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East Timor News Digest 1 – January 1-31, 2007
The Australian - January 31, 2007
Mark Dodd – East Timor's parliament is to vote on a conscription
bill that aims to fill the ranks of the country's ethnically
divided defence force, but which critics say could trigger
renewed social upheaval.
Interim Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta on Monday addressed
parliament to formally present the draft bill on military
service. A vote is expected either today or tomorrow.
The law challenges Australia's and the UN's preference for East
Timor to stick with a small, affordable, all-volunteer light
infantry force. And it short-circuits a UN security sector review
into the defence force and its future in the wake of last year's
political violence.
"The majority of people protesting last year against the
Government and F-FDTL (East Timor Defence Force) were youths, so
how can you expect to conscript young men and women to serve in
an institution like the F-FDTL that has such a big problem with
its reputation?" said one senior Dili-based Western diplomat.
The new law proposes an 18-month mandatory conscription period
for all East Timorese, a radical solution for clearing Dili's
troubled streets of angry unemployed youths.
Despite the presence of an 800-strong Australian military
taskforce and hundreds of UN police, clashes between rival ethnic
martial arts gangs have continued to erupt on Dili's streets, in
violence that has left more than 40 dead and a tenth of the
population displaced.
UN officials estimate as many as 40,000 East Timorese could be
eligible for the draft.
Reliable Dili-based diplomatic sources speaking on condition of
anonymity warn the law could trigger widespread rejection and
unrest among ethnic westerners, so called Loromonu people, who
blamed bias by eastern-born commanders for deserting the force
last year. The mutiny involving about 600 soldiers snowballed
into full-scale political violence and brought the tiny country
to the brink of civil war.
If the conscription measure is passed, it would boost the
depleted 720-strong F-FDTL to about 3000 men and women. But it
raises questions about future funding for arms and equipment.
A spokesman for Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said the
Government was watching developments, but said Australia would
continue to work in support of the development of East Timor's
defence force.
Australia has provided the bulk of funding to train East Timor's
defence force. In 2001, it opened an army training centre at
Metinaro, east of Dili, built at a cost of $7.5million.
The previous year Canberra announced a five-year $26million
defence co-operation program, which the federal Opposition claims
has been a waste of money.
Daily Telegraph - January 25, 2007
Janet Fyfe-Yeomans – Indonesian troops were recorded by a
previously unknown top secret Australian listening station
discussing the execution of five young Australian journalists.
The RAAF No. 3 Telecommunications Unit was so highly classified
that little reference to its existence was made even in formal
air force publications.
Police and lawyers investigating the deaths of the five
journalists in Balibo in 1975 have focused on whether radio
traffic about their deaths was picked up by the Defence Signals
Directorate at Shoal Bay, near Darwin.
But for the first time, a former signals officer at the now-
disbanded 3TU, which was close to RAAF Pearce, outside Perth, has
revealed they also heard the Indonesian military discussions.
The fresh evidence comes as NSW deputy coroner Dorelle Pinch
finalises procedural matters before the inquest into the death of
one of the journalists, Brian Peters, begins on February 5.
The signals officer, who has asked that his identity remain
secret, said his training officer, Flight Sergeant Alan
Oldacres-Dear, told trainees he heard the recording of Indonesian
soldiers in East Timor discussing the "elimination" of the
journalists, who were covering the Indonesian invasion of East
Timor.
The retired signals officer said the truth had "eaten him away"
for 30 years. "I want the families of the men to know that the
people who knew about this then... that this eats into you, this
vow of silence," he said. "The O-D used the words 'to be
eliminated'."
Channel 9 cameraman Brian Peters, 29, and reporter Malcolm
Rennie, 28, Channel 7 reporter Greg Shackleton, 27, cameraman
Gary Cunningham, 27, and sound recordist Tony Stewart, all died
in Balibo on October 16, 1975.
Flt Sgt Oldacres-Dear, known as O-D by his men, died in 1987 and
his son, Neil, confirmed his father worked at the remote
receiving station but said he never discussed his job.
However, The Daily Telegraph has confirmed that 3TU, the only
RAAF unit to have been continuously operational 24 hours a day
for 45 years, did monitor radio traffic from Australia's northern
neighbours in conjunction with the DSD.
"It is all still secretive. We weren't allowed to discuss
ourselves what we did and who we listened to," former 3TU
Association president Barry Mayne said.
The only written history of the unit suggests little evidence
remains to help investigators working with the inquest. It states
that many official records, particularly between 1960 and 1978,
are missing.
Political/social crisis
Justice & reconciliation
Independence struggle
Politics/political parties
Human rights/law
Opinion & analysis
East Timor media monitoring
News & issues
Concern at Timor army conscription
Secret post recorded talk of journo 'eliminations'
Political/social crisis
Violence kills two in East Timor
Agence France Presse - January 21, 2007
Dili – Two youths were hacked to death in Dili Sunday as violence involving disciples from rival martial art schools erupted, witnesses said.
The youths, one of whom was a member of the national police, were killed as they walked home from church in the East Timor capital, a witness said.
"They were attacked while on their way home. One youth died on the spot and slumped on the road," said witness Crispin Lopez.
"The police member was slashed in the neck and died as he attempted to run home, while the other was seriously wounded in an attack at his home."
A third youth suffered from slash wounds in a separate attack not far away, he added. Violence was also reported near the UN mission in Caicoli.
A mob attacked the house of a martial art trainer and injured four youths but the rapid intervention of a Portuguese police unit prevented more violence. Shots were fired into the air, witnesses said.
Stone-throwing between youths from rival groups was also reported in the Kolmera commercial district, but a strong UN police presence quickly put an end to the violence, they added.
An outbreak of violence in Dili in May 2006 saw 37 killed when clashes between security force factions degenerated into street violence, pitting members of street gangs and rival martial art schools against eachother.
More people have since been killed in sporadic violence in Dili and surrounding districts.
The violence prompted the fledgling nation to seek the deployment of foreign peacekeepers and UN police, and the installation of a new government in July headed by Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Agence France Presse - January 18, 2007
Dili – East Timor and the US today launched an appeal for $US16.6 million ($21.13 million) to help resettle and reintegrate about 100,000 people displaced by violence which wracked the country last year.
The money would pay for humanitarian projects implemented by a network of UN and aid agencies and non-government organisations, the UN said in a statement.
Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta and UN special representative Atul Khare jointly launched the appeal.
More than $US20 million ($25.46 million) were raised last year to shelter and feed the internal refugees, but more funds were needed to ensure supplies and support for the displaced in 2007.
An estimated 150,000 Timorese, or 15 per cent of the population, were displaced following the outbreak of violence in May 2006 which left 37 dead.
"Although the political and security situation has since stabilised, particularly following the deployment of international forces at the end of May, the majority of the displaced have been unable to return to their homes," the UN mission in East Timor said.
UN deputy special representative Finn Reske-Nielsen said food insecurity was also increasing in the districts, malnutrition remained at high levels and the threat of disease was high with the onset of the rains.
The UN says East Timor remains one of the poorest countries in the world with 44 per cent of the population suffering from food insecurity.
Associated Press - January 14, 2007
Tom Hyland – East Timor's fugitive rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, wanted for attempted murder and armed rebellion, has been photographed with a rocket launcher of the same type as those stolen from the Australian Army.
The picture was taken late last year, about the time Reinado attended a seminar in the presence of Australian troops, who have close and cordial relations with him, despite his fugitive status.
The launcher on Reinado's shoulder is a light anti-armour weapon (LAW), of the same type issued to Australian troops in East Timor. The weapons have been at the centre of a security scare in Australia, where stolen rockets are alleged to have fallen into the hands of terrorists.
The news that Reinado, who escaped from a Dili jail in August, has a missile capable of disabling a tank or bringing down a helicopter has raised alarm.
A security expert said it was possible the missile had been obtained from criminal sources in Australia. If Reinado had more than one of the rockets, there would be serious issues for Australian forces if they tried to move against him, the expert said.
A spokesman for Defence Minister Brendan Nelson denied Australian troops in contact with Reinado had let him pose with an Australian LAW. Nor had the Australian Defence Force supplied such weapons to the East Timorese Defence Force, from which Reinado deserted in May as East Timor's security forces disintegrated and the country descended into political chaos. The spokesman said all LAWs issued to Australian troops in Timor were accounted for.
This month a Sydney man was charged with possessing stolen rockets. Police said the weapons were in the hands of a terrorist group that planned to use them to attack targets in Sydney, including the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor. The Reinado photo was taken in late November, when the rebel leader spoke at a seminar in the town of Suai, also attended by government and church leaders and aimed at promoting reconciliation.
In interviews at the time, Reinado boasted he had no intention of surrendering himself or his weapons. Australian officers also defended their decision not to arrest him, saying they were acting on the advice of the Dili Government, which hopes to entice the former major to surrender and avoid more bloodshed.
Speculation abounds as to where Reinado obtained the weapon. It was unclear from the photo whether the launcher was armed. LAWs are a one-shot weapon, and the one in Reinado's hands could have been fired and now useless. But if the weapon was armed, "it's pretty serious", the expert said.
| Justice & reconciliation |
Sydney Morning Herald - January 15, 2007
Lindsay Murdoch, Jakarta – A joint Indonesian and East Timorese commission will recommend amnesty for people responsible for atrocities in East Timor in 1999 if they admit their involvement and apologise to their victims.
The Commission of Truth and Friendship plans to invite 70 people, including top Indonesian military officers and political leaders from the two countries, to tell what they know about the atrocities at hearings in Indonesia and East Timor over the next six months.
People who refuse or are not considered by the commission to have told the truth would not be among those the commission would recommend to the East Timor and Indonesian governments for amnesty, commission members said.
More than 1200 people were killed, most of East Timor's infrastructure was destroyed and more than 250,000 people were forced into refugee camps in Indonesian West Timor after East Timorese voted for independence in a United Nations-supervised ballot in August 1999.
The UN blamed militias directed by Indonesia's military for atrocities that included rapes, torture and mass executions.
Militia commander Eurico Guterres is the only person serving a jail term in Indonesia for involvement in the violence, despite demands by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan and human rights groups for perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Achmad Ali, an Indonesian member of the commission, said that to receive an amnesty recommendation a person must give their full co-operation to the commission and express regrets and apologise for their actions. "For instance, it is impossible for us to recommend amnesty if they refuse to come (to a hearing)," he said.
Professor Ali said it was important to invite people to testify from both Indonesia and East Timor to "avoid the impression that the commission merely corners Indonesia instead of seeking the truth".
Among the invitees will be former Indonesian president B. J. Habibie and East Timor President Xanana Gusmao.
Indonesia's former military commander Wiranto, who this month formed a political party in Jakarta, has indicated he will testify before the commission, which was set up in 2005 along similar lines to South Africa's post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Professor Ali said that the Indonesian-East Timor commission had no judicial powers and could only make recommendations to the governments in Dili and Jakarta. "We will not be able to guarantee that amnesties will be accepted by the heads of governments," he said.
But Benjamin Mangkoedilaga, the Indonesian co-chairman of the commission, said amnesties were a recognised part of Indonesia's legal system. "The important thing is to give trust to the invitees that our invitation will not lead to any trial or the setting up of any tribunal," Mr Mangkoedilaga said.
East Timor member and co-chairman Dionisio Soares said the commission's aim was to "get all the facts from the people who know what happened".
He said that in South Africa's case amnesties were accepted by the world community because its Truth and Reconciliation Commission was considered credible.
Several of East Timor's representatives on the Indonesian-East Timorese commission also sat on East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. This recommended in a report last year that the UN Security Council set up a tribunal to try those responsible for the atrocities "should other measures be deemed to have failed to deliver a sufficient measure of justice and Indonesia persists in obstructing justice".
