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East Timor News Digest 11 - November 1-30, 2005
Green Left Weekly - November 30, 2005
Pip Hinman -- The Melbourne-based Timor Sea Justice Campaign on
November 23 described the Howard government's decision to
discontinue funding to 13 East Timorese NGOs as "political
interference".
Timor Sea Justice Campaign spokesperson Vanessa Hearman said that
AusAID's (the Australian Agency for International Development)
decision was "a blatant attempt to silence critics of the
Australian government".
The organisations had signed joint statements, in September and
October of last year, calling for the maritime boundaries between
Australia and East Timor to be set according to international
law, which would grant East Timor a much greater share of the
Timor Sea oil and gas resources than Canberra would be happy
with.
"Punishing Timorese NGOs flies in the face of government claims
that its East Timor aid program reduces poverty and benefits the
people", Hearman said. The East Timorese need access to their oil
and gas resources, she continued, if they are to combat poverty
and devastation after being occupied by Indonesia for so long.
Demetrio do Amaral de Carvalho, director of the Haburas
Foundation, said that AusAID informed him on November 10 that it
would not receive funding for its project supporting
environmental education in schools because it had signed the
joint statements.
The NGOs that signed the joint statements in 2004 are: Haburas
Foundation (recipients of the Goldman International Environmental
Prize 2004); HAK Association (Association for Law, Rights and
Justice); La'o Hamutuk (Institute for Reconstruction Monitoring
and Analysis); Sahe Institute for Liberation; Kdadalak Sulimutu
Institute (founded by Nobel Prize winner Bishop Carlos Belo);
Timor Leste Community Radio Association (AKRTL); Judicial System
Monitoring Program (JSMP); KSTL (Timor-Leste Trade Union
Confederation); Labour Advocacy Institute for East Timor;
FOKUPERS (East Timor Women's Communications Forum); Forum Tau
Matan (FTM); LABEH (Mirror for the People); and the Timor Leste
Students Association.
Hearman claims the decision is typical of the bullying that
foreign minister Alexander Downer has become known for and said
the campaign for justice for the Timorese people would continue.
[For more information go to Green Left Weekly - November 23, 2005
Jon Lamb -- On October 15, a band of angry villagers and former
pro-integration militia from East Timor crossed the border from
the Indonesian province of West Timor into the East Timorese
province of Oecuessi and attacked two startled East Timorese
border police. Their motivation is unclear, but it was possibly
the result of Indonesian military (TNI) efforts to direct the
frustration and anger of chronically impoverished farmers and
villagers in the poorest of Indonesia's provinces away from the
central government.
Thirty years before to the day, something similar was occurring
along another part of the border, but the intention and
consequences were far more sinister. Heavily armed TNI special
forces, leading a small force including pro-Jakarta militia from
East Timor, were making a series of incursions into East Timor --
the first phase of TNI operations to prepare for the invasion of
East Timor.
On October 16, 1975, five Australian-based journalists were
killed in the border town of Balibo when TNI-led forces attacked
it. The journalists had travelled to the border to document the
TNI incursions, which US and Australian intelligence agencies had
been monitoring since September.
Both the US and Australian governments refused to publicly
condemn these attacks. Gough Whitlam's Labor government even
denied the incursions were taking place.
Eyewitness accounts from the five journalists would have been
irrefutable evidence that the Indonesian regime was working to
destabilise East Timor to provide the pretext for an invasion.
The Whitlam government actively colluded with Indonesia's Suharto
dictatorship to cover up the journalists' murder, undoubtedly
emboldening the TNI generals in their destabilisation campaign.
Canberra's role in this incident reflected the broader desires of
Australian imperial interests in the Asia-Pacific. For East
Timor, this meant brutal military occupation so that Australia-
based mining and oil interests could more easily access the
untapped wealth of the Timor Sea. Australia's acceptance of the
invasion and occupation of East Timor also helped open the door
for these same business interests to Indonesia itself.
The comments of Australia's ambassador to Indonesia, Richard
Woolcott, in a cable sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs in
August 1975, accurately portray Australia's approach: "We are all
aware of the Australian defence interest in the Portuguese
situation, but I wonder whether the department has ascertained
the interest of the minister of the Department of Minerals and
Energy in the Timor situation.
"It would seem to me that this department might well have an
interest in closing the present gap in the agreed sea border and
this could be more readily negotiated with Indonesia than with
Portugal or an independent Portuguese Timor. I know I'm
recommending a pragmatic rather than a principled stand but that
is what national interest and foreign policy is all about."
Whitlam had already been pushing the "pragmatic" approach,
supporting the view that Indonesia would be easier to deal with
when it came to settling the disputed maritime boundary issue
than an independent East Timor.
East Timor had already become the focus of Australian mining and
petroleum interests in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Significant test drilling was taking place in the Timor Sea, in
the area known as the Timor Gap -- the gap in the maritime
boundary, under dispute between Australia and Portugal.
Following the fall of the fascist Caetano regime in Portugal in
April 1974, changes began to take place in East Timor. Breaking
free from the constraints of more than 500 years of colonial
rule, East Timorese political parties and social groups were able
to form and openly discuss the nation's destiny.
The leaders of this national liberation movement would have been
aware of Portugal's refusal to accept Australia's claim that the
maritime boundary be set along the continental shelf, and it is
highly unlikely that they would have accepted the Australian
government position -- hence Woolcott's cable.
The invasion and occupation of East Timor by Indonesia in
December 1975 did not, however, result in the "more readily"
negotiated settlement that Woolcott hoped for. It turned into a
protracted process because Indonesia questioned the Australian
government's continental shelf argument and balked at rushing
into a settlement. Indonesia set pre-conditions to resolving the
issue, such as the recognition of its occupation and integration
of East Timor, granted by the Malcolm Fraser Liberal government
in February 1978.
Formal talks on the maritime boundary began in 1979, but progress
was exceedingly slow. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was
revised in 1982, with new statutes that weakened the Australian
government's claim for the border to be set along the continental
shelf. The revised statutes recognised that where states that are
opposite each other are less than 400 nautical miles apart, the
boundary should be set along the median line.
Frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations, mining and petroleum
interests pressured the Bob Hawke and Paul Keating Labor
governments to produce a solution. In 1989, an agreement was
struck -- the Timor Gap Treaty -- that divided the disputed area
into three zones as part of a temporary (if long-term)
arrangement.
Following the 1999 referendum on independence for East Timor, the
status and "legality" of the Timor Gap Treaty began to unravel.
The John Howard Coalition government argued from the start that
nothing should change in the treaty arrangements -- that East
Timor (or the UN as the administering power during the transition
phase) should merely replace Indonesia as a signatory to the
treaty.
This was rejected by both the UN Transitional Administration for
East Timor, and all of the East Timorese political leaders, non-
government organisations and activist groups. The Timor Gap
Treaty was rightly condemned as illegal. The Australian
government immediately stepped-up a smear and bullying campaign
against the "ungrateful" East Timorese.
During the 1979-89 talks with Indonesia on the maritime boundary,
Australian government representatives never referred to or
implied that their Indonesian counterparts were greedy or
ungrateful. Neither did they threaten to withdraw or reduce
government aid to Indonesia, as they have done to East Timor for
daring to assert its rights under international law.
According to media reports, the Australian and East Timorese
governments have now reached agreement on the substantive points
of contention about the maritime boundary and resource-sharing
arrangements for the Greater Sunrise gas field. But despite the
Howard government's propaganda about "creative solutions",
Canberra's approach has been to bully and blackmail the East
Timorese government into accepting a considerable compromise and
forgoing its sovereign rights, permanently.
For many former independence movement activists, the issue of
sovereignty is even more important than the significant amount of
royalties East Timor stands to loose in the deal (estimated as up
to US$50 billion). They cannot countenance the justifications
being given for the loss of the sovereign rights that they
sacrificed so much for. Along with the victims of the Indonesian
military occupation, they are left wondering when they will
achieve genuine independence with justice.
Social conflicts
Justice & reconciliation
Security & boarder issues
West Timor/refugees
News & issues
Daily media reviews
Book/film reviews
Timor Gap
AusAid 'blacklists' Timorese NGOs
Australia's plunder of East Timor's oil and gas
Growing reports of a deal to be signed by end of the year
TSJC News Update - November 18, 2005.
The Australian media has recently reported that a resource sharing agreement between East Timor and Australia on how to share the Greater Sunrise gas field is set to be signed by the end of the year.
The gas field, located twice as close to East Timor than Australia is estimated to produce over $40 billion in 'government royalties'. The deal currently on offer, reportedly gives East Timor 50 percent of the revenues, which is an improvement on the miserly 18 percent previously offered, but is still well short of East Timor's rightful entitlement under current principles of International Law.
However, Timor Sea Justice Campaign co-ordinator, Tom Clarke, said he wasn't holding his breath on a deal being signed.
"We've heard a range of claims from Alexander Downer and his posse in the past, not many of which have come to fruition. Back in May, the Australian public were told that a deal with East Timor was imminent and yet every single day that has past, the theft of oil from the contested Laminaria Corallina field has continued," Mr Clarke said.
Mr Clarke was also quick to point out that Alexander Downer promised a 'Christmas present' for East Timor last year as well.
"It's hardly in the 'Christmas spirit' to deprive the poorest country in Asia of billions of dollars and deny a sovereign state of the right to enjoy permanent maritime boundaries. Downer is sounding more like the 'Grinch that stole Christmas' to me," Mr Clarke said.
The Timor Sea Justice Campaign claims that while the proposed deal would be a step in the right direction in regards to the improved share of revenues East Timor would receive, any attempts to postpone the establishment of a permanent maritime boundary would simply be further bullying behaviour from the Australian Government.
"This deal is really just a bandaid solution for one particular gas field. If more petroleum resources are discovered tomorrow, it will be back to square one. Only permanent maritime boundaries will provide legal certainty to both governments and commercial interests. " Mr Clarke said.
The lobby group has stated that it will continue its campaign urging the Australian Government to establish a permanent maritime boundary with East Timor along the median line, half way between the two countries, claiming that the proposed deal is likely to simply be another 'temporary resources sharing agreement' capable of being superseded by a permanent boundary.
"These issues of boundaries are integral to the process of self- determination and achieving true independence, so until the East Timorese enjoy just and fair borders, their struggle will continue and their many supporters in Australia will be here to help," Mr Clarke said.
Agence France Presse - November 16, 2005
Dili -- Three East Timorese opposition parties on Wednesday called on the government to suspend all talks on developing Timor Sea oil and gas resources until after general elections next year.
The Democratic Party, the Social Democrats' Party and the Association of Social Democrats of Timor called for a halt to discussions with Australia over the exploration and the exploitation of reserved worth billions of dollars.
In a declaration read out by Democratic Party Spokesman Fernando de Araujo, the parties said: "The elections will be held in less than one-and-a-half year and the result can lead to a change in government.
"Therefore the current government should refrain from making any sudden compromise, so that the consequences of their actions will not burden the government elected in the next elections."
The three parties said they believed there were indications that the current government would lose in the next elections, Araujo added.
The statement also said since the law on the funding of oil exploration could not be fully applied because the related watchdog bodies had yet to be established, so the potential for corruption was bigger. Araujo added that the absence of laws that could protect the environment was another reason to stall on the negotiations.
East Timor, which was Asia's poorest nation upon independence in May 2002, is currently in talks with its giant neighbour Australia discussing a deal on sharing billions of dollars' worth of oil and gas reserves under the Timor Sea.
The dispute is over where the boundary should run. Australia insists that a 1972 maritime boundary agreed with East Timor's former ruler Indonesia remains in force.
That boundary, at the edge of Australia's continental shelf, gives Canberra two-thirds of the sea area and most of the resources. East Timor wants the boundary to lie midway between the two countries, giving it most of the resources.
Radio Australia - November 9, 2005
East Timor says it's only weeks away from finalising a boundary deal with Australia to exploit the oil and gas reserves of the Greater Sunrise field in the Timor Sea. Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos Horta says the draft agreement is 90 percent finalised, and would be worth five billion dollars to East Timor over 20 years.
Presenter/Interviewer: Graeme Dobell
Speakers: East Timor's Foreign Minister, Dr Jose Ramos Horta
Horta: The agreement as it stands at the moment is very beneficial to Timor Leste, to East Timor, and obviously beneficial to Australia. However there is still one legal hiccup but I have agreed with Alexander Downer that we should give another chance to our technical people, legal-minded people to meet towards the end of the month so that they resolve the legal intricacies that has broken down delaying the signing of the agreement.
Dobell: What is the legal hiccup?
Horta: On the Timorese side we want to preserve the possibility of resorting to some mediation or arbitration or international court to resolve any dispute that might arise. If the two sides fail to resolve them bilaterally through negotiations we could have any sort of dispute within the area, such as fisheries, such as security matters, collision, environment or new discoveries that straddle two sides that are undefined, and then who is going to decide what belongs to whom.
Dobell: Australia of course has ruled out any resort to the International Court of Justice in resolving the border issues on the Timor Sea, what sort of mediation then would you want to put in place?
Horta: What would remain sacrosanct is once we have a disagreement neither side should touch on the maritime boundary. This is a matter of letter and the spirit of the agreement; it's a matter of good faith that once we agree on a moratorium the moratorium is thoroughly respected. However having said that it does not mean necessarily that there might not be a dispute on other areas, and if some dispute arises outside the maritime boundary itself we should be able to first between the two sides to agree to resolve them amicably without involvement of third party. But assuming we fail between the two sides then we should be able to invite a mediator, a third party or we should be able to go to a court to decide the dispute.
Dobell: How big a difference is there then on this dispute settlement mediation issue?
Horta: Well there are differences obviously and we have to understand also Australia's concern, Australia is worried that any such loophole might be exploited by the Timorese side to raise the issue of maritime boundary.
If we have a dispute out that not related to the maritime boundary, but we go to a court, the court might ask the question but where is the maritime boundary? So Australia has this difficulty that it does not want to enter into an agreement that later shows its weakness and the Timorese side will use it to raise the issue of maritime boundary.
Dobell: Is this really then an issue of good faith between East Timor and Australia? Is it a matter of political will in some sense?
Horta: Yes definitely, you put it right, I think the agreement in letter and the spirit is very clear, but then there is the issue of good faith, the issue of trust. Of course the Australian government of today trusts that the current leadership in East Timor that we'll act in good faith, that we would never through the backdoor betray their good faith and would never raise issue of maritime boundary. But the Australian government rightly says well, what's going to happen in five years from now, ten years from now? Which government will be there in East Timor? Well but we could say the same in regard to Australia. So the question is that the two sides have to realise how important the agreement is for us, how beneficial it is for East Timor and for Australia.
Dobell: How important is it?
Horta: For East Timor it's very important, I think we have made significant progress, if this agreement goes ahead and then the whole pipeline business goes ahead East Timor just from upstream would tend to benefit several billion dollars over and above the initial position taken by Australia.
Dobell: Will the deal be signed by the end of the year?
Horta: I should hope so, I remain very optimistic that by the end of the year we should be able to clinch the deal.
Dobell: And just in dollars and cents terms what do you think the deal, the 50-50 split and the moratorium, what will that mean for East Timor in dollars and cents?
Horta: At the current oil price, at say 50-dollars per barrel the estimated value of Greater Sunrise is 11-billion dollars, and that means something like five-billion for East Timor over a period of 20 years or so.
| Social conflicts |
Lusa - November 10, 2005
Dili -- Unidentified groups are seeking to destabilize East Timor to impede foreign investment and weaken the government, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said Thursday.
Alkatiri, speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Xanana Gusmco, said he had discussed the situation with the president.
The prime minister appeared to refer to two incidents earlier this week in which attackers firebombed a police station in Baucau and a martial arts group threatened the headquarters of Dili's riot police unit, seeking revenge against an officer.
The incidents came ahead of an oil investment conference set for Dili next week and a broader business investment conference slated for the end of the month.
"I shared with the president the information we have about the attempt to create instability in the country by still unidentified groups that want to avoid or impede investments and weaken the government", Alkatiri said.
