing a seminar for case management of dengue and DHF for clinicians and nurses. WHO is also providing support to the Dili National Hospital in the management of dengue and DHF and in targeting intervention in high-risk areas. (Press Release: WHO)

No perpetrators for December 4 incident

The Prosecutor General, Longuinhos Monteiro, said that investigations have failed to identify anyone for the incident of 4 December 2002. The original report filed by UNPOL only recounted the incident as it occurred, without identifying any perpetrators. As the report did not contain any concrete facts, the courts could not use it as the basis for an indictment.

The office of the Prosecutor General then returned the document to UNPOL for completion, but has yet to receive anything back. Monteiro said that while the people may be counting on him to finalise the case with a court appearance, he is in fact waiting for UNPOL to act. He said that he is unable to do anything more without further action from UNPOL in the form of a further investigation. According to Monteiro, if he does not receive a further report by the end of UNMISET's mandate on 20 May, his office will begin a new investigation based upon the original evidence. (STL)

Claudio: Don't doubt the ability of international judges

The President of the Appeals Court, Claudio de Jesus Ximenes, has asked the people of Timor-Leste not to doubt the international judges currently working in Timor-Leste. He said that they are deciding cases based upon Timor-Leste law and that they will continue to decide cases while there are no local judges to do so. He said that if need be, the number of international judges will be increased, but that for the time being those that are here are able to handle all current cases. They are stationed in the four District courts -- Dili, Baucau, Covalima and Oecussi. (STL)

Bishop Belo: "People still need Xanana in 2007"

Speaking to the press on Thursday, the former Bishop of Dili Diocese, Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, is hoping President Xanana Gusmco will run again for the next presidency election in 2007. The comments were made following reports being circulated overseas stating that Bishop Belo would like to assume the post in the 2007 election.

"I believe there are some politicians who will run for it if President Xanana will not do so," said Bishop Belo. "However, I think it is better for Xanana to run for it because we still need a figure like him," he added.

The 1996 Nobel Peace Laureaute said he is more inclined to focus on his function as a missionary in Mozambique, which is still ongoing and therefore he expects Xanana Gusmco to continue his role as the President of Republic. (Timor Post, STL)

F-FDTL and PNTL need to compliment each other

In delivering a speech during Falintil-FDTL's 4th anniversary in Baucau on Tuesday, the Commander of F-FDTL's First Battalion, Falur Rate Laek, stated that PNTL and F-FDTL are friendly institutions that need to compliment one another. As servants of the nation, Rate Laek hopes that the two institutions portray good examples to the public on a daily basis.

Moreover, Rate Laek explained that it is not only through high level meetings and sport games that problem can be solved between the two bodies, but there is a need to tackle it by fostering good relations daily. (Timor Post)

Prosecutor general consults president on remains kept at SCU

The Prosecutor General, Longinhos Monteiro, has consulted President Xanana Gusmco on how to deal with the rest of 33 unidentified remains kept at the office of Serious Crimes Unit. According to Monteiro, he is concerned with the matter since UNMISET will conclude its mission on 20 May 2005.

Therefore, he said he has made an effort to find the solution for it by consulting the President of Republic.

Aside from consulting the President, Monteiro said he will also consult the Prime Minister and F-FDTL Commander on the issue. He said it may be possible for the remains to be buried at the Monument of Heroes in Metinaro. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 7, 2005

UNMISET - February 7, 2005

Talks on commission of friendship

Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister and his Indonesian counterpart are set to meet in Bali today to discuss the planned commission for truth and friendship. The commission has been agreed by both countries as a settlement of dispute over alleged human rights abuses by Indonesian officers in Timor-Leste in 1999. The two-day meeting is aimed at achieving an agreement on the terms of reference for the establishment of the commission.

Meanwhile, the Timor Post reports that the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, will form a commission comprising a number of experts to visit Timor-Leste and Indonesia to carry out an evaluation of the justice and human rights. (Xinhua, Timor Post)

Horta calls on Germany to support further UN presence

Germany's Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, met with Timor- Leste's President, Xanana Gusmco, and Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta on Saturday in Dili. Mr Fischer also met with representatives of the United Nations and aid organizations.

Dr Ramos-Horta praised Germany's role in Timor-Leste and said it would support Germany's goal of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The Foreign Minister added that he supports Germany's ambition but he hopes a reform of the Security Council will also include at least four permanent members from Asia, including Indonesia. He said Timor-Leste also needs Germany's support in extending part of the United Nations' mission in the country, due to end in May. "Any sudden departure of everybody in May could seriously disrupt the normal functioning of some of these institutions of the state. I am confident that the permanent members of the Security Council and others will agree to continue a UN presence," he said. Mr Fischer, who is on a nine-day tour of the region to assess Germany's tsunami relief efforts as well as promote Berlin's bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council, said Germany will "seriously consider" voting for the extension of the UN mission, despite the $40-million price tag. "If it can contribute to the development of the economy and the democracy of your country, I think it would be an excellent investment," said Mr Fischer. (AFP, AP)

PM requests UN to continue Timor presence

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has sent a letter via Timor-Leste's Ambassador in New York, to the President of the Security Council, requesting the United Nations to continue its mission in the country. The Security Council will meet on 24 February to examine the situation in Timor-Leste and to consider whether to extend the mission here. (Timor Post)

Xanana Requests Aid from Germany

The President of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao, has requested the German government to assist the people of Oecussi in the provision of clean water and transport services. The request was made to Germany's visiting Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, who said his government would agree to assist the population in Oecussi.

President Gusmco also thanked Germany for its commitment towards the construction of the new steamship that will be completed in January or February 2006. This passenger ship will not only be used for travel to Oecussi but also throughout the country, as well as to Australia and Indonesia. Apart from funding the construction of the boat, Germany will also train Timorese to work on the ship. (Timor Post)

Security increased on border

Timor-Leste's police have increased security on the border with West Timor amid signs of armed groups making incursions into the country. Police Commander Paulo Martins told reports that the police are establishing security posts in rural and isolated areas close to the border. "There are signs of armed groups entering the country. So we are going to establish posts in rural zones in order to provide security for people who live around the border areas," he said. Martins believes the incursions came from West Timor through zones out of the reach of the police. "They are illegally entering here but also with arms. It means that their intention is to disturb the stability of the country," he added. The Police Commander declined to say whether the groups are pro-Indonesian militiamen.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's embassy in Timor-Leste has been asked to provide legal assistance to Daniel Mendes, an Indonesian citizen who was arrested in Dili last month for his alleged involvement in an exchange of gunfire with Timorese police. (Kyodo, Jakarta Post)