The East Timor commission was set up by the UN in 2001.
Jakarta Post - January 17, 2007
M. Taufiqurrahman, Jakarta – The Commission for Truth and Friendship (KKP) will leave the granting of amnesties for human rights violators in Timor Leste to the Indonesian and Timor Leste governments.
Commission member Lt. Gen. (ret) Agus Widjojo said Tuesday that amnesty should, however, be given to those who had been co- operative in giving information to KKP inquiry.
"In the commission's terms of reference there is one clause saying that we can recommend names that should be given amnesty... on the condition that they are co-operative in our inquiry," Agus told The Jakarta Post.
He said that the primary task of the KKP was to uncover the truth surrounding the violence that took place in the aftermath of the 1999 referendum in East Timor, in which more than 90 percent of East Timorese voted to split from Indonesia.
"Our task is to investigate whether institutional accountability will be required," he said.
Earlier this month, members of the commission had agreed to make recommendations to the Indonesian and Timor Leste governments about amnesties for the perpetrators of the violence.
The United Nations has estimated that at least 1,500 people were killed by militia groups backed by the Indonesian Military (TNI) in the aftermath of the 1999 referendum.
A number of Indonesian generals, including former TNI chief and defense minister Gen. (ret) Wiranto, are among the military members expected to be summoned by the KKP.
The commission, modeled on similar restorative justice bodies set up in South Africa, Chile and Argentina, has no power to prosecute alleged human rights violators. However, it can make recommendations to the Indonesian and Timor Leste governments on granting amnesties and providing compensation and rehabilitation to victims.
The body was set up last year after the United Nations expressed dissatisfaction with Indonesia's earlier attempts to bring the perpetrators of rights violations to justice. At the time, it threatened to take the cases to an international tribunal. The commission is expected to wrap up its inquiry on July 31.
Rafendi Djamin of the Human Rights Working Group condemned the KKP's recommendation that alleged perpetrators of human rights violations in East Timor be given amnesties.
"It has been agreed by the international community that gross human rights violations did take place in East Timor and the perpetrators must stand trial for that. There is no such thing as amnesty for the perpetrators," Rafendi told the Post.
Rafendi said that the Indonesian government risked losing its credibility as a champion of human rights should it follow the recommendation. He said that the commission was flawed from its inception and only focused on pursuing the truth rather than justice.
Rafendi said the international community was now waiting for the KKP's final conclusions. "The whole world is watching now," he said.
| Independence struggle |
The Australian - January 1, 2007
Patrick Walters – Thirty years ago the Fraser government grappled with the consequences of the Indonesian takeover of East Timor.
The 1976 cabinet papers show the new government having to reconcile itself to the fact that it could do nothing to alter the integration of East Timor into Indonesia.
The government had to determine whether it would take a strong moral stance in condemning the Indonesian invasion – risking a rupture in relations with Jakarta – or adopt a more pragmatic position.
"It's a choice between what might be described as Wilsonian idealism or Kissingerian realism," Australia's ambassador to Indonesia, Richard Woolcott, cabled home in January 1976.
"The former is more proper and principled but the longer-term national interest may well be served by the latter. We do not think we can have it both ways."
In February 1976, cabinet considered a paper from foreign affairs minister Andrew Peacock, which essentially accepted the Woolcott line but tried vainly to salvage some moral rectitude.
"Australia's capacity to alter the course of events in Timor was limited and is now very limited indeed. However, the government should not connive in a forceful Indonesian takeover," Mr Peacock's submission said.
Mr Peacock said the government should voice its opposition to the use of force to resolve a problem, "especially one so close to its borders". He noted that Australia would shortly be called upon to express a view about East Timor to the UN Security Council.
The Fraser government's position had been to criticise publicly and privately the use of force by Indonesia, call for the withdrawal of Jakarta's troops, ask for a genuine process of self-determination, and "show willingness in private to consider favourably Australia's participation in any international presence which might replace the Indonesian presence in East Timor (the possibility of any such presence being established is very slight)".
"I have applied this policy while admitting to myself that Indonesia is most unlikely to be deterred from her present course and that incorporation of East Timor into Indonesia is very likely to happen," Mr Peacock submitted.
The foreign minister said he had taken due account of the "great importance" of Indonesia to Australia and had sought to limit the damage to the relationship with Jakarta. Australia quietly acquiesced in the Indonesian takeover of East Timor and soon moved to recognise de facto the incorporation.
The Australian - January 1, 2007
Patrick Walters – The Fraser government refused visas to prominent East Timorese left-wingers forced into exile after the Indonesian invasion of the former Portuguese colony in late 1975.
The Fretilin members included Mari Alkatiri, who last year stepped down as East Timor's first prime minister, and Rogiero Lobato, who recently served as interior minister in the Alkatiri government.
Thirty years ago, the Coalition government of Malcolm Fraser was concerned about the possibility of Australia being used by the Fretilin resistance movement as the base for a government in exile.
Defence and Foreign Affairs Departments advice was not to give Fretilin, then engaged in a liberation struggle against Indonesia's armed forces, any political oxygen.
Melbourne Age - January 1, 2007
Russell Skelton, Canberra – The Fraser cabinet was warned by a powerful committee of defence chiefs that a prolonged war of independence by Fretilin rebels could lead to intervention by Vietnam or China in East Timor.
A national intelligence assessment, presented to cabinet two months after Indonesia's brutal incorporation of East Timor, urged the Government to mollify Indonesian interests, saying Timorese self-determination was an unrealistic goal.
The 26-page document, which clearly shaped Timor policy, took no account of rights abuses or the problem of 140,000 displaced Timorese.
Instead the assessment said: "It would not be in Australia's strategic interests that Indonesia be frustrated in the absorption of East Timor or that the process be complicated or delayed. This would enhance the Fretilin group's political status and both encourage and facilitate its development of connections with countries interested in supporting it against Indonesia."
It also cautioned cabinet against becoming too closely associated with any United Nations peacekeeping force or token act of self- determination.
History shows that the assessment was well wide of the mark. On August 30, 2001, two years after voting for independence in a UN-sponsored referendum, East Timor held its first democratic elections. Despite Australia's intervention in the process, relations between Canberra and Jakarta, although strained, did not break down.
The 1976 assessment was prepared by the Defence Committee, which included the most influential figures in the defence and civilian establishment. Chaired by Sir Arthur Tange, its members included Joint Intelligence Organisation director Gordon Jockel.
Contained in the top-level analysis was a warning that China and Vietnam might come to the aid of Fretilin. The assessment said "Fretilin's hardcore leadership" had aligned itself with "national liberation" movements and was seeking aid from Beijing and Hanoi to support an armed struggle.
Concern was expressed that Indonesia could play a destabilising role in Papua New Guinea if the relationship between Canberra and Jakarta were allowed to sour over Timor.
The committee's assessment also included a document drafted by Jockel, as chairman of the National Intelligence Committee, which reveals the Australian public was kept in the dark about Indonesia's secret activities in Timor in the lead-up to the armed takeover of the former Portuguese colony. Australian intelligence knew the following:
A year before Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor, President Soeharto had approved the introduction of special forces into Timor and was planning covert options for military intervention.
Indonesia already had 2500 troops in East Timor almost eight weeks before Fretilin's unilateral declaration of independence on November 28, 1975, which Jakarta used to justify its invasion.
By February 1976 some 200 Indonesian troops had been killed along with 600 Fretilin resistance fighters. The fighting had displaced more than 100,000 people and created more than 40,000 refugees.
Despite these facts, the Fraser government accepted the advice that Jakarta would eventually pacify East Timor and there was little Australia could do.
In the unlikely event that a Fretilin government did emerge, the intelligence committee believed it would be "poor and weak" and would promote regional instability.
On February 9, cabinet decided to continue former prime minister Gough Whitlam's policy of bowing to Indonesian interests by not pressing for Timorese self-determination. Cabinet, fearful that Australia could become a base for a Fretilin government in exile, also ordered a crackdown on the group's activities and visits.
Cabinet decision 200 said in part: "In respect of the possible involvement in any eventual process of self-determination for the people in East Timor, the (Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of Cabinet) agreed not to take any decisions at this stage ..."
The thrust of the intelligence advice presented to cabinet concerned the need to preserve Australian interests, which meant keeping Soeharto in power and the relationship with Indonesia on a sound footing. There was concern that a hard-line group of generals could emerge to topple Soeharto, replacing him with a more "combative leader".
The Defence Committee said that from a strategic point of view it shared Indonesia's concerns about East Timor's future, but it did not accept the concerns were urgent enough to have ruled out political handling of the situation or warranted seizure of territory by force.
Sydney Morning Herald - January 1, 2007
Tony Stephens – Just three months after Indonesia invaded East Timor 30 years ago, the Australian government of the prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, was covertly supporting the tiny colony's complete integration into its giant neighbour, according to cabinet documents from 1976, released today.
The 1976 cabinet papers, released under the rule that keeps them secret for 30 years, show that while the foreign minister, Andrew Peacock, was saying publicly Indonesian forces should withdraw and there should be a genuine act of self-determination, Australia's defence chiefs were taking a realpolitik view.
A defence committee report of February 5 noted that although Indonesia was unlikely to take military action against Australia or Papua New Guinea, "Indonesia is a power with long-term potential for a significant assault against Australia".
The report went on: "Attempts to deny Indonesia its objective and to secure its co-operation in a military withdrawal from East Timor and in a genuine act of self-determination are therefore likely to meet intractable political and practical difficulties and ultimately to prove futile."
Paradoxically, more than two decades years later, in 1998, a member of that original Coalition ministry, the Prime Minister, John Howard, was a key player in ensuring East Timor gained independence in a referendum.
The 1976 committee comprised Sir Arthur Tange, the head of the Defence Department, General Sir Francis Hassett, the chief of staff of the defence forces, Alan Renouf, the head of foreign affairs, and Gordon Jockel, the director of the Joint Intelligence Organisation. They said Australia could object to the use of force, but it was in the nation's best interests to keep a low profile over the issue. And they warned against supporting Fretilin's "hard-core leadership", who had links with "radical international elements".
Privately, the government accepted East Timor's integration with Indonesia as a fait accompli. A strategic defence review in September argued: "As the alternative is an essentially weak state, open to outside interference, the defence interest is served by East Timor's incorporation in Indonesia."
Peacock had recommended to cabinet in February that the government continue to criticise the use of force, "ask for the withdrawal of Indonesian forces" and "ask (with little hope) for a genuine process of self-determination". His submissions paper said: "Indonesian forces are already well on their way to integrating East Timor into Indonesia. The tragedy is that integration might have been achieved in more peaceful ways but that is now history.
"There is no tangible Australian national interest, e.g. trade or security, directly involved in East Timor. If anything, the strategic preference would be for integration ... Australia's capacity to alter the course of events in Timor was limited and is now very limited indeed."
The defence papers will not resolve debate over perhaps the most painful Australian exercise in foreign affairs since World War II, until the country's involvement in Iraq. Most of the relevant records were released in 2000, following public pressure and with the support of Gough Whitlam.
Critics claim Whitlam gave Indonesia's president Soeharto a "green light" to take over the former Portuguese colony by force. Whitlam's own records go back to correspondence between Antonio Salazar, the Portuguese dictator, and Robert Menzies, where Menzies does not appear to counter Salazar's contention that East Timor was economically and politically non-viable.
Files from meetings between Whitlam and Soeharto show Whitlam's two basic points were that Timor should become part of Indonesia but that "this should happen in accordance with the properly expressed wishes of the people ..."
One question is whether Whitlam pushed hard enough for an act of self-determination. Peacock's paper criticises the Whitlam option as realpolitik. Yet the Fraser-Peacock line appears little different.
