domingo, 22 de Novembro de 2009

NZ’s PRESENCE IN EAST TIMOR STILL APPRECIATED

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By Mike McRoberts – 3 news - Sat 21 November 2009

While the long-term role of the United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor is currently under review, New Zealand police are helping to shape how law and order will be kept there in the future.

In the relative calm of the past 18 months most security operations have been scaled back, and there has been an emphasis on community-building.

Inspector Ross Gilbert doesn't see it as much of a stretch from what he'd do back home, but this kind of community-style policing looks likely to become the blueprint for the rest of the country.

Crime across the board in Suai is down, and it's the Kiwis who have earned the praise of the UN.

New Zealand has a legacy of commitment here dating back to 1999 with the New Zealand Defence Force.

Ten years ago the people of East Timor voted for independence. A pro-Indonesian militia took exception, killing scores of civilians at the Ave Maria church.

It was the catalyst for the New Zealand government to send troops.

"The New Zealand soldiers came here quickly to help us and they were our friends," says Sister Majorie Elsa.

New Zealand's decade-long presence in the region is a source of pride for the handful of Kiwi police here.

"The locals here think of the New Zealand Army as their saviours," says Mr Gilbert. "They brought peace and security, so the white kiwi is certainly well known - wherever you go the reception is great."

Even if the UN scales back its police and peacekeeping operation, New Zealand's contribution in Suai will be remembered for some time.
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PROSSEGUE EM DÍLI O JULGAMENTO DE 28 PESSOAS

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Por JORGE HEITOR, jornalista – O Máximo*

Alguns jornais australianos desta sexta-feira contam que o Ministério Público não permitiu a divulgação de fotografias do cadáver do major Alfredo Reinado no julgamento de 28 pessoas que há meses decorre em Díli, a capital de Timor-Leste.

Lindsay Murdoch, um dos mais destacados jornalistas da Austrália, escreve no Sydney Morning Herald e no The Age que as fotografias que o tribunal não quer ver constituem prova de que Reinado e um dos seus homens, Leopoldino Exposto, foram executados em 11 de Fevereiro do ano passado na residência do Presidente José Ramos-Horta.

Esse é pelo menos o argumento de Jon Tippet, advogado de Angelita Pires, um dos réus deste arrastado processo e pessoa que mantinha uma relação amorosa com o major rebelde Alfredo Alves Reinado.

Algumas das fotografias no centro das audiências dos últimos dias têm vindo a circular em Dili e dizem respeito à autópsia de Reinado, sendo particularmente chocantes, pois não é costume imagens destas virem a público.

Os réus deste processo são acusados de terem conspirado para matar Ramos-Horta e o primeiro-ministro Xanana Gusmão, mas Angelita Pires não acredita na versão de que o major Reinado foi morto a 40 metros de distância, insistindo em que o executaram à queima-roupa, a partir de uma distância muito menor.

Nem o Presidente nem o primeiro-ministro aceitaram testemunhar pessoalmente no tribunal, preferindo apresentar por escrito a sua versão do que na verdade aconteceu em Fevereiro de 2008.

Recuperado dos graves ferimentos então sofridos, José Ramos-Horta tem dito a alguns dos seus íntimos que admite recandidatar-se daqui a dois anos, quando estiver quase a chegar ao fim o seu actual mandato, para o qual foi eleito durante o primeiro semestre de 2007.

Outras das possíveis candidaturas entretanto admitidas em Díli são a do presidente do Parlamento, Fernando "Lasama" de Araújo, e a do comandante das Forças Armadas, Taur Matan Ruak.

*Associado Fábrica dos Blogs – ver actualizações na barra lateral
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ENTIDADE DEFENDE MAIS RECURSOS PARA LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA

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Brasília, 21 Nov (Lusa) - O presidente da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa, Adriano Moreira, defendeu o cumprimento do Acordo Ortográfico, uma vez que já foi assinado, e mais recursos humanos e financeiros para o Instituto Internacional de Língua Portuguesa (IILP).