Timor and Mozambique develop their relationship

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said that he has no doubt that if the Frelimo party continues to govern Mozambique, Timor-Leste and Mozambique relations will continue to develop fruitfully. Prime Minister Alkatiri, together with the Minister for Justice, the Secretary of State for Labour and Solidarity, and the Head of the Prime Ministers Cabinet returned yesterday from a visit to Mozambique to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the President, Armando E.M. (Timor Post)

Three Perpetrators of Kowa Murder Deported Back to Timor-Leste

The three perpetrators of the Kowa murder, who fled to Indonesia were deported back to Timor-Leste by Indonesian police on Saturday. The three were captured by Indonesian police in Motain. Timorese investigation police have gone to Maliana to carry out an investigation on the case in which three citizens of Kowa were murdered. (Timor Post)

53 people in Hatubuiliko starve to death

Since October, at least 53 people of Hatubuiliko, Ainaro, have died due to a lack of food. The secretary of the sub-district administration, Domingos de Araujo, explained that a number of people died of starvation two years ago, but that this number of deaths was the worst ever due to the long drought. With existing food stocks depleted, De Araujo said that there is absolutely nothing to eat. He said that most people have resorted to looking for wild potatoes in the forest. (STL)

East Timor daily media review February 8, 2005

UNMISET - February 8, 2005

Australia hopeful on Timor Sea deal

Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, said he was cautiously positive about reaching a deal with Timor-Leste on how to share lucrative energy reserves beneath the Timor Sea. Australia and Timor-Leste have so far failed to reach agreement on how to divide the estimated $A41 billion worth of oil and gas deposits lying beneath the sea between the two countries. Talks broke down last year when Timor-Leste accused Australia of making an ultimatum on the boundary terms.

"We are moving forward towards constructive discussions with the Timorese in March when our next meeting is scheduled to take place," said Mr Downer.

"From my contacts with the Timorese....I am cautiously positive about how those talks will go forward. These are difficult issues, we just take them forward piece by piece," he added.

Germany's Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, raised the issue with Mr Downer during a bilateral meeting at the request of Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta. Mr Fischer said he was confident the issue would be resolved amicably by the two nations.

Australia and Timor meeting scheduled for 15-17 March.

Meanwhile, Timor-Leste's Secretary of State for Tourism, Environment and Investment, Jose Teixeira, said Dili is not confident that Woodside Petroleum's stalled US$5 billion Sunrise liquefied natural gas project can be revived by any breakthrough on the protracted border dispute. "I think the company has made it pretty clear. They're not investing any more in it," said Teixeira. Woodside put the brakes on its Sunrise project, having last year warned Canberra and Dili that it needed fiscal certainty on the project by the end of 2004. It also recently restated it won't be spending any more money to advance Sunrise and has reassigned staff to other project. (AAP, Dow Jones)

Foreign Ministers meet in Bali on Truth Commission

The Foreign Ministers of Timor-Leste and Indonesia are meeting in Bali today to begin polishing the creation of a bilateral Truth and Friendship Commission to deal with Indonesian atrocities committed in 1999.

"Personally, I don't think we should precipitate and force a rapid solution over the terms of reference of the commission," said Timorese Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta. Once agreement was reached on the terms of reference for the functioning of the commission, he said consultations would be held with "other interested parties", namely civil society groups and international experts on truth commissions and human rights. The Foreign Minister did stress that national consensus was needed on this issue. (Lusa)

Refugees Demonstrate in Atambua

The murder of a woman and two men in Kowa, Balibo sub-district in late January, was the subject of a demonstration yesterday by thousands of Timorese refugees in Atambua, Indonesia. The refugees demonstrated outside the Parliament in Belu, demanding that the bodies of three people be immediately returned to Atambua. Meanwhile, the three suspects to the murder appeared in the Dili District Court yesterday. (STL)

Government and NGO's Discuss Hunger Problem

The government and a number of local and international non- governmental organizations as well as United Nations humanitarian agencies yesterday held a meeting to discuss the issue of starvation in parts of the country.

Following the meeting, the Director of Civil Protection, David Dias Ximenes, said that although this year's rainfall has not been as good as expected, the level of starvation that has been recently reported is not quite correct. He said that he has travelled around to various places and seen that corn and other food crops are growing reasonably well, although not as well as could be hoped.

However, based on the report of the District Administrators, approximately 10,000 people in Covalima District are starving. Ximenes said that the central government must do its own assessment before giving aid in order to ascertain what the needs of the population really are. (STL)

Timor ambassador not responsible for illegal workers

Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Australia, Jorge Teme, said that he will not take responsibility if some people try to send Timorese workers to Australia illegally. Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Prime Minister at the Government Palace in Dili, he said if caught, he would personally hand them over to the Australian government to deal with them according to the law. (STL)

Timor needs overseas promotion

The Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has asked all of Timor-Leste's Ambassadors to promote Timor-Leste in the country where they are posted. According to the Prime Minister, such promotion is important in order to attract investors to Timor-Leste. (STL) Illegal boats entered through the southern coast

Speaking at the plenary session on Monday, Member of National Parliament's Commission B in charge of Foreign and Security Affairs, Joco Gongalves, informed that illegal boats appeared on the southern coast of Timor-Leste (Covalima district), adding that the reason for their presence is yet unknown. "If the boats come to our water with no clear objective, we have the rights to stop them and inquire about their intention," Gongalves said.

"If we allow this to happen and not question, there's a chance our sea resources will be all stolen," Gongalves added. (Timor Post)

Bishop Belo will set up Nobel museum

The former Bishop of Dili Diocese, Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, has announced he would soon set up a Nobel museum in Baucau city. The museum, he said, will be the site to keep medals, certificates and other items, which he received from Nobel Peace Committee in Oslo in 1996. The museum will also include a library. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 9, 2005

UNMISET - February 9, 2005

Rights groups urge US not to lift ban on Indonesia

Human rights groups are urging the United States to maintain restrictions on ties with Indonesia's military, saying it continues to commit brutal rights violations. The US Congress cut military ties in 1999 when Indonesian troops devastated Timor- Leste after the former province voted for independence.

In recent weeks, the two countries' militaries have worked closely together in tsunami relief efforts, prompting officials in the Bush administration to renew calls for restoring military ties with the world's most populous Muslim nation. However, human rights organizations claim Indonesia's military isn't likely to reform its brutal ways. "The argument is that restoring ties would improve their behaviour. But we think just the opposite would happen," said John Miller from the East Timor Action Network. Critics also accuse Washington of seeking to counterbalance China's growing economic and strategic clout in Southeast Asia. The Bush Administration says it needs the cooperation of the Indonesian armed forces in its global war on terrorism. (Associated Press)

Two corpses returned to Atambua

The demands of Timorese refugees in Atambua were met when the corpses of the two women who were murdered at Kowa were yesterday returned to their families at the Batugade border. The women were murdered together with one man at Kowa, Balibo sub-district, late in January. The murder suspects have already appeared in court and have admitted to the murder. (STL)

Troubled Bobonaro region

The number of murders that have occurred in the Bobonaro region in the first few months of 2005 indicates that the situation in this border region is troubled, according to a Member of Parliament. Jose Andrade, the Member of Parliament from Bobonaro District told STL that he believes that some people, possibly former militia, are trying to create a bad situation because they don't like to see an independent Timor-Leste.