Peacock rejected the option of cutting off economic and military aid and withdrawing the ambassador, arguing: "While such steps would be publicly applauded by some sections of opinion in Australia, the damage which would be caused to the relationship with Indonesia rules them out."
| Politics/political parties |
The Australian - January 17, 2007
Mark Dodd – East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao will not recontest presidential elections scheduled for April but is expected to run for parliament.
The former resistance leader took office in 2002 as the country's first democratically elected president after a quarter of century of Indonesian occupation.
Senior East Timorese political leaders have said for some time that Mr Gusmao was unlikely to stand for re-election, but yesterday a reliable diplomatic source close to the presidency said his plans involved standing for parliament.
"Xanana is considering running for national parliament, either with a group of parties or a new party," the source said. "He feels he still wants to contribute to democracy and the well- being of the country and one way to do that is through the parliament and not necessarily by having a second term as president."
The Australian understands Fretilin wants a former supporter of integration with Indonesia, Abilio Araujo, a founder of the Timorese Nationalist Party, to run in the April elections. A virtual political unknown, he is regarded as an outside chance.
But a presidential vacancy would pave the way for current interim Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta, a Nobel peace laureate and warmly regarded by the Australian Government.
It is understood that Mr Gusmao was hurt by accusations from a UN inquiry of unwarranted political interference in his handling of last year's violence.
Mr Gusmao, 60, has previously signalled support for East Timor's opposition Democratic Party.
He is no friend of the ruling Fretilin, which is still seething at his role in forcing the resignation of prime minister Mari Alkatiri on June 26 over allegations he helped arm a political hit squad to liquidate political opponents.
Mr Gusmao is best known for his leadership of Fretilin's military wing, Falintil. He assumed command of the guerilla movement in 1978 after the assassination by Indonesian forces of his predecessor, Nicolau Lobato.
In November 1992, Mr Gusmao was arrested in Dili by Indonesian authorities and sentenced the following year to life imprisonment. While in Jakarta's Cipinang Prison, he met his future second wife, Australian aid worker and independence activist Kirsty Sword.
After East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia in a bloody UN-brokered referendum on August 30, 1999, Mr Gusmao was released and returned from exile to a hero's welcome in Dili.
Agence France Presse - January 31, 2007
East Timor Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said he would not run for the presidency later this year unless there were no other candidates. "I do not want to (stand in elections) for the parliament, the government or the presidency," Ramos-Horta told AFP.
The Nobel peace laureate said he had informed President Xanana Gusmao, who has said he would not run, and the political parties of his decision.
"If there are no other people (as candidates), if everyone thinks that I have to accept the responsibility because the state needs it, then I will think it over again," Ramos-Horta said at a book launch Tuesday.
However, he said he believed there were already several candidates aiming for the presidential slot in the elections slated for April.
"There are currently already a number of candidates for the presidency and they are all good," he said.
Ramos-Horta was named prime minister in July last year, replacing Mari Alkatiri who stepped down in the wake of unrest which forced the deployment of thousands of international peacekeepers.
The Southeast Asian Times - January 31, 2007
Dili – An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 East Timorese have rallied to the governing party, Fretilin, at the country's second city, Baucau, about 122 kilometres east of Dili.
The gathering in the city's football stadium was the biggest since June – when Fretilin organised a counter-demonstration against coup plotters in Dili – and was attended from throughout the newly-independent country although the majority were drawn from the Lautem, Manatuto, Viqeque and Baucau districts.
Purpose of the rally was to hear about Fretilin's preparations for the forthcoming election and introduce campaign workers. Speakers included Fretilin General Secretary Mari Alkatiri, Parliamentary Speaker Luolo and party delegates from each district.
President Xanana Gusmao is expected to announce the date for presidential and parliamentary elections within the next ten days and although he says he will not seek re-election few doubt that he will try to dilute Fretilin's influence.
His possible tactics include delaying the elections so that the opposition parties he favours can continue to organise before he seeks a place in the new parliament as their acknowledged leader while seeking to ensure that he "picks" his successor – possibly interim prime minister Jose Ramos Horta.
If successful, such manoeuvres are sure to be welcomed by the Australian government of John Howard and the Administration of G.W. Bush.
In Dili, Liquiga District Administrator Vicente dos Santos reportedly gave evidence to the judges at the trial of former Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato showing an alleged link between civilian militia member Vicente "Railos" da Conceicao and President Gusmao.
In his statement, Do Santos said "Railos" had showed him a telephone number to confirm that President Xanana had called.
He also said that he heard "Railos" speak to President Xanana Gusmao during the crisis that led to Alkatiri's resignation as prime minister and that 'Railos' himself had instigated difficulties in Liquiga. The evidence about "Railos" is crucial to the trial because his allegations that Lobato and Alkatiri distributed weapons and ordered the assassination of their political opponents was crucial to the former prime minister's forced resignation.
The telecast of the untested accusations also won Australia's highest journalism accolade for the State-owned Australian Broadcasting Corporation's current affairs flagship, Four Corners. The Lobato trial has gone all but unreported by the Australian media.
It was supposed to have destroyed both Alkatiri and Lobato but so far the former prime minister has not been mentioned and it might yet be shown that Laboto acted within the law. Xanana Gusmao, who has just returned from a visit to North America, is reported to have said that he is ready to respond to the judges anytime he is called.
Anti-Fretilin forces – such as the National Movement for Justice and Peace – have indicated their dissatisfaction with the possible outcome of the trial by threatening new demonstrations in Dili.
| Human rights/law |
The Australian - January 18, 2007
Mark Dodd – Rebel army major Alfredo Reinado is in negotiations to give himself up to face murder charges over the deaths of five people during a gun battle. East Timor Prime Minister Jose Ramos Horta said yesterday that Major Reinado had been "much more co- operative" in talks with the Prime Minister's office and other senior government and UN officials.
"He (Major Reinado) has stated he is willing to face the charges against him in regard to the killing that took place at Fatu Ahi in May," Dr Ramos Horta said. "Now we are in the last stages of dialogue with Mr Reinado for him to co-operate with justice. I hope his case can be resolved in the next few weeks."
Major Reinado, named by a UN commission of inquiry as a prime suspect in last year's deadly violence, had earlier claimed he was unfairly singled out for punishment. The Australian-trained former head of military police is wanted over the deaths of five people in a skirmish with loyalist soldiers on May 23 on Dili's outskirts. His escape from Dili's Becora jail on August 30 with 56 other inmates embarrassed the Australian-led military guarding the prison precinct.
Dr Ramos Horta said a court appearance by Major Reinado, along with two other trials involving members of East Timor's security forces and former interior minister Rogerio Lobato, would "send a good signal to society that no one is above the law". Mr Lobato, a key ally of former prime minister Mari Alkatiri, faces charges of arming a civilian hit squad to liquidate government opponents.
Dr Ramos Horta expressed disappointment over UN delays in the signing of a security agreement with Australia and East Timor. The memorandum of understanding is necessary because of the Howard Government's refusal to allow Australian peacekeepers in East Timor to submit to UN command. It covers rules of engagement, command responsibilities and operational guidelines.
In Canberra, the Department of Foreign Affairs refused to comment, saying negotiations were continuing and a signing was expected soon. Dr Ramos Horta said the agreement should have been signed this week. "I am at a loss to know what is holding the UN up," he said.
The UN attached the "highest importance" to the agreement and was making every effort to ensure its early signing, a UN spokeswoman said. Clear lines of command for the deployment of Australian troops could have prevented scenes outside a Dili court last Friday when more than 100 East Timorese soldiers, several of them armed, demonstrated in support of colleagues involved in last year's violence in Dili.
Agence France Presse - January 8, 2007
Jakarta – Three women accused of being witches were killed and burned along with their house in East Timor. The three women, aged 70, 50 and about 25, were killed on Saturday evening in Liquica, about 40km west of the capital Dili.
"The three women were killed before they were burned along with their house," Liquica district police investigation unit head Geraldo Soares said. "They are Bui-dau, 70, Flora, 50, and another (unidentified) woman about 25 years old," he said from the crime scene.
Mr Soares said they had been accused of being witches and were attacked by unknown people.
United Nations police were also investigating the murders. "A forensic team has been dispatched to conduct further analysis at the crime scene," UNPOL spokeswomen Monica Rodrigues said in Dili.
There were spates of arson attacks during unrest in 2006 but this is believed to be the first involving witchcraft accusations in the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country.
Unrest in April and May last year led to the deaths of at least 37 people and forced about 15 per cent of East Timor's population to flee their homes.
Stability has largely returned to the fledgling nation following the arrival of foreign peacekeepers at Dili's request and the installation of a new government in July headed by Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Agence France Presse - January 9, 2007
Hundreds of supporters of former home affairs minister Rogerio Lobato rallied today in East Timor outside the court where he was due to go on trial on weapons distribution charges.
Mr Lobato has been charged with involvement in arming civilians during unrest last year.
A panel of one local and two UN judges first questioned one of Mr Lobato's co-defendants, Marcos Piedade alias Labadaen, and was due to hear from Mr Lobato this afternoon.
Some 300 of his supporters from the ruling Fretilin party rallied in front of the Dili Appeal Court in a show of support for the former minister before the hearing started.
The protesters, who arrived on dozens of trucks, buses and motorcycles, waved Fretilin flags and shouted "Long live Rogerio Lobato, Long live Fretilin," as some 50 UN and local police stood guard in and around the court building.
Mr Lobato is one of the founders of Falintil, the armed wing of the then pro-independence Fretilin movement which fought against Indonesian occupation and later turned into a political party.
"We rally here at our own initiative, to show support for Rogerio Lobato. He is one of the founders of the Fretilin and we will continue to protest in Dili until his trial ends," protester Mariano Andre said.
Mr Lobato, Mr Piedave and the two other defendants, Francisco Salsinha and Francisco Xavier Diegas, face charges of involvement in arming civilians during the violence that erupted in Dili in April and May following protests over the dismissal of some 600 soldiers.
A report from a UN inquiry into the violence said former prime minister Mari Alkatiri and Mr Lobato were among officials who should be investigated over possible involvement in the distribution of weapons.
Some 37 people were left dead in pitched battles between security forces during bloody street violence. More than 150,000 people fled their homes and some 3200 Australian-led peacekeepers were deployed in May to restore calm. Their numbers have since been reduced to around 1100.
East Timor gained independence in 2002 after a period of UN stewardship. It was ruled by Indonesia for 24 years before its people voted overwhelmingly in 1999 in favour of breaking away from Jakarta.
| Opinion & analysis |
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) January 6, 2007
Patrick Thronson – Americans lose part of the past in an obvious sense when a former president dies: A living link to our history is extinguished. We also lose part of the past, however, in the blissful forgetfulness that ensues with respect to darker aspects of a president's legacy.
The recent avalanche of glowing punditry about President Gerald Ford contained hardly any mention of his central role in supporting the Indonesian government's brutal campaign against the people of East Timor during the 1970s.
Speaking ill of the dead, of course, is generally considered to be in poor taste, since the dead aren't around to defend themselves. This taboo loses its force, however, in cases where the historical record leaves so little to be defended.
Imagine President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meeting with Sudanese President Ahmad al-Bashir, assuring him the US understands his policy in Darfur, and providing arms for the Janjaweed militias to use against the Darfurian population, and you will have a rough idea of what President Ford and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger did in Indonesia in 1975.
East Timor is a country in Southeast Asia that borders Indonesia and lies about 400 miles north of Australia. Colonized by Portugal in the 16th century, East Timor declared its independence from that country in late November of 1975.
Indonesia invaded East Timor nine days later in an entirely unprovoked act of territorial expansion. At least 60,000 Timorese were killed during the first year of the conflict. From 1975 through 1999, approximately 200,000 Timorese (the country has a present-day population of less than 1 million) died through military action, starvation and disease.