Gusmco, he added, had said he would personally deal with the martial arts groups, a source of frequent faction fighting and other violence in the past. In June, the president brokered an agreement with 10 such groups to end violence.
As to the firebombing Monday in Baucau, which injured one officer, authorities have said they arrested two suspects and discovered abandoned firearms and a field radio near the targeted police station.
The two detained suspects have been identified as members of a recently legalized political party, UNDERTIM, linked to disaffected former pro-independence guerrillas.
Lusa - November 7, 2005
Baucau -- Unknown assailants attacked a police station in East Timor's second city before dawn Monday, injuring one officer, the country's police commander said.
Police Superintendent Paulo Martins told Lusa authorities discovered abandoned unspecified firearms, munitions and a field radio at two sites near the Baucau police station. "Investigations are under way to determine whether the attack was politically motivated", Martins said.
The incident took place one week after Interior Minister Rogirio Lobato appealed to dissident former anti-Indonesia guerrillas to abandon mountain hideouts and "accept the authority" of the newly independent state.
A group of seven Portuguese teachers who live in Baucau near the targeted police station told Lusa they had not heard any noise during the attack and that they were going about their daily routines normally. The teachers described the city as calm.
Several officers were in the police station when the attack took place just after midnight Sunday, but only one suffered injuries and received treatment at the local hospital before being released.
| Justice & reconciliation |
Agence France Presse - November 30, 2005
Jakarta -- Indonesian rights activists have condemned a recommendation by East Timor's president that a probe into past human rights violations in the world's youngest country be kept under wraps.
East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao suggested to legislators in Dili on Monday that a more than 2,000-page report and recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) should not be made public. The commission was set up as an independent authority in 2002 tasked with investigating rights violations from all sides during Indonesia's occupation of its smaller neighbour.
Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 but the country's people voted in favour of breaking away in a UN-sponsored ballot in August 1999 and it gained full independence in May 2002 after more than two years of United Nations stewardship.
Militia gangs, which the UN has said were recruited and directed by Indonesia's military, went on an arson and killing spree before and after the East Timorese referendum, killing about 1,400 independence supporters.
The commission was also supposed to facilitate community reconciliation with justice for those who committed less serious offences, its mandate says.
"What concerns me is not the revelation of the truth, which is already common knowledge," Gusmao said in the speech, a copy of which was obtained by AFP in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"What really concerns me is the recommendations made by the (commission), which could be used to manipulate our people's state of mind," he said.
Activists charged that Gusmao was more concerned about East Timor's relations with its powerful neighbour. "This is more of an elitist solution than a popular one," rights activist Hendardi, a member of the board of patrons of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Associations, told AFP.
Hendardi charged that Gusmao's decision was clearly made in the political context of maintaining good ties with Indonesia. "The public should be given the opportunity to assess it, because they were the victims," he said, adding that barring public access to the report "already goes against the very essence of truth. Xanana clearly made a mistake. The people of East Timor and some in Indonesia have been awaiting the results of the work of the Commission for a while," he said.
Bonar Tigor Naipospos, of Solidamor, a pro-East Timor Indonesian rights group echoed Hendardi, saying that for Gusmao, good ties with Indonesia appeared to be more important than justice for his own people. "It is true that the relations between the two countries have improved immensely compared to a few years ago, but this should not ignore the need for truth and justice for the victims," he said.
The Australian - November 30, 2005
Sian Powell and Richard Lloyd Parry -- The Australian, British and US Governments and international arms makers should pay compensation for their part in Indonesia's brutal 24-year occupation of East Timor, a commission of inquiry has demanded.
The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor (CAVR), an independent organisation established by the East Timorese Government, is calling for reparations for victims of torture, rape and violence perpetrated by Indonesia from its invasion in 1975 to its bloody withdrawal in 1999.
The 2500-page report, which President Xanana Gusmao presented to East Timor's Parliament on Monday, contentiously recommends East Timor's victims be paid compensation by the colonisers Indonesia and Portugal, as well as by those nations that sold weapons to Indonesia and supported its annexation -- including Australia.
Mr Gusmao spelled out the detail of the recommendation, and told Parliament he was "truly concerned" by it.
The commission also recommended a continuation of the UN-backed investigation and prosecution of war crimes in East Timor during the Indonesian occupation.
"This recommendation does not take into account the situation of political anarchy and social chaos that could easily erupt if we decided to bring to court every crime committed since 1974 or 1975," Mr Gusmao said.
East Timorese and international activists condemned the President's stance, and demanded the immediate release of the full report, which has been put on hold indefinitely.
A hero of East Timor's guerilla war against Indonesia, Mr Gusmao has long signalled his determination to stay on good terms with Indonesia. A pragmatic leader, he has repeatedly said East Timor's future matters more than its past.
Part of the CAVR report says: "The Permanent Members of the Security Council, particularly the US but also Britain and France, who gave military backing to the Indonesian Government between 1974 and 1999 and who are duty-bound to uphold the highest principles of world order and peace and to protect the weak and vulnerable, (should) assist the Government of Timor- Leste in the provision of reparations to victims of human rights violations suffered during the Indonesian occupation. Business corporations that profited from the sale of weapons to Indonesia during the occupation of Timor-Leste (should) contribute to the reparations program."
The commission, established in 2002 by the East Timorese Government, investigated the killings during the occupation, interviewing hundreds of people and compiling the first accurate estimates of the deaths.
In the report, the commission appealed to the international community to hand over those suspected of human rights abuses, freeze their assets and stop them from travelling as a prelude to a series of trials.
In a long and discursive statement to Parliament, Mr Gusmao took pains to distance the Government from the commission's recommendations. "The grandiose idealism that (the commissioners) possess is well manifested to the point that it goes beyond conventional political boundaries," he said.
The US-based International Centre for Transitional Justice has demanded the immediate release of the report in the pursuit of justice.
"After decades marked by suppression of the truth and impunity for human rights abuse, the immediate dissemination of the final report's findings and recommendations is essential," the organisation said. "The commission's legal mandate to research and report the facts, contribute to victims' dignity and recommend measures to prevent future abuses cannot be discharged without publicising the final report."
Mr Gusmao is required to submit the final report to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, so its eventual release is inevitable. It is likely the President simply wants to forestall the criticism of Indonesia coming directly from East Timor.
Indonesia has prosecuted 18 soldiers, police officers, civil servants and civilians in connection with East Timor atrocities. In a judicial process widely condemned as a whitewash, they were all were found innocent, or their convictions were overturned on appeal.
[Additional reporting: The Times.]
The Times (UK) - November 29, 2005
Richard Lloyd Parry -- The British and American governments and international arms makers should pay compensation for their part in Indonesia's brutal 24-year occupation of East Timor, a commission of inquiry has demanded.
The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor (CAVR), an independent organisation established by the East Timorese Government, is calling for reparations for victims of torture, rape and violence perpetrated by Indonesia from its invasion in 1975 to its bloody withdrawal in 1999.
The commission is demanding that Western governments contribute to the fund because of the tacit approval they gave to the occupation, and the weapons and military training they provided to Indonesia. And it is urging the international community to hand over those suspected of human rights abuses, freeze their assets and block them from travelling as a prelude to a series of trials.
However, several of the commission's key recommendations are opposed by President Gusmao of East Timor, who has said that they would have disastrous consequences.
Human rights campaigners fear that he will suppress parts of the unpublished report, some of which has been seen by The Times, for fear of offending Indonesia and the governments that supported it.
Paul Barber, of the British human rights organisation Tapol, said: "We are extremely concerned by reports that the President is reluctant to publish in full this important report, which will help the Timorese people and the world to understand the truth about the terrible crimes committed during Indonesia's brutal occupation."
Indonesia invaded East Timor -- formerly a Portuguese colony -- in 1975, a step tacitly approved by much of the non-communist world, including Britain, the US, Australia and Japan. At the height of the Cold War an independent East Timor looked to many like a potential Cuba in the centre of South-East Asia. President Suharto of Indonesia was, by contrast, a committed anti-communist and friend of the W est. He was supplied with arms by Western companies and with military assistance and training by the US and Britain until 1998, when he resigned after nationwide demonstrations.
President Suharto's forces fought a cruel guerrilla war against the dwindling East Timorese Army, Falintil. As many as 200,000 people died.
After East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence in a UN- organised referendum in 1999, Indonesian troops and local militias burnt its towns, killing 2,000 people, and deported 250,000 inhabitants to Indonesia.
"The permanent members of the Security Council, particularly the US but also Britain and France, who gave military backing to the Indonesian Government between 1974 and 1999 and who are duty bound to uphold the highest principles of world order and peace and to protect the weak and vulnerable, (should) assist the Government of Timor-Leste in the provision of reparations to victims of human rights violations suffered during the Indonesian occupation," the CAVR report says.
"Business corporations that profited from the sale of weapons to Indonesia during the occupation of Timor-Leste (should) contribute to the reparations programme".
The British company most often accused of contributing to the suppression of East Timor is British Aerospace, whose Hawk fighter jets were repeatedly said to have been used against Falintil during its war of resistance. A spokesman for BAE Systems, which includes British Aerospace, refused to comment. The Foreign Office said that it would wait for the publication of the report before issuing a statement.
The 2,500-page report was presented to President Gusmao at the end of last month, and the CAVR expected to release it yesterday. But it remained under wraps, provoking fears that the Government is attempting to reduce its impact.
Despite his own sufferings as a guerrilla leader who spent six years in an Indonesian jail, Mr Gusmao has always emphasised the importance of good relations with Indonesia, the vast island nation of 242 million that surrounds tiny East Timor's population of 952,000.
The Guardian - November 29, 2005
John Aglionby, Jakarta -- The East Timorese president, Xanana Gusmao, yesterday presented to parliament the long-awaited report of the nation's Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission but criticised many of the key recommendations and accused the commissioners of "grandiose idealism".
Mr Gusmao recommended that the 2,500-page document not be made public, implying that it would not be in the national interest to do so.
Commissioners and human rights activists reacted with dismay, accusing the former hero of the resistance struggle against Indonesia's 24-year oppressive rule of cowering before "certain interests", both domestic and international, rather than prioritising the people's desire for justice.
East Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975 and annexed the following year, a move never recognised by the United Nations. Some 200,000 people were killed during the occupation before it won its independence in a UN-organised referendum in 1999. The commission, established in 2002, was tasked with looking at all killings during the occupation, including the several thousand committed by Timorese. One of its key recommendations was that East Timor should pursue justice for the victims by prosecuting the alleged military atrocities.
Mr Gusmao told parliament -- according to an official English translation obtained by the Guardian -- that rather than seeing the prosecution of Indonesian soldiers as the way to justice, "the best justice, the true justice, was the recognition by the international community of the right to ... independence".
The commission conducted scores of town hall meetings and took more than 8,000 statements. Aniceto Guterres, the commission chairman, told the Guardian that the majority of people they talked to wanted to see the perpetrators brought to justice and the victims to receive compensation.
"That's what we found; that people want justice," he said. "We knew people weren't going to like our findings and accept them but we didn't work to make certain people happy, we worked to reveal the truth about what happened."
Mr Gusmao said the commissioners had been almost irresponsible in their recommendations. "The grandiose idealism that they [the commissioners] possess is well manifested to the point that it goes beyond conventional political boundaries," he told parliament. "The report says the 'absence of justice... is a fundamental obstacle in the process of building a democratic society'. My reply to that would be not necessarily."
Indonesia and East Timor have held tribunals into the violence which surrounded the 1999 referendum. All Indonesian military and police personnel prosecuted by Jakarta were either acquitted or freed on appeal. No one has been extradited to stand trial in East Timor.
Mr Guterres said he was "rather disappointed" that the report will remain unpublished for the foreseeable future. Legislators will decide probably in the new year. Amado Hei, a programme officer with the Human Rights Foundation in East Timor, said: "The victims hoped that something would happen with this report but it looks like it won't happen."
Associated Press - November 29, 2005
Guido Guilliart, Dili -- East Timor's president on Tuesday rejected recommendations made by a national commission to address human rights abuses carried out during Indonesia's 24 yearlong occupation, saying they could create anarchy.
Xanana Gusmao, who has repeatedly emphasized that reconciliation with his powerful neighbor was more important than justice for the victims, also denounced proposals contained in report calling for countries that supported the Indonesian invasion to pay reparations.
The 2,500-page report by the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation was scathingly critical of Indonesian rule during which about 200,00 people -- a third of the population -- died.
The former Portuguese colony was devastated during a long war of liberation that followed Indonesia's December 1975 invasion. The attack was tacitly sanctioned by then-US President Gerald Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who both met with Indonesia's then-dictator, Suharto, in Jakarta a day before the assault.
Indonesia's iron-fisted rule ended in 1999, after a UN- organized plebiscite resulted in an overwhelming vote for independence. In a final act of vengeance, withdrawing Indonesian troops and their militia auxiliaries destroyed much of the country's infrastructure and killed at least 1,500 people.
East Timor remains Asia's poorest country. But in recent years economic, political and even military ties with Indonesia have improved significantly. The leaders of the two countries have exchanged numerous visits and Indonesia is now East Timor's largest trade partner.
The rights panel, created by the UN interim administration which ran East Timor from 1999 until independence in 2002, recommended that Indonesia compensate the victims and that the perpetrators of violence be brought to justice.
"The Commission is of the opinion that it is not possible to achieve long-lasting reconciliation without establishing the truth, obtaining justice, and providing compensation to the victims. Compensation is necessary in order to restore the dignity of victims and to amend the damaged relations within our society," the report said.
But Gusmao, a former rebel leader who spent six years in an Indonesian prison, noted that "politics is the art of the possible," adding that "sensible politics" dictated that East Timor "conform to the current reality."
"The best justice, the true justice, was the recognition by the international community of the right to self-determination and independence the People of Timor-Leste have," he said in a speech in parliament.
"What truly concerns me are the recommendations pertaining to reparations to the victims," Xanana said. "This recommendation does not take into account the situation of political anarchy and social chaos that could easily erupt if we decided to bring to court every crime committed since 1975."
He praised Indonesia's current leaders, saying that they had "invested considerable effort in the democratization of the country."
After the events of 1999, Jakarta came under intense international pressure to punish those responsible for the bloodshed in East Timor.
A rights court tried 18 Indonesian military and government officials in connection with the war, but convicted only six -- five of whom were subsequently freed on appeal.
| Security & boarder issues |
Associated Press - November 28, 2005
Dili -- East Timorese police exchanged gunfire Monday with infiltrators who appeared to be pro-Indonesia militiamen, leaving one policeman wounded, an officer said.
Three of the armed militiamen, who numbered about 17, were captured during the pre-dawn clash near the village of Atabae in Maliana district, said Col. Paulo de Fatima Martins, commander of the East Timor police.
Martins said the militiamen had crossed the border and were found about 20 kilometers inside East Timor, a former Portuguese colony. He identified the wounded policeman as Sgt. Berlai de Jesus.
East Timor, tiny half-island nation, was under Indonesia's rule from 1976 until 1999 when it voted for independence in a UN- sponsored referendum.
The western part of the Timor Island is the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara.
The border region between Indonesia and East Timor -- a rugged and lawless area dotted with tiny farming villages -- suffered some of the worst violence in 1999 and remains among the most vulnerable.
Green Left Weekly - November 9, 2005
Jon Lamb -- The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) in East Timor has completed its report documenting human rights violations that took place under 24-year-long Indonesian military (TNI) occupation. The 2000-page report, which is the culmination of three years' work by the CAVR, was handed to East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao on October 31, who will in turn present it to the parliament on November 28.
The finalisation of the CAVR report came amid renewed tensions on East Timor's border with Indonesia. Some 200 Indonesian villagers crossed the border on October 15, watched by TNI personnel and Indonesian police, and injured two East Timorese border police.
The TNI unit currently responsible for border security, Battalion 745, was accused by the East Timor-based United Nations Serious Crime Unit of conducting serious human rights abuses in East Timor in 1999, including mass murder, torture and mutilation.
East Timorese foreign minister Jose Ramos Horta and other East Timorese leaders have played down the October 15 border incident, as has Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer.
