UNOTIL

Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources

Daily Media Review

Friday, 06 January 2006

National Media Reports

Minister Horta: Eurico Guterres should be arrested if visited Timor-Leste

Foreign Minister, Jose Ramos Horta, clarified to Jornal Nacional Diario that since Eurico Guterres is an accused on the list of Serious Crimes, he should be arrested when visiting Timor-Leste this month. Minister Horta added that neither the Timor-Leste government nor the President of the Republic should intervene with a matter of justice. He appealed to Eurico Guterres to understand his status as an accused before coming to Timor-Leste. Minister Horta also made clear that during President Gusmão's visit to Kupang last year (2005), the President did not invite Eurico Guterres to visit Timor-Leste but he did make an appeal to the Timorese pro-Indonesian leaders, who at the current time remain in West Timor, to return home so as to encourage the civilian population to follow. (JND p1&7)

MP Branco: General Inspector should release the names of corruptors

MP Francisco Branco emphasized that the Inspector-General's office demonstrate transparency by releasing the names to the public of those accused of corruption, Jornal Nacional Diario reported. MP Branco also appealed to the Inspector-General to make public the results of the investigation. On a separate occasion, PM Alkatiri was quoted as expressing his disbelief of corruption within his current government. (JND)

PM Alkatiri T-L still needs UN assistance despite the end of UNOTIL mission

After his weekly meeting with President Gusmão, PM Alkatiri told the media that despite the end of UNOTIL mission on May 20th 2006, Timor-Leste still needs UN assistance, particularly in regard to the up-coming general election in 2007, reported STL. The PM was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Ramos Horta, Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Policy, José Texeira. PM Alkatiri added that the up-coming election process would not be comparable to suco elections held within each district since the upcoming elections will be nationwide. Due to the lack of technical and other capabilities in T-L, UN assistance to ensure that the election run smoothly is needed. Without that assistance, some parties who loose in the elections may cause unwanted scenes. He added that in addition to that particular assistance, UN observation is also needed in the upcoming elections. (STL p1&11)

Lu Olo: International Tribunal would only cost millions of dollar but it ain't solve problem

President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres alias Lu Olo said that the demand for an establishment of an International Tribunal made by the T-L Catholic Church in a letter sent to UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, will not solve any problems and will only be a waste of money, STL reported. He reminded the public that the decision would rely on the votes of the UN permanent members of the Security Council to determine whether they are in favour of the idea or not. Therefore, "it is better to leave it to UN to decide, "added Lu Olo. When asked about the Catholic Church's demand for the government's release of the CAVR's report, Lu Olo responded by referring to President Gusmão's speech in which he pleaded for authorization from the National Parliament to allow him to hand over CAVR's final report to UN Secretary-General in January. (STL, p 3)

President and PM on international support for 2007 General Election and Timor Sea Agreement

President Xanana Gusmao and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri held their first weekly meeting for 2006 on Thursday at the Presidential Palace, with participation from Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Ramos Horta, and Vice-Minister for Oil and Gas Resources and Energy Policy, Jose Texeira. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Alkatiri confirmed that two issues were discussed at the meeting, firstly the issue of the impending closure of the UNOTIL mission on 20 May this year, and secondly that the government will sign the Timor Sea Accord with the Australian Government next week. Regarding the UNOTIL mission, the Prime Minister said that the two leaders discussed the relationship between Timor-Leste and the United Nations, and whether UN support will be necessary for the 2007 General Elections. Regarding the Timor Sea Accord, the Prime Minister commented that the Accord is very beneficial for Timor-Leste's future. (TP)

HAK Association and JCET to hold public hearing on rights violations during Japanese occupation

HAK Association and the Japan Coalition for East Timor (JCET) will today and tomorrow hold a public hearing on human rights violations committed during the Japanese occupation. The hearing will include participation from Timorese who suffered violations during the WWII occupation. The panel will consist of a range of public figures including religious representatives and members of Parliament. (TP)

24 ASDT members appear in court

Twenty-four members of the ASDT political party appeared in court on Wednesday accused of stashing guns, theft, and provoking trouble in Liquica District. It is reported that the local population refused to agree to the raising of the ASDT flag in their village. Some community members complained to police that the ASDT had been causing disturbances. According to the declarations of the accused however, their intention was only to raise their flag and they did not engage in any disturbances. Based on these declarations, the presiding judge granted release to the twenty-four. It is also reported that the accused were detained for more than 72 hours in their holding cells before appearing in court. (TP, STL)

Regional Media Reports

[none]

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]

These Items Do Not Reflect the Position or Views of the United Nations. UNOTIL Public Information Office

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