Tens of thousands of women were subjected to rape, sexual slavery, forced abortions and involuntary sterilization.
One day before the invasion commenced, Ford and Kissinger met with Indonesian President Suharto in Jakarta. The National Security Council had informed both Ford and Kissinger five months previously that Indonesia was planning an invasion of East Timor.
According to transcripts available online at the National Security Archive, Suharto broached the subject of East Timor, saying, "We want your understanding if we deem it necessary to take rapid or drastic action" against the country. Ford replied, "We will understand and will not press you on this issue. We understand the problem you have and the intentions you have."
Kissinger assured Suharto that "Whatever you do, however, we will try to handle it in the best way possible." (Kissinger has repeatedly denied having any substantive discussions with Suharto about East Timor.)
The Ford administration immediately announced a doubling of military aid to Indonesia. (In fact, American military aid to the Suharto regime only ceased after Indonesian forces massacred nearly 200 civilians in a Catholic church on the island in 1999.)
The Ford administration directed Daniel Patrick Moynihan, then ambassador to the United Nations, to stymie the agency's efforts to halt the slaughter and coordinate humanitarian relief. Rather than protest against Indonesian aggression, Ford sent Suharto a package of golf balls in appreciation for his hospitality during Ford's visit.
In short, Kissinger and Ford supported and helped enable the Indonesian government's brutal oppression of the East Timorese. Thanks to the Indonesian occupation, East Timor suffers from crushing poverty, having the lowest per capita gross domestic product of any country in the world.
It is only beginning to be able to address the period's tragic legacy of mass death and exploitation.
Of course, it is entirely appropriate for Americans to commemorate President Ford's service to our nation. But this commemoration should be mature, based upon a sober assessment of Ford's achievements and failings, and should not promote a comforting mythology that falsifies our history.
[Patrick Thronson is communication director in the office of Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. The views expressed here are his alone.]
| East Timor media monitoring |
Conflict left property damaged and burnt
Following the recent violence, on Monday three small shops and a house was burnt in Bairro Pitearound 23 hrs, reported STL today. According to this daily, it is not yet known which groups are involved in the destruction and whether it is related to martial arts groups. The house set on fire belonged to Joaquim Pereira who according to an eyewitness is a member of PSHT but gets on well with the neighbourhood. The fire spread from Joaquim's house to the three kiosks. Joaquim told STL he is not sure why his house was targeted because he has not made enemies with anyone. He said his house was set on fire following a gun shot in Maloa Bridge and the people involved fled the scene when police arrived. Timor Post reported that five people sought medical assistance at the national hospital on Monday evening from the same area but none were in serious condition. (STL, TP)
STAE updates census
The Technical Secretariat for the Electoral Administration, started to update its electoral registration, on Monday, targeting specific age group between 17-18 and those who have lost their electoral registration cards. Director of STAE, Tomas Cabral said registration will close on 16 March 2007, just before the elections. He said this activity would allow his department to estimate the numbers of voters registered.
In relation to the elections, President Gusmao reportedly said that around 50 international observers are scheduled to take part in the elections at the government's invitation and if everything goes well, the European Union would also send observers. (TP)
Ramos-Horta refuses to meet protesters
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has refused to meet members of the MUNJ group protesting in front of the government palace and has reportedly asked them to go home and rest. He also asked them not to waste their time and to stop making noise in that area as he would keep his door closed. In the meantime, MUNJ coordinator, Agosto Junior Trindade said Prime Minister Ramos-Horta is cultivating a culture of dictatorship in Timor-Leste by given a mandate to UIR as well as using the word 'those animals', [referring to people involved in crimes] which was broadcast on TVTL on 29 January and not welcomed by some members of the population. (STL)
Public hearing in Indonesia
Commissao Verdade e Amizade (CVA) is planning to hold a public hearing in Indonesia, starting in the month of February. Former Indonesian General Wiranto is scheduled to testify in relation to the violence of 1999. President Xanana is also expected to participate in the hearing as well. According to Dionisio Babo, head of the Commission, witnesses and victims will also participate. The Commission plans to hold hearings in Dili as well. (TP)
MPs ask Horta to resign
Francisco Xavier do Amaral (ASDT) and Pedro da Costa (PST) have called for Prime Minister Ramos-Horta's resignation for failing to resolve the political military crisis and the confrontation between martial arts groups, reported STL Tuesday. According to both MPs, since taking the role as Prime Minister, Ramos-Horta promised many things and made decisions without taking proper measures. Xavier do Amaral further said that the Ramos-Horta government has remained silent during the violence between rival groups and therefore he considers 'this government' ill fated and thinks that Ramos-Horta has compromised with some people in maintaining the country destabilized. Pedro da Costa said the violence in Timor-Leste derives from various interests; from having political leaders that want to run the country for a long term to those with international interests that want to maintain that presence in the country. (STL)
Horta: Do not accept protest demands Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said he does not accept the protesters putting pressure on the judiciary system currently in process, adding that the court, which is carrying out its role independently and impartially has to be respected. He said the people holding the demonstration are wrong and he is not going to allow it to happen, stressing that the court would be the one to make a decision even if it takes a month or two. The Minister said the justice processes are in the hands of the court and he does not agree that any group should pressure the courts. He refuse to further comment on the judiciary system noting that the UN is providing assistance and one must not forget that Timor-Leste is a new nation. MUNJ spokesperson, Nino Pereira said if Rogerio Lobato and Mari Alkatiri are not confined the protest will continue. (STL)
UIR Entitle to use big weapons
In a ceremony held on Monday for the reactivation of 38 members of UIR, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta told the officers not to be scared to act against the people creating violence and destabilizing the country for fear of human rights abuse accusations. Ramos-Horta said if anyone criticizes them of human rights abuse they should directly speak to him. He added that he personally requested UNMIT to speed up the re-integration of UIR and that the officers would be entitled to carry big weapons and pistols.
Minister of Interior Alcino Barris also informed that soon PNTL Transit Unit would be reactivated. In relation to the MUNJ protest, he said his Ministry received a letter from the organization that was unclear. Some of the population from Raihun, Ailoklaran and Matadouro claimed they had to flee their homes following the violence between rival groups as well as receiving threats from unknown groups with guns, rama ambons, grenades and machetes. The population sought refuge in the IDPs camps. Two sisters who fled to the nuns' compound in Balide said they were threatened by the groups from Dare who told them to leave their crop plantation, not to take anything from their houses or they would burn it and seek refuge in the camps. A girl from Manumeta Raihun said the Australian forces did not act to the groups that threatened the population there because they had guns. (STL)
UNMIT hopes Alfredo's case will be resolved soon
Speaking to the media following the high level meeting in the Presidential Palace on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva said UNMITs DSRSJ Eric Tan is working to find a solution to Major Alfredo's case before the elections. Da Silva said the high level meeting focused on many issues including election preparations. (TP)
Government will compensate information required
The Government will establish a decree law to compensate Timorese who wishes to collaborate with the police and the State with information on criminals. Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said if anyone provides accurate information, which will lead to the detention of the criminals, these people would be awarded with materials worth between US$25-and US$25,000. He further said the government he is leading would request the Parliament to establish legislations to authorize the police to enter and inspect houses hiding weapons, stressing that all means must be used to detain the criminals who are trying to challenge the government's strength. (TP)
Lobato's trial - Vicente heard Railos speak to Xanana
Rogerio Lobato's trial continued Friday with statements from Liquica District Administrator, Vicente dos Santos and Agosto Pereira, the Bazartete Administrator. In his statement, Do Santos said Railos told and showed him the telephone number to confirm President Xanana had called. He also said he heard Railos speak to President Xanana Gusmao during the crisis, adding that Railos himself instigated the problem that occurred in Liquica. Former police commander Paulo de Fatima Martins is scheduled to testify today.
President Xanana Gusmao has stated that he is ready to respond to the court at any time regarding the crisis. (STL, DN, TP)
MUNJ organizes protest
Movimento Nacional ba Justisa no Paz (MUNJ) is planning a demonstration in Dili today, 29/1 with the aim to 'shake' the prosecutor general and the judges to work better and to support the judiciary body and to clearly look into the problems. Nino Pereira, MUNJ spokesperson said justice is progressing well but the court should note the evidence, provided so far which he considers sufficient to take to court. In the case of Rogerio Lobato, Pereira said the witnesses have all stated that the former Minister of Interior distributed guns, hence the court must make a decision rather than prolonging the case. He informed that the protest would involve people from all the districts on the second or third day with the youth and the population of the capital, Dili, attending the first day of the event. The spokesperson of MUNG also informed that a total of up to 1000 are expected to join in the activity, which is scheduled to take place in front of Hotel Dili, stressing that it will be a peace protest in cooperation with UNPOL. In the meantime, Major Alfredo has appealed to the people to support the protest adding MUNJ is the organisation that guarantees unity to overcome the problem of 'Lorosae-Loromonu' (STL, TP)
Government and UN discusses UIR reactivation
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta is currently discussing with the UN and UNPOL the possibility of reactivating UIR, stressing that 'terrorists group' like the martial arts group that continue to create violence in Dili will be dealt with soon. Ramos-Horta warned that the State is not playing around anymore with anyone who wants to continue with the violence. When questioned what type of measures the government was taking to deal with the problem, the Prime Minister said the government continues to observe the Constitution and the international conventions signed by the State. But in order to be able to operate on the ground, Ramos-Horta said the Parliament must pass legislation required by the government to give power to the police to act. (TP)
Fretilin Will Win Both Presidential and Parliamentary Elections: Alkatiri
Fretilin Secretary General Mari Alkatiri stated during a speech on the party's consolidation gathering as well as at the swearing-in of a member of the Organizing Electoral Commission in Baucau that his party would win the Presidential and the Parliamentary elections in 2007 with greater numbers and that peace and stability would be re-established. He said Fretilin would respect the small and big parties, that the party rejects reconciliation but does not hold hatred or revenge. Regarding the candidates for the Presidential seat, Alkatiri said his party would present the candidate when the election dates are announced, noting that its prerequisites for the candidate for the Presidential Elections include 24 years involvement in the struggle, a roots connection with Fretilin, a respect for the Constitution and they should be neutral. He also said that some Majors running around with guns shows that they are scared of the population and that they do not have power. He said in a democratic environment one does not need guns to win the popularity. Francisco Guterres 'Lu-Olo', also reiterated that Fretilin would easily win the elections. He said the swearing-in of the party members from region 1 is to monitor the campaign and elections of 2007 to ensure that Fretilin wins. (STL, TP, DN)
Signing of trilateral agreement
Following the trilateral signing agreement between Timor-Leste, the UN and Australia on Friday, January 26, Foreign Affairs Minister, JosC(c) Luis Guterres said the signing of the agreement is important for Timor-Leste as it refers to the sovereignty of the country, the Constitution, the government and it recognizes F-FDTL and PNTL as the defences of Timor-Leste. The Agreement also established a coordination trilateral forum, presided over by Prime Minister Ramos-Horta in the security sector. The Forum would also include Timor-Leste Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister of Defence, Interior, and Permanente Secretary for Defence, Commander F-FDTL, UNMIT representative, UNPOL Commissioner and Commander of International Forces. (DN)
Lobato's lawyer's acknowledges distribution of guns
Rogerio Lobato's lawyer, Paulo Remedios has acknowledged that his client distributed 18 HK33 guns, police uniforms and two cars to Railos group to help the police and not to kill members of the opposition parties and the petitioners as claimed by both Labadain and Railos. Remedios said Railos misused the intention and his group to attack F-FDTL in Tasitolu hence Lobato is only responsible for the distribution of weapons. The lawyer also said former PNTL commander Paulo Martins is a key witness as he was aware of the crisis and knew of the movement of weapons. He said Martins must explain to the court the many guns in civilians hands. Remedios further said that Lobato distributed guns because the commander of PNTL under Paulo Martins was falling apart. In a separate article, Paulo Remedios threatened to complain to the International Court about Dili District Court violations of citizens' rights if they continue to detain former PNTL officer Abilio Mesquita 'Mausoko'. (TP)
Timor adopts Portugal and Brazil justice system
Justice Minister, Domingos Sarmento has acknowledged that Timor- Leste is adopting the civil justice system of Portugal and Brazil, adding that Timor-Leste would continue to cooperate with Portugal to finalize the civil code. He said the government continues to ask Portugal for advisors to assist in the drafting of the legislation and support ministry, the court and the prosecutor's office. Sarmento said technical training is also required in the registry and public notary and that Timor-Leste has been using the civil system since the Portuguese and Indonesian periods and must continue with the same system. Critics claim that Timor-Leste has a weak justice system. The Minister said the country has just established its civil system and Timorese lawyers are still undergoing training and therefore international assistance is still required. He said some times people make comments of a weak court system because the decision of the court is contrary to their wishes.