The October 28 Australian reported that Horta said the incident did not reflect the "official attitude of the TNI leadership". However, it also reported Horta's public denial "that a spate border clashes around the enclave were linked to former pro- Indonesian militia, directly contradicting East Timor's national security chief, Ricardo Ribeiro, and his own complaints to the UN mission in Dili.
"A UN diplomatic cable obtained by the Australian cited a furious Mr Horta blaming the violence on former anti-independence militia and Indonesian troops." The October 28 Australian also noted that the CAVR report "does not provide guarantees of legal justice for thousands of [East] Timorese victims of [Indonesian] army-backed militia violence".
Justice for the victims of the TNI occupation, particularly its campaign of violence around the period of the September 1999 independence referendum, is a major concern for large numbers of East Timorese. There has been simmering discontent and criticism over the failure to bring to account any of the higher ranking Indonesian officers responsible for creating and directing the pro-integration militia gangs that went on a killing spree after the referendum.
There is growing anger and frustration among many victims and East Timorese human rights groups over what they perceive to be an unwillingness by Gusmao and Horta to push for an international human rights tribunal.
| West Timor/refugees |
Green Left Weekly - November 30, 2005
Sarah Stephen -- When seven asylum seekers from West Timor waded ashore near the Western Australian Aboriginal community of Kalumburu on November 5, immigration minister Amanda Vanstone declared that they were fishing, not seeking asylum. This fiction was maintained for 10 days by the immigration department (DIMIA).
This is the first boat carrying asylum seekers to be intercepted in Australian waters in two years. The last one, the Hao Kiet, with 53 Vietnamese asylum seekers, arrived near Port Hedland in July 2003. This group was held on Christmas Island for two years before being granted temporary protection visas in July after a public campaign.
Immigration officials transferred the West Timorese group -- two babies, a teenager, a woman and three men -- to Darwin, hiding them in the Parap Village Apartments. DIMIA had planned to deport the group, but refugee advocates exposed their maltreatment and demanded they be given legal help to make an asylum claim. Refugee advocate Pamela Curr said on November 21 that they had been allocated a government migration agent and that "Until their names are known no independent person is able to speak to them".
On November 17, the asylum seekers were taken to Christmas Island in violation of their right under the migration act to have their asylum claims considered within the migration zone, with full access to legal representation and the courts.
In April, a spokesperson for Vanstone said the detention centre would only be "used for unauthorised arrivals who arrive in areas that are excised from the migration zone and there's no plans to change that".
Author and refugee advocate Tony Kevin slammed the removal of the asylum seekers to Christmas Island. Speaking at a Green Left Weekly forum on November 22 he said, "If they had not insisted on making refugee claims, they would be back home by now. Forget that they landed on Australian soil that had not been conveniently excised. Forget that there was a recent promise that children would not again be put in detention except for short periods while identities are checked.
"We are told the family of four (father, mother, two children) will be allowed out soon to house detention on Christmas Island. Three other single men will stay locked up alone, presumably for as long as they pursue their refugee claims. We now have another case like Aladdin Sisalem, who was locked up alone for years on Manus Island.
"Nothing has changed in DIMIA. The so-called new broom of [department head] Andrew Metcalfe sweeps human lives around in the same cruel way. And there is the same arbitrary decision- making, the same flouting of laws and solemn governmental undertakings." The family was released into house detention on November 22.
Refugee advocate Kaye Bernard told the November 23 Age, "Everyone accepts detention makes people sick. These three men are being discriminated against simply on the basis of their gender. If they do not pose a threat to Australian security, why should they be held in a prison?" She said a social worker had tried to visit the men, but had been refused because her name was not on their visitor list.
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said on November 21 that, "To re-open Christmas Island for seven people must have cost many thousands of taxpayers' dollars. The government initially told us these people were not seeking protection and it turns out they are. This move appears to be all about hiding an embarrassment from the public."
Jakarta Post - November 28, 2005
Yemris Fointuna, Kupang -- Former members of the pro-Jakarta militias that rampaged through East Timor in 1999 are forming an organization to protect the rights and privileges they feel the government they fought for is now denying them.
The organization will be chaired by Eurico Gueterres, a militia leader found guilty of atrocities in East Timor, now Timor Leste, before and after the 1999 independence referendum in the former Indonesian territory. The group's secretary-general will be Joanico Cesario, a former militia leader in Baucau, East Timor.
Eurico, whose appeal of a five-year jail sentence for his activities in East Timor is waiting to be heard by the Supreme Court, said the organization was established to assist former militia members who had been largely abandoned by Jakarta since Timor Leste gained independence from Indonesia in 1999.
He said many former pro-Jakarta militia members were still living in decrepit camps along the Indonesian border with Timor Leste, forgotten by the government they fought for.
"They fought to keep Indonesia intact, risking their lives, but the Indonesian government has ignored their sacrifices," said Eurico.
He said the government treated former members of the separatist Free Aceh Movement better than those who fought for Indonesia in East Timor, giving the former rebels amnesty and money to help ease their return to society.
"It is ironic," said Eurico, the former commander of the Red White Iron militia.
He said a formal announcement would soon be made on the establishment of the organization, claiming that the group had already set up offices in several regencies and cities in East Nusa Tenggara and had thousands of members.
The pro-Jakarta militias, which the United Nations has said were recruited and directed by the Indonesian Military, went on an arson and killing spree before and after the East Timorese voted for independence in a UN-sponsored ballot in August 1999.
They reportedly killed about 1,400 independence supporters and laid waste to much of the infrastructure in the half-island, which was a Portuguese colony before Indonesia annexed and invaded it in the mid-1970s.
Members of the pro-Jakarta militias were denied citizenship by the Timor Leste government and many former militia members are now living along the border between Timor Leste and Indonesia.
Detik.com - November 27, 2005
Emmy F, Kupang -- Feeling as if the government is treating him as a stepchild, former pro-Jakarta militia have reassembling their forces by forming the Ex-East Timor Forum for Struggle.
The forum is under the direct control of Eurico Guterres, a former militia leader who is free pending an appeal for committing gross human rights violations in East Timor following the 1999 referendum. Joanico Cesario, the former commander of the Sector A Militia which covered the Baucau region, is the forum's secretary.
When contacted in Kupang on Saturday November 26, Guterres explained that the reason for forming the forum were not in order to conduct attacks against Timor Leste but rather to struggle for the welfare and future of its members who are still living under worrying conditions in the refugee camps in West Timor.
The government he said, has neglected former East Timor fighters who staked their lives on fighting for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and in defense of the red-and-white. Their sacrifice however received no sympathy from the state.
Members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) meanwhile, who explicitly took up arms and undermined the unity of NKRI as well as conducting a separatist movement to break away from Indonesia, have now received amnesty, abolition and compensation.
"The government has been unfair in [how] it gives [its] appreciation to its fighters. GAM members received attention while former East Timor fighters were left to live in poverty and destitution", said the former commander of the Red White Iron Militia (BMP).
This unfair treatment by the government's he continued, has turned former East Timor fighters as a second-class citizens because as well as loosing the land of their birth they also lost their true selves and their dignity.
"As fighters who staked their lives and property on [fighting for] NKRI, we fell as if the government's policy of giving amnesty, abolition and compensation to GAM members who are foreign citizens is an error", he said.
Guterres is even threatening to occupy the East Nusa Tenggara Regional House of Representatives if the government continues to leave integration fighters in a life of prolonged suffering in the refugee camps.
The forum -- who's membership is made up of hundreds of ex- militia and integration fighters -- has already established a branch secretariats in a number of regencies and cities in East Nusa Tenggara. (ddn)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
| News & issues |
Radio Australia - October 13, 2005
Reporter: Nick McKenzie
Peter Cave: The Defence Force is being accused by one of its own of misusing national security and secrecy laws to stop the publication of a book, because it was deemed overly critical of the Federal Government.
AM has learnt that Major Clinton Fernandes has complained to the Defence Inspector General that the Government was behind efforts to stop him publishing a book about East Timor's road to independence. And while that attempt failed, he's complained that his career has since been sabotaged.
In letters obtained by the ABC, Major Fernandes accuses senior Army figures of intimidation and ignoring his assertion that he wrote the book in an entirely personal capacity and relied only on open sources.
Nick McKenzie reports.
Nick McKenzie: In 2004, Major Clinton Fernandes completed a four year PhD project the Army had approved. He approached a publisher, who in turn asked him to turn his PhD thesis into a book.
He completed the manuscript of Reluctant Saviour, an extended essay on Australia's role in East Timor's struggle for independence, and sent his Army superiors a copy.
Major Fernandes also sent an assertion that the book relied solely on publicly available information.
The resulting correspondence between Major Fernandes and some of the Army's most senior officers became increasingly heated and it ultimately prompted the 36-year-old major to complain to the Defence Force's Inspector General that the Army had inappropriately invoked national security and information secrecy laws to stall or stop him publishing the book.
He alleges this was done because of concerns the book was highly critical of the Government and because the Government influenced the actions of the Army hierarchy.
The ABC has obtained some of the letters that formed the basis of Major Fernandes' complaint.
In an initial letter, dated the third September last year, the Deputy Chief of the Army, Major General Ian Gordon, tells Fernandes he must adhere to defence policy on the publication of material of a political nature. Major Fernandes responds that he's done so.
Words of Clinton Fernandes: The book is a private, non-military and scholarly activity undertaken as a private citizen. All material states that I am a Melbourne-based historian. No reference is made to my position in the Defence Force.
Nick McKenzie: Two weeks later the Chief of the Army, Peter Lay, wrote to Major Fernandes, asking him not to publish the book because:
Words of Peter Lay: Your book is at times overly critical of Government policy. While you are entitled to such a view, I don't think it is professional to express them in public or print.
Nick McKenzie: But the letter also notes the Army could not prevent the book being published. Three days after that, a month after the Army received the manuscript, and just over a week before its publishing deadline, Major Fernandes received another letter, again from the Deputy Chief of the Army. It refers to Major Fernandes' time in the Army's Intelligence Corps in the late 1990s and raises concerns about his access to sensitive information about East Timor.
The letter then refers to laws about prejudicing national security and disclosing confidential information.
Words of Peter Lay: Section 79 of the Crimes Act makes it a criminal offence to disclose classified information without authorisation. In addition, Section 70 makes it a criminal offence to publish information. Your manuscript is not cleared to be published. Defence will raise any particular concerns with you once the review is completed.
Nick McKenzie: Major Fernandes' response accuses the Defence Force of intimidation and harassment.
Words of Clinton Fernandes: My book uses information only in the public domain. The threatening statements are individually intimidatory. The intimidatory effect is very clear when the letters are considered cumulatively.
Nick McKenzie: AM has obtained an internal letter from the Defence Department to the Army regarding Major Fernandes' book. This internal document raises no concerns about breaches of national security and critically, it was sent to the Army almost three weeks before the Army raised its concerns about national security and information secrecy laws.
In the letter, Ron Benighton, the Defence Department's Deputy Secretary of Intelligence and Security states that:
Words of Ron Benighton: Major Fernandes' manuscript has been examined by the defence intelligence agencies and DFAT, and while it is strongly critical of the Government and especially Foreign Minister Downer and DFAT, there is no basis to preclude publication on grounds of national security. In relation to his use of classified material, Major Fernandes appears to rely carefully only on information that has already been published in the press, or other open sources.
Nick McKenzie: Another Army document, a point-by-point deconstruction of the book focuses on political criticisms.
For instance it states:
"Page 36 contains an implied criticism of the Howard Government. Page 45 to 55 contains criticisms of Mr Downer."
Despite the advice from the Army that he may be in breach of national security laws and thus face criminal charges, Major Fernandes decided to go ahead and publish Reluctant Saviour. It was published in early October last year.
Apart from a failed attempt to censure Major Fernandes, there's been no other official action taken by the Army in connection with the book. Indeed, students at the Defence Force Academy are now encouraged to read it. But Major Fernandes has told the Defence Force watchdog he's still being targeted.
He's alleged that he was forced to move inter-state to fill a high priority vacancy, which had already been filled when he arrived.
To fight the ultimately unsuccessful effort to discipline him, Major Fernandes supplied the Army with an opinion from a Professor of Ethics at Melbourne University. After he'd reviewed the Army's letters and its policy, Professor Tony Coady concluded the Army's actions were not based on genuine concerns about conduct, but rather a desire not to annoy its political masters. Indeed, one of Major Fernandes' complaints suggests that the Professor's finding fits into a pattern of earlier treatment he received in the Army.
He was part of a group of officials, including former Lieutenant Colonel Lance Collins, investigated for the alleged leaking of information in the late 90s about East Timor.
The then Captain Fernandes was suspended. When he was eventually reinstated he was moved into Personnel, where he's been for the last four years.
In that time, he's been promoted to major, but according to his complaint, it hasn't stopped him being mistreated, with actions Major Fernandes claims crossed the line when he moved to turn his PhD into a book.
Peter Cave: Clinton Fernandes declined to speak to AM about his complaints or his book. In response to a list of detailed questions, the Defence Department told AM it could not comment about the matter because it is the subject of an internal defence review. The Inspector General of the ADF also told AM he was unable to comment on an open complaint.
The Times (UK) - November 30, 2005
Richard Lloyd Parry -- The British Government knowingly lied about Indonesian atrocities in East Timor, including the killing of British journalists in 1975, according to newly released diplomatic documents.
In a startling insight into foreign complicity in Indonesia's invasion of the former Portuguese colony, the documents show that Britain used its position as chair of the United Nations Security Council to "keep the heat out of the Timor business" in discussions in the UN.
The documents have been obtained after a long-running campaign by relatives and supporters of Brian Peters and Malcolm Rennie, two British journalists who were working for Australian television. In October 1975, along with three colleagues from Australia and New Zealand, they were killed while filming a clandestine attack on East Timorese soldiers in the town of Balibo by Indonesian soldiers and East Timorese opposed to independence.
Witness reports suggest that they were murdered in order to prevent evidence of Indonesia's covert war on East Timor from being broadcast to the outside world. Their bodies were immediately burnt and nothing more than a few charred bones has been recovered. Public opinion in Australia was outraged by the deaths of the men.
But Sir John Ford, Britain's Ambassador in Jakarta, asked the Australian Embassy to refrain from pressing the Indonesians for details of their deaths. "We have suggested to the Australians that, since we, in fact, know what happened to the newsmen it is pointless to go on demanding information from the Indonesians which they cannot, or are unwilling to provide," Sir John wrote. "Since no protests will produce the journalists' bodies I think we should ourselves avoid representations about them."
His cable, dated eight days after the deaths of the so-called Balibo Five, ends by suggesting that the journalists were responsible for their own deaths. "They were in the war zone of their own choice," he wrote.
In the Cold War atmosphere of 1975, after the US defeat in Vietnam, Indonesia's status as a pro-Western, anti-communist leader was far more important to Britain than justice for tiny and obscure East Timor. The documents show that Britain's main priority was to prevent the issue from outraging British public opinion. "Timor was high on (US National Security Adviser) Henry Kissinger's list of places where the US do not want to comment or get involved," Sir John wrote in October 1975 before the invasion. "I am sure we should continue to follow the American example."
On Christmas Eve 1975, in a cable copied to 10 Downing Street, Sir John said: "Once the Indonesians had established themselves in Dili (the East Timorese capital) they went on a rampage of looting and killing... If asked to comment on any stories of atrocities I suggest we say that we have no information."
Sir John told The Times last night that he could not remember writing the cable. He suggested, however, that the source who had told the diplomats about the atrocities may not have been regarded as reliable.
At New Year, Sir John counselled his Indonesian counterparts to brace themselves for stories of atrocities. "Sooner or later news of (the atrocities) was bound to leak... I thought it was important that the Indonesians should prepare for this eventuality."
Britain's complicity in the Indonesian invasion went beyond merely suppressing information. The documents record the warm thanks officials received from Indonesia for ensuring that the statement of condemnation in the UN was relatively mild. In February 1976 Murray Simons, head of the South-East Asia Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, wrote that "the Indonesians were evidently much gratified at the way in which the British delegation took account of their interests, and considered that the language was one they could quite well live with".
