Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring Jan 21, 2004

STL

Kirsty strong supporter of the resistance

During the book launch written by Kirsty Sword Gusmao entitled "A Woman of Independence" the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that the First Lady Kirsty Gusmao is a woman to be reckoned with because she supported the resistance and was a committed militant in the struggle for independence. He said that Kirsty today continues with her legacy by establishing the Alola Foundation to help reduce poverty and reduce suffering in this country. The First Lady said that when she found the time to write the book the first thing that crossed her mind was to share the experience that she gained while working with the clandestine movement. She also said everyone can see the changes that are taking place in Timor-Leste, especially the new freedom without any type of violence and intimidation.

Border control an important issue

A Member of the National Parliament, Armando da Silva, said that the Government of Timor-Leste has to give priority to the issue of border security due to the illegal smuggling and crossing. He said that when there is no tight control people just smuggle goods whenever they want.

Government is good with development - says Foley

The Australian Ambassador, Paul Foley, speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps in Timor-Leste said that the Government has made a great progress in 2003 but needs to implement the National Development Plan even better. He said that the Government achievements have been in the areas of most need. Mr Foley said that the most important achievements for Timor-Leste are in the areas of health, education and development for the country's future. Mr Foley also said that is very encouraging to see the registry and identification of the ex-combatants and veterans of Falintil that is taking place because they need to be recognized.

60% of electricity infrastructure destroyed in 99

During a national workshop about the climate change, international advisor, Ian Fry, said that electricity is the basic necessity for development and 60% of electricity infrastructure was completely destroyed during 1999. He added that from 2001 until now, 60 power stations have been built and people in the villages have access to electricity 13 hours a day 6 days a week. Mr Fry said that the Government is spending USD$ 70,000 a month just in diesel for the generators to supply electricity to Dili.

Members of UNPOL without any responsibility

The National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that some members of UNPOL are behaving irresponsibly and are creating problems. He added that in some instances when UNPOL are carrying out an investigation, never reach a conclusion and just leave it. Mr Martins said that many criticisms have been made against the National Police Force for violating human rights, but none about members of UNPOL who he says have also violated human rights. He said that he will be revealing more on UNPOL when time is right.

People upset with Government recruitment method

The head of the village in Babulo, Sub-District of Same, Domingos da Silva, said that people are unhappy about the method used by the Government to recruit people to work in Dili. He said that Government members are distributing application forms only to people who live in the districts and not in the Sub-districts. (The paper does not specify the type of jobs available)

Thousands of East Timorese get their own homes in West Timor

Thousands of former East Timorese refugees have been given homes of their own in Indonesia in West Timor after more than four years of living in decrepit refugees camps and other temporary accommodation. The 850 houses funded by the European Union have provided accommodation for 4,000 ? 5,000 of the former refugees, said Robert Ashe, regional representative of the UN High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR). Most of the refugees were linked to the former Indonesian regime that occupied East Timor, former militia, military, police, government officials and their followers. Those who have moved into the new houses get a space six-by-six metres (20 by 20 feet) divided into two rooms with a tin roof and glass windows. Ashe said more housing may be build but that was not only option. It was still possible, he said, for the East Timorese to move elsewhere in Indonesia or to return home.

Timor Post

PNTL "socializing" with population about law

The Head of the National Police for Communities, Joao Belo, said that the National Police Force have been engaged in a public information and consultation campaign with people in 10 different districts about the law for the past few months. He said that the National Police have not started "socializing" with people in the Districts of Ermera, Aileu and Dili.

New Clinic for Lospalos

During an inauguration ceremony in Mehara, Sub-District of Lautem, the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that the request for the clinic was made by the population during an Open Government and has now been delivered. He said now that the clinic is ready, people should use the facilities to seek treatment. Dr Alkatiri also said now is time for everyone to take care of their health and avoid sickness. On the same day the Prime Minister attended the inauguration ceremony for the opening of a health clinic at Wailili, District of Baucau. He said that his Government does not only make promises, but delivers them. He said the new clinic was part of the implementation of the National Development Plan. Dr Alkatiri said that to implement the National Development Plan, the Government had asked donors for financial support through TFET programs. TFET, he said, is administered by World Bank and enables projects like the health clinic to be implemented.

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

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