In a separate article, Minister Sarmento said the government still considers Alfredo Reinado and those that fled with him as escapees and that the case is now under judicial process, adding that they should return to jail and respond to their acts in the court. In Alfredo's case, he said it was up to the UN and the Minister of Interior to decide to capture him. Also in relation to Alfredo's case, Deputy SRSG Eric Tan said during the two meetings the UN, Government representatives and the International Forces held with Alfredo, they appealed to him to give himself up and follow the legal court procedures. (TP)
Timor-Australia-UN sign cooperation agreement
In order to increase the security cooperation in the country, a trilateral accord was expected to be signed by the governments of Timor-Leste, Australia and the UN today, reported Timor Post. The accord was scheduled to be signed by Timor-Leste Foreign Affairs Minister and Cooperation Jose Luis Guterres, Government of Australia and Head of UNMIT, Dr. Atul Khare. In New York the agreement was also to be signed by the Australian government and the UN. According to Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, currently in New York, and the UN Secretary General, Dr. Ban Ki Moon will sign the document. According to TP, Alexander Downer has told the UN Secretary General that the he thinks the UN should continue to play an important role in monitoring and providing advice to Timorese leaders. (TP,STL)
Incidents reduced From 151 To 88: SRSG Atul
SRSG Atul Khare said during UNMIT's press conference on Thursday that incidents of violence in the capital Dili have decreased from 151 to 88 when compared to the month of December 2006. Mr. Khare said in January the incidents have dropped to 38 and increased to 88 during last week violence. He said the reduction is due to the cooperation between the Timorese people and the UN, hence he classifies the situation as less dangerous now but acknowledges that the community concerns have increased. Following the violence in five areas, especially Ailoklaran, SRSG said that, together with his UNMIT colleagues, he immediately visited the areas to speak to the population and hear from them directly the reasons that led to the violence, adding that based on concrete information the police can set strategies to counter the violence. Mr. Khare said the UNPOL Commissioner, Rudolfo Tor had informed him the police had detained a few people involved in the disturbances. At the same press conference, DSRSG Eric Tan said the leaders of Martial Arts groups must be responsible and stop their members from becoming involved in the violence. Mr. Tan said he recently met with leaders of five groups namely, PSHT, 77, KORKA, Tae Dwon Do and Kung Fu Masters. Present at the meeting were representatives from Forum Komunikasaun Arate Marsais TL (KAMIL) and from the Ministry of Labor and Community Reinsertion. DSRSG said a summary was done during the meeting that mainly two groups, 77 and PSHT were involved in the violence and he appealed to them to stop the cycle of violence. He said they also made a plan to meet Dili District Administrator and Sub-Administrators in the Dili area to discuss security issues and to set up static posts in addition to the 13 police posts already established. DSRSG said UNPOL would like to support the sub-districts administrator to organize dialogue between rival groups, adding UNPOL will continue to investigate and target those involved in crimes. (TP, STL)
NGO presents evidence of corruption in ministry
NGO LABEH (Organizasaun Lalenok Ba Ema Hotu) officially presented a document to the Office of the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice which indicates corruption in 5 ministries. In presenting the document, Christopher Samson, Director of LABEH requested that the Office of the Provedor's open an investigation into the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Health, Planning and Finance, Justice, Labor and Community Reinsertion and the Timor Sea. Samson appealed for the ministries to respect LABEH as an independent NGO and that it not be seen as an enemy. He said his organization obtained most of the information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation on the practice of nepotism in the recruitment process of staff, the loss of equipment such as computers donated from various countries and the purchase of equipment. He said according to the investigation there exists mismanagement in others ministries. Provedor Sebastiao Diaz welcomed the document and stated that people should not be scared to present their complaints as his office is here to protect and promote human rights and fight against corruption and promote good governance. The Office of the Provedor so far received 200 complaints. (STL)
Violence resulted in deaths and injured
The violence during the past week left five people dead and 24 injured, said Antonio Caleres Junior, Director of the national hospital. According to Caleres, between 15 and 22 January the hospital registered 5 deaths and 24 injured from violence in Dili and the districts. He said many of the people were injured from blows, rocks, darts, machetes, knives and gun shots, noting that some were seriously injured and the majority were from the area of Fatuhada, Bairro Pite, Hudilaran and Ailoklaran and mainly male under the age of 35.
President of the Partido Milenium Democrata, Hermenegildo Lopez "Kupa" believes some political parties are behind the groups involved in the violence due to their discontentment with the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ramos-Horta.
Minister of Interior, Alcino Barris said PNTL members involved in groups and violence must be responsible for their acts and would be detained, adding that the government plans for 40 UIR members to join UNPOL on the grounds. Vice President of the National Parliament, Jacob Fernandes reportedly said the international forces have the capacity to stop the violence but are not doing it to obtain some advantages out of it, stressing that the presence of the UN is like a project in which the forces want to maintain a long term stay. Fernandez said the UN police are not providing good results due to the unprofessional work of the international forces and if both cannot perform well they should allow the government to activate PNTL and F-FDTL. He further said the security situation must be guaranteed in order for the elections to proceed with the participation of the people. (TP, STL)
Presidential elections scheduled for May
The Office of the President has issued a letter to the public on the opinion and analysis of the President of the Republic that the presidential election will take place before May 20 in order to allow the new president to start the mandate before May 20. The parliamentary election should take place between May 20 and September 15 to allow the new elected MPs to start their mandate on 15 September.(DN)
Administration problems delayed PM's travel
The Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Ahmed Beyn Sofwan said Prime Minister Ramos-Horta's delegation to Oecussi were delayed at the border due to small administrative problems and security for the Prime Minister especially during the night. He said up-to-date his embassy has not received any formal complaints from the Prime Minister as they tried their best to accommodate the Minister. The Ambassador said good relations are important to both countries therefore Indonesia is prepared to assist Timor- Leste including opening and operating the embassy on Sunday. (DN)
I'll undo some political parties: Fernanda Borges
Fernanda Borges, founder of the new political party, Partido Unidade Nacional (PUN) stated at the opening of the party's congress that she will undo the old behaviour that some political party leaders are still holding on to. Borges said PUN would establish a new political model to serve the people, noting that the country needs many changes and it can only achieve them with the trust of the people. She said PUN can achieve the changes because it is based on the Christian democracy principles. (TP)
UN police do not know the authors of crime: Lu-Olo
President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres, 'Lu- Olo' said the International Police has informed the Parliament on the detention of two people in relation to the crimes in Perunmas, Bairro Pite but the rest of people involved in the crime have all vanished. Lu-Olo said that according to information he received, when the international police arrived in the disturbance areas, the people all withdrew to their houses and remained quiet but as soon as the police drove off the groups resumed the violence. He says that this shows that the international police do not really know the authors of the crime. The President of the Parliament suggests that those Timor-Leste police that have passed the screening test, work together with UNPOL to detain those involved in the violence, adding he already discussed this with the Minister of Interior and soon 40 members of UIR will be actively working with UNPOL.
Speaking at Monday's plenary session, MP Juliao Mausiri (PD) said the international police together with PNTL and F-FDTL are not able to detect the groups involved in crimes in the capital Dili. He said that during the Indonesian period the same youth were the ones working together but now they see each other like "mouse and cat". Mausiri said the government is not acting on it even with the offer of many people who want to support in stopping the violence. He said if the government is not doing anything than the independence of this country is only for the leaders because they're the only ones who have security. MP Manuel Tilman (KOTA) stated that if the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and the Minister of Interior are only seeking popularity then they may as well quit their jobs. He said that in many other countries people with such characters would resign due to the lack of capacity to resolve the internal problems. He said in the case of the PM Ramos-Horta, he should not have left the capital to bring humanitarian assistance to Oecussi during times of violent disturbances, adding that it is not the role of the Prime Minister to take the assistance via road to Oecussi as that is the role of the Secretary of Region for that enclave and the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion. Tilman also said that the time is not appropriate for the President of the Republic to go to the USA to receive an honorary degree as it is not important since it will not resolve the problem of the youth in this country.
