Subject: Timor-Leste Local Media Monitoring Various dates?

Power off in ManuFahe and Viqueque Districts

The Director of EDTL for the Districts and Sub-Districts of ManuFahe and Viqueque, Domingos Bonaparte Soares, said that these areas had no power because the generator had broken.Mr Soares said that he hoped to solve this problem soon when spare parts arrive.

National Parliament requests Commissioner's presence

A Member of the National Parliament, Elizario Ferreira, said that the National Parliament has to call National Police Commissioner, Paulo Martins, for clarification on the whereabouts of Fernando dos Santos and Manuel dos Santos. These are the two men who allegedly disappeared from Police custody in Becora. Mr Ferreira said that the Police Academy needs to teach ethics and morals to their officers.

ASDT wants PKF to stay in Timor-Leste

The President of Associacao Social Democrata Timorense (ASDT), Francisco Xavier do Amaral, said that the UN mandate in Timor-Leste will end in May next year but he would like to see PKF stay give the much needed support on security. Mr Amaral said that he has informed the President, Xanana Gusmao, about his party's request for PFK to continue its presence in Timor-Leste.

STL

Lack of job caused domestic violence in Covalima

The Vice-Police Inspector in the District of Covalima, Patricio de Jesus, said that the domestic violence increased in the District of Covalima. He said that most of the cases are caused by frustration over not having a job. He added that break-ins have doubled in recent months.

Health Department been criticized

The Director of the National Hospital, Antonio Caleres Junior, said that he appreciates very much the criticism received from the National Parliament and patients about the lack of ethics in nurses and doctors. Mr Caleres Junior said that he hopes that the staff will change their attitude towards the patients (The paper doesn't say what measures he'll be taking to correct their attitude).

UN failed in identify December 4 2002 riots suspects

The events of 4 December 2002 were unfortunately and tragic and had a significant impact on the perception about internal security in East Timorese as a Nation. At a news conference, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, said that UNMISET investigations could not identify those responsible for the fatal shooting of two crowd members and the wounding of a number of demonstrators. He added that as a result of the investigation made by UNPOL, 20 suspects were arrested, most of whom were identified on video and photographs taken by journalists. These suspects were arrested for burning and looting the Prime Minister's house. The UNMISET investigation team interviewed 144 UNPOL officers, 122 Rapid Reaction Unit (RRU) members of East Timor National Police officers, 78 Members of the Parliement, 50 eyewitness from ordinary people who were on the scene when the incident occurred, 4 UNPKF members, 13 victims. 30 police vehicles were forensically examined and 151 police weapons test fired for ballistic comparison. Video and photographic evidence was viewed and examined, and the investigation involved thousands of works hours by investigators and support staff.

Timor Post

Prosecutor General disappointed

The Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste, Longuinhos Monteiro, said that he's very disappointed with the results of the investigation into 4 December 2002. He added that the report presented by UNPOL was not clear and does not mention the culprits. Mr Longuinhos said that the report demonstrates the need for the National Police Force to build their skills in maintaining law and order. He said that he has sent the report back to UNPOL for further investigation.

Political corruption

A Researcher into Military and Political Affairs, Julio Thomas Pinto, said that corruption and nepotism exists within the Government of Timor-Leste. He said just about everybody who knows it, but the Government keeps denying it. Mr Pinto said that corruption not only exists in politics, but also in the economy.

Timorese should unite for stability

The President of the Social Democrat Party (PSD), Mario Carrasclao, said that the Timorese have to unite to create stability in Timor-Leste. He added that to make it happen, everybody should try to find harmony working together instead of approaching issues individually.

Caution needed before signing treaty

The President of the Social Democrat Party, Mario Carrascalao, said that the Timorese people need to be cautios before signing the Timor Sea treaty for the exploration of natural resources in Timor Sea. Mr Carrascalao said that he sees that the Timorese face great difficulties in maintaining the relationship between the Governments of Timor-Leste and Australia.