So successfully was the Indonesian invasion buried as a source of international scandal that Britain's own UN mission expressed misgivings -- the fear was that by colluding in the illegal annexation of a former colony, Britain would leave its own possessions vulnerable to similar attack, particularly the Falklands.
"In the real world it is probably both inevitable and understandable that Timor should be incorporated into Indonesia," Andrew Stuart, of the British Embassy, wrote in February 1976. "The Timorese as a whole will not lose by this." By 1999, when they finally gained their freedom, about 200,000 of them had been killed.
Official secret
"I'm assuming you're really going to keep your mouth shut on this subject?" National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to his staff in October 1975 in response to reports that Indonesia had attacked East Timor
"They were in the war zone of their own choice." Sir John Ford, on the journalists killed filing the clandestine Indonesian invasion
"We had successfully managed to keep the heat out of the Timor business in New York." Sir John Ford on Britain's role in the debate on Indonesia in the UN Security Council
"The Indonesians... went on a rampage of looting and killing... I suggest we say that we have no information." Sir John Ford on the invasion of East Timor
"A primitive territory." Murray Simons, head of the Foreign Office's South-east Asia Department, on East Timor
"Britain's interests indicated a low profile... This policy has paid off handsomely. The lack of involvement has largely kept Timor out of the British and US headlines".
[From FCO report on East Timor.]
The Times - November 30, 2005
Sean O'Neill -- For 30 years Maureen Tolfree has suspected that the British Government lied to her about the death of her brother, Malcolm Rennie.
The release of the Foreign Office documents has whetted her appetite for more disclosures so that she knows the full truth about the deaths of Brian Peters and his colleagues.
Mrs Tolfree, 60, wants other papers blocked by the Cabinet Office to be released in time for an inquest into her brother's death to be held in Sydney in the new year.
"I have won a victory by persuading the Australians to hold the inquest but it is very important now that that hearing is given access to all the relevant papers," said Mrs Tolfree, 60, from Bristol.
"These documents prove that my family has been lied to, that everything has been covered up and hushed up. But truth will out and we know there is more to come."
Mrs Tolfree is also campaigning for the exhumation of bodies in a grave in Jakarta to establish if they really are those of her brother and the other journalists.
Don Foster, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, will table parliamentary questions about the extent of the Government's knowledge of the deaths of the Balibo Five this week. He said: "There is clear evidence that the British Government was complicit in a cover-up of the facts of the deaths of British journalists. The public has a right to know what happened."
Mrs Tolfree was only four years older than her brother but had been his guardian since their mother left them when he was 11. She said: "That's why I fight for him. I was the one who gave him permission to emigrate to Australia and I've always had that guilt on my shoulders."
Lusa - November 9, 2005
Dili -- East Timor's government is ready to adopt "drastic measures" to reconstruct Dili, ending anarchy and reducing population pressures, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said Wednesday.
Alkatiri cautioned, however, that there was no plan to resort to force to expel migrant and refugee residents of the capital, a city of some 160,000.
"We will intervene in force. They will be drastic measures, but necessary ones to correct what is still correctable" in the city, Alkatiri said at ceremony unveiling the first phase of an urbanization plan drafted by Portuguese experts.
His "vision" of a Dili that could serve as "the entry gate" for investment in the country, Alkatiri said, began emerging more than 30 years ago when he worked as a topographer for City Hall.
In order to free Dili and other towns from excessive population, the prime minister said the government would create "incentives" to encourage tens of thousands to return to their rural home areas.
Newcomers began flooding into the capital and other urban areas in 1974, immediately after Indonesia's invasion.
Their numbers skyrocketed with the return to East Timor of some 250,000 people who had been forced into exile by pro-Jakarta militias around the time of the Timorese independence plebiscite in 1999.
| Daily media reviews |
UNOTIL - November 1-30, 2005
Lu Olo: Gusmco to Present CAVR report to UN Secretary-General
President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres, reportedly told the media that President Xanana Gusmco presented the final report of the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) reported Timor Post. He added that President Gusmco would have the authorization by January 2006, to present the referred CAVR final report to the UN Secretary-General to enable him to understand what is written in the report and whether the report reflects what had happened in the past, as well as whether the final report provides sufficient information. (TP)
PM Alkatiri: A fund of USD 51, 267 to be distributed to the veterans
PM Mari Alkatiri reportedly told the media that there is a fund of USD 51, 267 as a temporary measure to commence in December until there is approved legislation in place to reward veterans who devoted their whole lives for the freedom of Timor-Leste, reported Timor Post. According to Timor Post, there are 37 veterans from the 13 districts who will be included in this programme that is supported by the Solidarity fund. The report also mentioned that it would be the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, who will handle the programme. (TP)
US lifts Indonesian arms sanctions, Horta satisfied
Speaking to the media during the departure of the Sao Tome Principe's President, Fredique de Menezes at Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Minister Ramos Horta reportedly told the media that he is happy that the US has lifted the arms sanction against Indonesia following the 1991, Santa Cruz Massacre, reported Timor Post. He added that Indonesia needs help; Timorese might disagree and agree with Indonesian military acts but Timorese also want TNI to change their behaviour instead of sanctions. He further added that he had previously spoke to the US congress and the Secretary of State, Collin Powell in order to lift the arms sanctions on Indonesia as the sanctions were imposed due to human rights issues which no longer exist. He also stated that Timor-Leste is a free independent country that has got good bilateral ties with Indonesia. (TP, STL)
MP Andrade: TL and Indonesia should identify former militia members in West Timor
Speaking to the media on Monday as a response to the recent reported shooting incidents in Atabae in Bobonaro District when the PNTL Reserve Unit was reportedly involved in an exchange of fire with former militia members, MP Josi Andrade reportedly urged both Timor-Leste and Indonesian Governments to identify former militia members currently live in West Timor. Andrade said that after identifying them, Indonesia Government could settle those militia members in other islands, with the aim of making them as live far away from the border between Timor-Leste and Indonesia so that the infiltration of militia in the border areas can be easily tackled, adding that otherwise there would be always problems of infiltration. (STL)
President de Menezes: Investment Law means nothing if foreigners are not welcome
Cape Verde President, Fredariq Menezes reportedly said that the recently established investment law is meaningless if the investors are not welcome by the Timorese people, reported STL on Wednesday. Menezes said the Timorese have an attitude of antipathy, forcing foreigners to spend only a short time in the country. Therefore he added the Timorese should be prepared to accept others [foreigners] to conduct business activities. (STL)
Dili Prosecution Office Suspected of Involvement in Cover-up Cases
It is reported that the Dili Prosecution Office was suspected of involvement in cover-up cases of confiscation of goods such as beer, wine and others without the consent of the judge or the Head of Dili District court. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, MP Alexandre Corte Real of UDT was quoted as saying that the law allows auctions to be held for the confiscated goods because of certain reasons, but the process should be handled properly in accordance with the procedures. Corte Real argued that the money obtained from the auction of goods should be deposited to the account of the Prosecution Office pending the settlement of the cases. If during the process of settlement, Corte Real said, the owners of goods are proved to lose the cases, the money should be transferred to the State account, but if it is the opposite, the owners should be reimbursed in cash along with the receipts. Moreover, Corte Real said that the accountability towards the confiscated goods is important so that the public trusts the prosecution office, otherwise this will destroy the image of the Prosecution office itself. (STL).
November 26/28/29, 2005
PNTL Police Reserve Unit injured by ex-militia
It is reported that a conflict erupted between a group of ex- militia and a member of the Police Reserve Unit (URP) in Atabae sub-district, Bobonaro.
The conflict resulted in injury to URP member Berlai de Jesus, who is currently undergoing treatment at the National Hospital. Three of the ex-militia involved have been reportedly arrested. (TVTL, STL)
Horta: Independence Is The Sacrifice of the People
Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta was reported as saying that 28 November reminded him of the first independence declaration 30 years ago. "At that moment, Timor was alone. There were no international people, many of them had deserted and turned their backs. It makes me very sad when I think about it, because a large ship was close to the shores of Atazro, after Batugadi, Maliana and Atabae had fallen," Ramos-Horta told the media following the independence celebrations in Dili. He added that 30 years have passed and the Timorese people are proud and the uneducated barefooted people are the heroes because they were the courageous ones who held the flag and resisted up until today. "When I think of this date, it is not only of Fretilin Central Committee (CCF) and those known leaders but of the barefooted people and those without education that have held onto CCF, Falintil and diplomacy."
The Minister said that now that independence is here the same people have not demanded for anything and continue to live poor with patience, dignity and proud without protest. "The proclaimer was not only one person, it was the Fretilin Central Committee (CCF) The proclaimer was not Francisco Xavier do Amaral. CCF handed it to him because he was Fretilin's President, like the document Lu'Olo read today". According to Ramos-Horta the text of the declaration was debated by CCF during a meeting on whether to declare it or not because at the time the Indonesians were already in Maliana, and Atabae and the ships were all lined up along the seacoast. He reminded that the text of the declaration read 'in the name of the Fretilin Central Committee,' which Francisco do Amaral read.
Meanwhile Francisco do Amaral said he was happy that he has been recognized as the proclaimer of independence and he also recognizes Nicolau Lobato as President of the Republic of Timor- Leste when he stepped down. Amaral also said he is happy that the international airport is named after Nicolau Lobato adding, "I appeal to the new generation and the population to hold tight to their history and should not forget it because this is the national identity". (TVTL, STL)
Guterres: CAVR Report has positive impact
The President of Commission A, Vicente Aparicio Guterres told media that the submission of CAVR report to the National Parliament by the President of the Republic, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmco, has had a positive impact reported Timor Post. "CAVR's report also presents many new facts that provide a possibility of improving the political process", he added. He admitted that though all the facts have not been collected, most of the facts related to the past are included. It was also mentioned that the National Parliament will still have to have a further meeting before any decision is made. (DT)
Parliament to invite Minister Lobato for Clarification on Alleged Assault case
President of Commission B in the National Parliament, Faustino Godinho, has reportedly said that the Commission will invite Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato to explain the Delta assault case, allegedly involving the Minister himself, to the Members of Parliament. He said that this issue could be discussed in one of the regular parliamentary meetings held with the Minister. (STL)
Xavier: Take Fretilin to the International Court
ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral has reportedly said that the Fretilin Central Committee (CCF) is not humane, as during the resistance period many Fretilin leaders and members killed people "like animals", because they suspected them of being double agents. Thus he said that the International Court should not just focus on Indonesia but also Timor-Leste, so that members of the CCF may also receive the justice that they deserve. (DT)
Manek: Border issues to be discussed at East Java meeting
It is reported that the Administrator for Central/North West Timor region (TTU), Gabriel Manek, has said that the issue of border conflict in the Oecussi area will be on the agenda for the bilateral Indonesia-RDTL meeting to be held in Malang, East Java, at the end of this month, and that the local TTU government has already forwarded a report on the issue to Jakarta. Manek said that the local TTU government has already taken measures to prevent the conflict from escalating, including a range of joint meetings in the past few months. (DT)
Carlos: Three International Electoral Experts Visit Timor-Leste
Speaking to the media last Friday, permanent secretary of National Parliament, MP Francisco Carlos has reportedly informed that three international delegates are currently in Timor-Leste to assess the situation prior to the 2007 general elections. Carlos also informed that the delegates had met with the President of the Parliament, Francisco Guterres "Lu-Olo" last Wednesday, adding that they would also visit other institutions. Carlos further informed that the delegates will recommend for the provision of financial assistance, electoral experts and other source of information in order to draft a good electoral law based on the experience of other countries, and particularly relevant to the concrete reality of Timor-Leste. (STL)
Need for Electoral Law and International Assistance for National Elections For the conduct of free and fair national elections in Timor-Leste international assistance is required in areas including the preparation of electoral law, voter education and registration as well as the provision of international observers, Vice Minister of State Administration Mr.
Valentim Ximenes and other participants pointed out at an UNOTIL Policy Review Meeting held on 25 November.
Vice Minister Valentim Ximenes indicated that the Government of Timor-Leste had already requested the provision of United Nations electoral experts to assist in the process of drafting the national electoral law and continued electoral programme assistance from UNDP and other international development partners. Further assistance would also be required for the Ministry of State Administration to train electoral officers and polling staff in preparation for the future national elections, he added.
Commissioners Ms. Carmelita Muniz and Mr. Marito Reis from the National Electoral Commission (CNE) recommended that the electoral law provide the CNE with effective oversight powers and more clearly define the roles of STAE and CNE with CNE Commissioners requiring appointment at least six months prior to elections. It was also pointed out that the State should provide more human and material resources to the CNE and STAE. The CNE Commissioners requested that political party representatives be properly educated about electoral regulations to facilitate organised political campaigning and to prevent baseless allegations or criticisms in the forthcoming national elections.
US Ambassador Rees indicated that the CNE should continue to be independent and should be well-funded with the authority to address any allegations in the conduct of future elections. Legal Adviser to the President Mr.
Rui Feijo suggested that broad consensus would be desirable from political parties and agreement by the National Parliament on the national electoral law to maximise the legitimacy of the elections.
The Director of UNIFEM in Timor-Leste, Ms. Milena Pires commended the results of the recent local elections for the positive promotion of women's representation with 7 female village chiefs and 27 female hamlet chiefs being democratically elected across the country. Ms Pires advocated the nomination of a high number of female candidates by political parties for the national elections, with a suggestion that a special reservation of seats for women in the electoral law would ensure positive female representation at the parliamentary level.
SRSG Hasegawa concluded the meeting by recognising the need for good coordination of international support to the national elections.
The urgency of proper preparation and enactment of the relevant national electoral laws was also emphasized by SRSG Hasegawa in order for the international community to plan and expeditiously implement electoral support and thereby assist in ensuring free and fair national elections in Timor-Leste.
An Electoral Needs Assessment Mission from the UN Department of Political Affairs is currently interviewing officials and politicians in Timor-Leste to identify the requirements of Timor-Leste for the National Elections, which are expected to be held in 2007. (UNOTIL Press Release)
November 25, 2005
Alkatiri on Timorese Women and the UN presence
In his message for the launch of 16-day national campaign against violence against women on Thursday, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri had been reportedly quoted as saying that the campaign was important since many Timorese women have been suffering from violence, adding that those violence have impact on their health, and it is a form of violation of human rights.
Alkatiri stressed that even though Timor-Leste is now peaceful, violence within the community continues to take place, particularly violence against women.
"My adviser from the Office of Promotion of Equality and Gender, Maria Domingas Fernandes Alves has informed me that 490 cases related to gender-based violence had been reported to police. The National Hospital dealt with 131 cases, and local NGOs have reported on 238 cases. This shows that the rate of violence against women is high. Many victims even did not report the cases to the police. Alkatiri further said that since the violence has also an impact on other human rights, and the fact that a woman continues to suffer from violence, she would not be able to fully participate in the lives of the nation economically, socially and politically.
