UNMIT Daily Media Review 17 December 2007

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

"UNMIT assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or for the accuracy of their translations. The selection of the articles and their content do not indicate support or endorsement by UNMIT express or implied whatsoever. UNMIT shall not be responsible for any conseque6nce resulting from the publication of, or from the reliance on, such articles and translations."

Ban Ki-Moon: Alfredo and the IDPs influence the security United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that Alfredo Reinado and the IDPs’ problems will influence the stability of the country.

The Secretary-General also paid his respect to the Timorese people for their effortsin facing the challenges of the nation after the crisis.

“During my time in here, I heard and seen about the progress that has been achieved. I also congratulate the Timorese people for their successful elections that have been conducted peacefully,” said Mr Ban. (STL)

Government to reduce the international judges Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato said that the government will reduce the numbers of international judges as Timorese judges are increasingly trained.

Minister Lobato said that Timor-Leste will still need the presence international judges as advisors in the country. (STL and TP)

Xanana appeals IDPs not to be afraid of Alfredo Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão has called on all people including the IDPs not to be afraid of Alfredo Reinado, as the government is committed to solving the problem. (STL)

Alfredo ignores the dialogue plan. Xanana: I give the last opportunity Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão is offering Alfredo Reinado and Gastão Salsinha a last opportunity to work out a meaningful solution to their problems.

As planned and organized by the Task Force of the government, including the National Movement of Youth, and the Swiss group Unity for Justice and Humanitarian Dialogue a meeting was proposed for 9am on Sunday morning.

In attendance were Prime Minister Gusmão, President José Ramos-Horta, President of the National Parliament and Colonel Lere Anan Timor-Filomeno Paixão from F-FDTL.

PM Kevin Rudd: Australia continue to assist TL in security sector Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, said that Australia will maintain its security support to Timor-Leste indefinitely.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and President Ramos-Horta have both said that Prime Minister Rudd has a commitment to assist Timor-Leste in security.

Nearly 1,000 troops in the country won't be pulled out before the end of next year.

"We look forward to the day when Timor Leste assumes its own responsibility in relation to security matters, but I agree with President Ramos Horta when he said these things have to be progressed in a calm and methodical way to ensure that stability and security of the people in Timor Leste is best guaranteed," said Mr. Rudd. (DN)

Lu-Olo and UNSG Meeting: Fretilin is the political key to solve the problem The meeting held between UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President of Fretilin Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo for 40 minutes shows that Fretilin is the political key to solving the country’s problems.

“It’s a honor for Fretilin as the UN Secretary-General has his agenda to meet Fretilin directly and means that Fretilin as they key to solve the problem, said Mr. Lu-Olo. (DN)

President Ramos-Horta: asking UNSG to extend UNMIT President José Ramos-Horta has requested UNSG Ban Ki-moon to extend the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) which has only one year mandate due to expire in February 2008.

“We know that UNMIT has only one year mandate, but we believe that Security Council will extend the mission,” said the president. (DN)

UNSG Ban Ki-Moon: “Timor-Leste government should solve its own problem” The UNSG Ban Ki-moon said that he wants the government of Timor-Leste to solve its own problems in order for people to live in peace and calm.

The Secretary-General also said that it needs to strengthen justice sector to implement the recommendation of International Commission of Inquiry in a proper manner.

“I said to the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato that UNMIT and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) continue to work together with the authorities to facilitate capacity building in the area of justice,” said UNSG Ban Ki-moon. (DN)

UNSG: 2006 crisis is not a failure The UNSG Ban Ki-moon said that Timor-Leste never saw that the 2006 crisis is a failure of the nation, but rather that the nation’s institutions were not ready to face major challenges. (DN)

Australia's PM gives ETimor security assurances Last Updated 14/12/2007, 18:13:22 ABC Radio Australia

Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has given assurances that his government will maintain a security presence in East Timor indefinitely.

East Timor's president, Jose Ramos Horta, and the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, have sought a commitment from Mr Rudd that the nearly 1,000 troops in the country won't be pulled out before the end of next year.

He is holding talks with East Timor's leaders, United Nations officials and Australian defence chiefs.

Mr Rudd has given no firm time frame, but says he has noted East Timor's request.

"We look forward to the day when Timor Leste assumes its own responsibility in relation to security matters," he said.

"But I agree with Jose when he said these things have to be progressed in a calm and methodical way to ensure that stability and security of the people in Timor Leste is best guaranteed."

UN Chief to address parliament: The United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon has arrived in East Timor where UN police remain on patrol after deadly unrest last year.

Mr Ban, who arrived from the Bali climate conference, was met by East Timor's leaders and the local UN representative.

The secretary general says he will encourage East Timor's people in their efforts towards peace and security, and social and economic development.

Mr Ban will address the national parliament and also meet some of the thousands of East Timorese who are displaced as a result of violence that flared last year, when at least 37 people were killed.

The unrest involved fighting between rival security force factions and ethnic gangs.

It had its origins in the sacking of about 600 soldiers, who had deserted their barracks complaining of discrimination.

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)

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