Since the beginning of this year, four people have lost their lives - one in Lolotoe sub-district and three in Kowa, Balibo sub-district. He believes that some refugees in West Timor are involved in the murders and have the assistance of Timorese living in Timor-Leste side of the border. (STL)

Timor-Leste sends five to Malaysia for peace course

The government of Timor-Leste is sending five people to Malaysia to take part in a course on the 'Consolidation of Peace for Post-Conflict Countries'. Representatives from Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Sri Lanka will also participate in the course. The five Timor-Leste participants were yesterday given their plane tickets by the Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Abdullah Faiz Zain, at the Malaysian Embassy in Dili. The course is being organized by Malaya University and JICA.

According to Abdullah, the course has been organized in order to increase the knowledge of participants about the development experience of Malaysia and Japan. (STL)

Portuguese an obstacle for Timor-Leste students

Difficulty in learning Portuguese is one of the main obstacles faced by Timor-Leste students in Portugal, forcing many to leave their studies and seek in Ireland and England. Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Portugal said that Portuguese is a difficult language for Timorese students to master. Ms Pasquela said that they may have come to Portugal knowing how to make simple requests in Portuguese but studying university subjects in Portuguese is a different matter. She added that only some have succeeded.

Statistically, she said that the original number of students who had been awarded scholarships was 333. From that amount, 39 have completed their studies and of those 19 have returned to Timor- Leste to work. Another 134, who did not complete their studies, are working in Ireland and England.

There are another 160 who have since been granted scholarships and are studying in Portugal.

Ms Pasquela said she was disappointed with the broken promises of some of the students, who had been given the opportunity to study in Portugal but who had then left their studies to find jobs. It had been hoped that they would return from their studies to work in and serve their country Timor-Leste. However she acknowledged that some of the students were committed to studying and then returning to Timor-Leste. (STL)

'Jardim da Paz' becomes memorial park

The Prosecutor General, Longuinhos Monteiro, announced that the Government has offered the Jardim da Paz (Peace Park) in Lecidere, Dili, to be used as a memorial park for victims killed in 1999. According to the Prosecutor-General, of the 105 sets of unidentified human remains in the possession of SCU, 33 of those unidentified sets of human remains are currently stored at SCU while the remainder are buried in the InterFET cemetery in Dili (Timor Post)

Vicente Faria: "There is a need to detect corruption and nepotism in public service"

Speaking during a plenary session on Tuesday, Member of Parliament from Fretilin, Vicente Faria, stated that there is a need to assess public servants who are suspected of practising corruption and nepotism.

According to Faria, some public servants, who occupy standard posts in public administration, seem to be rich even though they earn a low salary.

"There is a need to have transparency in the civil service. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the Provedor of Justice and Human Rights in order to guarantee the complaints of the public are heard" (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 10, 2005

UNMISET - February 10, 2005

Dili and Lisbon port authorities sign cooperation agreement

The port authorities of Timor-Leste and Portugal signed an accord for broad bilateral cooperation. Timor-Leste's Minister of Transportation, Communications and Public Works, Ovideo Amaral, and Portugal's Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Joco Ramos Pinto, signed the agreement yesterday. Under the accord, financing for port projects, including technical assistance and training programs, will be covered by aid agreements between the two countries. (Lusa)

Thousands of Timorese hungry

Nearly 20,000 Timorese are hungry, the majority in Suai, said the Secretary of State for Labour and Solidarity, Arsenio Paixao Bano. The Secretary of State released the figures yesterday after explaining that three government departments -- the Department of Internal Affairs, Department of Disaster Management, and the Department of Labour and Solidarity, gathered the data.

The Department of Labour and Solidarity has sent a team to Ainaro and Covalima to ascertain the accuracy of the data. Meanwhile, the Ainaro District Administrator, Joao de Araujo Cortereal, disagreed with reports that 53 people in Hatobuiliko sub- district, Ainaro, have died of starvation. He said that they died because they were sick and refused to get treatment. He said that solidarity among the Ainaro population is strong and that if there were some people going hungry, then others would help. Cortereal believes that it is because of this solidarity that the people of Ainaro had never suffered starvation.

The insistence of the District Administrator that no one in Ainaro had ever died of starvation was at odds with the observation of the Secretary for the Sub-District Administration, Domingos de Araujo, who was quoted on Monday as saying that since October last year, 53 people in the sub-district had died of starvation. (STL)

'When investment law approved, investors will come to Timor'

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, the Secretary of State for Commerce and Industry, Arlindo Rangel, stated that when the investment law is approved, it will provide foreigners with a good opportunity to invest in Timor-Leste. According to Rangel, the proposed law was submitted yesterday to the Council of Ministers for consideration and it's expected to be approved by Parliament in the near future. "When coming to Timor-Leste, the investors will invest with big capital. Therefore, they particularly want to be exempt of taxes in some parts of their investment," said Rangel. (Timor Post)

'Those recently crossing border not militia but illegal armed groups'

PNTL's General Commander, Paulo Fatima Martins, has denied comments that militia are crossing the border into Timor-Leste. Mr Martins said no militia in Timor-Leste, but illegal armed groups who are coming into the country. He said there has been a continued patrol by PNTL's Border Patrol Unit in the border areas to maintain the security. (Timor Post)

Silveiro Pinto Baptista: There should be an investigation towards Prosecutor General

The lawyer for Akui Leong, who has been implicated in the alleged bribe scandal in the Prosecutor's office in Dili District, has called on officials to investigate the actions of the Prosecutor General, Longinhos Monteiro, in the matter. Silveiro Pinto Baptista has made the appeal to the President and called on him on establish an investigation team, which would involve the members from the four organs of the State (Presidency, Parliament, Government and Judiciary).

Meanwhile, in a press release issued on Wednesday, Prosecutor General Monteiro said the investigation surrounding the actions of Dili District's prosecutor with the initials EG, has revealed that EG did not abuse any power. "As a Prosecutor General I conclude that prosecutor EG conducted his work based on the mandate given to him and also on the penal process," said Monteiro. EG has since resumed his duties in the Prosecutor's office as of Monday this week. (Timor Post, STL)

East Timor daily media review February 11, 2005

UNMISET - February 11, 2005

Alkatiri: "Might as well return to Golkar and Soeharto era"

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has said that food distribution by the government is not the way to handle the problems that this country is facing. He said that if the people think that the government is just going to distribute food every year then they may as well return to the Golkar and Soeharto era. Now that Timor-Leste is independent, there should be no careless food distribution, said Alkatiri in response to questions from journalists about the hunger crisis in some parts of Timor-Leste.