Meanwhile UNPOL Commissioner Rudolfo Ase Tor said that two people have been identified in relation to the killing of PNTL officer Joao do Carmo. Carmo's relatives said they want the culprits to be jailed or they will directly deal with the problem since they know the person who committed the crime. (DN, TP)
CNE will start civic education programs
Comissao Nacional das Eleiasaues (CNE) will start the civic education programs to help the voters especially those above the age of 17 years to understand the election process. Faustino Cardoso said the role of the media is crucial for the dissemination of information particularly during the elections. CNE met with the media including members of community radio on Tuesday said he thinks the Presidential elections will take place before the Parliamentary elections. (TP)
Notable Commission report
Member of the Notable Commission, Pedro Costa, said the role of the commission is to investigate whether claims of discrimination within F-FDTL are concrete. Costa said the report has been drafted and required further reading to avoid any problems. He stressed that due to the complexity of the situation the commissioners wants the report to be a credible one following so much work and time spent on it, noting that it is not the commission's responsibility to resolve the problem. (STL)
Aid misused by some people: Ramos-Horta
PM Ramos-Horta told the media on Thursday following the launch of the Consolidated Appeal for Timor-Leste that he considers people who are selling humanitarian aid as opportunists. In response to claims that there have been threats in the camps at Obrigado Barrack and Jardim, (near Seaport) for those people who wishes to return to their homes, the Prime Minister said the government has requested the UN to stop materials assistance to people wishing to continue to live in the camps and rather support those who have returned to the districts. Ramos-Horta further said the government would be careful in distributing food from now and together with UNMIT are studying better solutions for the IDPs situation in Dili. Speaking to the media in Hotel Timor, after the launch of the appeal, the Minister for Community Reinsertion, Arsenio Bano said the government is requesting an additional 2 million dollars to continue with the reintegration program for the next few months. Meanwhile the Minister for Public Works, Odete Victor said the IDPs who did not have a house in Dili and were occupying houses illegally, prior to the crisis have two options, either to move to the new neighbourhood established by the government or return to the districts. (STL, TP)
Candidacy of military a political manoeuvre: Pinto
Political and military observer, Julio Tomas Pinto reportedly said the proposals of Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and MP Leandro Isac for two militaries to be candidates for the presidential elections can be interpreted as a political campaign to obtain votes for the upcoming elections. Pinto said both F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak and Alfredo Reinado must be left in their positions and focus on their problems, stressing that Ruak must focus on the military issue of this country which needs to be resolved and Alfredo on his case with the judicial process. (TP)
Salsinha responsible for 28 April
MPs Alexandre Corte-Real (UDT) and Manuel Tilman (KOTA) have stated that Salsinha Gastao, the 'petitioners' spokesperson must be responsible for the disturbances of April 28 last year because some of his members were involved in the damages of government cars and buildings. Both were responding to the Provedor of Justice and Human Rights, Ximenes Dias who stated that Salsinha had no connection with the violence and damages of 28 April 2006. (TP)
Gusmao and Rice will talk about elections
During his visit to the United States of America, President Gusmao is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice to discuss the current situation of the country as well as the up-coming elections, Chief of Staff of the President's Office, Agio Pereira who is accompanying President Gusmao on this visit told the media before departing the country Wednesday. Pereira further said that President Gusmao would also meet with Senator John of the Republican congress, President of the World Bank and President of the International Institute. He informed that the visit is an opportunity as well for Gusmao to address the US Sport Academy, following various invitations by this institution and to be presented with the Honoraries Cause by the same Academy (DN)
Electoral team meets president
Members of the UN Electoral Team who met with President Xanana Gusmao on Wednesday refused to speak to the media. The President's Chief of Staff said issues discussed between the team and the President cannot be revealed as it is related to the elections. He said the President has put together his suggestions and the dates for the elections, which would be presented to the National Parliament and then made public. (TP)
Conditional liberty Foa Oan Kiak
The Dili District Court, has released Frederico Florindo de Jesus, who is also known as Oan Kiak, on Wednesday on conditional liberty. Oan Kiak has to report to Hera police station once a week, on Mondays. He has been in detention since August 2006 following accusations he was involved in the crisis last May. (TP)
Horta rejects recommendation on F-FDTL
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has rejected recommendations by an UNMIT evaluation on F-FDTL before becoming active, as was the case with the PNTL. Ramos-Horta said the National Armed Forces had an evaluation about two years ago, before the crisis and did not have to wait for UNMIT recommendations. He spoke to the media following his meeting with the Parliamentarians to discuss the crisis of the country and how the government, the National Parliament and other institutions can work to overcome this problem. (STL)
I do not accept TT's monopoly system: Horta
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has affirmed he does not accept Timor Telecom's (TT) monopoly system, hence is waiting on the result of a study by the World Bank and further discuss this matter in the Council of Ministers. Ramos-Horta said the Parliament should establish a law in relation to this issue. The Minister touched upon this matter following concerns raised by the Director of East Timor Development Agency (ETDA) Palmira Pires during the inauguration of the ETDA Trading Centre, that it is expensive to use internet in Timor-Leste. PM Horta said the agreement between the government and TT five years ago was under different circumstances. And since he is not in favour of monopolies he has requested the World Bank to do a study on this matter as well as the current taxation system. (DN)
MP Isac testifies
On Tuesay MP Leandro Isac had to testify in the Public Prosecutor's Office in relation to the attach on F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak residence in Lahane on May 24, 2007 He said he had to answer to all the 10 questions according to what he witnessed and felt at the time. Isac also said he does not accept accusations made against him and that the court would make the final decision. (DN, TP)
Some weapons still in Alfredo hands: Monteiro
Prosecutor General, Longuinhos Monteiro said that not all the weapons have been collect and about 15 pistols and 9 long weapons are still in the hands of Major Alfredo. Monteiro added that the Minister of Interior is starting to identify the whereabouts of the weapons and there has been progress and big reduction on illegal weapons. In the meantime, Longuinhos Monteiro said the case of Oan Kiak, who had been on preventive detention for the past six months has not yet been registered in the court because it is related to the May 25 and 26 crises. (STL)
Candidates for presidential elections
Following the presentation by PM Ramos-Horta for F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak's to be the candidate for next presidential election, Major Alfredo Reinado is one of the candidates proposed by the President of PMD, Hermenegildo Kupa and MP Leandro Isac. According to Kupa and Isac, Alfredo is the right candidate for the position of President due to his neutrality, the efforts to raise the national unity and defend the people who had been affected by the transgressors. MP Leandro Isac said if Alfredo accepts his proposal, he and his group are prepared to work to obtain supporters for him. Meanwhile MP Juliao Mausiri (PD) said Alfredo is still young to hold the post of President of the Republic and would rather see him continue in the armed forces and take be in charge of the institution later. (TP)
UNMIT Delegation Meet With Alfredo
Following his meeting with F-FDTL Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak in December, on 12/1 Major Alfredo met with a delegation from UNMIT, F-FDTL, NP, Government and representatives of region III in Ermera. Carlos da Conceicao de Deus said the meeting was a follow up to previous meeting as proposed by PM Ramos-Horta to try and find a solution to the crisis that emerged in the country. De Deus said Major Alfredo has asked for a decision to be made about his status and in order to resolve the problem Alfredo wants all the parties to search the truth and justice. (TP)
If Court Permits It's Not A Problem: Minister Sarmento
In response to concerns about the presence of some members of the National Defence Forces in the court in uniform and armed, Minister of Justice, Domingos Sarmento defended that it was normal and the court did not raise any problems about it. Sarmento said if the court, the judges and the President of the Court did not raise any problem why should the citizens make it a problem. He further said when the court made the decision on preventive detention for 3 members of the Defence Force, they were escorted by their own colleagues to the prison and this type of gesture shows that F-FDTL has goodwill in cooperating with the court to honour justice in the country.
Today Alfredo Will Come Down to Dili to Meet with Prime Minister Horta (Timor Post, 16 January 2007)
According to the plan, today (Tuesday, 16 January) Major Alfredo Alves Reinado, currently residing in Aifu, Potete village, Ermera Disrtrict, will come down to Dili to meet with Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta.
Major Alfredo Alves Reinado released this information to Timor Post through a phone interview on Monday, 15 January. In the meeting [with the Prime Minister], Major Alfredo said, there would be a discussion on how to resolve the crises.
Even though there has been a plan to come down to Dili to meet with Prime Minister Horta today, Major Alfredo said, it has not been clear whether it would be confirmed or not. This was due to the fact that he himself still waited for the confirmation from Minister who had just arrived from Philippines yesterday.
"It is not clear whether it is positive or not [about the meeting]. This is because Prime Minister has just arrived from Philippines, therefore I am waiting for his confirmation," Alfredo said. When asked about the transport means to be used to travel to Dili and with whom he would come, Alfredo stressed that he had not been clear on the matter since he still waited for the confirmation from Prime Minister Horta.
He added that the meeting would be as a follow-up of many meetings that had been held before. When asked about what would be the agenda of the meeting, Alfredo commented that there has not been any clarification on that. Therefore, [he said], he would know about it when the meeting was about to start.
Alfredo also underlined that after the meeting with Prime Minister Horta, he would also try to meet again with President of Republic, Xanana Gusmao.
On the other part, speaking to the journalists during a press conference, Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta who had just returned from Philippines yesterday said that he did not want to talk about other matters including the case of Major Alfredo. He only talked about the matters related to his visit.
Admitting the meeting with Xanana
On the other part, Major Alfredo admitted that he and President of Republic, Xanana Gusmao meet with each other last December.
According to Major Alfredo, he and President Xanana briefly met with each other. The meeting was not part of the agenda which had been scheduled. However, [he said], the two met with each other when the President participated in the "Halot Meik" Program in Same.
Through the mobile phone, yesterday the Military Commander said that he could not elaborate on the matters which he discussed [with the President] in the meeting at the time, since they only had a brief meeting, and there were not many items [to discuss].
When Timor Post confirmed [the information] with the Chief of Staff for the President of Republic, Agio Pereira, he said that it was not true. According to Agio, it was merely a rumor since President Xanana Gusmao never had a meeting with Major Alfredo Alves Reinado at the time.
"I am still having a meeting, but I just want to say that it is merely a rumor. President Xanana never had any meeting with Major Alfredo Alves Reinado at the time," Agio told Timor Post through a media officer of the Office of President at the Palace of Ashes, Caicoli, Dili yesterday.
He added that Major Alfredo and President Xanana Gusmao never had a meeting in December [last year]. Major Alfredo Reinado, [he said], only had the meeting with Commander of F-FDTL, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak at the HQ of F-FDTL in Tasitolu, Dili at the time.
Swearing-in of members of commission
Members of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) were sworn-in yesterday in a ceremony held at the National Parliament. Dr. Faustino Cardoso Gomes, who was elected as the President of the Commission, told the media that the team is composed of people with elevated capacity that can carry the work effectively. One of the topics the commission would discuss, is its own budget, said Gomes. Addressing the ceremony, Speaker of the House, Francisco Guterres "Lu-Olo" reminded members of the commission that the role of the NEC is to also assure equal treatment of the citizens in the census and electoral process as well as equal opportunities and the freedom for the candidates to campaign during the elections. A total of 27 people, 15 effectives and 12 substitutes are part of NEC. Bishop Basilio do Nascimento said the swearing-in of the NEC members is a positive step towards the democracy process in Timor-Leste. (DN, TP)
KOTA doubts Fretilin's win
The Statement of Fretilin's Secretary General, Mari Alkatiri affirming that his party will win the 2007 elections with absolute majority has been rejected by opposition parties like PSD, KOTA and UDT. Clementino do Amaral of KOTA said he doubts Fretilin will win with the majority of the voting, noting that politically, members of the parties can make such statement provided that they do not distribute guns to destroy their own people. Amaral further said the Timorese people have woken up and are aware of the developments of the government in the country in the past five years. (DN)
MPs rejects CVA recommendations
The recommendation of Comissao Verdade e Acolhimento, (CVA) for amnesty to the authors of human rights violations in Timor-Leste has been rejected by MPs Cipriana Pereira (Fretilin) and Maria Paixao (PSD). Both are of the opinion that the sufferings of the victims should be considered and that the authors must face justice. Pereira stated that the last decision would be from the Parliament following consultation with the Timorese people on the recommendation. Paixao said the justice process is the solution to identify who had been right or wrong. (DN)
Court proceedings
The presence of armed F-FDTL members in the court can be interpreted that militarism is on the rise, said MP Clementino Amaral of KOTA. He said solidarity shown to the three members of F-FDTL on their preliminary court hearings by their colleagues in uniforms and armed, would give a bad image to the country, hence appealed to Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak and other officials of the Defence Force not to allow the same attitude to be repeated.
Fr. Martinho Gusmao said the presence of armed members of the Timorese Defence Forces in the court has violated the public services ethics. Jose Luis Oliveira, Director of Hak Association is of the opinion that the presence of some members of F-FDTL in the court last Friday in uniform and armed, gives a negative impact to the country.
Three members of F-FDTL who had been on preventive detention requested the Deputy Minister of Justice, Isabel Ferreira to speed up their case and not to delay it like the case of Oan Kiak and Abilio Mausoko, following a visiting meeting with them.
The three have expressed that their detention would serve as an example to better the justice system in the country and want to seek the truth. Following the meeting with the three military members, Isabel Ferreira informed them that Brigadier General Ruak have asked two layers, Sanches and Jose Guterres to take overt and focus on their case since lawyer Paulo Remedios has a very tight agenda.
Timor Post reported that the court would call all the people whose name has been mentioned during the trial in relation to allegations of distribution of guns. Paulo Martins and police agent Pascoal Ximenes are some of the people scheduled to appear in court. (TP, DN, STL)
Alfredo scheduled to meet Horta
Major Reinado Alfredo told Timor Post that he was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Ramos-Horta on Tuesday as a continuation to previous meeting to try and resolve the current crisis. He did not reveal the agenda of the meeting, saying he was still waiting confirmation from the Prime Minister's office. Questions have also been raised on the bazooka in Alfredo's possession. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, 14/1, the Australian Defence Force has lost a similar type of weapon from its security centre and there are doubts it might have falling into the hands of the terrorists. (TP)
Majority of IDP's are from the east
Based on the data from the Public Works Ministry, the majority of a total of 3000 IDPs who have decided to return to the districts, are from the eastern part of the territory, said Deputy Minister of Public Works, Raul Mousaco. He said those who have returned included public servants who hold jobs in the capital, adding the reason for their return is due to the security situation. He said the government is working to strengthen security in the neighborhoods.