"O IILP não tem sido apoiado, porque a Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa tem tido um caminho lento no entendimento das responsabilidades dos Estados participantes", disse Moreira, que está partcipando em Brasília num congresso sobre língua portuguesa, que hoje termina.

Segundo ele, Brasil e Portugal devem assumir as suas responsabilidades dentro da CPLP para a sustentabilidade do idioma comum.

"Brasil e Portugal devem assumir a liderança e dinamizar o consenso dentro da CPLP. Não se trata de hierarquia, mas de contribuições para a sustentabilidade do património imaterial, de que a língua é o principal componente e em torno da qual há um interesse comum de todos", assinalou o presidente da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa.

Para Moreira, a responsabilidade principal pela língua, que deveria ser assumida pelo IILP, está a cargo hoje das universidades, sobretudo de Portugal e do Brasil.

Timor

O responsável alertou para as diferentes relações de cada membro da CPLP com a língua e citou o caso de Timor Leste.

"A relação do Brasil com a língua portuguesa não é a mesma de que Timor, onde houve algumas gerações sem escolaridade e onde a língua portuguesa foi escolhida como uma das línguas oficiais para a defesa da identidade de seu povo", sublinhou.

O professor e jurista admitiu que preferia uma declaração conjunta dos governos ao Acordo Ortográfico, mas, como o tratado já foi assinado, deve agora ser cumprido.

"Uma declaração dos Governos garantiria uma flexibilidade para uma realidade que tem vida própria - a língua. Mas, assinado o acordo, a obrigação dos Estados é cumprir", considerou.

O presidente da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa reconhece haver ainda resistências ao Acordo Ortográfico em Portugal, mas disse que o processo "está a marchar".

O Acordo já foi ratificado por seis países da CPLP - Brasil, Cabo Verde, Guiné-Bissau, Portugal, São Tomé e Príncipe e Timor-Leste - faltando apenas Moçambique e Angola.

O documento já está em vigor no Brasil desde janeiro deste ano e deverá começar a ser aplicado em Portugal em janeiro de 2010.
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sábado, 21 de Novembro de 2009

GRANDE DESFALQUE NA CGD DE TIMOR-LESTE

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Foto ANTÓNIO VERDADEIRO – TLN

EXCLUSIVO JORNAL DO PAU – 21 Novembro 2009

A sucursal da Caixa Geral de Depósitos (BNU) em Timor-Leste tem sido, nos últimos anos, alvo de acusações graves relacionadas com desfalques e fraudes na prática de créditos bancários a raiar o obsceno e o ilegal, por parte das mais diversas individualidades timorenses.

Fontes próximas da Autoridade Bancária e de Pagamentos (ABP), em Díli, adiantaram ao JORNAL DO PAU que foi detectado um desfalque fraudulento na CGD timorense de cerca de 600 milhões de dólares. Este "buraco" financeiro nas contas do banco situado em Díli dever-se-á fundamentalmente a créditos que foram dispensados a empresas e empresários locais sem o mínimo de segurança e de fiança.

Entretanto, rebentou um outro escândalo envolvendo a CGD, através de uma queixa da ABP daquele país contra um advogado português.

Maria José Sarmento, directora-geral adjunta do organismo, acusa Ricardo da Cunha Lima de "usar meios ilegais" para exercer influência política junto do governo. O conflito nasceu na sequência de uma alegada fraude na sociedade Pualaka Petroleo, que originou entretanto um inquérito-crime visando Américo Lopes, marido da ministra da Justiça timorense.

Segundo denunciam os outros dois sócios, saíram ilegalmente das contas da empresa 3,29 milhões de dólares (2,15 milhões de euros), tendo o número dois da Caixa, Artur Amaral Jorge, sido responsabilizado pela autorização das transferências. Amaral Jorge já foi afastado do banco em Díli e encontra-se em Lisboa.