The Prime Minister said that the government is aware of those parts of the country, which are suffering food shortages. In response, he said the government is beginning to set up conditions whereby the people will not be subjected to such hunger in the future. For example, in Manatuto, special irrigation systems are being set up whereby farmers can farm their rice fields three times per year, rather than just once, which is the current situation. (STL)

No result from meeting in Indonesia

There has been no result from the recent meeting between the Timor-Leste and Indonesian Foreign Ministers in Bali regarding the Truth and Friendship Commission. Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta, said yesterday that the two parties would be meeting again in another couple of weeks and would then come to a resolution. Although there was no immediate result from the recent meeting, Ramos-Horta was positive about the impending Commission as he said that Indonesia has the courage, authority and will to manage the processes of the Commission with transparency and integrity. Meanwhile, Ramos-Horta, stated the Commission will be based on international standards. According to Ramos-Horta, the Government and President believe that the terms of reference of the Commission should at least meet the international standard, citing examples of countries, which created similar commissions such as in South Africa, El Salvador and others. "I know that the Government of Indonesia is making a big effort to strengthen relations with Timor-Leste. Indonesia has taken note that Timor-Leste does not want to scalp old wounds, but wants to bury the past.

However, it should be done with truth in order to foster better relations in the future," Ramos-Horta added. (STL, Timor Post)

Border problems not due to poor security

The Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, said that illegal entries into Timor-Leste are not due to poor security, but because Timor-Leste's border is so wide and that there are insufficient numbers of police, as well as incomplete facilities. He said that even though this may be the case, the police are currently looking for ways that they may solve this problem. Police are also conducting more patrols so that they may evict illegal entrants or those that enter via shortcuts. He added that the police do not always use vehicles, but sometimes carry out foot patrols with dogs along the border regions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said that in order to anticipate the illegal infiltration of unidentified groups, PNTL's Reserve Unit (RPU) has been asked to back up the Border Patrol Unity (BPU) in patrolling the border area. According to Alkatiri, aside from backing up BPU, RPU can also apprehend those who illegally enter the country through 'small pathways'.

"These are the measures taken in order to make those who illegally come [to the country] think twice before taking any illegal actions", said Alkatiri. (STL, Timor Post)

Alkatiri: "I'm not interfering in investigation of prosecutor EG" Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri claimed he refused to get involved in the investigation of the alleged abuse of power involving a prosecutor with the initial EG from Dili District Prosecutor's Office." I did meet with Prosecutor EG based on his request. I welcomed him as a citizen as he has the right to explain his version of events. I told him that I will not interfere in the case", said Alkatiri. Moreover, he said, that he has also appealed to others not to politicise the matter. (Timor Post)

Elections will be held in 2007 not 2006

In response to the concerns raised by the political parties and the public saying that the next general election should be held on 30 August 2006, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri stated that it will not be held until 2007.

He said this has to do with the fact the current Government started its mandate on 20 May 2002 and not in 2001. "Now all people seem to speak with no basis at all, saying that the next general elections will be in 2006. It is wrong," Alkatiri said. The Prime Minister also argued that the 2001 general election was for Constituent Assembly, adding that in that year the Constitution had not entered into force. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 14, 2005

UNMISET - February 14, 2005

National Alliance discusses Truth Commission

Responding to the initiative of the Timor-Leste and Indonesian governments to establish a 'Truth and Friendship Commission', the National Alliance for an International Tribunal held a discussion at CAVR on Friday. One of the board members of the Alliance, Edu Saldanha Borges, said that the objective of the discussion was to identify the importance of the Commission. He said that the panel discussion would also identify problems associated with the Commission and consider the perspective of victims. (Timor Post)

Confusion over timing of elections

Political and military observer, Julio Tomas Pinto, claims the next election should be held in 2006. Julio said that even if the Prime Minister says that the elections will be held in 2007, it is the President himself who must decide whether the elections are held in 2006 or 2007. Julio said that this is clearly stated in the Constitution. (Timor Post)

Tibar floods

Residents of Tibar, Liquica District, were pounded with heavy rain on Saturday night, which flooded the area with waters one metre high. The Minister of Interior, Rogerio Lobato, and the Secretary of State for Labour and Solidarity, Arsenio Paixao Bano, immediately went to assess the situation. Although there were no reported deaths, residents worked to try to save valuables and livestock. The villages that flooded are located between two narrow rivers, which are unable to support large amounts of rain. According to residents of the area, this is the first time that they have experienced such flooding. Fences and furniture were destroyed, and some livestock lost. (STL)

Body of Australian soldier buried in Dili The body of one of the three Australian soldiers killed by Japanese troops in Dili during the Second World War was exhumed and re-buried in the Aituri Laran cemetery on Saturday. The body was buried by the soldier's Australian friend, Major Tom Hall.

Mr Hall said that the three soldiers were killed when they tried to escape from the Japanese detention centre at Taibessi. He said that during Indonesian times he had tried to negotiate with Indonesia to allow him to exhume and rebury the bodies, but that they never allowed it. When Timor-Leste became independent, Mr Hall once again began to make contact with Timor-Leste's government to allow him to do this. The burial was presided over by the Pastor of Motael Parish, Father Antonio Alves. (STL)

New WHO report on dengue fever in Timor-Leste

As of 9 February, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of 178 hospitalised cases of dengue infection and 16 deaths. More than 70 per cent pf the 178 cases had clinical features compatible with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and the remaining cases were diagnosed as suspected dengue fever. The majority of cases were reported to be in Dili. (Press Release: WHO)

Lieutenant dies due to pistol shot

A 24-year-old FDTL soldier died after accidentally shooting himself after repairing his pistol. The Platoon Commander of Battalion II, Lieutenant Lorenco Manuel da Cruz Verdial, died on Thursday afternoon when a bullet from the pistol that he had just repaired, entered his body. According to news reports, the soldier was playing with the pistol before it fired into his chest. He was immediately evacuated to Dili National Hospital by UN helicopter, but died after suffering a large loss of blood. (STL)

East Timor Daily Media Review February 15, 2005

UNMISET - February 15, 2005

Houses being sold due to hunger

Residents of Suai Loro village in Suai have been forced to sell 12 of their houses to overcome the hunger that has struck the area. The Suai Loro village chief, Manuel Gomes, said that these people have had to sell their houses in order for their children to eat. Press reports claim the owners are selling their houses for between $100 and $150 and are being forced to live in thatched grass-roofed shelters. However, the Interim Sub-District Administrator, Alarico do Nascimento, has rejected the claims, saying instead that the selling of houses in his area has nothing to do with hunger. (STL)

Timor-Leste raises concerns over oil spills

The government of Timor-Leste has written to Woodside Petroleum Ltd requesting a detailed report on the recent oil spill at its Laminaria field in the Timor Sea. Woodside reported on 3 February that a leak of about 300 barrels had occurred on 18 January. Timor-Leste's government said that while Australian authorities may have been notified, Dili had not been told of the incident. "This is the second oil spill at this factory in three months, and in both cases we have received no information," said the Secretary of State for Tourism, Investment and Environment, Jose Teixeira.

