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

UNOTIL

Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources

Daily Media Review

Tuesday, 13 October 2005

National Media Reports

Fretilin admits to lowering UNDERTIM flag

It is reported that Fretilin has admitted to lowering UNDERTIM's flag in Luliheni village, Bucoli, Baucau, last week. A spokesperson for the Fretilin party Carlos Baptista, also village chief of Luliheni village, explained that UNDERTIM had failed to explain their presence to the local community, and in particular to Fretilin as the majority party in that area. Baptista told journalists on Wednesday that although of course it is not prohibited for the party to raise its flag, it is only natural that that party should inform the majority party of its intentions, and they must also respect the local community authorities as chosen by the people themselves in democratic elections. He further clarified that the equipment seized from the UNDERTIM headquarters, including the flag itself, are currently being held at the Bucoli village hall, awaiting joint discussions between the two parties. (TP, JND, STL)

SRSG Hasegawa and PNTL's Paulo Martins comment on border meeting

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Timor-Leste Sukehiro Hasegawa on Wednesday held a meeting with Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri to inform him of the results of the meeting held between Indonesia and Timor-Leste regarding the recent difficulties on the border. The meeting between the two countries and facilitated by UNOTIL was held on Tuesday, 11 October. Speaking to journalists after his meeting with the Prime Minister, Hasegawa said that he told the PM that the meeting went well, and that the Indonesian military are working toward creating a situation of calm in the border areas, including providing information to the border communities regarding the objectives of the border demarcation process. Hasegawa confirmed that the meeting had been attended by a range of officials, including TNI Commanders, the Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, the PNTL General Commander, the Regional Secretary of State for Oecussi, and representatives of the Ministry of State Administration, among others. He said that there needs to be an improvement in communication between the TNI and the BPU, which would be facilitated by the provision of communication equipment and transport facilities. He added that the two sides would be meeting again for further discussion of border issues.

PNTL General Commander Paulo Martins also told journalists that the meeting held between the two countries was positive, and that both sides agreed to maintain and guarantee security from their respective sides of the border, so that further problems do not arise. In his meeting with the Prime Minister, Hasegawa also discussed preparations for the upcoming withdrawal of UNOTIL, including the 45 UNOTIL/Government Advisors from Timor-Leste on 20 May next year, as well as preparations for the UN's 60th birthday celebrations on 24 October. He told the PM that the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will send one of his special representatives, Mr. Witler, to be present at the Timor-Leste celebrations. He also requested the people of Timor-Leste to participate in this historic UN occasion. He did not reveal however the activities that are planned for the day. (TP, JND, STL)

Role of Media to Combat Corruption

It is reported that NGO LABEH organised a workshop focusing on the role of the media in combating corruption and establishing good governance. According to the Director of LABEH, Christopher Henry " we have heard many times from the Inspector General that he's carrying out investigations and fiscal reports regarding corruption. But so far the process has not been good. We have quite a number of media outlets here but no one has asked what has happened and why none of the reports have been made available to the public". Henry stressed that Prime Minister Alkatiri has also stated the government is against corruption and is working to combat corruption and there has been cases of corruption taken up to the Prosecutor-General but to date no one knows the final process. (STL)

MP Branco: All political parties have the right to exist in Timor-Leste

Head of the Fretilin bench in the National Parliament Francisco Branco has reportedly said that all political parties have the right to exist in Timor-Leste, as this is a democratic and multi-party nation. Speaking to journalists related to the actions of Fretilin members against the UNDERTIM headquarters in Bucoli, Baucau, he said that in a democratic society a political party is permitted to establish its office wherever it desires. However he said that, although he does not agree with the behaviour demonstrated, he emphasized that it is important to study the particular situation at hand, as Bucoli is one of Fretilin's strongholds, and it is important to cooperate with the village chiefs if there is an intention to establish an office in the area. (Diario Nacional)

Manuel Tilman not selected to be the New President of Parliament Commission C

Jornal Nacional Diario reported that Antonio Cepeda of Fretilin political party beat Manuel Tilman of KOTA with a vote of 9 against 5 to be the new president of the National Parliament commission C on Wednesday, 12 Sept. After his election, Antonio Cepeda told media that the existence of the National Parliament Commission C is to cooperate with the government of Timor-Leste in terms of budget implementation of the national budget for this year. (Diario Nacional)

Dr Murphy: 10 More Timorese infected with HIV/AIDs

It is reported that Dr Daniel Murphy of the Lanud Clinic told media that based on the info the clinic has gathered during this week, 10 Timorese were found infected with HIV/AIDS due to abusive sexual behaviour, Diario Nacional reported. He added apart from the above discovery of the Timorese being infected with HIV/AIDs, the other most common diseases treated at Lanud clinic are malaria, dengue, pneunomia, cancer and high blood pressure, and others. The report also mentioned that Lanud clinic which cooperates with the ISMAIK Institution normally treats 300 people on daily basis. (Diario Nacional)

Regional Media Reports

Police wanted for international operations

New Zealand police are sought after for deployments in international operations because of their professionalism and ability to get on with local people, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today.

"In one sense, our small size is also our strength," he said in a speech to the Police Association annual conference.

"We are not seen to constitute a threat. We are not seen to be pursuing agendas other than to help as a friend and a good neighbour."

Mr Goff said New Zealand police had worked successfully in the Pacific and South East Asia, including Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomons.

"What has made our contribution stand out has been the professionalism, commitment, and the ability to relate to and get on with local people," he said.

"For these reasons, New Zealanders are much sought after for deployments in international operations by organisations such as the United Nations, and by other countries."

Mr Goff said he would like to see the police doing much more of this work, but there were obvious constraints.

"There are obvious benefits as well. It is a way in which New Zealand can contribute to international wellbeing and security...it can bring individuals a new and interesting dimension to their career and experience within the police force."

He also told the conference how a New Zealand police officer smashed a coffee table, grabbed one of its legs and chased away a mob of machete-wielding East Timorese militia.

Mr Goff said he visited East Timor during its chaotic independence referendum in 1999 and worked alongside police officers who were part of an international team.

"The risks were very real, with an armed militia intent on preventing East Timorese independence," he said.

"I have a vivid memory of arriving at an inland town called Ainaro on the evening of the voting and being greeted by then Constable Rangi Maniapoto."

He said he was told he should not be there because militia had intended killing foreign observers. The plan was aborted.

"Rangi, a fellow New Zealand officer and a member of the Australian Federal Police, had earlier come under attack at their office in Ainaro by a group of men armed with machetes," he said.

"Fortunately the East Timorese are rather small and Rangi is about six foot three, and that's across the shoulders.

"Smashing a coffee table, he picked up one the table legs and charged towards the mob yelling in the best traditions of King Country rugby at the top of his voice.

"The militiamen, confronted by a giant and seemingly possessed Maori charging towards them, paused and then fled from the office." Mr Goff said Rangi was now a legend in Ainaro. (New Zealand Government Press Release, NZPA, NZHerald)

National News Sources

Timor Post (TP) Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL) Diario Tempo (DT) Diario Nacional Seminario Lia Foun (LF) Televisaun Timor-Leste [TVTL]