PM Alkatiri was reported as saying that Timor-Leste still needs the international community and United Nations, but not necessarily such a mission as the current one (UNOTIL). He also added that despite the existence of the current UN mission, there are already UN agencies, such as UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO that Timor-Leste needs to work more with. (STL, JN Diario)
Vemasse Bomb Case a Police Fabrication
The Vemasse bomb incident [sic] on 17 November is a fabrication by the Vemasse sub-district PNTL, as a means of covering up the actions of the police toward a citizen in early November. The concerned citizen, Nivio da Costa, sent a letter to the President of the National Parliament, the PNTL and F-FDTL Commanders, the Prosecutor-General, and the media, requesting that the relevant authorities take action to change the current police mentality, in particular concerning their violent behaviour. Da Costa is currently wanted by police on charges of being involved in the Vemasse bomb case, but he and his friends wish to give themselves up, on the provision that they will not be beaten by the police if they do so. The Vemasse bomb case has still not been resolved, with the Minister of Interior recently accusing certain political parties of being involved, inciting protest from some members of the opposition. (STL) Aitahan Matak: Police use Baucau Bomb Case to Undermine UNDERTIM
Speaking to the media on Thursday in response to the statement of Minister of Interior Lobato saying that those who were involved in the bomb attack towards Baucau's PNTL station were given the instruction by certain political parties, the General Coordinator of CPD-RDTL, Antonio Aitahan Matak reportedly stated that it was a tactic of PNTL to undermine the UNDERTIM party. Matak argued that it was not the members of UNDERTIM, CPD-RDTL and other parties who carried such attack, adding that now in the era of independence, the Timorese who were involved in the resistance in the past, have no bad intention at all to destroy the country.. (DT, JN Diario)
Guterres: Final Public Hearing on Veterans Bill Cancelled
President of National Parliament's Commission A, Vicente Guterres told the media that the final public hearing supposed to be held on Thursday on the proposed bill on veterans was cancelled due to the absence of the three organs of the State: President of Republic, Xanana Gusmco, President of Parliament, Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, adding that it was caused by the fact that President Gusmco and the Prime Minister Alkatiri had a weekly security meeting. Meanwhile, the Timorese Church representatives also presented their views on the law, requesting the Government to recognize the clergies who died for the sake of fighting for the freedom of Timor-Leste. In response to the request by the Church, Guterres said that the Government will recognize the clergies as long as there is a complete data on them. Guterres further informed the media that after the public hearings held at the Parliament, the Commission would go to the districts to consult with communities in order to obtain their views on the proposed bill. (STL)
Update on Oil and Gas Conference
It is reported that oil exploration in the Greater Sunrise oil field should create employment opportunities for Timor-Leste, if the pipeline comes to Timor-Leste, to the south coast of Betano. A source attending the two-day oil and gas conference held last week, told reporters that experts attending the conference reaffirmed that it is possible to construct a pipeline and LNG plant in Timor-Leste's waters. The conference, attended by over 20 large oil and gas companies, showed the extensive interest that international investors have in the potential of the Timor Sea. The company executives showed great interest in the results of the seismic surveys recently conducted for the first time in Timor-Leste's waters. Two representatives of civil society attended the conference, Tomas Freitas, Director of NGO Luta Hamutuk, and Justino da Silva from NGO Forum. It is reported that the presence of the civil society representatives shows the commitment of the government to develop Timor-Leste's natural resources in a transparent and accountable manner. (TP)
Lecturer: Government in Dilemma over Timor Sea
The government is experiencing a dilemma in making a decision regarding the Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan oil fields, according to Aristides Afonso, Economics Lecturer from Timor- Leste National University. Speaking to TP on Thursday, Aristides said that the government is weighing up the positive and negative impacts of any decision it makes, which must be based on a comprehensive analysis. Related to the demands of the opposition that the government ceases all exploration, he explained that as Timor-Leste is a poor country and needs money, even though it should be allocated a large amount of wealth from the oil and gas, it must take what it can. If the government ceases exploration as a means of preventing theft of the oil and gas, it will also mean that the government will not be able to implement the investment projects that it has planned, such as for infrastructure development. (TP)
Political Observer: Debate on 1975 independence proclamation should cease The debate on the 1975 proclaimer of independence should cease, according to political and military observer, Julio Tomas Pinto. He said that such a debate has been occurring because different groups have their individual interests in interpreting history, and he recommended that the National Parliament take the initiative to establish an independent commission to research the history that has been much spoken of in CAVR and in the media.
He said that now is a good opportunity to do such, as many people who experienced this history are still alive. (TP)
November 24, 2005
Timor can request UN agency assistance after UNOTIL
After the UNOTIL mission completes its mandate in May 2006, the Government can request assistance from other UN agencies, in particular UNDP. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after meeting with Prime Minister Alkatiri, SRSG Hasegawa said that UNDP may be able to provide assistance for the 2007 general elections, among other areas, and other UN agencies such as UNICEF may also be able to provide assistance, as well as agencies such as the World Bank, ADB and IMF, as they will remain in the country after UNOTIL leaves. The SRSG said that he discussed with the Prime Minister the kind of assistance that Timor-Leste may wish for in the future, and Alkatiri agreed that he would consult with the relevant government parties regarding this matter, including the President, the President of the National Parliament, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Hasegawa said that during the meeting he and the Prime Minister also discussed the transfer of skills from the UNOTIL advisors to their Timorese counterparts. (TP, DT)
Timor-Leste is not prepared for border pass system
It is reported that the Border Pass Agreement signed by Timor- Leste and Indonesia two years ago cannot yet be implemented because Timor-Leste is not yet prepared for such a system. Nelson Santos from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation said that such a system is very new for Timor-Leste, and not all the technical means have been developed in order to be able to implement it properly. Some of these technical issues include correct security measures for pass users, as well as the budget for the implementation of the system, and whether registration will be implemented at the central, district or local level. (TP)
Lobato to address the Parliament on budget allocated to PNTL BPU
Speaking at the National Parliament, Minister Lobato reportedly told journalists that he is ready to provide clarification to the National Parliament regarding the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) allocated budget if asked, STL reported. Minister Lobato made the above statement due to the complaint by the members of PNTL Border Patrol Unit police that the food that they are provided is not upto the standard as agreed with contracted company. Apart from the above concern the report also touches on other concerns over which PNTL Border Patrol Unit have to work in order to maintain a stable situation at the border. Minister Lobato added that the forthcoming 200 graduates of police together with Marine unit would be sent to the border since the current squad is not large enough to cover the whole border area. (STL)
Ximenes: Veterans' law covers everyone
Secretary of State for Veterans' Affairs, David Ximenes stated that the proposed legislation on former Combatants currently in discussion covers everyone. "As an example, those heroes that died in August 15, 1975, are recognised, and those who had surrendered but were involved in the movement to provide support to the guerrillas would also benefit". Ximenes said that those who remained in the jungle for 24 years are entitled to immunity as a way of being respected as some institutions are still looking down at them. "Like or not they would be entitled to immunity. Because everybody goes to war to win," said the Secretary of State. He stressed that if there is no immunity, it will have a negative impact on the security of the country, stating that problems will arise if those who were not involved in the struggle and are currently in charge of security still want to continue to arrest those involved in the struggle. (TP)
Prosecution Is Investigating The Camera Case: Judge Ximenes President of the Court of Appeal, Claudio Ximenes reportedly told the media that the case involving the alleged confiscation of the camera which journalist Jose Belo filed against an international official presently working for the court is under investigation and it is the responsibility of the Prosecutor to investigate the allegations. "The process which Jose Belo presented against an international staff is being processed by the prosecutor's office. Therefore I cannot comment about it, in order not to have any influence on this process. I have to allow the Prosecutor to carry his work without interference in order to have correct judicial procedure," Ximenes explained to the media.
According to STL, Claudio Ximenes was reportedly quoted as saying again that if he comments on the process it would have an influence on the case as well as the people in charge of the case. According to Timor-Leste Constitution, he said, one person must not be considered guilty when the tribunal has not made a decision. Only the prosecutor has the power to investigate and make a decision. Only the court can judge and decide if a person has been accused of what mistake. "We cannot use the media to accuse, and make judgment and condemn a person. We must allow the institutions to work without interference," added the President of the Court of Appeal.
STL reported that an international prosecutor from Dili District Prosecutor's Office officially returned the digital camera to Jose Belo, which the Tribunal officer allegedly confiscated from the journalist while he was filming the eviction of the house of Gui Campos on 13 October. According to Jose's Belo lawyer, Tome Xavier the case is under investigation and although the camera had been returned but Jose Belo refused to accept the cassette [that had been inside the camera].
"Our client Jose Belo does not want to accept this cassette because the film, the part inside the camera is missing, therefore it does not signal that the process would stop," said Tome. Joco Paulo Carreira, the Prosecution Coordinator, said that the case is under investigation by international prosecutor, Antonio Ozorio. (STL)
Fretilin and PSD members join PD
Fretilin and PSD members from five villages in the sub-district of Hatolia, Ermera, have changed their political party affiliation to the Democratic Party (PD). According to the members themselves, they changed affiliation of their own wishes, in accordance with the freedom and democracy present in today's Timor-Leste. PD Coordinator for Hatolia sub-district Afonso Martins told TP that he has received the new party members with open arms, and said that they will work together with other party members to prepare the party for the 2007 general elections. He said that he believes others will also join his party before the elections, and PD will then grow larger and this will increase the possibility that it will win the elections. (TP)
PD Coordinator, Bonaparte: Fretilin forces people to join
It is reported that Fretilin has been engaging in clandestine activities in Bobonaro sub-district to force the population to become Fretilin members, in the context of the upcoming 2007 General Elections. PD Coordinator for Bobonaro sub-district Bosco Napoleon Bonaparte said that the Fretilin party has become concerned, as they have not done for the people what they promised, and so they have begun to lie to and threaten the people.
"These kind of activities are anti-democratic. No one should be forcing others to join a particular party, and in any case it is not yet time to be campaigning", said Bonaparte. The Fretilin Coordinator for the sub-district said that Fretilin has already won the hearts of the people, and has done all the hard work, while other parties are now just following in his footsteps. (STL)
November 23, 2005
Lobato: Vemasse incident link to some political parties
Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato is reported to have said that the Vemasse incident, in which a home-made explosive device was allegedly thrown, is linked to some political parties. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after meeting with the Prime Minister, Lobato said that even though there is not yet any concrete evidence, the people that the police have arrested are affiliated to certain political parties. He said that some people do not want Timor-Leste to be peaceful, and some are trying to obtain power that they do not have. He added that the government will be very vigilant next year, as they have information that some groups are planning to cause trouble in 2006, including through the use of bombs. Lobato emphasized that the police would eventually catch all the groups that are trying to cause trouble in Timor-Leste. (STL)
Police Reserve Unit Arrested 'Isolated' Groups
It is reported that Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato reportedly stated on Tuesday that PNTL's Reserve Unit had arrested the 'isolated' groups who have been allegedly living in the forest and conducting a guerrilla insurrection [sic] in the border area of Covalima District.
Minister Lobato reportedly declined to announce the total number of the groups that have been arrested by Police Reserve Unit (PRU), adding that PRU used counter-guerrilla methods in arresting the groups whom he suspected of being CPD-RDTL members. Minister Lobato further stated that he would show those who had been arrested to the public through a press conference to be held at the Ministry of Interior today. In addition, Minister Lobato said that apparently the groups had wanted to organize themselves in order to surrender to the authorities and dismantle their networks so that they could [fully] collaborate in the process of Timor-Leste's development. (TP) Coverage over President Gusmco's Visit to Indonesia
It is reported that President Xanana Gusmco will visit West Timor on 23 until 27 December to celebrate Christmas with Timorese refugees, aiming at strengthening the relationship among Timorese. Speaking to the press on Monday upon his return from the visit to China, President Gusmco stated that he had confirmed the upcoming visit to West Timor with Udayana Military Commander during his stop-over in Bali on his way back to Timor-Leste. Aside from meeting with Udayana Military Commander, President Gusmco also said that he met with Coordinator Minister of Politics and Security, General Widodo while stopping over Jakarta, in which during the talks, they exchanged views as neighboring countries on how to strengthen the relations for now and the future. To realize the program of the visit to West Timor in December, President Gusmco said that he would request PM Mari Alkatiri and Secretary of State for Oecussi, Albano Salem to carry out some activities related to the plan. In addition, President Gusmco said that there would be no need for the provision of heavy security for him during his visit to West Timor since he had made such visits a few times in the past, adding that his visit has not to do with the recent incidents in Passabe, Oe-cussi district, and it has been planned prior to the incidents. (STL, TP and DT)
Inspector-General da Cruz: Public Servant Suspected of Corruption
It is reported that Inspector General Mariano Lopes da Cruz has revealed that a public servant is suspected of corruption, and that the case is currently with the Prosecutor-General. Speaking after participating in a workshop about transparency in the public service, da Cruz explained that it is up to the Prosecutor-General whether the case is taken to court, and that his (the Inspector General's) responsibility is to audit corruption within the government. He asked the Prosecutor-General to make the public aware of the case if it does go to court, so that the public may know the work that these institutions have been doing to confront corruption. (TP)
Menezes: Opposition suspicious of political compromise on Timor Sea
Spokesperson for the Democratic Party (PD) in the National Parliament Rui Menezes has said that he is suspicious that Timor-Leste's leaders made a political compromise with Australia before 1999, with the result that they must now fulfil this compromise by doing what Australia wants in exploring the oil and gas in the Timor Sea. He said that if there has been such a compromise, it is important that the people know about it, rather than pushing the people to agree with the government's policy on the issue. He added if this is the case, it is a misguided policy, as the wealth of this country belongs to all citizens of Timor-Leste and not just one group of people. (TP, DT, STL)
Saldanha: Opposition's Demand on Timor Sea Is Relevant
Timorese political and economic analyst, Joco Mariano Saldanha had been reportedly quoted as saying that the recent demands of opposition political parties (ASDT, PD and PSD) in requesting the Government to stop the exploration of oil in Bayu Undan and the negotiation on Greater Sunrise is relevant since they also have the same political interest in how to settle the matter soon and there is no need to rush in making decisions.
However, Saldanha said, the opposition parties also need to present qualified programs related to Timor Sea that the problems between Timor-Leste and Australia will be tackled further and a good solution will be found.
Moreover, Saldanha said, the fact that President of Republic has requested the opposition parties to present their programs on Timor Sea is a good thing for all Timorese, adding that the President can talk to the Prime Minister and the opposition parties in order to find good solutions for the matter. (TP)
Ximenes Questioned the Outcome of Lecidere fruit vendors' Case
It is reported that during the plenary session on Tuesday, MP Antonio Ximenes raised his concerns over the outcome of the Lecidere fruit vendors' case. Ximenes particularly questioned the role played by Secretary of State for Region III, National Parliament, the President of Court of Appeal and Prime Minister in tackling the matter since the report of the case had been submitted to the mentioned authorities. Until now, Ximenes explained, the vendors have kept coming to the Parliament to demand for the solution of the case. Besides, Ximenes also requested MP Cipriana Pereira of Fretilin representing Dili district to look into the case since she was the one who accompanied the vendors when they had the meeting with Prime Minister to find a solution to the matter a few months ago. (TP)
Editorial: UN, Justice and Timor-Leste
The United Nations gave the opportunity to Timor-Leste to choose its own destiny via the referendum held on 30 August 1999, after many years of silence to the cries of the colonized Timorese. It was the UN also that mistakenly believed in Indonesia to guarantee security before, during and after the referendum, according to the 5th of May Agreement, which was like feeding a baby bird to the hungry, wild cat which was Indonesia. When the UN returned to Timor-Leste in September 1999, they were met with scattered bones and blackened houses. To please the Timorese, the UN promised that it would bring to justice those responsible for this criminal behaviour.
UNTAET established a Serious Crimes Unit to investigate and then prosecute those accused of the 1999 crimes. However, although the UN presented a list of names of Indonesian generals and militia chiefs responsible for the violence, none of the principle perpetrators of the violence have been brought to justice. CivPol only arrested the small-time militia members on their return to Timor-Leste, while the UN spent money and left behind a heavy burden for the Timorese state. Even the 4 December 2002 incident, in which some people died, some were injured, and houses and buildings were burnt, has not yet been resolved, with the UN once again just producing pages of reports on the case. (DT)
November 22, 2005
President Gusmco comments on Political Parties and CAVR
It is reported that President Xanana Gusmco has asked political parties not to spend all their time defending their programs and criticizing the government, because then the people will not know what their programs are about. Speaking at a press conference at the International Airport yesterday on his return from participating in an investment conference in China, President Gusmco said that even though in this democratic era political parties have the right to express their opinions, they should not spend all their time criticizing, and should concentrate on their own programs.
