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Subject: UNOTIL's Daily Media Review 21 October 2005
[Poster's note: Long repeats of international articles already sent out to the east-timor list (info@etan.org) have been removed.] UNOTIL Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources Daily Media Review Friday, 21 October 2005 National Media Reports Horta-Hasegawa visit Passabe It is reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, accompanied by SRSG Sukehiro Hasegawa and members of the Timor-Leste diplomatic corps, on Thursday visited the enclave of Oecussi. The objective of the informal visit was to study the situation along the border between Oecussi and West Timor. Several incidents occurred in the border area last month, where Indonesians illegally entered Timor-Leste territory and destroyed some farming land and plantations in the area. Horta said that these incidents are a concern for Timor-Leste, but that it is important that Timorese do not dramatize the situation and make out that it is worse than it is. He said that he does not know if the claims he has been hearing are fact or just rumour, including the allegation that ex-militia are behind the infiltrations, and that the TNI are not doing what they should be to prevent the infiltrations. He reiterated that he has great confidence in the Indonesian government, particularly under the leadership of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in resolving these small issues with the Timor-Leste government, in order that further incidents do not occur. (TP) Ramos-Horta: Passabe Incidents Do not Damage Relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia It is reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Ramos-Horta stressed on Thursday in a meeting held with the Passabe residents, in Passabe of Oecusse District that the recent brutal attack incidents carried out by West Timorese (Indonesia) towards the local residents would not damage the good relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, STL reported. "I appeal to the Timorese residents, specially the Passabe ones not to be surprised and afraid because it was not a big problem. We should not think the small ripple in Passabe has damaged our relations with Indonesia. Our relations continue to be good. President Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and I myself really trust the leadership of President of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono," Ramos-Horta said. Ramos-Horta was in Passabe to closely assess the attack incidents along with SRSG Sukehiro Hasegawa, DSRSG Anis Bajwa and British, Brazilian and Portuguese Ambassadors, among others. For the sake of stability and security in the area, the Foreign Minister requested the local leaders, BPU officers, and the Secretary State for Oecusse Region to settle the matters in a peaceful manner, adding that there was no need to be tempted by any provocations aimed at damaging the good relations between the two countries. (STL) Jose Reis comments on Bucoli case It is reported that Coordinating Secretary of State for Region I Jose Maria dos Reis has fiercely denied the accusation from the opposition that he organized the recent flag lowering and attack on the UNDERTIM headquarters in Bucoli, Baucau. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Reis confirmed that the work he does is related to the districts of Baucau, Lospalos and Viqueque, but that he would not engage in any such action. He reiterated previous comments from others that if a political party intends to open an office in a certain area, they should first introduce themselves to the local population and the relevant village chiefs, otherwise this kind of thing may occur. He reportedly said that UNDERTIM's actions in this case could be seen as a kind of provocation, as it has set up an office in an area which is not one of their strongholds, something that no other parties have done because they respect and understand democracy. (TP) HIV/AIDS a silent enemy & 24 people HIV positive First Commander of F-FDTL 2nd Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Aluc Descark, has expressed his opinion on the impact of HIV-AIDS on the armed forces, during a seminar with the theme 'The struggle against HIV among members of the F-FDTL and PNTL 2004-5, a revision of activities of one year' held at the Tourismo Hotel. According to Descark, HIV/AIDS is a silent enemy, difficult to kill. In order to overcome the threat, we need to be armed with a range of tactics. 50 F-FDTL and PNTL participated in the workshop which was organized by Fundasaun Timor Hari with support from USAID and Family Health International. According to the Director of the Foundation Agie Belo Ximenes, the objective of the workshop is to make new recommendations for the further prevention of HIV/AIDS in the coming year. Speaking at the workshop, Vice-Minister of Health Luis Lobato said that according to the official data, there are 24 HIV positive people in Timor-Leste at the current time. He commended the workshop, as in his opinion it will contribute to the involvement of the two security institutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. (TP) Prosecutor returns journalist's camera; some film lost It is reported that Tome Xavier, lawyer for journalist Jose Belo whose camera was allegedly confiscated from him when covering the eviction case of the house of Guy Campos, Mandarin, told