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

Thursday, 20 September 2007

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORINGG

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National Media Reports

UN presence in Timor-Leste until 2012 does not interfere with nation's sovereignty

The President of Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mr. Mario Viegas Carrascalao, said that the UN presence in Timor-Leste would not interfere with the nation's sovereignty. The leaders, however, need to commit to stability and ensure that security is maintained after the UN leaves.

"Regardless of whether the UN stays or not, it is the responsibility of the Timorese people to ensure stability in the country," said Mr. Carrascalao.

Mr. Carrascalao also reminded that the UN left after peace and stability was in place in 2002 but because of the situation in the country, they were called back. (DN)

Mari Alkatiri: "Indonesia continues to support Timor-Leste"

The former Prime Minister, Mr. Mari Alkatiri, asked the government of Indonesia and its investors to continue supporting Timor-Leste and ensured that the country's internal problems will be resolved.

Mr. Alkatiri acknowledged that the country has faced problems but reassured that all the components will work hand-in-hand to strengthen the peace and ensure stability for the nation's development.

Mr. Alkatiri was visiting Indonesia at the invitation to be one of the panelists for the Center of Dialogue of Civilization. (DN)

Matan Ruak as Chief of Staff of Armed Forces – same level ass a Minister

The Secretary of State for Defence, Julio Pinto, said that the state proposed – through the President of thee Republic - to nominate Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak to be the Chief of Staff-Major General of the Armed Forces (F-FDTL).

"I believe that this decision was made by the government in an attempt to raise the salary of the armed forces. Administratively, in terms of salary, the position of Chief of Staff- Major General of the Armed Forces will be the same as a Minister or Vice minister or a Secretary of State," said Mr. Pinto. (DN)

Julio Thomas Pinto: Government decides who will be involved in Task Force

The Secretary State for Defence, Mr. Julio Pinto, said that the government will decide who will be involved in the Task Force responsible for the dialogue between the government and Alfredo Reinado.

Mr. Pinto said that those appointed will prepare the Terms of Reference (TOR) to be followed in order to solve the issue legally.

"I propose a delegation from the President, Prime Minister, National Parliament and F-FDTK," said Mr. Pinto.

Mr. Pinto also encouraged all the Timorese people to hold discussions and find solutions to problems. (DN)

Timorese situation is Horta's main agenda at UNHQ

President JoseRamos-Horta will travel to the US to give an update on the situation in Timor-Leste to the Security Council in New York.

Mr. Ramos-Horta will inform on security issues, infrastructure development and the political situation of the country and will ask the Security Council to continue supporting Timor-Leste in the area of security.

The presence of Mr. Ramos-Horta at the UN is as strategic move for the new nation as it tries to establish itself in the region and internationally.

The President will also attend a meeting with the Clinton Global Forum to discuss ways to combat poverty, HIV/AIDS and global warming.

The President will return to Timor-leste in October. (STL)

International Media Reports

RI to seek prominence at UN General Assembly By Tony Hotland September 20, 2007 The Jakarta Post

NEW YORK (JP): Indonesia plans to take a prominent role in the current United Nations session of the General Assembly, which began Tuesday, with climate change likely to be the central issue at the 62nd annual meeting.

Prior to the General Assembly's week-long general debate, which will start Sept. 25, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to speak at a high-level dialog on climate change convened by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sept. 24.

"Our attendance and willingness to make a contribution during the convention is evidence of President Yudhoyono's personal commitment to the issue," Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the UN Marty Natalegawa said earlier.

A total of 154 state representatives, including 51 heads of state and 30 heads of government, will attend the meeting.

Bracks arrives in E Timor to take up new role Posted Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:46pm AEST ABC Australia

Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks has arrived in East Timor to work as an adviser to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Mr Bracks will help out without pay and says he is looking forward to the challenge.

"I think I've got something to offer, to look at the structure of Government, how programs are delivered, how we can make sure that things are done effectively," he said.

"I would hope to give the Prime Minister some advice on that, knowing that he has great experience already, but every bit helps."

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)