Por outro lado, segundo fontes em Díli, a ministra da Justiça, Lúcia Lobato, num acto de puro revanchismo contra a Caixa Geral de Depósitos, deu ordens que as residências do Estado cedidas à Caixa Geral de Depósitos fossem imediatamente devolvidas. As mesmas fontes adiantam que a actual gestão da CGD teria detectado grandes fraudes e actos de corrupção ligados ao marido da ministra Lúcia Lobato, o qual tem sido um dos empresários mais favorecidos pelo actual governo da Xanana Gusmão.
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CONGRESSO EM BRASÍLIA DISCUTE FUTURO DA LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA

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Brasília, 20 nov (Lusa) - Mais de 600 acadêmicos, professores e autoridades dos oito países lusófonos vão discutir até o dia 21, na capital brasileira, o futuro da língua portuguesa num congresso promovido pela Academia de Letras de Brasília.

"O objetivo do evento não é apenas discutir o acordo ortográfico, que já está sacramentado, mas a futuridade da língua portuguesa", disse à Agência Lusa o presidente da Academia de Letras de Brasília, José Carlos Gentili, antes da abertura do evento, na noite de quinta-feira.

Segundo Gentili, é importante questionar a capacitação dos docentes de língua portuguesa e preparar ações conjuntas para a promoção e difusão do idioma.

"Na Organização das Nações Unidas, o português é o único idioma que tem duas versões. Isso é um disparate. Precisamos de criar mecanismos para um procedimento único para grafar a língua portuguesa e promovê-la", defendeu.

Gentili lembrou que, ao contrário do Brasil, onde o acordo entrou em vigor a partir de janeiro deste ano, ainda há muitas resistências, sobretudo por parte da população portuguesa, de aderir às novas regras ortográficas.

"A língua não tem dono. É de seus usuários. Há 250 milhões de falantes da língua portuguesa no mundo, dos quais 200 milhões estão no Brasil, 17 milhões em Moçambique, 13 milhões em Angola e 10 milhões em Portugal, cuja população, portanto, é menor que a da cidade de São Paulo", citou o presidente da Academia de Letras de Brasília.

O Congresso da Língua Portuguesa em Brasília contará, entre outros estudiosos, com o presidente da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa, Adriano Moreira, e dos professores João Malaca Casteleiro e Evanildo Bechara, referências de Portugal e do Brasil, respectivamente, no campo ortográfico.
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TIMOR LESTE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REJECTS BUDJET

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FRETILIN - MEDIA RELEASE - 20 November 2009

Timor-Leste parliamentary committee rejects budget

Dili - Timor-Leste's multi-party parliamentary committee on the economy, finance and anti-corruption, has rejected the Gusmao government's 2010 budget sent to parliament for approval.

In an unprecedented repudiation of the government 66-page report the committee including the government's own MPs, endorsed a 66-page report challenging the legality of the budget law and its lack of a pro-poor and pro-development emphasis. All members of the committee voted in favour of the report, except for the three FRETILIN committee members and the National Unity Party MP and leader, Fernanda Borges, who abstained because the report did not go far enough in condemning the illegality of the so called “referendum package”.

FRETILIN party Vice President and MP Arsenio Bano said today: "The committee's report presents an incisive and comprehensive legal, financial and economic analysis of this shambles of a budget, which has no poverty eradication or human development-oriented investment. Both de facto Prime Minister Gusmao and his Finance Minister Emilia Pires were unable to respond to the report's criticisms in parliament."

The report said the proposed budget invested only 2% in agriculture, which "does not only defeat the government's commitment to eradicate poverty, but denies opportunities for improved incomes of the poor and places Timor-Leste further from achieving food security and income security for the poor. With the high population growth rate (3.2% per annum on average), the aim of achieving food security in the country is moving in a reverse direction."

