UNMIT

Ed: Horta accuses Indonesia of involvement in assassination attempts – Suara Timor Lorosa'e

Since his arrival in Timor-Leste, President José Ramos-Horta has made open statements that he believes Indonesia to be behind the assassination attempts against himself and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmã o.

However, Indonesian President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono has refuted Horta's accusation about Indonesia's involvement. Whether Horta's accusation is right or wrong, there has still not been any investigation to prove Horta's statement.

If Horta's statement is right, then this should be solved diplomatically through formal channels between the two nations, not though press statements.

As an experienced diplomat, Horta should not make statements that could compel Indonesia to block its goods' distribution to Timor-Leste which might endanger this young country. An effort to maintain good relations with Indonesia the absolute right thing to do.

If Indonesia had facilitated Alfredo Reinado's trip to Jakarta in 2007, why did Horta not protest then? The security at the border is the responsibility of both Indonesia and Timor-Leste, so the fact that Alfredo managed to go to Jakarta is also the responsibility of Timor-Leste.

Sometime ago, the leaders of the nations just let Alfredo carry his weapons freely in society; we too have to know our weaknesses.

Combat poverty: UN and Govt prepare US$5M for micro-finance bank – Diario Nacional

The Minister of Economy and Development, Joao Goncalves, said that the Government of Timor-Leste has prepared through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) US$5 million to fund a micro-finance bank in thirteen districts to combat poverty in Timor-Leste.

"The US$5 million is there to combat poverty and is supported by UNDP for five years," said Minister Goncalves at the UNMIT press conference held on Friday (18/4) at Obrigado Barracks-Caicoli Dili.

The Deputy Special Representative of Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Timor-Leste Finn Reske-Nielsen said that UNMIT through UNDP supports US$5 million to assist Timor-Leste in the process of development.

Indonesia arrest 3 rebels – Suara Timor Lorosa'e

The Vice Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, José Luis Guterres, said that the Government has received information that the Indonesian security has arrested three rebels who fled to Indonesia.

Mr. Guterres has also expressed his gratitude to Indonesian President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono who has contributed to justice, peace and stability in Timor-Leste.

"I could say that between Indonesia and Timor-Leste there is a good political will to solve the problems," said Mr. Guterres on Sunday (20/4) in Dili Cathedral.

Timor-Leste's situation doesn't permit early elections – Diaario Nacional

In reference to President José Ramos-Horta's statement that only early elections would satisfy all, CNRT MP Eduardo de Deus Barreto has said that Timor-Leste's situation will not permit early elections as proposed by Fretilin.

"Early elections might be conducted if all the political parties in the National Parliament agree to do so, but for now, the Government still has no idea about it.

Based on our understanding, early elections are conducted when government programs are not approved by the National Parliament and the nation is in an unstable situation. There will be no early elections," said Mr. Barreto on Friday (18/4) in the National Parliament, Dili.

Ed: who keeps the secrets of February 11? – Diario Nacionaal

President Jose Ramos-Horta has said that he does not want Salsinha to die in the operation, but does want Salsinha to expose who was behind the February 11 attempts.

The statement of President might be true that only Alfredo Reinado and Salsinha know the secrets of February 11 and the political crisis. However, only Salsinha is left as Alfredo was shot dead on February 11. So President Horta needs Salsinha to remain alive to be able to tell the truth of February 11.

It is impossible to kill Salsinha as the State wants to know the secret he has.

The statement of President Horta might inspire Salsinha to tell the truth or, or it may inspire him to lie he may manipulate the fact that people think he is the only one who knows what happened.

In a short time, the State of Siege and Emergency will end and Salsinha and his men still have not surrendered themselves. Will the State of Siege and Emergency be extended for one more month? We do not know … we just wait.

Reinado had $800,000 in Australia – Timor Post

Investigators have found that Alfredo Reinado held an account at the Commonwealth Bank in Darwin containing more than $800,000.

The account is also in the name of Timorese-born Australian woman Angelita Pires, President Jose Ramos-Horta said yesterday.

About $200,000 had been withdrawn from the account, Mr Ramos-Horta said in Dili, adding: "We will find out who gave the money."

Since returning to Dili from Australia, where he spent more then two months recovering from serious gunshot wounds, Mr Ramos-Horta has insisted he wants Reinado's supporters punished. "I will not rest until the truth is totally uncovered," he said.

President Ramos-Horta impressed with POLRI for capturing the rebels – Timor Post

East Timor President said he was impressed of the work carried out by the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) in capturing the three rebels who had escaped to Indonesian. Meanwhile the President was also greatly impressed by the good cooperation given by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"I am greatly impressed by what was done by Indonesian President SBY. I consider him as my good friend and my big brother. I also congratulate the POLRI for capturing the rebels very quickly," said Ramos-Horta after attending a mass ceremony on Sunday (20/04) at Cathedral Church, Dili.

Separately, Indonesian President SBY said that Timor Leste should stop saying that Indonesia was involved in the February 11 attacks as such comments may harm the relationship between the two countries.

President Ramos-Horta thanks GNR – Timor Post

President Ramos-Horta said that on behalf of all Timorese, he thanked the GNR (Guarda Nacional da Republicana) who have worked very hard to stop the violence in the country.

Horta thanked the GNR for providing security support to Timor-Leste since 2006. "I have never missed a single ceremony to farewell the GNR's since they have been in the country. They have also provided significant support during the attacks on East Timor's top two leaders on 11 February."

President added that the work of GNR members in East Timor has shown their professionalism and love for the country. "I am now resuming my duty as President, so I think it is very important to thank them on behalf of the Timorese. When I was wounded by the rebels on 11 February, GNR members cleaned my blood and bandaged my wounds, and they are now returning to their country," said Horta after he awarded medals to the GNR members at a ceremony on Friday (18/4), at the GNR barrack in Caicoli.

Government submits proposal to National Parliament – Timor Post

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said that the Government will submit a proposal to the National Parliament in relation to Ramos-Horta's request that they should utilize the petrol money to buy food for the people who are facing food shortages in the country.

"We will submit the proposal to the National Parliament upon the request of the President. I believe that Parliament will support it." said the Prime Minister after attending a mass ceremony on Sunday (20/4), at the Cathedral Church in Dili.

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