"I have asked Woodside for a formal report and an outline of any remedial measures and further measures that are necessary to prevent any more spills recurring," he added.

The Laminaria field lies 150 kilometres off the southern coast of Timor-Leste in a disputed area of overlapping claims between Timor-Leste and Australia. "The government of Timor-Leste considers this area to be under its maritime jurisdiction," said Mr Teixeira. Woodside was unavailable for comment. (AAP)

Border issues to be discussed

The Commander-in-Chief of Falintil-FDTL, Taur Matan Ruak, and the head of the Timor-Leste's national police, Paulo de Fatima Martins, are expected to travel to Indonesia soon to discuss border security issues. Taur explained that this will be the first time that the military and police forces of the two countries will meet to specifically discuss this matter.

Previously, all discussions focussed on measures at a lower level to guarantee security along the border. (STL)

PNTL's border patrol unit arrests two militia

PNTL's General Commander, Paulo de Fatima Martins, confirmed yesterday that on 9 February, the Border Patrol Unit arrested two former militia members in Cowa village, Bobonaro district, as they attempted to enter Timor-Leste.

According to Martins, the two were unarmed but were not carrying passports or other legal documentation. After being arrested in the border, they were taken to Dili District's police station and are now waiting to face a court hearing. (Timor Post)

Government builds 12 new schools

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, the Minister for Education, Armindo Maia, and the Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Hideaki Asahi, on Saturday symbolically placed the first stone for the foundation of the building of 12 new school buildings in the sub-district of Maubisse. According to the Minister for Education, the 12 new school buildings will house 6000 students. (STL)

New 260 Falintil-FDTL soldiers to graduate by April

F-FDTL's Chief of Staff, Coronel Lere Anan Timor, announced that a total of 260 F-FDTL soldiers, who have been taking part in the basic training programme at the Military Training Centre in Metinaro since November, are expected to graduate by April. At least 100 of the soldiers were also sent to Australia, Malaysia, China, the United States and Singapore for further training. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 16, 2005

UNMISET - February 16, 2005

Belo supports creation of Truth and Friendship Commission

Speaking to the press after his meeting with President Xanana Gusmao yesterday, the former Bishop of Dili Diocese, Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, stated that the initiative of the governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to establish the Truth and Friendship Commission is a good one that needs the support of the entire community. However, he said the victims of the 1999 conflict and their suffering should not be forgotten. "President Xanana has briefed me on the matter, but I would like to find out more what actually 'Truth and Friendship' means", Belo said. "When we talk about victims, we are all victims because we all fought for a common goal, but we need to try to dry the tears of the victims and make everyone understand that even though we suffered, we still managed to achieve our objective; that is independence," he added. (Timor Post)

Government calls for UNMISET to be extended

Timor-Leste's government is soon expected to submit a request to the UN Security Council to extend the UNMISET mission for another year. The Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, yesterday told journalists that he is hopeful that the UN will remain in Timor-Leste for as long as they are needed to further develop this country.

Rogerio disagreed with the suggestion by sections of the community that due to other major global issues, such as the tsunami and conflict in the Middle East, Timor-Leste has been forgotten. He said that for as long as Timor-Leste still needs assistance, the international community will assist.

Meanwhile, UDT's Member of Parliament, Alexandre Corte Real, said that he supports government measures to extend the mission because assistance is still needed in security and judicial areas. (STL)

Dengue fever outbreak in Timor-Leste

An outbreak of dengue fever in Timor-Leste has killed 20 people. Since the outbreak began last month, more than 200 people have been hospitalised, most of them with the dangerous haemorrhagic strain of the fever, which causes internal bleeding. Health authorities believe the outbreak emerged in the slum areas of the capital, Dili, but has spread to other districts, including Baucau and Liquica. The World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities are continuing efforts to control the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. (ABC)

Lobato: Hunger issue just propaganda

The Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, has denied media reports of people starving in various parts of the country. However, a member the Social Democratic Party, Fernando Gusmao, said that the government disagrees with the assertion that there is hunger because they rarely visit the districts. (STL)

Lobato: "The number and the capacity of URP will be increased"

Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, announced yesterday that the Government will soon increase the number and capacity of PNTL's Reserve Unit (URP) in an attempt to maintain the security in the country.

When asked about the current security situation of the country, Lobato said that the situation is normal. However, he said that his ministry has been required to take precautionary measures. "We have heard that armed groups entered into the country and killed our fellow residents in Leimea Kraik, [Ermera district], and therefore the police should work harder to deal with the matter along with the community," Lobato said.

Lobato praised the work performance by URP members in maintaining security. He said that the most important thing is to create stability and a good atmosphere so that people can work and live their lives peacefully. When Timor-Leste is peaceful, Lobato added, foreigners wanting to invest in the country would feel secure. (Timor Post)

Xanana received credential from new Thai Ambassador

President Xanana Gusmao received the credentials from Thailand's new Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Wiwat Khon Thon Thien, who is replacing Ambassador Kulmut Singhara Na Ayudhaya. In his welcoming remarks, the President expressed his appreciation for the support received by Thailand in Timor-Leste's bid to become an ASEAN member. He also said that he hopes that the relations between Timor-Leste and Thailand will be further strengthened in years to come. "I believe Timor-Leste can learn many things from the experience of Thailand in the areas of development of agriculture, finance and banking," President Gusmao added. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 17, 2005

UNMISET - February 17, 2005

Oil spills and spy platform concern Dili ahead of talks

Ahead of the resumption of boundary negotiations between Australia and Timor-Leste, Dili is concerned over recent oil spills and Canberra's plan to build a surveillance platform in the two countries' disputed maritime zone.

Yesterday, Australia's Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock told Parliament that his department had been briefed on a plan to lease the Buffalo Platform in the Timor Sea, but denied reports that an unmanned oil platform would be converted into a "spy platform". The Federal Government considered the AUS$2.2-million project but found it to be too costly. The planned "spy platform" would have been fitted with radar and electro-optical systems as part of security measures to protect oil and gas rigs in the area from terrorist attacks.

