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

Thursday, 29 November 2007

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING

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National Media Reports

TVTL Summary News President Jose Ramos-Horta appeals the Timorese to honor Independence Day: President Jose Ramos-Horta appealed to the Timorese to honor Independence Day, as independence was achieved with the blood of heroes.

The president also said all the Timorese should work together solve the country's problems; such as IDPs, Alfredo Reinado and the petitioners.

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PM Xanana invites Australian PM Rudd to visit Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão invited the new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Timor-Leste after the global warming conference in December in Bali.

"Your visit will would help strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two nations, even though it may last just a few hours," said Prime Minister Xanana via telephone.

Prime Minister Xanana also said that Australia is the biggest partner and most important neighbour of Timor-Leste in development. (STL, DN and TP)

The UN Security Council will participate in the TL Anniversary of Independence The government, along with people of Timor-Leste, commemorated the 32nd Anniversary of Independence (28 Nov 1975 – 28 Nov 2007). The Security Council delegation, which is visiting from 27-30 Nov 2007, were also in attendance (STL and TVTL).

UNPol present to support development The presence of United Nations Police (UNPol) in Timor-Leste is to support the development of the country.

The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) were asked to seize this opportunity while UNPol is still responsible for security.

"The country is yours; you are the future of the nation. Our question is how best to support the development process in this country," said the Dili UNPol Commander, David Lourent on Tuesday (27/11) in Caicoli, Dili.

Mr. Lourent said that UNPol will work with the PNTL to maintain the stability and security of the nation. (STL)

The Security Council are concerned by the case of Alfredo Reinado The cases of Alfredo Reinado and the petitioners are the preoccupation of the government of Timor-Leste, but also are of major concern to the Security Council.

The Security Council asked that the state solve the two cases, because of their significance to the country.

While meeting the national parliament, the Security Council stated that they would be ready to contribute to any solutions aimed at solving the problems in the country. (TP and DN)

If we do not fight against poverty, then independence has no significance President Jose Ramos-Horta said that when the poverty in the country is not reduced, then independence has no meaning.

"Independence has no significance when we do not pay attention to the poor. To have peace, we should reduce poverty," said the president on Wednesday (28/11) on the 32nd commemoration of the Independence Day in the Government Palace, Dili.

President Ramos-Horta also said that the problem of poverty is a heavy burden on the president, so the government should work side-by-side with the state to fight it. (TP and DN)

Heavy weapons for the F-FDTL to arrive next month The State Secretary of Defence, Julio Thomas Pinto, said that special weapons, to be used by the F-FDTL for night operations, will arrive in December.

"The purchase was part of the program of 20:20, along side the establishment of a munitions store and a military court that the government runs, to develop the nation's defence forces," said Mr. Pinto on Wednesday (28/11) in the Government Palace, Dili.

The State Secretary also said that the program of 20:20 was planned by the previous government, but the current government has a commitment to make it happen. (TP)

UN Secretary-General to visit Timor-Leste The UN Special Representative of Secretary-General (SRSG) for Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, said that the Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, will visit Timor-Leste.

The SRSG said that the visit of the UN Security Council is to witness the security situation of the country on the ground. (TP)

Dumisani Kumalo: "We have come here to understand the situation of Timor-Leste" The Head of the Security Council Delegation Dumisani Kumalo said that the objective of the UN Security Council visit is to familiarise the Council with the development of the security situation of the country and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), in relation to the military and political crisis of 2006.

On the same occasion, a member of the Delegation, the Ambassador from the United States, said that the Lord will help those who want to solve their problems; it is a Timorese problem, so they should solve the problems together. (DN)

The United Nations congratulates Timor-Leste 32nd Independence Day The SRSG for Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, heralded the celebration of the 32nd proclamation of independence of Timor-Leste on Wednesday (28/11) in the Government Palace, Dili.

The SRSG said that the celebration is an important step for the Timorese, a chance to commemorate their history, move forward, and participate in the process of development.

"Congratulations to the people of Timor-Leste; everyone is happy to celebrate this 32nd Independence Day, and we all are happy to work together and move forward together," said Mr. Khare. (DN)

International Media Reports

Caritas Aotearoa NZ supports Timorese partner in recovery from violence 26 Nov 2007 22:40:00 GMT

Source: Caritas Aotearoa - New Zealand Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Website: http://www.caritas.org.nz

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has given NZ$6,680 to Caritas Baucau in Timor Leste, to help its recovery from post-election violence in the fledgling nation, which gained independence from Indonesia in 1999.

Caritas Baucau's offices were trashed, and its associated kindergarten burnt out, in violence which rocked parts of the country following the announcement of a new government in August. Church facilities and international non-government organisations came under particular attack.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has supported Caritas Baucau's rural health and HIV/AIDS education programme. It is one of six partner agencies in Timor Leste supported by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more information contact Martin de Jong, Communication and International Advocacy Coordinator, on 04-496 1742 or 021-909 688.

All Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand media releases are available on caritas.org.nz

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