[Poster's note: International and other articles already sent out to the east-timor list (info@etan.org) have been removed from below.]

UNMIT

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

Public Information Unit

Daily Media Review

Thursday, 26 October 2006

UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITORING

THE UN INTEGRATED MISSION IN TIMOR-LESTE DOES NOT VOUCH FOR THE ACCURACY OF THESE REPORTS

National Media Reports

Violence outbreak in Dili

According to national media, violence broke out again on Wednesday between IDPs and youths living nearby the Comoro area. One youth was shot in the head and later died in hospital. There are no confirmation of who shot him. It is reported that two Australian Federal Police cars were damaged and three houses burnt during the clashes. The situation, which started on Tuesday, returned to calm by 2pm Wednesday. MP João Gonçalves, (PSD) asks the security authorities to thoroughly investigate who is supporting and organizing the groups that continue to create problems. Gonçalves believes a third party is involved in the violence, as the youths do not have the money to purchase alcohol. Youths have reportedly been under the influence of alcohol when engaged in acts of violence. According to João Gonçalves the government cannot fully implement the program ‘simu malu’ and achieve its objectives due to the constant recurring violence. (TP, STL)

F-FDTL available to expose everything

Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak has expressed the F-FDTL’s willingness to avail themselves to participate in the investigation process to expose everything related to the crisis, reported the media on Thursday. During a press conference held in Baucau on Wednesday (25/10) the General said he proposes the establishment of a Parliamentary Commission to further the investigation in order to try and balance the version of logic and the reality, adding that the establishment of commissions is better in order to balance the investigation. The Brigadier General handed the COI report to the soldiers in Baucau on Wednesday. (TP)

Program ‘Simu Malu’ must focus on troubled areas: Belo

Bishop Belo said it is important for the government’s ‘simu malu’ programme to have only one focus: aiming to unite everybody to establish peace. Belo said the program must target trouble areas and bring all the youths to sit together and discuss means to establish peace in their areas. The Bishop said the Timorese must put the efforts to work together through the program ‘simu malu’ to move on. He said the programme is a positive step forward to bring peace to the country. (TP)

Rumours create panic among Members of Parliament

Members of the National Parliament deserted their offices on Wednesday due to rumours that the building would be attacked and set ablaze, reported STL, Thursday. As per the STL observation, the majority of MPs left their compound at around 11:00 am, leaving some university students standing outside the building annoyed. One of the students said the MPs should not be selfish and remain in the building and continue their work. (STL)

RTTL news headlines

International Media Reports

Trouble in Timor

Posted by Geoff Spencer October 25, 2006 02:40 PM

Your say: Violence has broken out again in East Timor

Gang violence has broken out again in East Timor. What should can be done to end the cycle of bloodshed in one of our closest neighbours? LATEST COMMENTS

The only way you can change any attitude in society, including that of violence, is with education. Education is a lifelong process and must be started before the violent attitudes of those involved are passed on to the next generation. If you start with the kids then maybe they will learn that there is a better way to get what you want. · Posted by: Rachel Budden at October 25, 2006 03:39 PM

According to the SMH's correspondent Lindsay Murdoch, rioting has erupted today outside a refugee camp adjacent to Dili Airport. When you consider the cost of an Australian visa for some asylum seekers/refugees (on Nauru) may be 1,000+ times the cost of an ordinary $50 visa, it is not hard to imagine the enormity of frustration faced by genuine refugees. A Catch-22 situation: damned if you try to escape, damned if you stay behind. These problems have to be addressed before there is any chance of long-lasting peace. · Posted by: uh-oh at October 25, 2006 04:17 PM

I am a mother of a soldier currently on active duty in East Timor and I don't see why we should be involving our sons and daughters in this country's problems. It seems to me that there is very little gratitude in our assistance and only appears to inflame things further. · Posted by: Kerry Sullivan at October 25, 2006 09:17 PM

Let's not forget history. East Timor is in many ways a result of Australia's failure to act in the 70's. We simply turned a blind eye to wholesale slaughter. There are so many parties with an interest in keeping East Timor unstable, from protection rackets to *ahem* outside influences. They existed then like they exist now. Finally in response to those that say we should stay passive - it is impossible to have that much mess on our doorstep without getting our shoes dirty... · Posted by: Jim at October 26, 2006 08:20 AM

The only reason we are in E Timor is based on our vested interests (assets). We only get involved for financial gain. There is no high moral ground here. We are heavily involved in these neo-nations of the Pacific rim. We feel it is our turf and a little like the humble domestic dog we like to mark our territory. I mean we are "big dog" in the local area, if that's o.k with Indonesia. Howard and Downer, yes little Alex, like to puff the chest and play "boss hog" why? because they can. No WMD's or Jihadists just simple folk with cowards and would be bully neighbours. · Posted by: Tony Grant at October 26, 2006 08:44 AM (Sydney Morning Herald)

Violence Leaves Six Dead in Timor Leste: UN

Wednesday 25 October 2006 - Escalating

In Timor Leste, the situation is reported to be calm after a recent wave of violence left six people dead and more than 50 injured since Sunday. Rival gangs battled with guns and machetes Wednesday forcing the closure of the country’s international airport. The chief of the UN police unit on the island, Antero Lopes, says youth groups began attacking internally displaced persons living in camps and the internally displaced retaliated: "The violence was contained after several others of rock throwing and exchange of darts." Chief Lopes says UN police are trying to protect both groups from each other. The country, just north of Australia, has been plagued by instability since rival security forces clashed in the capital Dili in April and May after the government dismissed a third of its armed forces. (United Nations Radio)

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]

UNMIT MEDIA MONITORING