Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring Dec 23, 2003

Timor Post

People sad with politicians insults During a special session in the National Parliament the President of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, said in his Christmas message that the population of Timor-Leste are sad to hear that politicians use democracy to insult each other. He added that this attitude has reached intolerance. Mr Gusmao said that politicians should not forget that as a Timorese they should respect each other according to the rules of the society.

Peace and stability in 2004 ? says PM The Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that his Government in 2004 will fully implement the national development program, and as set a top priority stability and peace for Timor-Leste.

America Was Not Involved in the Invasion of TL: Rees The United States of America Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Grover Joseph Rees said is country was not involved in the Indonesian invasion of Timor-Leste, on the contrary was quite sympathetic to the Timorese reported Timor Post on Saturday. Mr Rees also said that at the time he was a young man and was not aware of the situation but recalls that there was a lot of discussion in the US about Timor-Leste being led by a communist movement.

Parliamentarians visited National Hospital The President of the National Parliament, Lu Olo, said that the visit was a moral one and show that we care about them specially on this festive season. He added that was also an opportunity to distribute Christmas present to the sick.

Investors looking for stability in TL The Head of the National Economic Institute, Manuel C. C. Bukar, said that for the investors to come and create jobs in Timor-Leste thus helping with the development have to create the conditions and stability. He added that otherwise people will continue to suffer specially for those in the Districts.

If you drunk stay home ? says Lobato The Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, said that the best remedy for those who loves to get drunk during Christmas period to stay home and avoid creating unnecessary problems for himself and others. He added that the National Police will not tolerate any disturbances.

STL

26 Asylum Seekers Deported The Head of the Indonesian Police at West Timor Agus Nugroho said the deportation of the 26 Timorese asylum seekers from Kupang would take place on Monday. Nugroho said the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassan Wirajuda made the decision.

TL signed convention paper on corruption The Minister of Justice, Domingos Sarmento, said that he was one the signatories to fight corruption while representing the Government of Timor-Leste in the International Convention to Fight Corruption, held in Mexico. Mr Sarmento also said that his Ministry will work close with the General Prosecutor in preparing a draft law that will be submitted to the Council of Ministers.

Government has new tariff for transport The Vice-Minister for Transport, Telecommunication and Public Works, Cesar Moreira, said that has made an study about new tariffs that will soon be introduced in Timor-Leste throughout the 13 districts. He added that the new tariff will focus mainly on the transport section and will not have an impact on the current market prices on diesel and gasoline.

GTZ distributed food to orphans and widows The District Administrator of Viqueque, Francisco da Silva, said that the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) based in Baucau and Viqueque has distributed food for orphans and widows as a gesture of good willing in this festivity season. Mr da silva also said that many NGOs have donated and supported the population throughout the Districts but sometimes the donations don't reach the ones in desperate need.

UNMISET

Festive Season 2003 Message from SRSG Sharma In his festive season message to all UNMISET staff, issued Monday, SRSG Kamalesh Sharma said this is a time to reflect upon the past year and look to the future with a renewed sense of commitment and hope. "2003 has been a year of immense sadness for many of us and indeed for the entire UN family. During this festive season, our thoughts and prayers reach out to the loved ones of our friends and colleagues lost in the tragedy in Baghdad. Let us all reaffirm our commitment to and faith in the principles of peace, human rights and the dignity of all men, women and children of the world", adding that " 2003 has been a year of great achievement for all of us at UNMISET. We can all be rightly proud of the support, friendship and solidarity we have provided to the people and Government of Timor-Leste. In the remaining months of UNMISET's mandate, let us all continue to focus our efforts in assisting Timor-Leste build a future of hope and prosperity". Mr Sharma also said that "this is a time of great change for UNMISET as we head into the final stages of our mandate and say farewell to colleagues who are moving on to other endeavors. I thank the entire team of UNMISET for their support, energy and enthusiasm".

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2004!

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office Ph: 723 3110 Tel: 332 4649

Back to December menu
November
World Leaders Contact List
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu