UNOTIL

Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources

Daily Media Review

Saturday & Monday, 28 & 30 January 2006

National Media Reports

PD Asks PM Alkatiri to Resign

Suara Timor Lorosae and Timor Post headlines on Saturday reported on PD's demand for Prime Minister Alkatiri's resignation. STL reported that PD's Secretary General, Mariano Sabino Lopez, said that if the Prime Minister considers the information that his party president presented to the people regarding the accusations made against Alkatiri by Oceanic Exploration "defamation" then he should no longer be in charge of this nation because he behaves like a dictator and a totalitarian and does not reflect Timor-Leste as a democratic country. MP Francisco Branco (Fretilin) said the accusations by Partido Democratico (PD) are not new. Branco said PD keeps asking the Prime Minister to step down. He added that the accusation made by Oceanic Exploration is considered a case of defamation by Prime Minister Alkatiri and members of Parliament from Fretilin. He said that the case is currently registered in a District of Columbia Court in the United States of America but the law is not applicable to non-USA citizens. Timor Post reported Fernando Araújo Lasama as saying that PD would continue to raise the question of the Oceanic Exploration Company until Prime Minister Alkatiri settles the case. (STL, TP)

CAVR Report Is a Test for Indonesia: Ramos-Horta

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Ramos-Horta, said the CAVR report is a test for Indonesia to see whether they will accept the CVA report, which will be put together later. "I believe there are no other options. The two States must move forward with CVA process in the interests of both Timor-Leste and Indonesia and Indonesia must be prepared to accept the report," Ramos-Horta said. He said the report of CAVR would be presented to Indonesia via its embassy in Dili. It is not necessary to be handed directly to President Susilo Bambang.

In a separate article Prime Minister Alkatiri said CAVR's report was not written by President Gusmão but by the Commission and that their opinion is an independent one. On the cancellation of the meeting between the two presidents, Alkatiri said that the meeting can always take place at a later date.

Diario Noticias also reported on Metronews that President Susilo Bambang and President Gusmao have agreed to meet in two weeks to discus ties between the two countries including the CAVR report. According to this daily, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassan Wirajuda, said that President Susilo Bambang respects the attitude President Gusmão exhibited when he addressed the UN Security Council and pointed out that the Commision was not part of the Government. He said that President Gusmão has shown goodwill in resolving the human rights problems via the CVA/TFC

Condoleeza Rice Concern with TL Penal Code

Speaking to the media upon his arrival in Dili from New York on Saturday, President Gusmão said United States Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is concerned with the defamation clause of the Penal Code, which can lead to the end of democracy in Timor-Leste. President Gusmão said Rice really appreciates the development of this nation and will continue to provide support. Gusmão also said that during his official visit, many Ambassadors had presented their concerns regarding the Penal Code, which can have ill affects on the democracy in Timor-Leste. He added that he has requested that the Security Council create a Special Political Mission following UNOTIL mandate on 20 May 2006. (DN)

Members Want Same Leadership until 2010

Members of Fretilin in Beobe, Viqueque District have declared their trust in the leadership of Francisco Guterres "Lu'Olo" and Mari Alkatiri to hold on to the leadership until 2010. The statement was made during Fretilin district congress meeting on Saturday 28/1, where Mari Alkatiri and members of the party attended. (TP)

These items do not reflect the positions or views of the United Nations.

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE IN TIMOR-LESTE (UNOTIL) Public Information Office (PIO)

National News Sources

Timor Post (TP) Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL) Diario Tempo (DT) Diario Nacional