UNMIT

(International news reports and extracts from national media. UNMIT does not vouch for the accuracy of these reports)

Horta calls for investigation – Radio Timor-Leste, 22 August >

East Timor’s President José Ramos Horta has called upon competent institutions of the state to launch further investigation into allegation of human right violation committed by the East Timor Defense Force and the National Police during their joint operation.

Ramos Horta’s call came after a report commissioned by the UNMIT’s human rights Unit and the Office of the East Timor’s Human Rights and Justice Ombudsman contained 58 allegations against the F-FDTL and PNTL.

Ramos Horta said he was seriously concerned about the allegation and that there ought to be a follow-up.

The 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate also admitted that the allegations against F-FDTL and PNTL were serious though he believed that the allegations still lack proofs and that the human rights violations committed were not grave.

According to Horta, both PNTL and F-FDTL have carried out their internal investigation into the allegations.

UNMIT’s report positive, says Gusmão – Radio Timor-Leste, 22 August

East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who is also the country’s minister for defense and security said the release of the report on human right violation committed by his F-FDTL and PNTL as positive.

The Prime Minister also said that the report of the UNMIT’s Human Rights Unit and East Timor’s Human Rights and Justice Ombudsman as a wake-up call to his government. The report calls on the government to investigate the allegation of human rights violation committed by the F-FDTL and PNTL’s joint operation.

Xanana to visit Australia this week –“ Radio Timor-Leste, 22 August

East Timor’s Prime Minister José Alexandre Xanana Gusmão is going to pay a visit to Australia where he is scheduled to talk about the bilateral cooperation of the two neighboring countries, including the possibility of sending Timorese workers there.

Xanana made the comments after meeting with President Ramos-Horta at Horta’s residence in Metiaut, Dili.

Eight suspended PNTL officers face criminal investigation, says Acting Police Commander – Radio Timor-Leste, 22 August

East Timor’s Police Acting Commander, Inspector Afonso de Jesus said eight suspended PNTL officers who were suspected of being involved in the loss of $27,000 were now facing criminal investigation.

He also commented that disciplinary measures were already taken against those involved, such as 90-day suspension from their posts and handing over of pistols and other equipments belonging to the institution.

Afonso also said the PNTL had also secured documents that might be used as proofs in the investigation.

He added the list of people involved might be added up as the result of the investigation reveals.

Defense force and police commanders discuss on national security law – Teleevisaun Timor-Leste, 22 August

Timorese Defense Force Office Chief, Filomeno Paixão said the defense force and police commanders had held a meeting today (22/8), discussing on the elaboration of the country’s national security law.

The commander said the national security law including internal security law and the national defense law.

Paixão added after the elaboration, the law would be sent to the Council of Minister to profoundly discuss it and then to be sent to the Parliament for approval.

Residents hand over illegal weapons and ammunitions to UN police and PNTL – Televisaun Timor Leste, 22 August

Nasuta residents of Liquiça have voluntarily handed over illegal weapons, such as traditional and home-made weapons, telescopes and ammunitions to the UN and National Police.

During the handing over of the referred weapons, Timorese resistance organization also voluntarily handed over some documents and ammunitions to the police.

A resident, Natalino Soares said they wanted to hand over all these sharp things, because the country had reached its independence and people wanted to remain calm.

Administrator of Bazartete Sub District called on the residents to hand over all illegal weapons to the security forces, as it could be a threat for the people’s own lives.

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