Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring Nov 20, 2003

Antara

Belu Police waiting for UNHCR decision on East Timorese asylum seekers Atambua - Belu district police are waiting for a decision from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the fate of 26 East Timorese refugees seeking political asylum in Belu district, East Nusa Tenggara province. "We are still waiting for a UNHCR decision which was reported to be made today (Nov 19)," Belu District Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Agus Nugroho SH, said here on Wednesday. According to him, UNHCR staff had interviewed the 26 asylum seekers and had also brought the results of their interview to East Timorese government following their confession on intimidation which eventually make them flee their home village in East Timor to Atambua in Indonesia.

SEMEN Kupang benefits from bilateral coop with East Timor

Kupang - State-run cement producer PT. Semen Kupang is now benefiting from the border crossing trade cooperation between Indonesia and East Timor by boosting its cement exports to the neighbouring country. The company`s president Abdul Madjib Nampira on the sidelines of a socialization of the bilateral agreement in Kupang on Wednesday said the trade agreement between the two countries was established at a time when the cement producing company built a cooperation with its East Timorese counterpart. "We will use this opportunity to boost cement exports to East Timor," Nampira said.

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 school.

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office

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