Meanwhile, the two-day negotiations in Canberra, due to take place next month, are aimed at settling ownership of Timor Sea oil and gas reserves worth over USD 30-billion. (Lusa, AAP)

SRSG Hasegawa concerned about hunger

The UN's Special Representative in Timor-Leste, Dr Sukehiro Hasegawa, yesterday conveyed his concerns about the reported current hunger situation in the country to the President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres. Guterres told journalists he informed Hasegawa that while he doesn't dispute that sections of the population are having to cope with a degree of hunger, they are not starving. He said that there is always food that can be gathered and is edible, such as wild potatoes. Even though this is not quality food, it means that there is never a situation where people have nothing to eat at all.

Meanwhile, the Administrator for Liquica District, Aurora Ximenes, said that some of the population in her district are suffering from hunger, similar to the plight of some other areas in Timor-Leste. (STL)

Absence of anti-corruption law fuels corruption secrecy

It is difficult for corruption allegations to be properly uncovered in Timor-Leste, claims the Executive Director of the East Timor Development Institute, Joao Mariano Saldanha. Mr Saldanha said the reason for this is because there no anti- corruption law, nor mechanisms to protect those people that divulge information related to corruption allegations and therefore they become reluctant to uncover corruption involving government officials. He said that the Prosecutor General's office is one of the institutions that would be able to play a role in uncovering corruption.

However, the office of the Inspector General reports to the Prime Minister and not directly to the Prosecutor General as should be the case.

Meanwhile, the government, parliament, President's office and the courts have yet to take any concrete measures to eradicate corruption in this country. Saldanha said that the government should be able to take action regarding persons believed to be involved with corruption. However, of the 47 cases which have been reported so far, not one has been acted upon. (STL)

Dengue Fever claims more lives

Seven more people died due to dengue fever in the first half of February, indicating that efforts by the Department of Health to eradicate the current epidemic have not yet been successful. The Director of the National Hospital, Antonio Calares Junior, told journalists that all those who died were children between the ages of only nine days old and seven years.

He said that their lives could not be saved because they were taken to the hospital when they were already very sick, and it was too late to save them. (STL)

PNTL mentality like that of Indonesian Police

A Member of Parliament claims the actions of Timor-Leste's police in dealing with problems that arise in the community do not reflect their role as protectors of the people, but instead are considered to be rough and brutal. Antonio Cardoso Machado, Head of Commission E in the National Parliament, said that this shows that they are still carrying the mentality of the Indonesian police. For every problem that arises, they are likely to engage in ill treatment of the person concerned, rather than first finding out whether that person is at fault. He said that if the situation continues like this, then the police will not be considered to be protectors of the people, but rather their enemy. (STL)

Xanana and Horta consult political parties on commission

President Xanana Gusmco and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Josi Ramos-Horta held a meeting in Dili yesterday with political party leaders in order to consult them on the creation of Truth and Friendship Commission. The party leaders present at the meeting reportedly expressed agreement on the initiative taken by the Government to establish such a body. Even though they agreed on the initiative, they also hoped that justice for the victims could be achieved.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, the President of Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mario Carrascalco, said that the initiative taken by the governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia was a good one, adding that the terms of reference of the Commission should be clear and credible so it is a trustworthy body. "With this people will not think that there will be cover- up on 1999 incidents because at the heart of the matter are those who committed the crimes in 1999. The principle question is that there should be justice," Carrascalco added.

Meanwhile, President of the KOTA party, Manuel Tilman, stated that his party appreciated the initiative, but since it has something to do with the lives of many, KOTA urged the Government to also consult the people on the matter.

The President of ASDT, Xavier do Amaral, argued that the most important thing of all is that a better condition should be created so that the new generation will live in peace. (Timor Post)

Manuel Tilman: General election in the hands of President

The President of the KOTA party, Manuel Tilman, stated yesterday that the power to decide on the date of the next elections for the National Parliament and President is in the hands of the President of the Republic.

Moreover, he said that his party will accept if the elections for National Parliament will be held on 30 August 2006 and in April 2007 for the Presidential election. (Timor Post)

Bishop Belo: "Don't lose hope"

Prior to his departure to Mozambique yesterday, former Bishop of Dili Diocese, Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, urged the Timorese not to lose hope even though there are still many challenges ahead. Bishop Belo said during his two-week visit to Timor-Leste, he noticed that not much has changed. Therefore, he said, there is a need to have the courage to change things in order to move the process forward. "Everything remains the same since I was last in the country. We need to work even harder. We recognize the effort made by the Government and some agencies, but we need time to achieve concrete results," Bishop Belo said. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 18, 2005

UNMISET - February 18, 2005

Commission B supports proposed UNMISET extension

The deputy head of Commission B in the National Parliament, tasked with issues concerning national security and foreign affairs, Clementino dos Reis Amaral, has welcomed the proposal by Timor-Leste's leaders for a one-year extension of UNMISET. He believes that the extension is related to security and defense issues, particularly since there have been some murders and militia infiltration in border areas recently. He said that other countries wishing to aggravate Timor-Leste would think twice while there is still a UN mission here. Apart from that, it is an honour to have a UN presence in Timor-Leste, according to Clementino.

Clementino also added that there are several other reasons why he supports the extension of the mission, including the presence of foreign staff and their assistance to the local economy as well as the benefit of employment for Timorese who work for the mission. Clementino said that he does not see anything negative about the UN mission here, and that if need be, the mission should remain until the upcoming elections. "We never know what problems may arise then", he said. (STL)

Parliament supports Truth and Friendship Commission

Members of the National Parliament from various political factions including UDT, PDC and Fretilin, have lent their support to the initiative of the President and government in establishing a Truth and Friendship Commission with Indonesia. Head of the UDT faction, Alexandre Corte Real, said whilst he supports the initiative, the creation of the Commission should not mean that the crimes committed in 1999 are forgotten. He said that justice through the courts is still a priority.

Lucio Marcal Gomes, vice-President of PDC, said that the agreement that was made regarding the 1999 referendum in Timor- Leste involved three parties, Portugal, Indonesia and the United Nations. All gave the responsibility for security during the elections to Indonesia. Therefore, according to Lucio, these three parties should all be involved in the Truth and Friendship Commission. Lucio added that while the Commission is a commendable initiative, it must be transparent, democratic and strong.

The head of the Fretilin faction in the Parliament, Francisco Mirando Branco, said that while he supported this initiative, he also does not support the creation of the Commission if its intent is to forget the crimes of 1999. (Timor Post)

UNMISET to donate assets worth $35-million to government

The United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) has handed over nearly 30 per cent of the $35-million worth of assets to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. In February last year, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution approving the donation of UN owned equipment to the Government of Timor-Leste with a total inventory value of $35 million.

According to UNMISET's Douglas Manson, who co-chairs the Steering Committee for Donations with the Secretary of State for Public Works, Communications and Transport, Mr. Joao Baptista Fernandes Alves, the handing over of assets to government is normal practice in all UN missions, but rarely is it done in such a magnitude.

