From UNMISET

LOCAL MEDIA MONITORING

August 12, 2003

STL

UDT'S PRESIDENT READY TO RESPONDE IN THE COURT

The President of the Timorese Democratic Union Party (UDT), Mr Joao Viegas Carrascalao, yesterday held a press conference to explain his party's views regarding the current political situation and the coup d'etat that happened in 1975. He said: "I ask Timor-Leste's political leaders to settle their conflicts through dialogue, instead of criticizing each other. It is the time to focus on people's problems and suffering". Mr Joao recalled the 1975 coup d'etat incident and said: "no more coup d'etat like what had happened on August 11, 1975 in Timor-Leste". Mr Joao said that when the coup happened, it was not the UDT that asked for integration with Indonesia, but the Portuguese. "This is the reason when some people saying that UDT undertook the coup d'etat. UDT is ready to respond in the court" said Mr Joao.

JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS: "I WILL CONSIDER THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE BEFORE THE EVICTION"

The Minister for Justice, Mr Domingos Sarmento, yesterday told reporters that Government plans to evict people from Government premises will be suspended due to unfavorable economic and social conditions of the people. "The eviction of the community from Government properties will be examined case by case. I will consider the social and economic situation of the people who uses Government properties before a final decision is taken" said Mr Sarmento.

PRIME MINISTER SAYS:"SOME PEOPLE WILL NOT LIKE GOVT POLICY"

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri yesterday officially opened the Timor-Leste's Maubere Youth Organization (OJUMATIL) national congress in Akadiruhun Dili. The Prime Minister said in his open remarks that some people would not like the Government's policy in upholding the law. "I accepted this responsibility not to make friends. I have to be responsible for those who died in the struggle for the liberation of this country. I would not accept this task just to make friends" said Mr Alkatiri.

PNTL TAKES PART IN THE F-FDTL 28TH ANNIVERSARY

The Commander of the National Police(PNTL), Mr Paulo de Fatima Martins, yesterday said that during the commemoration of the Falintil 28th anniversary on August 20, 2003 in Waimori-Viqueque, the District Police of Baucau, Viqueque and Manatuto will be responsible for the security. "PNTL will not lose the opportunity, we will take part in Waimori. Beside that a joint team of F-FDTL and PNTL will trace the graves of those died during the struggle" said Mr Martins.

TIMOR POST

JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS PRIME MINISTER NATIONALITY IS CLEAR

The Minister of Justice, Mr Domingos Sarmento, yesterday told reporters that Opposition Parties questions about the nationality status of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, the Defense Secretary, Mr Roque Rodrigues and State Minister Mrs Ana Pessoa, were baseless. Mr Sarmento said that their (Prime Minister and the other two ministers) nationalities are clear. Mr Sarmento made these comments in response to reporters' question about Government discrimination concerning those with wives or husbands with Indonesian nationalities. The journalist had said they had heard that they have to pay immigration monthly tax, while some Government officials with the same situation were exempted from the regulation. Mr Sarmento said that he will examine the case. He said that his office is preparing a draft regulation on international marriage.

NP VICE SPEAKER ASKS GOVT TO LOWER PRE-PAID ELECTRICITY PRICE

The Vice Speaker of the National Parliament, Mr Jacob Fernandes, yesterday said that the National Parliament will recommend that the Government lowers the price of the pre-paid electricity. He said that this recommendation is based on the protest by consumers. Mr Fernandes said that the community needs to support Government's decision to implement the pre-paid meters otherwise the Government will not have financial resources to cover the cost.

UDT PRESIDENT SAYS: "UDT NEVER UNDERTAKES COUP D'ETAT"

The President of the Timorese Democratic Union Party (UDT), Mr Joao Viegas Carrascalao, yesterday said that UDT did not hold a coup d'etat in 1975. However he said UDT held a anti-communist demonstration against communist doctrine. The President of UDT held the press conference to respond to rumors that the UDT is preparing a coup d'etat to bring down the ruling party.

ETSG SEMINAR ON PRIVATE SECTOR AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT

The Executive Director of the East Timor Study Group, Dr Joao Mariano Saldanha, yesterday spoke at a seminar held by ETSG. He said that Timor-Leste should learn from Ireland's experiences in developing its economy. Mr Saldanha described how the Irish Government together with the private sector and national Non Governmental Organizations had developed the private sector and foreign investment. The article said that this seminar was supported by the Office of the President.

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