STL

Unhappy with damaged equipment - Horta

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Ramos Horta, said that his image has been affected by the sabotage to electronic equipment donated to TVTL by Portugal. He said that given he sought the donation, he feels a level of responsibility for the equipment. He added that the behavior of those responsible for the act are like the militias.

Muslims need to integrate

The President of the United Islamic Center of Timor-Leste (UNICET), M. Iqbal Menezes, said that the 265 Muslims who are living in Timor-Leste cannot continue to live isolated from the Timorese society. He added that the Muslim community has to integrate and be part of the Timorese society. Mr Menezes said that he and his followers are waiting for the Government to make a decision about where they would send the people who are currently living in the mosque in Marconi.

Victor to stay quiet says PM

The Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that it would be best for the former Director of Civil Servants and Public Employment (CISPE), Victor da Costa, to keep quiet instead of making lots of noise through the media about his dismissal. He added that its best for Victor to find a new job before he (the PM) "spills out" the reason for his dismissal.

UNICEF rehabilitated Manutane Primary School The Coordinator for the Primary School in Manutane, Francisco Barros, said that the school has been rehabilitated by UNICEF. The first stage was financed by UNICEF and the second stage of rehabilitation will be done by the World Bank. Mr Barros said that the community is delighted with UNICEF support in facilitating training for teachers and books for the schoolSTL

UNDP conducts workshop in Atabae

The United Nations for Development Program (UNDP) has hosted a workshop in Atabae in conjunction with the Government of Timor-Leste entitled "Timor-Leste Ita Iha Nebe Ona ? Ohin Loron". The objective of the workshop is to inform the community about programs implemented by the Government of Timor-Leste as part of the National Development Plan.

No sign of corruption in Government - Mari

The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that there's no corruption in his Government. He added that there was a tendency towards corruption coming from outside influences but not from the Government. Dr Alkatiri said that the people cannot expect the Government alone to combat corruption in Timor-Leste, but all institutions.

50% don't like me - Alkatiri

The Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri, said that the he doesn't need exit polls to tell him that 50% of the population don't like him. He added that the 50% who dislike him feel this way because of certain measures he has taken to ensure better governance.

Need to work together

During the Open Government in the sub-district of Zumalai, the Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri, said that the President, Xanana Gusmao, has asked the Government to dismantled the CPD-RDTL group and not continue tolerating them.

Port Hera farewells Australian troops

193 Australian soldiers from AUSBATT VIII, based at Moleana and Maliana, will departure East Timor after a ceremony at Port Hera. The Commander of the Australian National Command Element East Timor, Colonel Wayne Fleming, presented medals in recognition of the departing soldiers' contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in East Timor.

Timor Post

School under a tree

A member of the community in Saburai, sub-district of Maliana, Lourenco Tavares, said that the school in Saburai needs urgent repairs to accommodate the 350 elementary school students. He said most of the children attend their class under a tree in the school yard. Mr Tavares said that the community has already informed the local Government about the condition of the school.

Government to fight corruption

During a Conference entitled "Transparency and Responsibility in Public Administration" the President of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, said that the Government of Timor-Leste has promised to fight corruption and nepotism. Mr Gusmao said that everyone should encourage and give their support to initiatives like thatSTL

Immunization campaign was a success

The Minister of Health, Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, said that the immunization campaign for children sponsored by UNICEF last month throughout 13 Districts reached 99%. 127, 453 children were vaccinated. Dr Araujo said that the population now understands the importance of having their children vaccinated. When in previous years the number of children vaccinated was very low.

RESPECT a project for Covalima

The Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that the RESPECT Project approved by the Government recently will create 289 new jobs such as repairing bridges and roads, and ensuring clean water systems for the people in the District of Covalima.

Dr Alkatiri said that the RESPECT project is ongoing with a rehabilitation of a school in Baucau. In Viqueque a bridge as being rehabilitated and in Maliana an irrigation system is being repaired.

Timor Post

Opinion poll justified - Horta

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Ramos Horta, said that it's a natural thing and a justified one when the population presents their views through opinion polls on attitudes and popularity of politicians. Dr Horta said that the IRI opinion poll shows that Fretilin still has the majority, and the Opposition are still weak.