On a separate matter, the President also said that CAVR will not close for another two months, as there has not yet been an audit on the assets and expenses of CAVR. Even though the Commission officially completed its mandate on 31 October, extra time is needed to ascertain the condition of the assets that will be handed over to the government. Additionally some documents are still being finalized, to then be handed over to the National Parliament and the government. (TP, STL)
PM Alkatiri: UNOTIL Headquarters to be handed over to F-FDTL
The UNOTIL Headquarters in Caicoli will be handed over to the F- FDTL when UNOTIL completes its mission in Timor-Leste next May. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri yesterday visited the HQ accompanied by SRSG Hasegawa, Minister of Defence Roque Rodrigues, F-FDTL Commander Taur Matan Ruak, and a number of government and UNOTIL officials. Speaking after the visit, PM Alkatiri said that UNOTIL would be leaving behind many of its assets when it completes its mission, and that the site will be suitable for F-FDTL as their current headquarters is not in good condition, with insufficient communication facilities. (TP)
PNTL Discussion creates division at the Parliament
A discussion on the performance and behaviour of the PNTL in yesterday's plenary session in Parliament instigated a pro-contra debate on the recent behaviour of the institution. Members of Commission B for Defence, Security and Foreign Relations did not accept the accusation of ASDT MP Jacinto Andrade that the PNTL have been acting outside the limits of normalcy, reminiscent of the behaviour of the Indonesian police. He said that the Parliament has discussed the issue of PNTL behaviour many times already, but still these incidents continue to occur. He proposed therefore that renegade police officers, in particular those who maintain the POLRI (Indonesian police) way of thinking should be removed, in order to maintain the honour of the institution. Several members of Commission B protested the accusations. KOTA MP Clementino dos Reis Amaral said that the PNTL performance must be evaluated fairly and not in a biased manner. He said that the arrogant attitude of some PNTL officers does not reflect the overall attitude of the institution, and that there must be appreciation for the good work that the PNTL is doing, even when faced with a number of challenges, such as financial limitations. (STL)
Martins: STAE's preparations for local leaders re-election in Jan 2006
STAE is making preparations for re-elections to be held in January 2006. According to STAE Vice-Director Edgar Sequeira, STAE has sent the calendar for the re-elections to the National Electoral Commission (CNE), and that they will now wait for approval of the calendar from CNE. Sequeira said that STAE would like to hold the re-elections as soon as possible, as the wet season is approaching which will impact upon the capacity for implementation. However the process must run according to the appropriate legal basis. He said that the funds for the re- elections will come from the government and some donors, including UNDP. (STL)
Pires: Ministry of Education will issue policy to regulate schools
National Director of Administration and Finance of Ministry of Education, Antoninho Pires had been reportedly quoted as saying that Ministry of Education would issue policy to regulate schools in Timor-Leste.
According to Pires, the policy would be probably issued during the next school and academic year, adding that the draft of the policy had been submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration. Moreover, Pires said that for the time being, while waiting for the new policy to be issued, each school has its own regulations to run its daily affairs as instructed by the Ministry of Education. (TP)
Neto: Timor-Leste depends on foreign entrepreneur
Speaking to the press on Monday, Coordinator of "Business Development Project for the Training of Trainers", Josi Neto stated that in general terms Timor-Leste has achieved its independence for the last four years, but in terms of economic development, Timor-Leste still depends on foreign entrepreneurs. The Timorese, he said, particularly the educated ones in the area of economics do not really a vision on how to apply the knowledge they have, adding that even though they are educated, they still depend on foreign entrepreneurs who have come to invest in Timor-Leste. Neto further stated that in order to tackle the matter, there is a need to change the mentality. (DT)
November 19-21, 2005
Lawyer comments on Minister Lobato's case
It is reported that Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato has violated human rights and abused his position, according to HAK Association lawyer Natercia de Deus Barbosa. As the lawyer for two of the victims recently assaulted at Delta Osindu, Barbosa told STL in an interview that the assault case involving Lobato, his bodyguard and a member of the UIR is currently being investigated by HAK Association. She said that they will be submitting a report on the case to the Prime Minister, the Prosecutor General and the Police, as well as accompanying their clients in filing a case with the Prosecution. HAK Association Program Manager Aniceto Neves confirmed that the report will be submitted on behalf of the victims Octavio Magalhaes, Manuel Soares, Carlito de Deus and some family members of the victims. He said that there should be no discrimination in the application of the law, and that the law must apply to all citizens of the country, no matter what their position. The assault occurred at the site of a traffic accident resulting in one loss of life. According to the Minister himself, his actions were a result of anger related to the accident. (STL, TP)
Coverage on veterans issue
The process of acknowledgement of the veterans and ex-Falintil is a complex one, as it may result in determinations on subsidies for the veterans. If the law that is currently being worked on makes provision for subsidies, it will put financial pressure on the state. In Timor-Leste's current financial situation, subsidies are something that must be considered very carefully, but at the same time an acknowledgement of the sacrifice of the veterans is also believed to be very important. The two-day public hearing on the veteran's issue held last week in the National Parliament involved almost all of the ex-Falintil commanders and leaders of political parties in 1975, who discussed the subsidy issue, with a division of opinion over whether all veterans should receive the subsidy, or only some.
On a related matter, Minister for Labour and Community Reintegration Arsenio Paixco Bano has told journalists that, assisted by consultations with the F-FDTL, his Ministry has identified approximately 100 ex-Falintil to be recognized by the government. Bano said that this act of solidarity from the government will be funded by the solidarity fund, a part of the 2005/6 budget. He confirmed that the priority veterans are those who were members of Falintil, and who remained in the mountains for 24 years without any interruptions. (STL, DT)
Fretilin does not recognise Amaral as sole proclaimer of independence
Fretilin President Francisco Guterres (Lu-Olo) has said that while Fretilin recognizes Xavier do Amaral as the first Fretilin president, they do not acknowledge him as the unilateral proclaimer of independence in 1975.
Speaking to reporters after the parliamentary benches session on Friday to decide on the symbol for the National Parliament, Lu- Olo said that it was the Fretilin Central Committee that declared independence, while Amaral only read out the declaration. Reading the declaration does not mean that he was the unilateral proclaimer of independence, according to Lu-Olo. (DT, STL)
Bomb Threatens Life of Two PNTL Officers in Vemasse
A bomb was reportedly thrown at a police vehicle in Vemasse, Baucau District, last Thursday evening, threatening the lives of the two police officers in the vehicle. According to information received by STL, a homemade bomb was thrown at the vehicle that the two were travelling in on their way home, in Kampung Baru, Vemasse. The officers were travelling at high speed and therefore the bomb did not hit its target. It is reported that one of the suspects has been caught and is in police custody in Baucau, while another two are still being sought. Police Commander Paulo Martins, when contacted by journalists last Friday, informed them that he knew nothing about the case. (STL)
Santos: Internal Situation Does Not Threaten Investors
Speaking to the media last week, Director of Expedition Agency, Jaime dos Santos had been reportedly quoted as saying that the current security situation of Timor-Leste such as fighting among the youth, the recent explosion of the home-made bomb in Baucau's PNTL station and many other cases, does not threaten the investors. Santos appealed to the public not to worry about the security situation, adding that compared to many other countries, which have gained the independence for many years, the situation of Timor-Leste is very conducive for investment.(STL)
CPD-RDTL Demands Justice for Uaibobo-Nahareka(Viqueque) Case
It is reported that General Coordinator of CPD-RDTL, Antonio Aitahan Matak has demanded that the Prosecutor General and the Court quickly bring the police officers, who were involved in the act of terror and intimidation towards members of CPD-RDTL in Uaibobo and Nahareka of Viqueque district, to justice. Speaking at the press conference held in Dili last Friday as the representative of the victims, accompanied by his lawyer, Gregorio Hendrique, Matak stated that the demands presented, were based on the declaration of universal human rights, international conventions and laws that deal with human rights, adding that such intimidation and terror took place almost throughout the country. Moreover, Matak reportedly said that around 400 cases had been brought to his attention, and the violent acts committed by the police officers towards his followers were torture, hitting, kicking, punching, smashing the arms, confiscation of the belongings, hitting with long-barelled rifles and arbitrary shooting. Matak appealed to the authorities not to, on one hand, make laws to recognize [former] resistance members, but on the other hand, create a police force to undermine them through carrying out violence for the last six years, particularly from July until October 2005. (TP)
Minister Maia: Many Graduates from Indonesia with Fake Degrees
Speaking to the media after participating in the celebration ceremony of fifth anniversary of National University of Timor- Lorosa'e (UNTL) last Thursday, Minister of Education and Culture, Armindo Maia was quoted as saying that many final year UNTL students who were transferred to Indonesian universities, were able to finish their studies because they could easily obtain fake certificates by buying them. Maia further said that he himself had no exact data on how many final year UNTL students who had been transferred to Indonesian universities. Moreover, Minister Maia stated since his Ministry has good relations with the Indonesian Ministry of Education, particularly the General Directorate of Tertiary Education, it would be easy for the Ministry to deal with the matter. (STL)
November 18, 2005
PNTL Identifying Alleged Agitators in Odelgomo
STL reports that Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato confirmed to the media that PNTL is currently conducting an operation in order to identify the alleged armed group, suspected of occupying a former FALINTIL camp recently in Odelgomo village of Bobonaro District. Moreover, Lobato also reportedly said that currently there are so many movements being created by certain groups on purpose in order to disrupt the stability of Timor- Leste.
The disruptions is being created, he added, to prohibit foreigners to come to invest their money in Timor-Leste. (STL). Diario Nacional reports that Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato has told reporters that the PNTL have identified a number of organizations occupying former Falintil camps, which are trying to create instability. Lobato declined to provide names of the groups to reporters, and only indicated that he is aware of the groups and that the PNTL are currently carrying out operations in these areas. He also reportedly said that it is possible that these groups are also interested in causing trouble in relation to the 2007 general elections. (DN)
SAHE curtail membership of staff member
It is reported that the Sahe Institute for Liberation has taken the decision to curtail the membership of one of their staff, Mateus Goncalves, as a result of his involvement in the Timor- Leste-Indonesia joint Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Coordinator of the Institute, Nuno Rodrigues, has stated that SAHE has been against the Commission ever since it was established, because the Commission does not benefit the victims of the violence. Rodrigues declared that Goncalves' involvement in the Commission goes against the basic principles of the SAHE Institute, including the struggle for justice for victims of the violence. He reportedly said that the aim of the Commission is to free the perpetrators of the violence from culpability for their actions, and that the Commission's recommendation to provide amnesty or rehabilitation for the perpetrators is contrary to international law, which states that the committal of serious crimes must be resolved through due legal process. Rodrigues also stated that the funds for the Commission have been taken from Timor Sea income, money that belongs to the people. (STL, DT)
Public hearing positive: Falur
It is reported that the Ex-Commander of Region III Falur Rate Laek has praised the public hearing held with the National Parliament's Commission A regarding the veteran's law, saying that it was very positive.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Falur said that the veteran's law is critical to solve problems related to national security and stability, and for this reason it is very important that the law defines who exactly is considered a veteran. He added that he has asked the National Parliament to establish a commission to study the dynamics of the struggle before 20 August 1975, as the current commission formed together with the President of the Republic only has a mandate to study the struggle after that date. He emphasized that if Timor-Leste wishes to have a complete historical record of the struggle, then it is necessary to study both periods. (TP, DT)
Womens Network and Government to Hold Campaign on Violence Against Women
It is reported that in relation to the celebrations of Human Rights Day this year, Timor-Leste's Women Network (REDE FETO) along with the Government, particularly the Office of Advisor to Prime Minister on the Promotion of Equality and Gender, and some other international as well as UN agencies, will hold a 16-day campaign on violence against women, starting from 25 November until 10 December 2005. The programs of the campaign with the theme "Health for Women, Health for the World and Stop the Violence" will be implemented in the grassroots level by local NGOs such as Fokupers, Alola Foundation, JSMP, Forum Tau Matan, Haburas Ita Rain, among others. (Diario Nacional)
November 17, 2005
UN to provide electoral experts to prepare 2007 elections
SRSG Hasegawa on Wednesday informed the Prime Minister that the UN is to provide two experts to provide assistance in preparations for the upcoming general elections in 2007, as well as support for the National Parliament.
Hasegawa explained that the experts to advise [sic- assess] on electoral procedures arrived yesterday, while others will arrive in the near future, and confirmed that the two experts will be in Timor-Leste for approximately two weeks. He said that they would be speaking with the Prime Minister and the Minister of State Administration to discuss what needs to be done. (TP, STL)
International Congress on oil and gas begins in Dili
A two-day International Congress on land and sea oil and gas exploration begins today in Dili. International investors including approximately 70 foreign companies will participate in the Congress organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Policy. (TP)
ASDT, PD and PSD Demand the Halt of Timor Sea Negotiations
It was reported that ASDT, PD and PSD, through a press conference held on Wednesday, demanded the Government to halt the negotiation process of Greater Sunrise and the oil exploration in Bayu Undan since the Timorese people have not been aware of the law on petroleum funds, which have not been properly implemented until now, and also where the funds collected from the Bayu Undan are deposited. The three parties further argued that the exploration of Timor-Leste's oil constitutes the hope of the people and the investors, adding that if the exploration is carried out without certain considerations, it will have a big impact on the national economy; people will continue to be poor, illiteracy and the corruption in the Government will increase, and the investors will not have the huge desire [to invest in Timor-Leste].
Meanwhile, President of ASDT, Francisco Xavier do Amaral stated that ASDT, PD and ASDT have the intention to establish a coalition, adding that the coalition is aimed at preparing the people of Timor-Leste to face the challenges of the development process in the near future. Moreover, Xavier do Amaral said that if his party wins the 2007 general elections, it will first focus on the interests of the people, and value those who suffer since the development process in the near future needs a bottom-up mechanism and not a top-down one. (TP).
Timor Sea Negotiations and Government Legitimacy: Alkatiri
Responding to the demands of the three opposition parties: PD, ASDT and PSD to halt the Timor Sea negotiation process, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri had been quoted as saying that the Government, carries out its work, including holding negotiations on the oil exploration in Timor Sea, in accordance with the legitimacy it has. Alkatiri further explained that the legitimacy that his Government has is historic and democratic; Fretilin has fought for the freedom of the country for the last 24 years and it won the elections in 2001. Alkatiri appealed to the opposition parties that have no legitimacy [from the people] to better focus on how to educate and guide the people instead of spending too much time in criticizing [the Government], adding that their demands have no legal basis, and therefore it is better for the Government to ignore them. [TP]
NP must make efforts to recognize former combatants
The National Parliament must make efforts to recognize former combatants, according to Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak. Speaking to reporters at the National Parliament after participating in Commission A's brainstorming session on the law for former combatants, Ruak reportedly expressed his appreciation to the President of the National Parliament for inviting him to contribute his ideas on the matter, and said that concrete measures must be taken to ensure that those who struggled for the country are awarded the appropriate dignity and respect that they deserve. Regarding the possibility that some former combatants will be awarded with government subsidies, Ruak said that this is something that will be dealt with in the proposed law. (STL)
Police must identify group: Colonel Anan Timor
Chief of Staff of the F-FDTL Colonel Lere Anan Timor has asked the PNTL to identify the armed group [sic] that is reported [see Parliamentarian comments in Daily Media Review 16 Nov 05] to be occupying one of Falintil's former 1999 internment camps in Odelgomo, Bobonaro District. Anan Timor told reporters that this issue is something that must be dealt with by PNTL as it is an internal security issue. He reportedly said that as F-FDTL are now concentrated only in Metinaro, Lospalos, Baucau and Dili, it is clear that it is not Falintil but rather militia or an illegal group currently occupying the camp. (STL)
November 16, 2005
Gusmco Against Constitution: MP Tilman
MP Manuel Tilman has said that the accord signed between President Xanana Gusmao and the President of Indonesia regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission violates the Constitution. Tilman said that his party KOTA does not endorse the accord, as the establishment of the Commission has not followed procedure as set out in the Constitution, because it has not been approved by law, but was established via political means. (STL)
Ramos-Horta has failed to resolve border problems: MP Isaac
Timor Post reported that Independent MP Leandro Isaac has said that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has failed to resolve the issue of the remaining undecided 4% of the border demarcation.
Speaking in Tuesday's plenary session in Parliament, he said that the President's trip to Jakarta to discuss the issue indicates that the Foreign Minister has failed to resolve the border issue, and he expressed his concern as to whether the President's statement in Jakarta is the truth, or whether Minister Horta's statement is correct. He asked that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide the people with correct information on the border issue, and also requested Minister Horta to explain the results of discussions to the Members of Parliament. Isaac explained that according to the Constitution, border matters are under the exclusive competence of the National Parliament, including the approval of any future laws related to the border. (TP)
Armed Group Occupies Former Falintil Camps MP Pedro da Costa of ASDT, during yesterday's plenary session, informed that unidentified armed groups have started occupying former FALINTIL camps in Odelgomo village of Bobonaro District for the last few weeks.