"This is our way of ensuring that the Government of Timor-Leste is able to continue to carry out its functions effectively once UNMISET completes its mandate in the country on 20 May," said Mr. Manson. "The establishment of a Joint UNMISET and Government Steering Committee to adequately oversee the Mission's overall liquidation plan ensures that the entire process is most effective. In addition, having a representative from Government co-chairing the Steering Committee has also proved to be important for this enormous process to run as smoothly as possible," he added. Once the assets are handed over, the Government has sole responsibility over them.

On the list of property still to be donated to the Government is office data processing equipment currently being used for example by the Serious Crimes Unit; medical equipment, including a laboratory and surgical theatre; communications equipment; generators as well as vehicles.

The liquidation process of UNMISET assets has been ongoing since 2002 but will increase when the mandate of the mission ends on 20 May 2005. The last phase, which will involve the handing over of 12 properties, including UNMISET's current headquarters at Obrigado Barracks as well as the Transport and Engineering compound, will take place from 1 July to 30 September. (Press Release: UNMISET)

Gusmao promulgates law on superior council of state and security

President Xanana Gusmao officially promulgated the Law on Superior Council of State and Security. Aside from promulgating it, the President also inaugurated the office of the Council, which was built with funding received from the Indonesian Bank of Mandiri.

The promulgation ceremony of the Council was attended by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, Minister of Justice, Domingos Sarmento, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as SRSG Sukehiro Hasegawa. (Timor Post)

National parliament reopens candidacy for Provedor

National Parliament this week re-opened the candidacy for Provedor for Human Rights and Justice. The Christian Democratic Party (PDC) proposed the names of two candidates for the post -- one from civil society and another a Member of the Parliament. The name of Aderito de Jesus Soares, a prominent Timorese lawyer representing civil society who had been nominated before, was also made public yesterday. PDC Representative Antonio Ximenes said he very much hoped that other parties could soon present their candidates so that the election process for the post could be accelerated. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 21, 2005

UNMISET - February 21, 2005

Government not serious in fighting corruption

The President of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mario Viegas Carrascalao, accused the government of not being serious in fighting corruption in Timor-Leste. Carrascalao said that the proof of this intransigence are the 47 cases of suspected corruption involving government officials, which have filed but not been acted upon. He said that as far as he is aware, not one person has yet been taken to court in relation to these 47 cases.

Carrascalao, speaking to STL in an interview on Saturday, related his experiences of fighting corruption when he was governor of Timor-Leste during Indonesian times. He said that he firmly dealt with corruption then, even though it meant that his position as governor and even his life were in danger. Carrascalao advised that if the government wishes to fight corruption to its roots, then it must listen to what the people say, as it is the people who are the eyes and ears of the government, not government staff themselves. (STL)

Piles of rubbish contribute to mosquito-borne diseases

The Administrator of District Dili, Ruben Braz de Carvalho, has reminded all Dili residents to take proper provisions when disposing of rubbish.

Although the local government has repeatedly requested Dili residents to dispose of rubbish thoughtfully, namely in rubbish bins provided, many continue to disregard these appeals. He said diseases such as dengue fever arise from the large piles of rubbish around the city, including in the drains and gutters. Once rubbish piles up in the drains and gutters, rainwater cannot flow, leading to water piling up and then becomes a breeding place for mosquitoes. Ruben said that if all residents made an effort to dispose of their rubbish thoughtfully, then the program would succeed and the incidence of various sicknesses would be drastically reduced. (STL)

Alkatiri: Police has capacity to conduct operations on border

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri stated that the police force still has the capacity to conduct operations in border areas and therefore there is no need for the defence force to intervene. When asked about whether those who infiltrated to Timor-Leste are militia, he responded by saying that they are former militia. "There is no more militia since our country became independent. Alkatiri said. Moreover, he said there is a need to cooperate with Indonesia in order to control them, adding that if the militia enter the country, it would be Timor-Leste's security forces who would deal with them. (Timor Post)

Fretilin nominates candidate for Provedor Fretilin's Francisco Branco stated last Friday that his party has nominated one candidate for the post of Provedor of human rights and justice, but refused to reveal the name of the candidate. Moreover, Branco said that the post is an important one, adding that to establish it, there is a need to go through a process so that there is consensus. In so doing, he added, the candidate will proceed further with strength and the support of all people.

Meanwhile, the representative of Democratic Party (PD), Mariano Sabino, said that Provedor is an important institution that should not be politicised but it should be independent in order to guarantee the rights of people. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 24, 2005

UNMISET - February 24, 2005

Australia seeks to defer Timor boundary ruling

Australia says the decision on a permanent seabed boundary with Timor-Leste should be deferred for up to 100 years to allow oil and gas projects to go ahead. Australia will put the timetable to Timor-Leste at boundary negotiations, which are set to resume in the Australian capital, Canberra, in the second week of March.

Australian officials say a permanent boundary in the Timor Sea should be deferred until after oil and gas resources have been exploited, which would put off any decision for up to 100 years. If Timor-Leste agrees to the "creative solution", it would open the way for the $US39 billion Greater Sunrise project, which has been stalled by the boundary dispute.

The previous round of talks broke down in Dili in September because of what Australian officials call Timor-Leste's ambit claims. A senior diplomat says that Australia is offering Timor- Leste revenue beyond the established royalty formula to defer the boundary issue and let resource projects go ahead. (ABC)

Horta publicizes humanitarian prize

Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, yesterday announced the establishment of three prizes by the Peace and Democracy Foundation to be awarded to people who have excelled in the areas of peace, human rights and the environment. Each prize, worth $US5,000 (STL reports $50,000), will be awarded annually, not only to Timorese, but also to individuals or groups in the Asia and Pacific region, who have made a significant contribution in these fields.

Dr Ramos-Horta, who is the Director of the Peace and Democracy Foundation, said that the Foundation chose these three areas because they are all linked to development. He said that the Foundation would now translate an explanation of the prizes into Tetum and Indonesian and invite both Timorese and foreigners to submit their names to be considered as recipients of the awards. He added that by awarding the peace or human rights prize to a foreigner would help promote Timor-Leste's name abroad.

However, the environment prize will only be awarded to a Timorese person in an attempt to encourage Timorese to work for a better environment.

Dr Ramos-Horta also said that the human right prize will be named after the former UN Special Representative of the Secretary- General in Timor-Leste, the late Sergio Vieira de Mello prize. (Timor Post, STL)

No contradiction between Truth Commission and UN body

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jose Ramos- Horta, said that there is no contradiction between the Truth and Friendship Commission and the UN's Commission of Experts (CoE) as both will have separate missions. He said the CoE will be a United Nations taskforce which will work for two months, while the Truth and Friendship Commission will work for two years. According to Horta, the Truth and Friendship Commission will have more clout than the CoE because it has the support of both Presidents behind it. He said that Indonesia has already accepted the Terms of Reference for the Commission and it will be formally accepted in the very near future.