The committee also expressed concern with the widening gap between rich and poor. It adopted the opinion from the United Nations Development Program, which tracks poverty in Timor-Leste, reporting to the parliament, "the benefits of growth and income distribution have continued to be in the hands of the richest 20% of the population. The continued decline in the agriculture growth has compounded the problem of income inequality."

Mr Bano said that in his budget speech to parliament, Mr. Gusmao failed to even mention the so-called 'Referendum Package' of ill conceived infrastructure projects which have been widely criticized because of the cronyism involved including payments made to the Civil Construction and Public works Business Association, headed by Mr. Julio Alfaro, who was Godfather to Mr. Gusmao for his second marriage.

"Mr. Alfaro and his family have already benefitted greatly from previous government rice supply contracts, which like the 'Referendum Package' did not go to tender. We do not doubt Mr. Alfaro’s sincerity in wanting to advance the private sector in our country. He has not behaved improperly, but it is Mr. Gusmao’s responsibility to avoid any conflict of interest and or irregularities whilst managing the nation’s finances," Mr Bano said.

The committee's report said "the government presented as justification for the approval of this package (referring to the referendum package) the need to proceed to decentralize the procurement and payment process. In this context this _expression_ appears to be strange given that according to the best doctrines, decentralization only occurs when powers are passed from a state entity to another subordinate entity, or another public entity. This case involves a different situation because the funds were transferred from the Ministry of Finance to a private entity - the Civil Construction and Public Works Business Association, which is in no way connected to a public entity."

Mr Bano said the 2010 budget placed Health in seventh position in terms of budget allocation, whilst security and defence was fifth. "The de facto Prime Minister has a slush fund of US$48 million, above defence, which together with his budget as de facto defence and security minister places a total budget of over US$92 million under his control," Bano said.

"If 2009 is any indication, then these will again be expenditures that involve no public tenders, but will simply be largesse handed out to extend his political patronage as he has done this year with a similar proportion of the budget.

Bano said the report questioned the legality of the procurement procedures set out in the government decree law 29/2009 proclaimed on 28 October this year. "This permitted a "special procurement" process involving direct single sourcing / no public tenders for infrastructure projects totaling tens of millions of dollars and an expedited form of payment through a private business association headed by the Prime Minister's Godfather, before any of the works are even started.

"The parliamentary committee analysing the budget has made it clear that because of the failure of the government to comply with basic legal requirements on the structuring of budget allocations and line items, the proposed budget law does not deserve to be approved by parliament. The committee made 20 recommendations in all, which go to the substance and the legal foundations of this budget law, yet from the discussion to date, it is clear that Mr. Gusmao is simply intent on bullying his MPs to ignore the all-party committee report and ram the budget law through as it is. They can do that and again it will be a matter for the courts to decide."

For further information please contact Arsenio Bano MP on +670 728 7080 (end)
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VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

Recommendation 1: To avoid dependence on revenues from oil and gas, the country will have to work harder to develop its domestic economy. This could be done through the creation of public enterprises and joint ventures.

Recommendation 2: Faced with a rapidly growing budget, financed by increasing oil revenues, the budget execution rates remained low, particularly in respect of capital expenditure and development. There is an urgent need to standardise procurement legislation in the Ministry of Finance and develop human resources in this Ministry for the speedy implementation of projects.

Recommendation 3: The foreign loans should be allocated to specifically identified projects, with economic return to avoid future costs from externalities. A rigorous analysis must be done of the positive and negative impacts on the economy, avoiding the use of the Petroleum Fund to pay these loans.

Recommendation 4: In terms of economic and social development, the allocation to agriculture should be approximately $ 38 million (or 6% of total budget) to reduce poverty by 5-7% in rural areas. Special attention should also be given to creating additional opportunities for self-employment and access to microfinance, especially for women, and for granting land rights and other assets important to the country's economic development.

Recommendation 5: The Budget, as an instrument of intervention in the economy, will have to balance the policy to promote growth with pro-poor policies employment promotion. Therefore, the state budget will promote economic growth which is less ambitious (6-7% per year over a decade) with the aim of social and human development to reduce poverty and create employment opportunities.

