Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring Nov 25, 2003

Timor Post

Church important for society After a two hour meeting with the President, Xanana Gusmao, the Bishop of Diocese of Baucau and Dili, D Basilio do Nascimento, said that the church's role in Timor-Leste is an important one within the society. He added that the church has set its own priorities and does not see the need to help the Government. The Bishop said that is not the role of the church to tell the government what to do.

Timorese not a priority for Australia

A member of the National Parliament, Antonio Ximenes, said that the Government of Australia cannot treat the Timorese has their puppets and continue delaying the Timor Gap treaty. He added that it shows that Australia does not see the oil and gas agreement as priority. Mr Ximenes also said that the 32 Timorese trained at Bayu Undang platform was send back when their training concluded.

Special Panel sentenced Carlos to 4 ½ years for murder

The Special Panels for the Serious Crimes found, Carlos Soares guilty of murder for stabbing Graciano Mau Mario in the back with a spear in the District of Ermera September, 1999. The Special Panel of Judges sentenced Carlos Soares to 4 ½ years imprisonment. Since 2000, the Serious Crimes Unit has indicted a total of 367 persons with 280 of those accused presently outside the jurisdiction of Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste has new Micro Finance Institution

During the opening ceremony of the inauguration of the Micro Finance Institute General Manager, Sergio Maria Espirito Santo, said that Timor-Leste will benefit from the commercial banks here in Timor-Leste that will help create an impact on the economy. Mr Santo said that he's very pleased with the support received from the Asia Development Bank (ADB), the Australian and Portuguese Missions in setting up the institution.

Consumers disappointed with Timor Telecom

A member of the Veterans Association from the Department of Labor and Solidarity, Veronica das Dores, said that Timor Telecom has been operating for a while in Timor-Leste but it is more expensive than what the Australian phone company Telstra used to charge. Ms Dores said that she's not happy with the service provided by Timor Telecom (TT) because of constant breakdowns.

President sends greetings to Muslims

On this special occasion of Eid ul-Fitr for the Muslim community, the President of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, said that the whole Timor-Leste community should rejoice and with peace and harmony. Mr Gusmao said that the Muslim community in Timor-Leste and our closest neighbour, the Government of Indonesia, and the rest of the world should rejoice peacefully.

Press Release from the Office of the President

New Canadian Ambassador to present credentials Tomorrow at 9am, H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will receive the letter of credentials from the new Ambassador of Canada to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Randolph Mank, who replaces the previous Canadian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Ferry de Kerckhove. Ambassador Mank, who is fluent in Japanese, obtained a PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and entered the Foreign Service in 1981. In his twenty-two year long career, Ambassador Mank served in several positions, including that of First Secretary and Consul at the Canadian Embassies and Consulates in Athens, Jakarta, Yokohama, Stockholm and Tokyo. His most recent appointment is that of Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, where he currently resides. As of tomorrow, his accreditation will include Timor-Leste. Canada has been a consistent donor to Timor-Leste since 1999, committing to date around USD 12,908,038 to assist various sectors, including civil society, health and justice. The Canadian Government, working through its aid agency CIDA, has also focused assistance in key areas of rural development, peace and reconciliation, civic education, development of local media and other capacity development projects. "I am delighted at the continued support to Timor-Leste demonstrated by the Canadian Government. I welcome Ambassador Mank's appointment to Timor-Leste, as I believe he will carry on the good work of his predecessor in fostering stronger ties between our two countries. With the continued goodwill and support of the Canadian government and people, I believe we will be able to overcome the many challenges we face a newly independent country", stated President Xanana Gusmão.

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office Ph: 723 3110 Tel: 332 4649 Email: ffilipe@worldbank.org Email: maubere07@yahoo.com.au

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