Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring Jan 29, 2004

ADB offers cooperation in avian flu eradication

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is ready to help its member countries hit by the bird flu maintain their economic growth rate. In a press release in Jakarta Wednesday, the ADB said the assistance will be offered under three programs, covering enhancement in technical know-how and skills, equipment such as special clothing, control and monitoring of public health. ADB Director General Rajat Nag said this activity is linked to the program of the bank`s member countries in Asia and several agents, on the basis of an WHO scheme. The people have asked the bird flu-ridden countries to work together and make regional approaches in eradicating the disease, also known as avian influenza.

Timor Post

Its time for you to stand alone -says Hasegawa

The Deputy of UNMISET, Sukehiro Hasegawa, said that with the end of UNMISET mission, its time for the people of Timor-Leste to stand alone and continue with the development of the country. Mr Hasegawa said that for the development to happen people have to participate and cooperate, and most importantly for the community to be involved in the development of the private sector.

TL banned live avian import

The Minister of Health, Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, said that contrary to what the media said Timor-Leste has is only banned the importation of live birds. He said that the ban was imposed as a precaution against the deadly bird flu virus that is spreading throughout the countries in the region.

Law for "Chefe Sucos" election not promulgated yet

The draft law for the election of the "chefe sucos" has been approved by the National Parliament and sent to the President who has not promulgated, but people at suco level have started an information campaign. Confronted with the issue, the Chief Cabinet of the President, Agio Pereira, said that the reason the President has yet to promulgate is because he has doubts about certain articles on the draft law, and he will seek clarification from the Parliament.

Government responsibility is to create condition, says da Silva

During an inauguration of a Training Centre in Ainaro the Minister of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries, Estanilau Aleixo da Silva, said that the Government has responsibilities to create better conditions, but farmers also have to change their mentality and habits in cultivating. He said that farmers should apply new methods for a better quality of rice, and to have better value at the market. Mr da Silva said that the know-how is very important and the Government of Japan is here to help develop human resources, and we all should benefit from it to help develop the country.

STL

Language barrier difficult teaching

The President for the Education Timor-Leste in Baucau, Januario Soares, said that one of the major problems that the Department of Education faces is the language barrier between teachers and students. He added that most of the school teachers face great difficulties because of their level of education and capacity to teach. Mr Soares also said that out of the 7000 teachers throughout the country 25% of them speaks Portuguese, 5% speaks or understands English, and the rest Tetum and Bahasa Indonesia.

Government has giving priority to education ? says Maia

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Armindo Maia, said that the Government of Timor-Leste has given top priority to Education, followed by public works for 2004. He said that for this reason the Department of Education needs to double its efforts in 2004. Dr Maia said that he already has plans to repair 150 schools throughout the country, and to solve the shortage of school teachers his department will make an announcement to recruit 300 additional teachers for primary and secondary schools.

Eradicate malaria by cleaning garbage

The Minister of Health, Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, said that the best remedy to combat malaria in Timor-Leste is to clean and eradicate spots that can serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes. He added that one way for people to avoid malaria is to clean and maintain their yards and water channels and keep them free of rubbish. Dr Rui said that soon his department will start an information campaign for the population on how to avoid being bitten by malaria infected mosquitoes.

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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