The content of this Email does not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank. Not for Publication.

Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring July 12, 2004

Timor Post

Census important for the development, says PM

The Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said that the National Census is very important for development and for the Government to continue with its National Development Plan (NDP). The Prime Minister said that it is important to know whether more schools and clinics are needed for the Government to plan ahead. The Prime Minister said that many figures have been put out about the size of the population, but none of them are accurate, and with the census will have the right figure.

Commission set up to study veterans document

The President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres (Lu-Olo), said that a Commission has been set up to study and analyse documents sent by the President regarding the veterans and ex-combatants of Falintil. Mr Guterres said that the Commission will work closely with members of the Government and define the appropriate policy for the veterans and ex-combatants.

Ex-general maintains lead in Indonesia vote count

Former general Susilo bambang Yudhoyono maintained an unchallenged lead over President Megawati Sukarnoputri with more than 70 percent of the votes counted in Indonesia's first direct presidential polls. The General Election Commission said that Yudhoyono had slightly more than 30.4 million votes, or 34 percent, compared with Megawati's 23.8 million votes, or about 26 percent.

International advisers are the ones making projects, says Tilman

A Member of the National Parliament for Klibur Oan Timor Asu'uwain (KOTA), Manuel Tilman, said that the judges, prosecutors and technical staff have not turned justice into a project because they have worked according to the rules of law that are endowed on them. Mr Tilman made the remarks following a statement by CAVR Commissioner Father Jovito, who claimed that 'the court process has been made into a project' (seeking money). He pointed out that those making such projects are international advisers like JSMP. Mr Tilman argues that NGOs like JSMP are making such projects in order to get direct financial support from donors. According to the newspaper the presence of International legal advisers in Timor-Leste is a project due to the lack of capacity of Timorese judges, prosecutors and technical staff. Meanwhile a Timorese Legal Defender, Vital dos Santos, said that he disagrees with Father Jovito's comments and argued that the statement is being too subjective and radical.

CPD-RDTL headquarters blocked by Police

The Sub-Inspector of PNTL's Dili District Investigation, Angelo Quelo, said that police blocked CPD-RDTL headquarters for security reasons during the 4-hour meeting between the members. The newspaper also reported that eighty members of CPD-RDTL presented a document to the National Parliament demanding changes to the constitution not to replace the 1975 components such as the national emblem of 1975 with CNRT's logo and urgently approve a national identification card based on the structure and emblem of 1975 RDTL. After the presentation of the document to both the National Parliament and the Government, the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri, said the Government needs to study it first before recommending it to the Parliament. A copy of the document was also sent to the President.

Suara Timor Loro Sa'e (STL)

Party leader detained for insulting Prime Minister

According to the national newspaper the National Police Force detained the President of the National Mobilization Party - Partido de Mobilização Nacional (PMN), Alberto Pires, last week for insulting the Prime Minister, Dr Mari Alkatiri. The newspaper reports that Mr Pires had accused Alkatiri of being a thief, so members of the newly founded party were planning to hold a demonstration.

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office

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