[Poster's note: 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

Friday, 06 October 2006

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

National Media Reports

Petitioners Ask Commission to Be Just

Questionnaires were distributed to the petitioners group yesterday as part of the investigation process. Members of Notable Commission, namely the Minister of State, Ana Pessoa, Fr. Antonio Gonçalves, Vice-Minister of Interior, and Agustinho “Somoxo” Sequeira met with the petitioners. A total of 33 questions have been compiled for the group. Salsinha Gastão, the petitioners’ spokesperson, said that although he still has some reservations about the commission he hopes that it will be just and impartial and that it will provide a result. Gastao reiterated that his group wants to find a solution and not create instability. (STL, TP, DN)

Report Will Weigh Down The Leaders

During a joint statement yesterday the President of the Republic said the results of the Independent Special Commission of Enquiry would weigh down some people including the leaders, civilians, many citizens, the forces, police and the State. Speaking on behalf of the sovereign state, President Gusmao appealed to the people to welcome the results and the recommendations of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry in order to help the state to flourish in the security sector, respect human rights and put an end to the violence in order to prevent occurrence of another crisis. The appeal was made with the Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and President of the National Parliament, Francisco Lu’Olo Guterres, at the Palace of Ashes in Dili. In the meantime, human rights advocate, Aderito de Jesus said it is imperative that the population understand the report of the commission therefore he urges institutions like the church and civil society organisations to explain to the Timorese people the result and recommendations of the document. In a press statement, Acting SRSG, Finn Reske-Nielsen expressed gratitude to the State of Timor-Leste for appealing to the people to welcome the Special Independent Commission of Enquiry report, which will be released sometime this month. (STL, TP, DN)

Youth Prepared For National Dialogue

Youth representatives from the east and west met with President Gusmão to hold a national dialogue. The youths want the establishment of a Commission to be in charge of the dialogue and headed by the former advisor for Gender and Equal Promotion, Maria Domingas Alves. One youth representative, João Choque, said it is preferable that the dialogue be held before Christmas, as it would enable those living in IDP camps to return to their homes or districts if they wish. (TP, STL, DN)

MTRC Facilitates IDPs Return To Districts

The Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion is facilitating the return of people living in IDP camps to the districts. The Ministry is providing humanitarian assistance, logistics, education and health for those people who wish to return to their districts or to areas they want to settle. The program is being supported by local and international NGOs and in coordination with the heads of village in the districts. The IDPs in Obrigado Barracks camp have received around 4,028 bags of rice. Each person is entitled to 8kgs or 1 bag of rice per family of 9 people. According to one IDP from the Barracks, many other organizations and the government have distributed food and non-food items. Although there have been incidents of rock throwing, the displaced people in this camp have not retaliated because they do not see it as a way of resolving the problems. (TP, DN)

Bebonuk Community Asks For Police Post

A group of people from Bebonuk met with the President of the National Parliament to present their complaints about the constant attack on the community in the area by unknown people. José Martins, the head of the group, would like the police to set up a post there urgently to reduce the attacks. Meanwhile, Francisco Guterres, President of the Parliament said he would follow-up with the government, especially the Ministry of Interior, which has promised to set up 6 permanent police posts as addressed to the Parliament a few months ago. (TP)

Gusmão And Ramos-Horta Visit GNR Headquarters

President Gusmão and Prime Minister Ramos-Horta visited GNR headquarters in Caicoli on Thursday and held talks over one hour with the Portuguese elite police. The issues discussed were not revealed, reported the media. The Leaders also visited the medical clinic and other assets currently used by GNR. (STL, TP, DN)

RTTL Headlines 05-10-06

Joint message of organs of sovereignty

The President of the Republic, Prime Minister and Speaker of National Parliament delivered a joint message to the country. Among other issues, the organs of sovereignty appealed to the people of Timor-Leste and encouraged all people to accept to report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry. Findings and recommendations made by the commission will assist the Timor-Leste to build human rights and also to end the crises. The report will probably be painful for leaders, civilians, forces and police but it is for the good of State. After the joint message the Prime Minister and President of republic visited the GNR HQ in Caicoli.

Spokesperson of petitioners rejects rumors of destabilizing the country

In response to rumors saying that the petitioners will destabilize the country if the findings of the commission are unfair, spokesperson Gastão Salsinha rejected the rumors, saying that the preoccupation of the petitioners is justice for everyone and that they would also like to build the country and not destroy it because the crises make people suffer.

International Media Reports

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. UNMIT Public Information Office