UNMISET Daily Press Review

Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources

Daily Media Review Monday, 31 January 2005

Dili and Lisbon to sign new defence agreement

Portugal and Timor-Leste are set to sign a new military cooperation accord this week during the visit of Lisbon’s State Secretary for Defence to Dili. Mr Jorge Neto arrived in Dili on Sunday for a three-day visit. The trip by Mr Neto will signal the separation of bilateral cooperation in the defence area from Lisbon’s broader aid commitments to Timor-Leste. Portugal is Dili’s main partner in defence cooperation, with current programmes worth an estimated euros 5.4 million, primarily in military training. (Lusa)

Xanana pays visit to Indonesian prison

Timor-Leste’s President, Xanana Gusmão, made an emotional visit to the Indonesian prison where he was held for four years. Xanana toured Jakarta’s notorious Cipinang jail, meeting the inmates of the cell where he was held captive in 1992. “This is not just a nostalgic visit for me. I know exactly how the inmates feel and suffer. I’m here today also to give my support to my friends who are still here,” he said. (AFP)

Timor-Leste-Indonesia Truth Commission to begin work in 2005

The Timor-Leste-Indonesia Truth Commission will become operational this year following an agreement between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Xanana Gusmao in Jakarta on Thursday evening. According to STL, President Yudhoyono said that he and Xanana will be sending a message to the United Nations and the international community that it is more appropriate and wise to resolve the events of 1999 together and via a ‘Commission of Truth and Friendship’.

Meanwhile, the UN will form a Commission of Experts to re-examine the process carried out by Indonesia in resolving the incidents that occurred post-referendum in 1999, among them the Indonesian Ad Hoc Human Rights Commission. In a press conference after the meeting on Thursday, President Yudhoyono stressed that Indonesia wants to resolve this matter bilaterally. President Xanana said that the Foreign Ministers of both countries would work together to come up with a format for the commission that was suitable for both countries. However, he also hoped that the format would satisfy the wishes of the international community. (STL)

Meeting Between Xanana and SBY Was Productive

President Xanana Gusmão said the meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) last Thursday was very productive, ensuring ties between the nations are strengthened further. Aside from the meeting with the Indonesian President, Xanana also met with other senior officials from the legislative body and other institutions.

The President acknowledged that during the meetings the issue of the ‘Commission of Truth and Friendship’ was a central point discussion. Xanana said that it is expected that in February both Indonesia and Timor-Leste will announce the terms of reference and the format of the Commission. Responding to a question on whether the Commission goes against the UN Secretary General’s idea of sending a Commission of Experts to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Xanana argued that it was not, adding that the two commissions can compliment one another. Xanana further stated that Timor-Leste should respect Indonesia’s position not to welcome the Commission of Experts. (Timor Post)

PM Alkatiri: Don’t Politicize Dili District Court Bribe Case

Prime Minister Alkatiri has requested that all parties refrain from politicizing the issue of the misuse of funds in the Dili District Court by using repressive statements. The Prime Minister spoke to journalists after receiving a prosecutor from Dili District Court with the initials SG, who has been accused of extortion against a businessperson at the Government Palace last Friday. Alkatiri said that as the case is still being investigated, it is not yet appropriate to make repressive statements and to interfere in the legal process. (STL)

Claudio Ximenes: “Those Who Do Not Want To Take Judicial Training, It is Better Not To Make Them”

The President of the Superior Council of Magistrate, Claudio Ximenes, stated that anyone who does not want to take further judicial training to be judges, prosecutors and public defenders, should not be forced. According to Ximenes, Timor-Leste needs to establish a judicial system and it is up to the Timorese themselves to make the effort to seek training in order to better themselves in their profession. “I cannot force anyone to do so,” said Ximenes. The two and a half year training program for judges, prosecutors and public defenders begins today. (STL)

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