[Poster's note: Repeats of international articles already sent out to the east-timor list (info@etan.org) have been removed.]

Tuesday, 28 August 2007

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING

"UNMIT assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or for the accuracy of their translations. The selection of the articles and their content do not indicate support or endorsement by UNMIT express or implied whatsoever. UNMIT shall not be responsible for any consequence resulting from the publication of, or from the reliance on, such articles and translations."

National Media Reports

MP questioned ISF’s mandate

The MPs on Monday (27/8) questioned the continued presence of the International Stabilization Forces (ISF) in Timor-Leste as ISF’s mandate ended on 20 August.

The MPs from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Fernando Dias Gusmão and Elizario Ferreira from Fretilin in the plenary session asked President José Ramos-Horta to clarify ISF’s mandate.

Mr. Riak Leman from PSD on the other hand defended ISF’s presence in the country. According to Mr. Riak, the country could benefit from having the international forces, especially with the current situation.

“If not we would kill each other. The ISF came here upon the invitation of the former president, former prime minister and former president of the parliament,” said Mr. Riak. (TP)

President should define Alfredo’s status to minimize confusion

The members of the parliament yesterday (27/8) called on the state, especially President José Ramos Horta to define Alfredo Reinado Alves’ status in order to minimize the confusion and avoid conflict.

MPs from PSD, Fretilin and CNRT said that Alfredo’s status is unknown to Timor-Leste and requested clarification prior to having a dialogue. (TP)

Bishop Basilio and Xanana discuss ways to solve Timor-Leste’s problems

Bishop of the Baucau Diocese, Mgr. Basilio do Nascimento reportedly met East Timor’s Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão on Monday (27/8) to discuss ways to solve the current problems of the country.

Speaking to the journalists, Mgr. Basilio said that the Prime Minister asked for the church’s opinion on how it [the church] could help solve the problems.

The bishop also said that although the church is concerned about the situation, it does not have the power or forces to secure and calm the situation. (TP)

Fretilin accused of corruption, ready to be investigated

The MP from Fretilin, Elizario Ferreira confirmed that Fretilin is not afraid of an investigation [Fretilin has been accused of corruption during the previous government].

Speaking to journalists on Monday (27/8) at the national parliament, Mr. Ferreira said that Fretilin is ready to be investigated by the national and international teams, including the Attorney-General.

He also revealed that there is no evidence for this accusation. (DN)

Arsenio Bano: President’s declaration goes against constitution

The MP from Fretilin, Arsenio Paixão Bano reportedly objected to President José Ramos-Horta’s decision to take the IDPs out of the Metinaro camps. “The president’s decision goes against the universal principles of the Timorese constitution,” he said. (DN)

Ramos-Horta asks permission to go to Australia

President José Ramos-Horta has sent a request [permission letter] on Monday (27/8) to the NP to travel to Sidney, Australia on a private visit.

CNRT MP Gertrude Moniz said that the situation of the nation is too volatile for the head of state to go on such a trip. She said that there are many problems that require direction from the President, such as Alfredo’s case and the Metinaro incidents. (TP)

MUNJ submits report on Alfredo to Secretary of State for Defence and Security

The Movement of National Unity and Justice (MUNJ) reportedly submitted its preliminary report on Alfredo Reinado Alves and his men on Monday (27/8) to the Secretary of State for Defence, Julio Thomas Pinto.

“We always give updates to those responsible for Alfredo’s case,” said Mr. Agostu.

He added that such report is meant to assist in solving the case. (DN)

International Media Reports

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)