Monday, 20 August 2007

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING

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National Media Reports

Police should not be political activists

The President of the National Parliament, Fernando de Araujo Lasama states that members of the PNTL should not be the political activists in the future.

“Police should not be the activist of the parties,” said Mr. Lasama after meeting with F-FDTL commander, Brigadier Taur Matan Ruak on Friday (17/8) in Dili.

He revealed that PNTL’s members, as Timorese citizens have right to cast their vote in the general elections, however they ought to act impartially and neutrally in performing their duties. (STL)

Fretilin will not tolerate violence

Fretilin’s Aniceto Guterres has confirmed that Fretilin condemns the violence that broke out in the eastern part of the country, especially in Baucau and Viqueque districts.

“Since the outset, Fretilin has not tolerated and has condemned the violence” said Mr. Guterres.

He said that when the conflict broke out in Baucau and Uatolari, Fretilin’s member in national parliament proposed an investigation into the violence to the parliament.

He said the violence in Baucau and Viqueque was the demonstration of discontent against the new government formation.

“Fretilin condemns such because Fretilin’s leaders do not authorize Fretilin’s militants and sympathizers to act based violence.

“If we authorize, it is our responsibility,” said Mr. Guterres. (STL)

Horta: “Demonstrators have not to be delirious”

In response to tdoay’s protest in Dili, the President José Ramos-Horta has called upon Fretilin supporters involved in the organization Movimento Libertação Povo Maubere (MOLNAPON)/Liberation Movement of Maubere People to be peaceful in their protest.

Mr. Horta said it should be peaceful and remain within the confines expressed by the police.

“If there is some violence, they will be arrested and transported to the Becora prison,” said Mr. Horta. (STL and TP)

ISF gives back Fretilin’s flags

The Commander of International Stabilization Forces (ISF), Brigadier John Hutcheson informed that ISF has returned the Fretilin flags they took in Bercoli in the Baucau district in last few days.

He explained that on Saturday (18/8) 15:00 hours ISF’s soldiers took three Fretilin flags.

“One of the three Fretilin’s flags has been given back to Bercoli’s chief of Suco whilst he was in Baucau at that time,” said Mr. Hutcheson at a press conference on Sunday (19/8) at Phoenix camp Caicoli, Dili.

He added that the other two flags also have been given back through F-FDTL and UNPol to Bercoli village.

“We are sincerely and sorry for taking the flags” the Brigadier said.. (STL)

Ramos Horta: Fretilin’s disagreement is normal

The President José Ramos-Horta has stated that Fretilin’s disagreement on the winning alliance is normal in a democracy.

“I recognize that any party may disagree with my decision as disagreement is normal within a democracy and all political parties can voice their concern about the constitution through the appropriate judicial means,” said President Ramos-Horta.

According to the President the problem’s solution will depend upon political stability, not political and individual unrest. (TP)

Madrid Club asking Timor-Leste to calm

The Madrid Club comprised of the Former Prime Minister of Latvia, Former President of Philippines, Fidel Ramos, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jenny Shipley and the former President of Mauritius, Cassam Ateem has called upon the Timorese people to live calm not violence.

“We, together with the leaders of Timor-Leste, appeal to all people to calm and respect the law and orders,” said Club Madrid through its press letter issued last week.

The Madrid Club said that President José Ramos-Horta has made the decision to appoint the Alliance led by Xanana Gusmão and any rejection to that decision should be voiced within court, not through violence on the streets. (TP)

Ramos Horta asking Fretilin to have reflection on the Falintil Day

On the Falintil Day, today (20/8), President José Ramos-Horta appeals to all Fretilin’s radicals reflect on the day.

“I appeal to Fretilin’s radicals not to engage in violence as they will be arrested if they engage in violence. This state will not be held back because of someone’s threats to enact violence on people,” said Mr. Horta on Saturday (18/8) in GMT. (TP)

Timor-Leste-UN agree to reform security sector

The Head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) has outlined four key areas to address in working towards the reform of the security sector in the nation.

At a high level meeting in Dili this week, attended by senior leadership of the national military and police, the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta and the Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão both gave opening addresses welcoming the assistance of the United Nations in addressing the challenges facing the security sector.

Mr Atul Khare said he agreed with both the President and Prime Minister about the need to look at the road traveled to avoid pitfalls in the future.

Mr Khare listed the need to improve relations between the police and the army, strengthening the legal framework, increasing capacity and enhancing civil oversight as the four priority areas in building an effective and accountable security sector, that serves the needs of the people of Timor-Leste.

“UNMIT will assist the Timorese people and authorities in these four areas relating to the security sector.

“The strengthening of the army and police will be crucial to the development of Timor-Leste as a modernizing state and the United Nations will assist the government in achieving a security sector that is efficient, effective and accountable,” Mr Khare said.

In the course of discussions, participants agreed to have larger participation by civil society in the reform process, keep in mind the need to maximize scarce resources, avoid another crisis as experienced in 2006, and work towards closer cooperation between military and police, even as each of the security institutions strive for increased professionalism and enhanced capacities. (TP)

NATIONAL NEWS SOURCES: Timor Post (TP) Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL) Diario Tempo (DT) Diario Nacional (DN) Semanario Televisaun Timor-Leste (TVTL)

UNMIT MEDIA MONITORING www.unmit.org