The presence of the groups, Da Costa said, has caused fear towards the daily lives of the residents in the area, adding that they have carried out military activities exactly as the ones in 1999, and launched agitation within the community in order not obey the state and its sovereign organs.
"The groups told [the population in the area] that they would be the ones to replace all the authorities in this country after the United Nations withdraws from Timor-Leste.", Pedro said. Da Costa suspected the groups might have been the resistance members who continue wanting to be in the jungle due to the political difference or the militia groups.
"According to the information [that I received] the high command of the groups are based in the border. This concerns me, and perhaps some former militia members are also included in the groups," Da Costa further said. Da Costa appealed to the security agencies, particularly PNTL, to detect those groups since their presence has become a big concern for the community who want to live in peace and tranquility in the area of independence. (STL).
Corruption in Vital Government Departments: MP Cardoso
Speaking at the plenary session on Tuesday, MP Antonio Cardoso had been quoted as saying that corruption has emerged in critical Government departments such as customs, airport and transport and communications.
This, he said, is shown by the fact that most of the public servants in those departments are now well off. Cardoso argued that the monthly salary of employees of those departments is around $ US120, but during the period of 6 months and a year, they have owned one or two cars, and this indicates the evidence for corruption. Cardoso appealed to the Inspector General to [seriously] look into the matter. (STL)
Parliament President responsible for police suspension: MP Mausiri
STL reports that the President of the National Parliament has been asked to take responsibility for the suspension of the four police officers who arrested their commander at a hotel. MP Juliao Mausiri from the Democratic Party (PD) raised the issue in Tuesday's plenary session in Parliament, saying that the four police officers arrested their commander upon an order from the President of the National Parliament. He said that this is not something within the competency of the President of the Parliament, and questioned why the four have been suspended without salary, when the person that ordered them to carry out the act is not affected in any way. (TP)
PNTL Expels Criminal Groups
Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato was reportedly to have confirmed the actions taken by the police in Uaibobo of Viqueque District a few weeks ago. Speaking to STL on Tuesday, Minister Lobato stated that the actions taken were not with the aim of chasing away the youth or the community members but to expel some criminal groups who launched the agitation within the community not to obey the state authorities. Minister Lobato recognized that some of the community members fled to the jungle during the actions because they were influenced by the criminal groups, therefore the police authorities tried to persuade them to return home."Some members of CPD-RDTL were involved in the groups, trying to challenge the community and the State. We have the obligations to take measures towards such criminal groups", Lobato said. (STL)
MP Paixco requests women's parliamentary commission
Head of the Democratic Socialist Party bench in the National Parliament Maria Paixao has reportedly requested the President of the National Parliament to as soon as possible set up a women's parliamentary commission in the National Parliament. Speaking in Tuesday's plenary session, Paixao said that the current National Parliament will end its mission in only one and a half years time, but that there has never been a women's commission.
She expressed her opinion that such a commission is very important in enabling discussion of issues affecting women. (TP, STL)
November 15, 2005
People flee to mountains as unhappy with PNTL
It is reported that some members of the population of Nahareka- Waibobo, Viqueque District, have run away to the mountains due to the actions of PNTL. Speaking in Parliament's plenary session on Monday, Member of Parliament from the Democratic Party (PD) Jose Nominando said that several weeks ago the PNTL assaulted members of the local population, suspicious that they were members of CPD-RDTL. Nominando expressed his dissatisfaction with the PNTL actions, as he said that the people should have the right to join any organization they wish, and that the police should not be punishing the people for the actions of the organization, but should arrest its founders, Antonio Ai-tahan Matak and Olegario. He complained that the police behaviour resembles that of police behaviour in Indonesian times, and asked the Parliament to convey the issue to the relevant parties, in order to resolve the matter.
On a separate matter, PNTL General Commander Paulo de Fatima Martins has expressed his opinion that some people are unhappy with the police, hence the recent Molotov attack on the Baucau police station. Responding to the statement from lawyer Augusto dos Santos Marques that there is not enough evidence in the case and that the case was engineered, Martins countered that while the police are still looking for the suspect(s) to the case, they have strong evidence as one police officer was injured, and they also have the remains of the Molotov used in the attack.
Responding to journalist's questions on the recent attack on the Oecussi student's boarding house, Martins said that the investigation is in process. (TP, STL, DN)
Parliament should be proactive
Member of Parliament from the Socialist Party of Timor (PST) bench Pedro da Costa has reportedly asked Commission B on Defence and Security not to remain quiet on the matter of several recent cases of PNTL behaviour. He expressed his opinion that Commission B should make a statement on the issue, as this recent spate of incidents is creating a bad precedent for the future. Speaking in Parliament's plenary session yesterday, da Costa said that the PNTL should be working to ensure a peaceful lifestyle for the people, as well as to guarantee their rights. He also strongly condemned the government representative who took police action into his own hands and assaulted a driver in Comoro last Monday. He said that the Members of Parliament should address these issues so that the people do not become dissatisfied with the situation. Political and Security Observer from Timor-Leste National University Alarico da Costa has predicted that the attack on the Baucau police station occurred due to weak intelligence. He said that there must be an improvement in the capability and professionalism of Timor-Leste intelligence. (TP)
Parliament accused of politicizing Bidau Case
The investigation conducted by Commission B of the National Parliament into the Bidau Mota Klaran police assault case has been criticized as being too politicized due to a situation of family relations. According to Democratic Party MP Jose Nominando, the case involved relatives of Fretilin MP Cipriana Pereira, and he has accused her of not being neutral and impartial in finding a solution to the problem, but instead taking on a tendency to defend her family in the case. Pereira has strongly protested the accusations, saying that she has been representing the complaints of the local community in her statements related to the investigation. (TP, STL, DN)
Members of Government Should Not Act Like Police: MP da Costa
Speaking at the plenary session on Monday relating to the recent incident where Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato was allegedly accused of hitting two community members in a traffic accident, MP Pedro da Costa of Timor Socialist Party (PST) had been quoted as saying that members of Government should not act like police. Quoting the laments presented by the community members, da Costa said such action is not good for the future, and if it continues as it is in times to come, the fate of this country will be in danger. "Parliament as the symbol of the people in the democracy should take a strong stand on these kind of actions so that it will prevent it from happening again in the future," da Costa argued. (Diario Nacional)
Council of Ministers Approves Law Faculty, Budget for Proclamation Day Celebrations
The Council of Ministers met on 10 November and, inter alia, approved the establishment of the Faculty of Law in Timor-Leste National University.
The course would last five years with one year course introduction, three generalised years and the fifth year as specialist. The Council of Ministers already authorized the National University to hold an admission test for the introduction course, likely to start this month with writing and oral tests. One of the requisites necessary for this course would be the Portuguese language. The course has the support of the Portuguese Corporation which through the Portuguese University Foundation, responded favourably to a request from the Timorese Government to support Timor-Leste in the establishment of a credible course. The Council also approved the allocation of US368, 956 dollars for the upcoming 30th independence proclamation celebrations planned throughout the country. (DN, TP)
Electronic Manufacturing To be Established in Timor-Leste
Speaking to the media on Monday prior to his departure back to China, Director of Zhuai Doumen Tak Kong Electornic MFC company, I.K.
Leong, a Timor-Leste-born investor from Maucau, had been quoted as saying that in 2006 his company will establish an electronic manufacturing in Timor-Leste.
According to Leong, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri welcomed the initiative, and it would be the first electronic manufacturing to be built in Timor-Leste Moreover, Leong said that as a Timorese he really has the desire to do so in order to develop this country, adding that the manufacturing in which he was about to establish would produce cameras, tape recorders and televisions, among others. He further explained that the manufacturing plant would employ around 10,000 workers. "The establishment of the manufacturing plant will provide the chance to the people to learn more about electronic matters. So, it is not only a business deal but it will offer an informal education for the people to prepare themselves for the future," Leong added. (TP, STL)
National Task Force Organized Workshop To Anticipate Avian flu
It was reported that the National Task Force (NTF) for Combating Avian Flu organized a workshop on Monday aiming at finding the mechanism to respond and prevent the avian flu in order not to spread throughout Timor-Leste.
According to Vice Minister of Health, Luis Lobato as the President of NTF, avian flu has become a big threat for the world, especially Timor-Leste since it is close to Indonesia, a country which has been affected by the virus of avian flu. Moreover, Lobato said that in order to prevent avian flu in Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Health through the NTF has set up prevention plans and coordinates with the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening the mechanism of not importing poultry and eggs from countries that have been affected by the flu. (TP)
PM Lays First Stone for National Hospital Rehabilitation Prime Minister Alkatiri today (Tuesday Nov 15) laid the first stone for the reconstruction of the National Hospital Guido Valadares. The rehabilitation of the hospital has been co-funded by Timor-Leste Trustee Funds ( funds mainly from the European Union) and by the State Budget. It would cost US$6.9 million and is expected to be concluded in 24 months. It is aimed to improve the hospital complex to international standards and the construction of a new operation bloc. The reconstruction of the National Hospital by the Ministry of Health is part of the government policy from 2002 assigned to rehabilitate the hospital network of Timor-Leste up to 2007 including hospitals in Oe-cussi, Maliana, Maubisse, Suai, Baucau and Dili. (TP, Press Release)
November 11-14, 2005
Santa Cruz Massacre commemoration
12 November is a day for youth to demonstrate their patriotism to Timor-Leste, and a day that the youth of Timor-Leste should know more about, according to President Xanana Gusmao. Speaking on Saturday at the 14th commemoration of the Santa Cruz massacre, the President and other government officials gave their perspective on what they believe the day means for Timorese. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri told the crowd that the day should not be a day of mourning for the past, but a day of pride for the heroes, and a day to move forward. He said that the government will proclaim a law that defines who are and who are not heroes, and would also build a monument to commemorate the massacre. Speaking on a separate occasion, Secretary of State for Youth and Sport Jose Manuel da Silva Fernandes said that in order to face the future, the youth of Timor-Leste must follow their parents' actions in fighting for independence. During his speech at the Cultural and Artistic Festival held on Saturday, Fernandes also said that young people must be proud of their culture and must work to carry it forward into the future. (TP, STL, Diario, DT)
National Parliament Condemns Minister Lobato's Behaviour
It was reported that National Parliament strongly condemned the [alleged] criminal act carried out by Minister of Interior Rogerio Tiago Lobato towards two community members in a traffic accident in Dili last Monday.
Head of Social Democratic Party bench, Maria Paixco considered such action as the same as the ones taken by the Indonesian military towards the people of Timor-Leste for the last 24 years. " We strongly condemn it. We notice that the action was not proper since the Minister used his own hands to resolve the matter. If later there is a big problem, the Minister might use guns to kill people.", Paixao said. MP Josi Buras of Commission B noted that such action was against the law.
Moreover, Paixao said that in the era of independence, when the Government uses the same type of actions as the Indonesians did to solve problems, then people become frustrated, adding that being an authority is to be become a servant for the people, and whenever there is a problem, it should be resolved in accordance with the applicable laws and not taking justice into one's own hands.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alkatiri stated that a Member of Government can directly take action towards a case if the situation demands him or her to do so. Regarding the case involved Minister Lobato, he said he was not aware that the Minister was allegedly hitting people. "I will try to find out about this. But I do not believe that this had happened," he said. (STL, Diario).
The 'Brain' of Baucau Bombing Detained
STL reported that the joint team of Baucau District's PNTL comprising of members of PRU and UIR had managed to arrest five people who were suspected of being the 'brains' of the bomb attack towards Baucau District's PNTL HQ last Monday. During the search at the house of one of the suspects, the team was successful in finding ammunitions of AR-15 rifle and TNI uniforms.
From the house of the other suspect, the team managed to confiscate one hand grenade, three handy talkies, antenna, TNI uniforms, and two bayonets.
According to a credible source, the police are currently conducting an in-depth investigation towards the five suspects, and trying to identify the network of the attackers.
Commenting on the Baucau bombing, Head of Fretilin party bench at National Parliament, Francisco Branco was quoted as saying that it should not have been a proper action to be taken by anyone if it is related to social problems. "Our society is democratic. We can use other means to express our aspirations but violence should not be the way for us to achieve what we aspire", said Branco further. (STL)
Death and serious injury following attack in Comoro
The Oecussi student's boarding house in Kampung Merdeka, Dili, was assaulted late on Wednesday evening by a group of drunken youths, resulting in one death and one serious injury. The injuries and death were the result of a fight between the group of drunken youths and youth staying at the centre. It is reported that the PNTL have arrested two people in relation to the incident, and that they are still looking for another three suspects. The two suspects already arrested appeared in a closed court session at the Dili District Court last Friday. It is reported that the youths accused of the attack have been causing problems with the students of the boarding house for some time now, including throwing rocks at the building resulting in some broken windows. (TP, STL, Diario)
Police Deports Two Indonesian Citizens
Bobonaro District police deported two Indonesian citizens through Mota Ain border last Tuesday, reported STL on Friday. The Commander of the Border Unit Police Lino Carvalho, said the two Indonesian citizens had crossed the border with the intention to visit their relatives in Bobonaro District. Carvalho said according to investigation the two were not involved in crimes. (STL)
November 10, 2005
UNDERTIM are not terrorists: Costa
In response to the reported statement of the Minister of Interior that the attack on PNTL headquarters in Baucau was likely to be carried out by a newly-established political party, Cristiano Costa, UNDERTIM Secretary General reportedly said the statement is false and manipulative, reported Timor Post on Thursday. According to Cristiano the statement was made before an investigation, adding that his party was established legally and it is not a terrorist party. "Stating that the new political party threw a bomb to the police headquarters is a lie and manipulation," Cristiano Costa told Timor Post following Wednesday's workshop in Dili. He appealed to the authorities in the government to first investigate before making any comments. " I believe that this is a political conspiracy, we must investigate it properly to see who has been involved in it. If there is no investigation one does not have the right to speak," added Da Costa. He said he also denies such actions. In a separate article in STL, Cristiano da Costa said that the Prime Minister's response to Bucoli's case does not reflect the reality, noting that the statement by Prime Minister Alkatiri does satisfy the public because he repeats the information received from Fretilin's members. Da Costa said 20% of the population in Bucoli has now joined UNDERTIM, adding that Alkatiri's statement is false because the police did not lower the party flag because it is not the party in power. (TP, STL)
Report on Participatory Democracy Workshop
President Xanana Gusmao on Wednesday presided over the opening day of a workshop on Participative Democracy. The workshop, organized by the International Republican Institute and held at the Dili Gymnasium, involved the President himself along with the Prime Minister, political party leaders, and Timor-Leste civil society. Speaking at the opening forum of the workshop, President Xanana said that democracy in Timor-Leste is still like a small child, and thus all parties must strive to strengthen democracy in this country. Speaking to journalists at the workshop, President of the Democratic Millennium Party Ermenegildo Lopes alias Kupu said that democracy in Timor-Leste is not yet perfect and that it needs to be developed further before it will be ideal, while spokesperson for the UNDERTIM party Cristiano da Costa said that the forum is a sharing of democratic ideas so that all people will understand how to develop democracy in Timor-Leste.
Also speaking to reporters, political commentator Julio Tomas Pinto said that even though Timor-Leste is the youngest country in the world, democracy and the freedom to engage in certain activities in this country is much better compared to some other Asian countries. He said that the workshop is very important approaching the 2007 general elections, as via such a seminar the people can obtain information on civic education.
Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri expressed his disappointment that many people still do not understand the concept of participative democracy. He said that not as many participants as expected attended the workshop, and that those who did attend did not follow the structure of the workshop as proposed by the organizing committee. "We were supposed to discuss the concept of participative democracy but ended up talking about the price of goods. If we continue like this we will never get anywhere", said the Prime Minister.
