Daily Media Review Friday, 23 December 2005

National Media Reports

PM Alkatiri: Defamation Code needed due to lack of maturity and responsibility in Civil Society

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has said that the new defamation code, to be implemented from January, is necessary as civil society is irresponsible and lacking in maturity. Civil society has expressed its concerns that the defamation law will impact negatively on press freedom as enshrined in the Constitution. Alkatiri said that the kind of social control that civil society exercises should not be about conveying the incorrect information, saying that this demonstrates their immaturity and irresponsibility. He said that the defamation law and the penal code, which also contains some articles related to defamation, are not as strong as defamation provisions in other countries, including Portugal, Spain, Germany and other long-term democracies. Meantime, Diario Tempo runs a separate article on the PM Alkatiri's statement regarding defamation code that it applies to everybody and that it does not apply only to the journalists. (STL, TP, DT)

Fernandes: Tenders only for Fretilin

Ex-Falintil Commander for Region IV Ernesto Fernandes has said that all projects implemented during the 2005 Financial Year have been for Fretilin's benefit, while the opposition parties have been sidelined. Speaking to STL in Gleno last Monday, Fernandes said that this 'inclusive' tendency often occurs when there are project tenders. "If someone has a background as a Fretilin militant, he will automatically be prioritised, even though his capital does not reach the required amount. While those who are not Fretilin cannot hope to win a tender", said Fernandes, expressing his hope that this discrimination will not continue into 2006, as it is only planting the seed for future trouble. (STL)

PM Alkatiri: Celebrate Xmas 2005 by looking forward to Development Year 2006

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has asked all Timorese to celebrate Christmas 2005 by looking to the future, and concentrating on how to make 2006 a year for development. Upon a visit to the Presidential Palace on Thursday accompanied by his ministers to convey Christmas and New Year wishes to the President, Alkatiri said that Timor-Leste must extend efforts made in 2005, and that Timorese must strengthen their belief in God in order to confront any difficulties that arise next year. (TP)

Lu Olo: Government and the National Parliament acknowledge the role of church during the resistance time

Speaking during the reintegration of Clandestine network into Fretilin Political party on Tuesday (20/12), Francisco Guterres alias Lu Olo told participants that it would be complicated to include church as a religious institution in the clandestine leadership. But the Government and the National Parliament have acknowledge the role the church played during the 24 years of resistance against the occupation of Indonesia, reported Diario Tempo on Friday. He added that the direct participation of priests and nuns and their political statement has been recognised by the constitutions, and a law would be created to legally acknowledge the church's role. (DT)

TVTL News Monitoring 22-12-2005

¢ CSCS Re-elections in Dili and Manufahi: After assessing the results of last local elections for Village and Sub-Village Chiefs, the court of Appeal ordered re-elections in some ten districts in Timor-Leste. Covering the elections, TVTL reported the provisional results from three Aldeias in Dili and Manufahi District. In the Aldeia of Deposito Penal, Dili District, it was reported that candidate from FRETILIN won with a majority of 98 votes. From Manufahi District, meanwhile, TVTL reported that in the Aldeia of Leodato, candidate from PSD gained the majority with 81 votes and in Uma Mean PD candidate gained the majority with 57 votes.

¢ PNTL to establish more posts in the border: After a meeting with parliamentarians recently, the Vice-Minister of Interior, Alcino Barris told journalists that the Interior Ministry, through the National Police Force will establish some fifteen more Police posts along the border districts for the Police Border Patrol Unit (BPU). The minister detailed that from January to June next year, there will be five new posts established in each of the Suai, Bobonaro and Oe-cusse Districts. Adding to that plan, The General Commander of PNTL, Paulo Fatima Martins reportedly stated that in January next year, PNTL will recruit over 250 new police officers to further enhance the BPU.

¢ New Graduates from UNPAZ: The Economic faculty of Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ) graduated some forty two graduants on Thursday this week. At UNPAZ campus in Dili, after the graduation ceremony, the Rector of UNPAZ, Lucas da Costa told journalists that it was important for universities to take active role in improving the quality of human resources for the future. Questioned about the graduation recognition that the Education Ministry is yet to issue, da Costa reportedly said that he was confident that the Ministry will address this issue.

¢ Rede Feto Restructuring: The women organization Rede Feto was reported to have elected its new leader. The restructuring was reportedly made in an Assembly Congress that the organization held in Centro Juvenil Taibessi Dili on 21 December. As part of the restructuring, Maria Dias was reportedly elected new President of the organization replacing Maria Olandina Caero who currently holds the position as a commissioner of CTF. At the completion of the Congress, the Rede Feto President elect, Maria Dias reportedly told journalists that the organization will cooperate with all stakeholders to promote the right of women in Timor-Leste. She also appealed to the women of Timor-Leste to participate in the process of national development.

Regional Media Reports

Jorge Sampaio makes official visit in February

Lisbon, President Jorge Sampaio will make an official visit to Timor in February, a fortnight before he stands down as Portugal's leader after concluding two presidential mandates, an official said Thursday. Sampaio's invitation to Dili from his counterpart, Xanana Gusmão, represents "appreciation and recognition" of the role he played in decisive moments of Timor's history during his two terms in office, said a presidential source in Lisbon.

The Portuguese leader's trip to the new nation between Feb. 20- 23 is also "in recognition of the prominent part played by Portugal in the consolidation of independence and the creation of a democratic state of law", the same source added.

During his three-day visit, Sampaio will meet senior Dili officials including President Gusmão and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.

Portugal`s Socialist head of state leaves office March 9 to make way for the winner of Jan. 22 presidential polls in Portugal. (Lusa)

National News Sources Timor Post (TP), Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL), Diario Tempo (DT) Diario Nacional, Seminario, Lia Foun (LF, Televisaun Timor-Leste [TVTL]-