Meanwhile, Ramos-Horta said that the government welcomes the CoE because he is confident that its members will have a practical aim and will not have any intention to cause problems between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

Ramos-Horta also said that it is hoped that the CoE will also assist the Truth and Friendship Commission to some extent. (Timor Post, STL)

Coelho comments on Truth Commission

The Secretary General of the Timor Socialist Party (PST), Avelino Coelho, has questioned the 'truth' aspect of the Truth and Friendship Commission.

He said that while he may support the government's initiative in principle, it depends on what kind of truth the government is looking for. If 'truth' is just apologizing for the crimes that one has committed, then that it's not 'truth', according to Coelho. He also questioned what was meant by the term 'friendship', saying that Timor-Leste has already created a degree of friendship with Indonesia via diplomatic, commercial, cultural and educational relations, as well as travels by Timorese to Indonesia and vice versa. Coelho said that the PST would like to know clearly the mandate and objectives of the Commission. (Timor Post)

East Timor daily media review February 25, 2005

UNMISET - February 25, 2005

Foreign Minister confident UN will stay in Timor

Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta, is confident the presence of the United Nations will be extended in the country. Dr Ramos-Horta told ABC that he expects a presence will be maintained, but on a smaller scale.

"The Timorese side will provide a modest, but credible UN presence," he said. "We still need some 60 international police advisers, besides some of the police advisers we already have, bilaterally, from Australia," he added. (ABC)

Government prepares to distribute food aid

Timor-Leste's Government is preparing to distribute food aid to sections of the population in need. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said that the food aid is to be given to those who need it most and must not be distributed at random. According to Alkatiri, real hunger is when someone eats only once a day. He said that there has been a lot of talk about people dying of hunger, but the Government has not yet been able to identify who or where these people are. He added that the population must be clever and be able to produce enough food to sustain them for the whole year. (Timor Post)

Maritime Border Negotiations pending

The next maritime border negotiations between Australia and Timor-Leste will be held from 7-9 March in Australia. Australia is currently proposing to increase Timor-Leste's royalties if Timor-Leste accepts that there will be no changes to the current border for the next 100 years. Mari Alkatiri yesterday told Timor Post that in this round of negotiations Timor-Leste will be sticking with its previous position on the maritime border. (Timor Post)

Lu-Olo issues notice to faction heads

The President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres, has issued a notice to all political party leaders in the National Parliament to put forward their candidates for the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice.

Guterres said that it had been planned that they would present their candidates last Monday and Tuesday, but other events had arisen and it had not been possible. He added that some of the political parties have also not yet been able to reach a consensus on their candidate. Guterres said that it was the responsibility of the Parliament to create this body because of its importance for Timor-Leste. (STL)

Fifty children without education

At least 50 children in the village of Raihun, Tilomar sub- district, Covalima, cannot attend primary school because of a lack of school buildings and teachers. The problem has already been conveyed to the Department of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, but has not yet been resolved. The local sub-village head of Baer, Maria Lopes Amaral, told STL that those children whose families are more financially able and have family members in the towns are attending school, but others have been left with no education. The children are then forced to spend their time helping their parents in the fields. (STL)

East Timor daily media review February 28, 2005

UNMISET - February 28, 2005

Alkatiri protests against Australia's attitude

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has criticized Australia's attitude leading up to the next round of maritime boundary negotiations to be held in the first week of March. Alkatiri disagrees with Australia's method of using the media to promote its position, which he says is a way of pressuring Timor-Leste. The Australian media recently publicized the Australian government's position, saying that Canberra is prepared to reward more royalties to Timor-Leste, but only if Timor-Leste agrees that there be no negotiations on the maritime border for 100 years. Alkatiri said that as far as he is concerned, negotiations are not to be conducted via the media, but via proper discussions. (Timor Post)

US Ambassador supports Commission of Experts

The United States' Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Joseph Grover Rees, said that the Commission of Experts' visit to Timor-Leste in the near future will prove to be very important because it will assist the Serious Crimes Unit in assessing accountability for 1999 crimes. However, he said before the Commission arrives in Timor-Leste, its members must have an understanding about what happened here in 1999. Speaking at a seminar on Civil and Political Rights last Thursday, Ambassador Rees said that after studying the justice situation in Timor-Leste, the Commission will present recommendations to the United Nations and the governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. (Timor Post)

Political parties support church in curriculum battle

The Social Democrat Party (PSD) and the Social Democratic Association of Timor (ASDT) have thrown their support behind the Catholic Church concerning recent debate on the inclusion of religion into the national primary school curriculum. The Church, PSD and ASDT all disagree with the government policy to include religious teachings in the curriculum as an optional subject. Lucia Lobato, Secretary General of PSD, told STL that the PSD National Council has requested the government to include religion in the national curriculum as a mandatory subject, to reflect the reality that there is a majority Catholic population in Timor- Leste. Last week, Timor-Leste's Catholic Church sent a pastoral note to the government protesting the majority-Fretilin government's decision to limit religious teachings in government primary schools to elective subjects only. (STL, Timor Post)

US to resume Indonesian military training

The United States has decided to resume a training program for members of the Indonesian armed forces suspended since 1992, the US State Department announced. "Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has determined that Indonesia has satisfied legislative conditions for restarting its full Military Education and Training program," department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement.

Indonesia's participation in the program has been essentially on hold since 1992 when the Indonesian military launched a crackdown against pro-independence protestors in Dili, Timor-Leste. The sanctions were further tightened in 1999 after the Indonesian military was accused of killing some 1500 people in Timor-Leste. (AFP)

IRI meets with President Xanana

The Vice-President of the International Republican Institute (IRI), George A. Fauriol, met with President Xanana Gusmao for the first time on Friday since the IRI established an office in Timor-Leste three years ago.

Fauriol said that the IRI is engaged in a range of programs in Timor-Leste, including the promotion of democracy, justice and security, as well as community understanding of the political party system. (Timor Post)

CPD-RDTL supports continuation of UN mission

The General Coordinator of CPD-RDTL, Antonio Aitahan Matak, said his organization supports the continuation of a UN mission in Timor-Leste as long as it functions as an Ambassador and does not assume a similar role to that of the third transition period. Aitahan Matak told Timor Post that he does not support a UN mission that continues to take responsibility for some economic and administrative matters. (Timor Post)

PNTL Commander granted conditional release

Five suspects, including the Commander of PNTL Lautem, who were allegedly involved in the murder of a colleague, were granted conditional release from jail on Friday. STL reports that two of the suspects, including the Commander, have been placed under house arrest, while the other three were granted conditional release but prohibited from contacting relatives of the victim while investigations are continuing. The closed hearing was presided over by an international judge. (STL)