Timor-Leste International and Local Media monitoring Jan 22, 2004

Timor Post

Martins: Ten Candidates of SPU Pulled Out From Training

The National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that ten candidates of the Special Police Unit pulled out from the training due to its strenuous demand of discipline and professionalism. He added that a total of 121 candidates, now 111 are undergoing training in Suai.

Rees discussed TL situation with Xanana

Following a meeting between President Xanana Gusmao and the US Ambassador the President said that the United States Ambassador, Grover Rees, had clearly stated his views on the end of the UNMISET mission, and his concerns about the current situation in the country. Mr Rees said that the President Xanana always has goods ideas and the international community have to listen to him.

Foreign Minister Ramos Horta visits Lao PDR

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Ramos Horta, accompanying by Mr Marciano da Silva, Director of Multilateral Directorate, has left to Lao PDR to hold an official visit for five days. The objective of this visit is to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. Dr Horta will also seize the opportunity to seek the support of the Lao PDR on Timor-Leste's intention to obtain the observer status in ASEAN. During the five day visit, the two countries will discuss various issues regarding bilateral relations and at the end of the visit, the two ministers will sign and Agreement on Exemption of Diplomatic and Official Passports Visas between the Lao PDR and Timor-Leste.

1148 mental patients

The Director of the Health Department in Kaikoli, Dili, Feliciano Pinto, said that from 2000 until 2003, 1148 patients have sought treatment for depression. He added that the 1148 cases of depression were registered throughout all 13 districts. Mr Pinto said that it is difficult to give a proper care and attention to patients with mental depression because there is no special care hospital.

Political maturity needed to maintain stability

The former District Administrator of Baucau, Marito Reis, said that political maturity is needed from all the politicians in Timor-Leste for the country to have stability. He said that instead of just sitting in the Parliament, where all the political parties have representatives, why do these parliamentarians not go to the districts and do public information and consultation campaigns with people about the future of Timor-Leste.

STL

Government will not fall when UNMISET ends its mission says PM

During the Open Government in Bazartete the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that the Government of Timor-Leste will not fall when the UNMISET mission ends in May. He said that contrary to what people may think, his party will still be governing. Dr Alkatiri told the people in Bazartete not to believe rumours about the Government falling or being overthrown.

Same without power for 8 months

The Head of the Babulo Village in the Sub-District of Manufahe, Domingos da Silva, said that the power station in Manufahe has not been able to supply electricity for the last eight months. He said that people are not happy with the power situation and say it was better during Indonesian times. Confronted with the issue, the District Administrator of Manufahe, Filomeno Tilman, said that the reason for not having electricity for the last eight months was because the generator is broken and needs repair. He said that he has met the State Secretary and informed him about the situation. A new generator has been promised and until now they are waiting.

Illegal group threatened people in Bazartete

During the Open Government in Bazartete the habitants reported to the Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, that an illegal group called "Foho Leten" (Top of the Mountain) have threatened the population and sought donations to support their army in the mountains. In replay the Minister Lobato, said that six people have been arrested from this group and one of them had in his possession a letter from a militia member. The Minister said that the National Police are carrying out an investigation to determined the connections this group may have with Kolimau 2000, the Orsnaco group and the militias.

CAVR without financial support

The President of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (CAVR), Aniceto Guterres, said after a meeting the President of Timor-Leste that CAVR has been working full time for a year without any financial support. He said that the Prime Minister and the President have promised to help solve their financial problems.

Cannot discriminate F-FDTL

During the Open Government in Bazartete a former member of F-FDTL, Leandro Lobato, complained that he was discriminated against and was dismissed by F-FDTL. Responding to Leandro Lobato, the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that he has stated before that no members of the F-FDTL will suffer discrimination by the institution. The Prime Minister said to Leandro Lobato that he was dismissed because of undisciplined behavior and for not showing up for military duties.

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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