reporters that the journalist's camera has been returned but that the cassette is being held as evidence in the case, as some of the film on the camera has been lost. Coordinator of the International Prosecutors, Joao Carreira, said that even though Belo has received his camera back, the case is still under investigation. He said that if the investigation determines that there is enough data for a case, the international staff member concerned will need to appear in court to answer for her actions. Vice-President of the Timor-Leste Journalists Association (AJTL) Aderito Hugo da Costa told journalists that he is pleased that there has been a response from the Prosecution. He said that it is important that this case be cleared up, so that it does not create a bad precedent for future actions of international staff in Timor-Leste. President of the Journalist Syndicate of Timor-Leste Otelio Ote yesterday also appealed to all institutions in this country to respect press freedom, and requested that the same not occur again. (TP, STL) Mini Bus Drivers Strike in Ermera STL reported that the strike by mini bus drivers did not only happen in Dili following the increase of the price of fuel in Indonesia in early October which had an direct impact on Timor-Leste. Hundreds of mini bus drivers also went on strike in Ermera District from 7 until 9 October. The strike had caused Ermera passengers to be unable to travel to Dili and also those from sub-districts who came to Gleno and Ermera markets could not travel back home. The leader of the strike, Lucas da Costa stated that he and his fellow drivers carried out the action as a way to demand for an increase of the mini bus fare. "If we [manage] to increase the fare, the passengers will be aware of it, and there is no need for them to protest against it.", he said. After the strike, all mini bus drivers increased their fares. (STL) TVTL News Monitoring 1. Canadian Government is appreciative: TVTL reported yesterday that the Canadian government appreciates the development progress of Timor-Leste, including the establishment of the Truth and Friendship Commission (CVA) with Indonesia. The Canadian Ambassador in Timor-Leste was reportedly making this statement following a meeting on Wednesday with the Timor-Leste Foreign Minister, Mr. Jose Ramos Horta. 2. MFAC & SRSG visit Oeccusse: It was also reported that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Jose Ramos Horta, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, visited the village of Abani in the Sub-District of Passabe, Oeccusse. On that occasion, the Foreign Minister was reportedly appealing to the population not to be intimidated by the incidents and not to use violence to solve problems. The SRSG, meanwhile was quoted as stating that the recent meetings with the Indonesian authorities are expected to solve the problems. 3. Primanto Hendrasmoro: The Councilor at the Indonesian Embassy in Timor-Leste, Mr. Primanto Hendrasmoro, was quoted as stating that Indonesia continues to make efforts, in cooperation with Timor-Leste to guarantee stability and security in the border region. He was further quoted as reiterated that the incidents will not affect bilateral relations between the two countries. 4. A former Militia member detained in Maliana: TVTL also reported that a former militia member from the notorious Aitarak Militia group was apprehended by the population of Balibo. He was reportedly captured on Monday night when crossing the border into Timor-Leste, but that there was no sharp materials found. The man was then handed over to the police and is reported to be in police custody. Regional Media Reports Coconut - the oil of life COCONUT oil was once lumped with other saturated fats and blamed for causing cholesterol problems. However, it is now known as a 'good fat' that stimulates the metabolism and has many valuable health benefits. Current scientific research suggests that it has significant anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and that it can even help with weight loss. Coconut oil strengthens the immune system and enhances thyroid function. Virgin coconut oil tastes good, is easy to digest and is a quick energy source for young and old. For many centuries, traditional healers in India and the South Pacific have used coconut oil for massage to soothe and cool the body. It can also be used to alleviate symptoms of eczema and other skin ailments. Because the skin absorbs it quickly, it does not leave a greasy feeling. Niulife extra virgin coconut oil is made from fresh, mature coconuts and comes directly to Canberra from the Solomon Islands and East Timor. It is imported by Canberra-based company Kokonut Pacific, who developed the 'Direct Micro Expelling' (DME) system to enable farmers in the South Pacific to produce virgin oil within just one hour of opening a coconut. It is cold-pressed, pure and natural, organic and unrefined. Niulife extra virgin coconut oil can be used as a natural health food, a cooking oil, raw and fresh bread spread, stable carrier oil for other dietary supplements, a skin moisturiser, a massage oil, a baby oil, a hair oil and as a base ingredient for organic cosmetics. It is also the best oil for premium soap and shampoo as it has natural glycerine and even lathers in salt water. ( Canberra Times) 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]
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