New Bishop for Timor-Leste

The Bishop of the Diocese of Baucau and Dili, D Basilio do Nascimento, said that out of the 7 priests nominated for the post of Bishop for the Diocese of Dili, only 3 names made the shortlist. He said that the Vatican will make an announcement within a month.

65% of electricity consumers are not paying

The Secretary of State for EDTL (Electricity Authority), Igidio de Jesus, said that his department has adopted new measures to generate payment from 65% of the consumers who are not paying their electrical bills. Mr Jesus said that if consumers do not pay, the Authority will cut off their power.

Phone lines to 13 districts from November 28

A shareholder of Timor Telecom, Oscar Lima, said that the Government has requested Timor Telecom keep on schedule with their promise to provide services in the Districts of Baucau and Lospalos by 28 November. Mr Lima said he hoped TT would be providing services throughout all 13 districts soon.

Leandro will not be removed from Parliament

The President of the Parliament of Timor-Leste, Francisco Lu-Olo, said that the regiment adopted by Members of the Parliament states that members cannot be removed unless he or she decides to change sides to other political party.

An epidemic of malaria in Lautem The Director of the Hospital in the District of Lautem, Dr Julio Pereira, said that last month 575 patients received treatment at the Hospital all suffering from malaria and an infection caused by an allergy that makes it difficult for patients to breath. He added that daily, 6 to 7 patients are hospitalized with high fever.

Maubisse sub-district desperate for clean water The Administrator of the Sub-District of Maubisse, Jose Mendonca, said that the population in Koto Morok, sub-district of Maubisse are desperately waiting for the establishment of clean water system, sanitation and electricity for their communitiesTimor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring

Timor Post

Pneumonia kills 38% of kids A report released by the National Hospital of Timor-Leste shows that 38% of kids under the age of five who are hospitalised suffer from pneumonia. The report also shows that the cause of the high level of mortality in kids (16% ) is not from pneumonia alone but also the result of cerebral malaria and malnutrition.

No plans for F-FDTL to work with Special Police Force The Brigadier General of F-FDTL, Taur Matan Ruak, said that there are no immediate plans to work in close cooperation with the Special Police Force. He added that if a situation needs support, F-FDTL will give it upon their request.

Belo's popularity hasn't faded The exit poll conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) about well known figures and Timorese politicians shows that Bishop Belo leads the poll with 95% of the votes followed by D. Basilio do Nascimento and Xanana Gusmao with 94%.

STL

Leandro Isaac sidelined by PSD Zacarias da Costa, member of PSD, said that after the closing ceremony of the National Congress, the former Vice-President of PSD, Leandro Isaac, was sacked by the party for not complying with the party's guideline in the Parliament of Timor-Leste. Mr Costa said that Lucia Lobato was elected as the new vice-President replacing Leandro Isaac.

Special Police Force task is to fight criminality A Member of the Parliament of Timor-Leste, Francisco Branco, said that the task of the Special Police Force is to fight criminality and not to defend the Government. He added that as a Special Police Force, like those in any other country in the World, their role also is to prevent any act of terrorism in Timor-Leste.

Positive to have Central Bank The Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rui Manuel Castro, said that the decision taken for Timor-Leste to have its own Central Bank was a wise decision. He added that with the establishment of the Central Bank, Timor-Leste can have a better control of its budget.

Australian Forces embrace new currency Australian troops have embraced Timor-Leste's new currency as coins started circulating this week. Over the recent weeks, the Government of Timor-Leste have promoted the incorporation of the new centavos and Australian troops will be the first UN Peace Keepers to adopt the currency.

Peacekeeping might be extended in Timor-Leste The Defence Minister of Australia, Robert Hill, said to a Senate committee hearing that the May 20 date for the conclusion of the latest UN peacekeeping operation in Timor-Leste might be extended. Mr Hill said that there is an informal debate within the UN at the moment about what should follow the completion of the existing mandate. He added that the Timorese Government would like to see a continuation of security support in some form or other.

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office

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