The Dili workshop will continue today, and will be followed by district workshops on the same topic between 11 November and 7 December. (TP, Diario, STL)
Alkatiri Has Not Established A Bridge with the Population
Speaking at the Participative Democratic Workshop on Wednesday, Fr. Martinho said one of the big losses for the population up until now is the establishment of a bridge between father and son which the Prime Minister is yet to touch upon. "What the Prime Minister has talked about is modern theory, it is not participative democracy, but constitutional democracy.
The small and big things PM talked about refers to the constitution, as if constitution is obligatio," Fr. Martinho said adding that he is of the opinion that the changes come from cultural democracy but it is better to first build a bridge. (STL)
November 9, 2005
Baucau case, Lobato condemnation of new group
PNTL General Commander Superintendent Paulo Martins has reportedly told reporters that Baucau District Police have discovered a range of weapons in two private houses in Baucau, and that the weapons have been taken to Baucau Police Station. He confirmed that the police have arrested two suspects in relation to the Molotov attack on the Baucau Police Station on Sunday evening and that the two are currently being held at the Police station and are awaiting results of the investigation. The Police Chief confirmed that the explosion had caused injuries to one police officer, and that the group responsible for the attack took advantage of a power cut that night. Minister of Interior Rogerio Lobato has condemned the attack, blaming a new political party for the attack, with the intention of creating instability. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Minister said that in the new Timor-Leste there is no more war, and those who want power must contest it in elections, not with weapons.
President to meet Martial Arts Groups following attack on UIR
The UIR Headquarters located in Aimutin, Dili, is reported to have been recently attacked by an unknown group, with one UIR officer assaulted.
According to TP's information, some youths from a martial arts group were responsible for the attack. Related to this attack, President Xanana Gusmco will soon call upon those leaders of martial arts groups in Timor-Leste who signed last year's Peace Pact. Speaking to the press on Tuesday in relation to the Molotov attack on the Baucau police station, the President said that based on the information received by his office, it seems that some martial arts group elements were involved in the attack. As such, he will soon call the leaders of the groups to ascertain once again their commitment to fulfilling their oaths made at the national dialogue to not engage in violence either among themselves or with the security forces. (TP, STL, Diario Nacional)
"One stop shop" gives benefits to investors
The government investment policy of a "one stop shop" is a very positive with benefits for investors interested in investing in Timor-Leste. According to President of the Timor-Leste Business Association (ASSET) Oscar Lima, the "one stop shop" system will ensure that certain investors do not close off business opportunities to others. He said that this will help attract more investors to Timor-Leste. (TP)
Security Stable but State Must Not Be Authoritarian: Carrascalco
PSD President, Mario Carrascalco reportedly said that in order to improve the security situation in Timor-Leste, the police should not be involved in crime activities and have political interests. Carrascalco said that the state should not be authoritarian because an authoritarian government would use politics to control security. He added that if this government is democratic, it would welcome institutions working on human rights, otherwise those police officers involved in crimes would not be punished.
Mario Carrascalco said that if people in charge of security start to cover up and there are no actions taken people are forced to use violence and that such practices one should not be subject to. "We know that only a few people in the police are creating violence and these people have been taken to court without justice for the victims, like protests organized by L-7, police received orders to use gas to disperse the crowd. One should blame whoever gave the orders rather than the police. Those police involved in violence twice and if found guilty in court should be removed from the police force or be punished," said Carrascalao adding that since police salaries are paid from people's taxes the population should not be subjected to beating from the police. He added that in order to have a better security system, the police force should not be under the responsibility of the Minister of Interior and the Government as it is partisan and should not receive orders from members of the parliament to detain people. (TP)
President Gusmco To Spend Christmas with Refugees
President Xanana Gusmao told the media on Tuesday that he plans to spend Christmas with the Timorese refugees living in West Timor, Indonesia. Gusmco informed the media that before Christmas he will visit China between 13-17 December and then Jakarta on 17 and meet with Vice-President Yusuf Kalla as the Indonesian President will not be there. He added that the purpose of the visit is to discuss the problems along the border and strengthening the ties between the two countries and spend Christmas with the Timor-Leste refugees in Betun, Kefa, Atambua, Soe and Kupang.
The President stressed that spending Christmas with the refugees would remind them that although they have taken Indonesian citizenship they must also think of their brothers back home in Timor-Leste. (TP)
November 8, 2005
Indonesia recognizes border error
The Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Adalgiza Magno has said that Indonesia has recognized its errors regarding the problems between the people of Timor-Leste and Indonesia in the border area, in particular the blocking of the Mota Ain river. Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday to discuss the issue, Magno said that the barricades which had been used to block the river on the Timor- Leste side of the border have now been removed by Indonesia, and the river area will be returned to its original state. She added that the current border situation is normal. (TP, Diario)
West Timor Population Continues to Destroy Crops
The Village Chief of Bobo Meta, Oecussi Sub-District, said the population from West Timor continues to destroy their neighbours' crops along the border, reported the media on Tuesday. According to Batista, this practice has been occurring whenever the Timorese population sow their corn seeds now that the wet season has arrived. He said the population of Oecussi have made a request to the Indonesian National Forces (TNI) to control and stop their population from carrying out such practices, adding that the population living along the border have their crops planted along the border already established by the governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia.
The Village Chief appealed to the "Timorese leaders especially UNOTIL to keep an eye on the problems in the border as the UN still has responsibility over TL even though the country already gained its independence. In a separate article, Diario newspaper reported that the situation in Oecussi has improved since the appointment of the Secretary of State, Albano Salem for that region. It is reported that the town is much cleaner now and that Salem has nominated every Friday as the clean up day. (Diario, TP)
Re-elections in six districts: Cabral
The Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) has confirmed that beginning on 18 November re-elections will be held at the community level in nine districts. Speaking to journalists on Monday, STAE Director Tomas do Rosario Cabral said that the nine districts where village-level re-elections will be held include Ermera, Baucau, Lautem, Manufahi, Viqueque, Aileu, Ainaro, Liquica and Dili. (TP)
SRSG Hasegawa Should Discipline International Staff Who Only Try to Make Money Speaking at the Parliamentary plenary session on Monday, MP Leandro Isaac reportedly stated that SRSG Sukehiro Hasegawa should discipline all international staff who work as advisers, judges, prosecutors and public defenders in Timor- Leste. Leandro appealed to SRSG Hasegawa in relation to the case of the international staff, Alda Pereira who was recently alleged to have confiscated the camera of a Timorese journalist. He considered such action as anarchism, and a violation of freedom of the press and Timor-Leste's Constitution.
Leandro added that the case was handled by a national prosecutor but according to the views of [international public] defenders that the national prosecutor had no impartiality to do so, therefore they threatened, and requested the General Prosecutor to hand over the case to them. "I have no idea why the internationals should grab the case from the hands of Timorese so that they could defend each other, and it will make Timorese continue to be under their power", Isaac argued.
According to Isaac, the colonialism has long disappeared, but now there is UN colonialism of advisers. "I therefore would like to appeal to Hasegawa that Timor-Leste does not need advisers who only want to make money.
Timor needs professional advisers in order to enhance the capacity of Timorese," Isaac said, adding that SRSG Hasegawa should pay a major attention to the problem since it has hurt the feelings of each Timorese. Moreover, Isaac said that if Alda Pereira is later found guilty, she should be expelled out of Timor-Leste since she has violated the fundamental freedom of Timor-Leste. (Timor Post, Diario Nacional)
November 7, 2005
Timor-Leste Refuses Aid From World Bank
It is reported that Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has said that the Timor-Leste government will refuse monetary assistance to the amount of USD 10 million from the World Bank if the Bank alters its current program support. Speaking to reporters upon his return from his trip to Cape Verde and Portugal, the Prime Minister said that it is Timorese who steer the development process in this country, and therefore even though Timor-Leste is still very much in need of donor assistance, the Government does not accept the World Bank making changes to its current program support in Timor-Leste. He said that Timor-Leste will not follow the practices of other countries where the Bank implements procedures as it pleases, and reinforced that the decision that was taken in 2001-2002 which determined the mechanism that would be used for the Bank's programs in Timor-Leste, was still in force and that the government would not accept any changes. (STL, Diario)
Cape Verde Becomes Good Example for Timor: Alkatiri
Speaking to the media upon his return from the official visit to Cape Verde last Saturday, Prime Minister Mari Alktiri was reported as saying that Cape Verde sets a good example for Timor-Leste because it is a small country, unfertile and without oil, but only with their brains, the Cape Verdians are able to develop their country, and now the country has become part of the group of less developed countries in the world. Moreover, Alkatiri said that the experience which is needed to become a reference [for Timor-Leste] is that firstly, there is a need to reflect upon the possibility of doing things without thinking that money is the factor that can solve the problem but it is actually human beings who can do so. Therefore, he said, "there should be a good investment in education so that in the future, there would be experts who can think that the primary resources for development is our brains". The other factor, Alkatiri added, is that there should be a proper management of the use of the available resources. (Diario)
PD Dreams of Winning 2007 Elections
It is reported that Democrat Party (PD) members from both the National and District branches held a large meeting this weekend, the objective of which was to evaluate the past year's activities, including the recent village elections, with a focus on the upcoming general elections to be held in 2007. Speaking to journalists after opening the meeting on Saturday, PD President Francisco Lasama de Araujo said that his party has a dream of winning the 2007 elections, and that during the meeting the party would design a program that will be used to compete in the elections. He said that the large amount of votes that PD received in the recent village elections has given confidence to the party in contesting the general elections. (STL)
Many Women's Organizations Exist But Domestic Violence On Increase
Speaking at the Democratic Party consolidation meeting yesterday, Maria Tereza de Carvalho of Democratic Party was reportedly to have stated that there has been many women's organizations in Timor-Leste so far but domestic violence has also highly increased. De Carvalho further argued that the existing women's organizations have not carried out their functions better, adding that there has not been a provision of better moral education for the community, particularly creating awareness on the rights and obligations between men and women.
"We have carried out [so many] workshops for women but we never involve men in those kind of meetings. Therefore, [most] men never receive moral education for themselves on their responsibility and their obligations.
This has led to the many occurrences of domestic violence in the family", De Carvalho said. (Diario)
November 1, 2005
CAVR officially present Final Report to President Gusmco
On Monday, CAVR officially presented its final report to President Gusmco, in a ceremony held at the Nobre Palacio in Dili. Present at the event among others were President of the National Parliament, DSRSG Anis Bajwa, members of the government, civil society, church and diplomatic corps.
Certificates of Appreciation were handed to members who established the commission, national and regional members, and representatives of donor countries who have supported the work of the commission. According to Aniceto Guterres, president of the commission, the decision on whether or when to make the report public is now in the hands of President Gusmco. Guterres also said that if the commission's work can be seen evaluated from various angles, therefore one cannot say that the work is not complete. (Diario)
I have requested MP to investigate Aleixo's Case: Lere Anan Timor
Diario Tempo reports that F-FDTL Lieutenant Coronel Lere Anan Timor said that he has already requested a team of Military Police to investigate members of the Defence Forces allegedly involved in the recent burning of a car belonging to the director of Luz Clarita Company, Aleixo Cobra.
Anan Timor added that it is important for the victim to provide concrete information rather than make accusations. In a separate article, Aleixo Cobra said that a member of F-FDTL with the initial "M" threw gas in the video gambling room when he lost his money, forcing workers and those present to leave the room, and fleeing the scene with another colleague.
Cobra said that an hour later he heard a motorbike going around his house twice and later sped off when the car exploded into flames. He said he is confident that the burning of his car generated from the problem in the video gambling room from the same person with the initial "M" who had called a few times requesting to be employed as backup security with the company. (Diario)
President extends festivities greetings for Muslim community
On behalf of Timor-Leste people and other religions, President Xanana Gusmco extends festivities greetings to the Muslim community celebrating Idul fitri. Speaking to the media following CAVR's ceremony, President Gusmao said, "To our friends of Muslim religion, all of us, as Catholic Christians and other religions, we extend our wishes of good celebrations so that we can still hold hands together and continue to hold on to unity, tolerance, respect each other in Timor-Leste". (Diario)
| Book/film reviews |
Melbourne Age - November 25, 2005
[Tom Hyland Last Flight Out of Dili. By David Scott Pluto Press, $34.95.]
In late November 1975, with the Indonesian invasion just over a week away, David Scott was among a handful of Australians who witnessed the sad, defiant swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet of the doomed Democratic Republic of East Timor.
He spent only two days in Dili before taking the last flight out, acting on Indonesian warnings that he "would be done away with" if he stayed. He felt ashamed and humiliated to be leaving, but the threats were real. An Australian who did stay, journalist Roger East, was murdered on the day of the invasion.
So began Scott's career as an accidental, and in many ways unlikely, activist in what seemed a hopeless cause. It was a career that culminated when Scott went back to East Timor in May 2002 to join the crowds at East Timor's independence celebrations. It was here he posed the question that his memoirs help to answer: "How did this miracle happen, that a cause viewed as totally lost was triumphant?"
Scott's memoirs are the story of a principled man's small part in an epic struggle -- against crushing odds -- by a tiny nation abandoned and betrayed by Australia.
Scott was an accidental activist in that he became committed to the cause of Timorese rights by chance, when he was sent by the Australian Council for Overseas Aid to assess East Timor's needs in the wake of the collapse of Portuguese power. At the time, Indonesia was engaged in a covert campaign to subvert the territory.
Scott was shocked by the killing of five Australian-based newsmen during that campaign and impressed by the Timorese leaders he met. His felt his brief visit gave him a unique responsibility.
He was also an unlikely activist. He served in the Australian Navy during World War II, is a former executive director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, founding director of Community Aid Abroad, former president of the Australian Council for Social Service and former chairman of the Victorian Land Conservation Council -- unlikely qualifications for an activist in a cause that powerful critics in the Australian establishment dismissed as the obsession of naive left-wing bleeding-hearts acting against the national interest.
The real battle for East Timor's freedom was fought by the Timorese themselves. But, as Jose Ramos Horta acknowledged when he recently launched these memoirs, foreign support networks played a crucial role in keeping the issue alive and in pressuring governments to act when the Indonesian military sought to abort the 1999 vote for independence.
Scott gives a unique and informed insight into the role of Australian-based support groups, being involved from the start. Just as the Timorese guerillas faced overwhelming odds on the battlefield, in a way so too did the slender network of foreign activists.
In Australia, the full weight of political, diplomatic and even academic institutions was ranged against them. Coalition and Labor governments were equally hostile. Darwin-based radios that kept open the only link between East Timor and the rest of the world were closed down. The Australian Navy halted an attempt to ship medical supplies to the territory. The "Jakarta lobby" of diplomats and academics patronised the activists as a troublesome anti-Indonesian fringe that was impeding Australia's engagement with Asia.
Looking back at these concerted efforts by the powerful to enforce acceptance of the orthodoxy, Scott notes: "Perhaps there is something to be learned in 2005 as 'perception management' reaches new depths."
Scott's story does not gloss over the divisions that impeded the work of the foreign solidarity groups. Like the Timorese resistance movement itself, the foreign networks were riven by potentially fatal factionalism. Scott acknowledges the commitment of Australian Communists to the cause, particularly in the early days. But he reveals how damaging that commitment could be when ideology divided the movement and put lives at risk. At times, sections of the movement, like Fretilin itself, "were more concerned with ideological and symbolic issues and objectives than with the lived realities that underlay them".
In September 1976, Scott, through Community Aid Abroad, helped fund activists trying to break the Indonesian blockade by sending a fishing boat loaded with medical supplies to the territory. The mission was clearly illegal but Scott says he had no scruples about breaking the law in the interests of a beleaguered people. For their efforts, the activists were detained at gunpoint by edgy Australian sailors and charged -- allegedly at the instigation of then prime minister Malcolm Fraser -- with attempting to smuggle medicines. Farcical gun-running charges were laid for good measure. All the charges were subsequently dismissed on appeal.
The charges were laid under the Customs Act. At the time, the man responsible for enforcing that act was John Howard, a junior minister in the Fraser government. Two decades later, Howard sent the Australian military to East Timor to secure the independence its people had voted for. Maybe that's another miracle in the Timor story.