East Timor Press Review 21 October 2002

· Suara Timor Lorosae’s front page reported on the mass celebrated yesterday for victims of the Bali bombing. Speaking during the ceremony President Gusmão said “the Bali's tragedy could also happen in any part of the world.” " We are in solidarity with the people who died in Bali through this simple but symbolic ceremony”, added the President.

· The visit of a Commission for Reception Truth and Reconciliation’s (CRTR) team to Hatu Udo, Ainaro Sub-District were not welcomed by its residents because few members of the team are from Ainaro district and have been allegedly involved in the 1999 violence.

· Primer Minister Mari Alkatiri arrives in Lisbon today and is scheduled to officially meet with Portugal’s Prime Minister José Manuel Durão Barroso, and with other Portuguese government officials. Mr. Alkatiri will hold a conference press in the Prime Minister’s residence in São Bento. On 22/10, Mr. Alkatiri will meet with President Jorge Sampaio, reported STL.

· STL quoted Mario Viegas Carrascalão of Social Democratic Party, PSD as saying that Primer Minister Mari Alkatiri is not giving correct information regarding Portugal and Indonesia assets in Timor-Leste. Mr. Carrascalão said it is not correct that only Portuguese assets are considered to be legal.

· In a separate article, Mario Carrascalão emphasized that either his party or PD will win the next voting election.

· Speaking at women’s conference in Dili, the District Administrator Ruben Braz de Carvalho stressed that this type of conference is important to elevate gender in the Timorese society. Ruben Carvalho said that it is also important to organize the same conference in other districts.

· It is reported that Timor-Leste Police Service is still under both UNPol and the government supervision. The officers are still under the command of UN Police.

· Timor Post’s front page quoted President Xanana Gusmão as saying that it is important for East Timorese to engage in dialogue in order to avoid similar tragedy in Bali. The President said dialogue is important to solve problems.

· Minister of Internal Administration, Rogerio Tiago Lobato stated that the government of Timor-Leste has taken measures to anticipate the terrorism in the country. The Minister said he has requested Timor-Leste Police and UNPol to patrol the airport.

· In a separate article, Mr. Lobato said the police are not seeking money, but to secure the nation (Timor-Leste).

· Members of Parliament will start debating the economy of the country next week. It is reported that the bomb explosion in Bali will affect the economy of Timor-Leste.

· Two FDTL members destroyed window glasses of Friends of Timor Foundation (FAT) office last night, Timor Post quoted Director of the Foundation, Alexandrino Teme Pires as saying.