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

UNMIT Daily Media Review Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources

Daily Media Review

Friday, 22 September 2006

National Media Reports

Youth Group Commemorates Peace Day

The International Day of Peace has been commemorated in Timor-Leste with messages from Members of Parliament appealing for peace, especially now that that the country is going through a crisis. Youth for Unity, Transparency and Justice (UJTJ) commemorated the day distributing white flowers as a sign of peace, to passers-by in various areas in Dili. According to the coordinator, Joao 'Choque" da Silva, over one hundred people wearing white t-shirts with the message "Peace World" participated in the event by walking, cycling and driving very slowly to Lecidere, the venue where the event started. The theme for the event was "Love yourself, Love others and Love your country". On this day, the International Day of Peace, Da Silva appealed to all the youth to stop the violence and make peace adding if people choose to be quiet and refuse to speak up and make peace it would be impossible for the Timorese to find peace. He says as per the group's banner "We Must Make Up And Make Peace�, that means people must stop the violence, stop provoking each other, and stop throwing stones at each other and peace would slowly return. (STL, TP)

President Establishes Traditional Structure

President Xanana Gusmao has nominated the Vice-President of the National Parliament, Francisco Amaral, Dili Administrator, Ruben Braz and President of National Unity Forum, Marito Reis to be part of the traditional structure. The aim of the mandate of the traditional structure is to coordinate with the "keepers of the sacred customs" to discuss the sacred custom in order to minimize the political crisis Timor-Leste is facing. The thee nominees would be responsible for different zones of the territory with Marito Reis in charge of the Eastern part, Francisco Amaral for the Central part and Ruben Braz for the western part of the country. The establishment of the structure has been consulted with the Bishop of Baucau Diocese, Don Basilio do Nascimento who said all Timorese must make every effort to stabilize the country rather than having other people doing it. (STL)

Ramos-Horta Not Allowed To Form Cabinet

Despite demands from various civil society groups that Prime Minister Ramos-Horta cannot make changes to his government cabinet because Fretilin does not allow it, MP Joao Goncalves (PSD) is reported as saying that Fretilin is stopping the changes because they want the cabinet of the former Prime Minister to remain the same to show they were not to blame for the crisis. But in reality, added the MP, those that continue to work lack maximum capacity to carry their work. On the other hand, he also said, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta must govern according to Fretilin, because he was selected for the job by this party. In a separate article, Jose Luis de Oliveira, the Director of Fundasaun Hak, said the demands by FNJP for government reshuffle is rational as the structure of the first constitutional government and then the second, shows that many ministries are un-functional due to impoverished capacity. But he said it is the responsibility of the National Parliament to look into it and act rather than be MPs with focus on only one political interest. De Oliveira said the MPs must reflect that groups like FNJP emerged as a result the Parliament are not doing its work correctly. He said he disagrees with the demands of FNJP to dissolve the Parliament as it would not help the current situation. FNJP has demanded the reshuffle of the government, judicial system, limited function for the Parliament and recuperation for PNTL and F-FDTL institutions. (TP)

RTTL News Monitoring Report

22 Sept 2006

PM Ramos Horta: International Commission of Inquiry:

RTTL reports that PM Ramos-Horta stated that the International Commission of Inquiry has carried out investigations for some leaders in relation to the crisis. He said that the result of the investigation would be submitted to the National Parliament and General Secretary in October. Horta said that the Commission of Inquiry was not a court and that people involved in the crime must bear responsibility. Regarding international peace day, the PM stated that he was very pleased to see that young people had celebrated the day. He said that the celebrations by youth had given political leaders reason to reflect on the ongoing crisis situation.

Ernesto Fernandez-Dudo ex-commander of Falintil:

Ernesto Fernandez Dudo stated that to end the current situation/crisis representatives from the country's 13 districts need to sit together to solve the crisis. Dudo also stated that the government must continue to search for the remains of those who were part of the resistance.

Joao Choque, a youth:

Joao Choque stated that we must create peace. He said that for 24 years the youth had suffered under Indonesia's occupation, and that now was a time for unity and peace. He said that some people wish to live in peace and unity and some people still do not want to live in peace. Choque said it is important for the youth to stop throwing rocks at each other, to stop burning houses and looting.

International Media Reports

NZ Soldier to fill key UN role in Timor Leste Friday, 22 September 2006, 10:06 am - Press Release: New Zealand Government

Hon Phil Goff Minister of Defence A New Zealand Army officer has been appointed to the position of Chief Military Liaison Officer with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste (UNMIT). "Colonel Graeme Williams will take up his appointment in October," Defence Minister Phil Goff announced today. "As the Chief Military Liaison Officer, his role will be vital to the UN mission. Colonel Williams will be a key source of military advice to the head of the UN mission. "He will be responsible for the operational organisation, functioning and effective conduct of up to 34 UN military liaison officers assigned to UNMIT," said Mr Goff. "The selection of Colonel Williams for this appointment reflects the high regard in which New Zealand defence personnel are held internationally. "It reflects particularly well on the capabilities, skill level and operational experience of New Zealand's senior defence personnel. "New Zealand has made a significant contribution to security in Timor Leste since 1999. Filling this appointment is consistent with our long-standing commitment to regional peace and security. "Colonel Williams will join a New Zealand Defence Force officer attached to UNMIT and a light infantry group with the Australian-led Combined Joint Task Force already deployed to Timor Leste," said Mr Goff. (Scoop Independent News)

NATIONAL NEWS SOURCES: Timor Post (TP) Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL) Diario Nacional(DN) 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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