Meanwhile Bishop Basilio asked why there continues to be the lack of capacity to maintain law and order in Dili, despite the increasing number of international forces and PNTL officers. Basilio said that in the districts it has been peaceful but in Dili only four or five neighborhoods has kept the capital awake. He added that many people have questioned that if there are so many numbers of police including PNTL why can't they contain the situation in Dili. (TP)
F-FDTL and PNTL officers sent to Bekora prison
Eleven members of the F-FDTL and one member from PNTL have appeared in the Dili District Court in relation to the massacre on the 25 May 2006. Following the hearing three members of the F-FDTL and one member of the PNTL were detained temporarily at the Bekora prison for 15 days. Another eight members must report once a week to the F-FDTL HQ. Col. Lere Anan Timor said that F- FDTL as national institution is willing to cooperate with justice and the F-FDTL will respect any decision of court. (STLand TP, 15 January 2007, p1)
Carrascalao launches book "Timor before the Future"
President of PSD, Mario Carrascalao has launched a book titled "Timor before the Future" at the Memorial Hall on the weekend. Mr. Carrascalao, a journalist said that he wrote about the history of Timor Leste during the Portuguese colonialisation and the Indonesia occupation. The launch was attended by President Xanana Gusmao, President of PD, ASDT and others political parties leaders. (STL, 15 January 2007, p1)
FNJP will not organize demonstration in a short time
Secretary General of National Front for Justice and Peace (FNJP), Vital dos Santos said that FNJP will not organize demonstrations in the near future. He said FNJP has just transformed into a new organization named "Movement for National Unity Justice and Peace (MUNJP)". MUNJP is now preparing members to fill the structure of the new movement. (STL, 13 January 2007, p1)
Not XG who create crises
President of PPT, Jacob Xavier said it is not President Xanana Gusmao and the former Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri or other leaders in Timor Leste who created the crisis. He said it was created by people from foreign countries with the intention to destabalise Timor Leste into a failed state and exploit its natural resources. Meanwhile MP Juliao Mausiri from the PD bench stated the opposite by saying that the crises happened because of a lack capacity of Government. (STL, 13 January 2007, p1)
CTF will invite Habibie, Wiranto, Xanana and Bishop Belo
CTF chief from Indonesia, Benjamin Mangkoedilaga said that the CTF will invite 70 people in relation to human rights violation during the popular consultation in 1999. Amongst the people that CTF will invite in early February are the former President of Indonesia, Habbibie, the President of Timor Leste, Xanana Gusmao, Bishop Belo and General Wiranto. (STL, 15 January 2007, p1)
PMD candidate Alfredo Reinado to be President of
President PMD, Hermengildo Cupa said that PMD is ready to candidate Major Alfredo Reinado for President of the Republic. He said that during the crisis Major Reinado managed to ensure that the people of Loromonu or Lorosae were not divided. Mr. Cupa said that Alfredo is right person to be next President of Republic. Republic ( JN Diario, 15 Janeiro 2007, p12)
Gusmao and Ramos Horta discuss the elections
Speaking to the journalists, the chief of the presidential cabinet, Agio Pereira reportedly informed that both President Gusmao and Prime Minister Ramos-Horta discussed the government's policy and the situation of Timor-Leste towards both presidential and parliamentary elections. The PR Gusmao informed that he had summoned the Director of STAE to discuss the preparation of the elections and meet with some of the political parties to discuss the same matter. Similarly, the PM Horta shared the information on the plan of Timor-Leste to be the member of ASEAN, which the government of Timor-Leste would sign soon. Hence, as part of this plan, PM Horta and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Luis Guterres reportedly would attend the ASEAN summit in the Philippines next week. (DN, TP, and STL).
Lobato case is considered to be a crime
Speaking to journalists about Rogerio's trial, Pr. Martinho Gusmao, the Director of the Commission of Justice and Peace in the Baucau Diocese said that the case of Mr. Lobato was considered a crime against human rights and against humanity. Pe. Gusmao said the judiciary system in Timor Leste did not work well and Lobato's case would be the benchmark for justice in the countrym adding that putting Mr. Lobato in jail would be a miracle. He emphasized that justice should be implemented not only for common people but also for the leaders. Furthermore, if Mr. Lobato was sentenced, it meant justice was in place already. So, we should not extend our support for someone like Rogerio Tiago Lobato, he said and adding that Fretilin supporters who came to support Mr. Lobato should not defend any perpetrator like Lobato. (TP)
Implementation of Military Compulsory Law is too early: Gusmao
Pe. Marinho Gusmao, Director of Commission of Peace and Justice of the Baucau Diocese said that compulsory military service would regulate the individual or groups that want to violate the law and order in this country. However, Pe. Gumao proposed that such a law was not yet sustainable and requested the Parliament to delay the aforementioned law. In addition, Julio Tomas Pinto, an East Timorese military and political analyst also reportedly suggested to the Parliament to take a consensus on the law of military service, military disciplinary, and Law of Defense Policy instead of discussing the Military Compulsory Law. (STL, DN, and TP)
Gusmao held a high level meeting to discuss UNMIT mandate
President of Republic Xanana Gusmao held a high level meeting with the Prime Minister Ramos Horta, President of National Parliament, Francisco Guterres Lu'Olo, and SRSG Atul Khare and some members of UNMIT on 10 January at the Palacio das Cinzas, Kaikoli, Dili. The meeting was aimed at overseeing the implementation of the UNMIT's mandate in Timor-Leste. The mandate discussed covered several sectors including law and order, justice, security, and elections. This was the first high level meeting since the establishment of UNMIT and it was agreed to be held every week in the future. (STL)
Gusmao summoned the director of STAE
The President of Republic Xanana Gusmao summoned the Director of STAE Tomas do Rosario Cabral and his member to discuss the preparation of the forthcoming elections. The issues discussed were the voters' requirements, techniques of implementation of the elections, and the roles of three main players: STAE, CNE and the Court of Appeal that would process the presidential election. In addition, questioned on the calendar of the elections, Cabral said there was not any discussion on that issue but added that such a meeting with the PR Gusmao will be regularly held to discuss any further electoral preparatory activities. (TP)
Nelson Desiparu dos Santos becomes new ambassador to UN
Nelson Desiparu dos Santos has been sworn in and given a credential letter by the President Xanana Gusmao to be the new ambassador of Timor-Leste to the United Nations. Mr. dos Santos will be working in New York. He stated that his priority would explaning the forthcoming elections and obtaining continuous support from other countries for Timor-Leste. PR Xanana Gusmao also noted in his speech the importance of the ambassador's post and its responsibilities. Therefore, in response to the president's statement, Mr. dos Santos reportedly affirmed that in order to keep the confidence of the people of Timor-Leste, he would dedicate himself to the job. He promised to carry out the job responsibly and conscientiously in accordance with the Timor-Leste constitution.(STL, DN, & TP)
Ramos-Horta visits Baucau and Lospalos
The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos Horta has started the first few days of 2007 by paying a three day visit to the eastern districts. He spent one day in Baucau and met with Bishop Nacimento and local authorities, and another two days in Lospalos. In Lospalos, PM Ramos Horta who was accompanied by the Minister of Development, Arcanjo da Silva, and the Vice Minister of Interior, Agustinho Somoco. They visited Lagoa Ira Lalaro and in line with the government's plan, it will be used to generate the electrical power for the whole territory of Timor-Leste. The team also held a dialogue with the local authorities where some proposals to reconstruct the destroyed bridges and government buildings were raised to the government. In responds to those proposals, the PM Ramos-Horta promised to pass the information to the Minister of Publics Work and other institutions to follow up. (STL)
Government stops company that supplies foods for the BPU
In response to complaints from the members of Border Patrol Unit about inadequate meals the first Vice Prime Minister, Estanislao Aleixo da Silva reportedly said that from now on, the government would stop the company supplying he food. He said the Government through the Ministry of Interior would plan to directly pay the cash to the members of BPU enabling them to buy their own food. Mr. da Silva also said the office of the Prime Minister would work with the ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Public to provide sufficient facilities and improve the living conditions of the BPU and Immigration police members who work on the border. (STL)
"The people who will vote, not the group of mudanca": Lu'Olo
Speaking to the journalists, the President of the Fretilin party, Francisco Guterres Lu'Olo reportedly said that the Fretilin party will win the 2007 General Elections with a good outcome, that will later be recognized by both Timor-Leste and the international community. This statement was given in response to the statement of the leader of Fretilin Reformist Group [Mudanca] who said that Fretilin would not even get per cent of the vote in the forthcoming elections. Hence, Mr. Lo'Olo affirmed that whether or not the Fretilin would win, or got 1% vote, it totally depended on the people not on a group of people or an individual. The people would be the determinants of the coming elections he stressed. (DN)
Victim captured by Alfredo's members meet with parliament commission
It is reported that one of the chiefs of Aldeia from Ermera district who was captured by the members of Major Alfredo on Monday, 8 January 2007 was accompanied by 6 witnesses, including his two brothers whom had met with Commission A of the National Parliament. The group was welcomed by the President of the Commission A, Vicente Faria, Alexandre Corte-Real, President of Sub-Commission, Jacob Fernandes, Vice President of National Parliament, and other members of Commission A. The Victims and witnesses explained the chronological event to the NP as saying six members of Major Alfredo forcedly brought the victim from the vicinity of his home to Aifu where Major Alfredo lived. Upon the victim's arrival, he was interrogated by Major Alfredo on the reasons why victims organized the demonstration against his [Alfredo's] presence. But, the victim said he did not organize it. Then, he informed the NP members that there were no violent acts during the interrogation which took one hour. Then, the victim was peacefully brought back to his home. In response to this complaint the NP members reportedly said that they would inform PM Ramos Horta who is also as the Minister of Defense to follow it up, and suggested to the victim to also inform the complaint to the Ombudsman [Provedor] of Human Right and Justice. (DN)
The Former Minister of Interior Lobato on trial
The first trial of former Minister of Interior of Timor-Leste Rogerio Tiago Lobato took place on Tuesday with tight security around the court building. Mr. Lobato faces several charges, including arming civilians with high-powered weapons to a group of 31 persons under the command of a man named Railos. Despite the heavy charges against Mr. Lobato there were hundreds of his supporters who rallied in front of Dili Court of Appeal waving Fretilin's flag and shouting "long live Rogerio Lobato" and "long live Fretilin". The trial went well and will continue today. UNPOL and some members of PNTL provided security throughout the trial process.
Parliament discuss the report of the Eventual Commission
The Speaker of the National Parliament Mr. Francisco Lu'Olo said yesterday that the discussion of the reports of the Eventual Commission has started and will continue until the members of Parliament issue a resolution to bring forward the recommendation of the UN Commission of Inquiry for further judicial process. Mr. Lu'Olo added that the members of Parliament will differentiate the political and justice issues so that each one will be addressed accordingly.
IDPs lamented on the works of Minister of Labors and Community Reinsertion
Yesterday there were a numbers of IDPs who went to the office of Minister of Labor and Community Reinsertion to ask for assistance but the people in the office did not react well. The IDPs complained because they felt that they were ignored or neglected by the people who were working in the office. On the same day, the Minister of Labor and Community Reinsertion clarified the issue by saying that they do their best to answer to the demands of the IDPs. Mr. Bano added the officials of his Ministry deserved respect because they have been working tirelessly attending to the need of IDPs. They work beyond obligation, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Visit Atauro Island
The first Vice Prime Minister Estanislao da Silva and Jose Teixeira the Minister of Natural Resources, Mineral and Energy Policy visited Atauro Island recently to see the development and condition of the people living there. During the meeting that lasted several hours the people of Autauro presented their concersn to the Vice Prime Minister and Mr. Teixeira. One of the cheffee sukus of Atauro indicated several basic requirements are needed such as water and sanitation, roads, electricity, radio, TV, and other means for communication. They also expressed concern that these concerns have been brought to the attention of the government from the first constitutional government but no action has been taken. In answering to that the Vice Prime Minister Estanislao has reiterated the commitment of the second constitutional government to address the problem of the country including Sub-District Atauro.
All people of Ermera are in favor of Alfredo: Isac and Amaral
A member of the National Parliament (NP), Leandro Isac rejected claims reported in the Diario Nacional on 8 January this year that more than 2,000 people held a demonstration against the presence of Major Alfredo in Ermera. Mr. Isac said the number of people who gathered in Ermera was less than 10 people. He said they were drunk and held a red banner which stated: 'we, the people of Ermera reject the presence of Major Alfredo'. He also confirmed that when the demonstration was going on, he was there to witness it. On the same matter, the president of ASDT, Francisco Xavier do Amaral also reportedly rejected the number adding that reports from the informant did not serve the interest of the country. He said "I am not in favor of the youth who give false and unreliable information'. (DN)
NP still continually gives the importance on the report of CAVR: Lu'Olo
In response to the information from Indonesia that the National Parliament (NP) of Timor-Leste did not give any importance to the report of Commission of Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), the President of the NP, Francisco Guterres Lu'Olo said that NP continually gives importance to the report of CAVR. He said the PN has already received promulgated and publicized the report. He said 'we did give it importance, but we have to reach an agreement among the state sovereign bodies on the mechanism of the report publication. Then, we have to find a legal base to regulate the processeses' he explained. He said the report will be given priority in the coming weeks. (DN)
PR Candidature, Ruak does not deserve to be the next one: Pinto
In relation to the declaration of PM Ramos-Horta to candidate the F-FDTL commander, Taur Matan Ruak to be the next President of Republic, Julio Tomas Pinto, a Political and Military analyst said the commander does not deserve to be the next PR until he has solved the internal conflict within the F-FDTL. He said that the root of the ongoing crisis in East Timor crisis stems from the F-FDTL. He then added that every East Timorese had a right to candidate him/herself, or to be candidate, however, he or she should at least have a mission and vision for this country, and possess an ability to put the interest of people above everything else. (TP)
State should maintains the calm to guarantee elections: ETCRN
In regard to the preparation of the forthcoming elections, the East Timor Crisis Reflection Network (ETCRN) has requested the organs of State of Sovereignty to maintain law and order to guarantee the 2007 General Elections. The representatives of this organization also urged the sovereign bodies and other competent institutions to continually process the perpetrators or criminal actors of the crisis, and also urged the National Parliament to speed up the process of following-up on the COI report, release the report of the High Commission on the petitioners' case, and also urged to the government to fairly and wisely sort out the problem of IDPs. (TP)
MUNJ would like to cancel the 2007 general Elections
The President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres Lu'Olo has reacted to a statement by the Justice and National Unity Movement stating that failure to resolve the crisis before March will force the group to boycott the coming elections. Francisco Guterres Lu'Olu said 'it is better for us not to threaten each other with the plan to boycott both parliamentary and presidential elections'. In response to questioning on possible security threatsMr. Lu'Olo said that the pre election- security is under the control of UNPol. He affirmed that everyone would respect the rules and the constitution so there is no reason for any group to impede the coming elections adding it's important for Timor-Leste to move forward. He called upon every East Timorese to stop listening to rumors, and to come together to do what was ordered by the law and state. (DN)
'Crises provides an examination of the organs of sovereignty': Gusmao
In his speech delivered at the joint Christmas Celebration on 6 January 2007, President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmao stated that East Timor's crises last year could become a lesson learned. He said it could assist in teaching leaders how improve their efforts in understanding the interest of people and by examining the country's sovereign bodies. He added that the people themselves would question leaders who do not carry out their duty and put their trust in the leaders who would free the people from poverty. Hence, he hoped with the arrival of 2007, all East Timorese could overcome the difficulties caused during the conflict. He then thanked and praised the government for its effort to bring all East Timorese together in sorting out the crisis. At the same occasion, he called upon all the martial arts groups to stop fighting and stop causing destruction. He finally hoped that with the celebration, it would create a good atmosphere to speak to each other in a face-to-face manner. (DN)
East Timorese should not lose hope after the crisis: Horta
At the same joint Christmas Celebration, PM Ramos Horta delivered his speech where he requested all East Timorese to keep their hope for the future. He said, 'Every East Timorese should not lose their hope because of the conflict that happened last April.' He said that the crisis caused a lot of suffering, hardship and death but everyone should look forward. He said although Timor Leste faced such a problem, many countries were still prepared to help us. These countries were represented by UNMIT in Timor-Leste and he expressed special thanks to the SRSG for such efforts in helping Timor-Leste to move forward. He then added that in a short time, Timor-Leste Government will sign a Peace Treaty and Corporation with ASEAN. He said its significant for Timor-Leste because as it indicated political, diplomatic and economic integration into Southeast Asia, and at the same time will enable the company to maintain a good relationship with other neighbors including Australia and New Zealand.
Fretilin is ready to win in the 2007 elections: Reis
Speaking to journalists, the Vice Secretary General of Fretilin party, Jose Reis reportedly said that the Fretilin party was ready to win in the 2007 General Election. This statement was given in response to the comment of a leader of Reformist Group (Mudanca) that saying Fretilin will not gain even 1% in the forthcoming elections if Fretilin was still dominated and led by Maputo Group. The leader of the Mudanca group affirmed that their group will not cast any vote for the Fretilin party as they had already agreement to align with other political parties including UNDERTIM, ASDT, PSD, and PD to create peace and harmony in this country. However, questioned on the next leadership of the party, Maubosi said that they (the Maputo Group) were just a minority who were not well recognized in this country. But, in response to that, Mr. Reis reportedly stated that it was better for the Reformist Group to align with UNDERTIM so that people can trust them and they could feel strong; otherwise they floated, he stressed. However, when asked about the next presidential candidate, Maubosi reportedly mentioned four names including the name of actual president, Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister Ramos Horta, PSD President, Mario Viegas Carascalao, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Luis Geterres. However, Taur Matan Ruak was said to premature in his candidacy and it was suggested that he pursue the the elections in 2012. (DN)
Provedor interviews Rogerio Lobato
The Deputy Provedor for Human Rights and Justice, Silverio Pinto, yesterday visited former Minister of Interior, Rogerio Lobato at his residence to provide information regarding cases that happened on 28-29 April 2006. After the meeting, Mr. Pinot reportedly told journalists that the objective of his visit was to provide information regarding the incidents to Mr. Lobato. He also added that the reason why the Provedor did not call Mr. Lobato to his office is because it will take too much time since the Provedor must follow rules and procedures at the Prosecutor- General's Office. Meanwhile Lobato's lawyer Mr. Paulo Remedios said that his client was collaborating and responding to all questions that come from the Provedor. (STL, TP)
PSD will gain 18 parliamentarian seats
Vice President of PSD and MP, Joco Goncalves, reportedly told journalists that he predicted that PSD will gain 18 parliamentarian seats because PSD had distributed 130,000 cards to all militants of PSD. Mr. Goncalves added that he predicted this because there is still demand in the districts to produce more cards for militants. (STL)
FNJP will realize demonstration in a short time
On Saturday, FNJP, youths, academics and political parties met at SKB hall in Villa-Verde to gather opinions and ideas to accelerate the judicial process which is very slow and seems to be unjust for the people of Timor Leste. The results of the meeting was to prepare a new structure for preparing demonstrations that will take place on 5th of January and also change the name of FNJP to MUNJ with the objective of counting all peoples of Timor Leste. (TP)
Our money has no value if we are not united: Horta
Speaking to journalists, PM Ramos-Horta reportedly said that the revenue earned from investment in the petroleum sector has increased significantly compared with previous years. This year Timor-Leste will gain almost US$100 million every month. However, the Prime Minister added, "this money does not make any sense if we are not united. Both the First and Second Constitutional Governments completed some good jobs, although some have not been achieved as yet. However, we believe that with the assistance and cooperation from all East Timorese people, we can finish the uncompleted jobs", stressed Horta. (DN)
Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion annual report
Speaking to journalists, the Minister of Labour and Community Reinsertion, Arsenio Paixco Bano reportedly said that many tasks have not been completed in his ministry because a lot of time has been devoted to helping the victims of the ongoing crisis. He added that four main areas were prioritised in 2006 including Professional and Capacity Building, employment, Social and Veterans issues. But on top of that, the ministry also focused on provision of humanitarian assistance to IDPs in the country. In the area of employment for example, the ministry planned to employ more people both inside and outside the country, but because of the crisis, they had to put this programme off. However, many tasks were reported to be successfully completed by the ministry. This includes providing scholarships for 2,900 primary and secondary students, providing employment through the US$2 Employment Programme (Cash for Work programme) for more than 10,000 people, establishing youth centres, and creating more employment opportunities for the youth in the future. Mr. Bano emphasised that with 104 permanent and 150 temporary staff only, the ministry will try its best to continue serving the IDPs and to provide humanitarian assistance for the country in the future. On the other hand, capacity building was still very important for all staff of the ministry, stressed Mr. Bano.
Expectation for development
Speaking to journalists after chairing the New Year Mass at the Cathedral on 1 January, Bishop of the Dili Dioceses, Mgr. Arlberto Ricardo da Silva reportedly delivered his message to the people saying this New Year would bring hope for development and added that sometimes good plans could be damaged by other unexpected things. "This could be learned from the experience of last year where we had good plans, but we could not realise them due to various reasons including the ongoing crisis. But with the arrival of 2007, we pray to God to help our leaders, authorities, and all East Timorese people to extend our hands to each other and show our good will, courage and bravery to create a good atmosphere for the future development of Timor-Leste", he said.
Horta will candidate TMR to be the next President
Speaking to journalists after attending a Christmas party at the Ministry of Education, PM Ramos-Horta reportedly said that he would support the candidature of the commander of F-FDTL, Brigadier Taur Matan Ruak (TMR), to be the next President if the current President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmco, refuses to run for re-election in 2007. Questioning the reasons for the candidacy of TMR, PM Ramos Horta said that TMR was the proper leader to be in the president!/s post. He said !0TMR has good leadership from the 24 years during the resistance period, and also since 1999, until we faced the East Timor ongoing crisis. TMR has shown a lot of courage during these three periods. Nobody has such courage as he does, stressed PM Ramos Horta. However, questioning on whether or not PM Ramos Horta would declare himself as a candidate, he said that he would not even though the people want him. (DN, TP, STL)
Elections will be held before end of the NP mandate
President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres Lu Olo, was quoted recently in Diario Nacional as saying that the 2007 General Elections will be held before the end of the mandate of the National Parliament – 20 May 2007. He added that some political parties tried to hold the NP regiment [which said the mandate of NP ends on 15 September] to interpret the constitution which obviously stated that 20 May 2007 is the end of the NP mandate. (DN)
Police Members who are now with Fugitive Major Alfredo Reinaldo have not given any response to return to PNTL HQ
Speaking to journalists after visiting the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) HQ in Fatu-hada, the Vice Minister of Interior, Agustinho "Somoco!" Sequeira reportedly said that he had issued a called-letter for the second time to the members of PNTL who are now still with the fugitive Major Alfredo, but, as yet, there has been no response. The letter was sent twice to request those police members to present themselves to the Ministry of Interior and follow up on the process to re-activate.