Recommendation 6: For the improvement of credible statistical information, it will be necessary for the government to carry out the following research to complete the information and data: (1) household savings and investment survey, (2) Input-Output Survey to obtain basic information about the cost structure, availability of goods and distribution of products for certain economic activities, employment structure, production indicators, prices and other supporting information. (3) Research into the trade and service sectors, necessary to improve the distribution, production quality and price indicators, and revision of GDP (annual and quarterly).

Recommendation 7: There are obstacles that the Government will have to deal in the next few years, problems that affect the administration of taxes, such as tax evasion, corruption and leakages in tax management and the lack of a clear tax policy framework. These obstacles must be resolved.

Recommendation 8: It is highly advisable that the government reform the investment law and develop a clear competition policy to attract more potential local and foreign investors to the country; strengthen the IADE to make this institution can work to promote investment in the country; and map the priority investment sectors.

Recommendation 9: It is necessary to provide access to housing for the poor and most vulnerable, especially given that 66% of households in Timor-Leste live in temporary housing, and 81% of households were classified as severely damaged, according to the Survey on Living Standards 2007.

Recommendation 10: The nature of temporary positions may vary from the periodic contracting of unskilled labour to contracts longer term contracts. Keeping temporary staff for long periods of time may affect any programs for capacity building in this young country. Therefore, it is recommended that the Civil Service Commission be immediately strengthened to carry out civil service reforms and reduce the number of temporary positions.

Recommendation 11: The TradeInvest that stresses being a one-stop-shop should operate more effectively for investors, through more explicit policies and incentives.

Recommendation 12: At the same time international investment is approved, the government should stipulate in the investment agreements the requirement to employ Timorese labour: unskilled labour, semi-skilled and qualified. The Council of Ministers should adopt as soon as possible, the National Strategy for Employment and begin effective implementation.

Recommendation 13: It is not necessary to transfer the full amount of the Estimated Sustainable Income of $ 502 million from the Petroleum Fund to the State Budget for 2010. The cash balance carried from December 31, 2009 plus domestic revenue and the amount of $ 400 million from the Petroleum Fund are sufficient to meet the cash payments estimated at U.S. $ 502.9 million in 2010. Thus, only $ 400 million is needed to transfer from the Petroleum Fund, which is within the Estimated Sustainable Income.

Recommendation 14: For financial year 2009 onwards, the Government should adhere to the international accounting standard and practice of reporting financial results over a one-year period. A "complementary" period of 60 days (e.g., up to 28 February) such as in the international accounting practice of a "modified cash basis of accounting", will be allowed to ensure that cash payments made in the current year for previous years' obligations are matched properly with those prior years when the obligations have been made. Books are not to be kept open for transactions beyond 28 February other than for ensuring proper matching of cash expenditures between the current year and prior years. This will also ensure a timely audit of the annual financial statements.

Recommendation 15: The reasons for the qualifications of the auditors' opinion on the annual financial statements for the financial year 2008 point primarily to a limited access to information and documents made available to the auditors during the audit. This shows a disregard of Section 40 of the UNTAET/REG/2001/13 which states that "the independent auditor shall have unrestricted access to all information and explanations that, in the independent auditor's judgment, are necessary for the purpose of the audit." The independent auditor who will perform the year-end audit of financial statements shall have unrestricted access to all information and documents, that in the independent auditor's judgment, are necessary to support the determination of the validity of expenditures.

Recommendation 16: The inability of the auditors to form an opinion on the opening cash balance as at 1 January 2008 and the limited evidence made available to them to audit the movements of the Consolidated Fund during 2008 in effect renders the cash balance as at 31 December 2008, without validity. During the audit of the financial statements for 2009, the opening cash balance as at 1 January 2009 should be further audited, to satisfy the auditors on the fair presentation of the cash balance at the beginning of January 2009.

Recommendation 17: Committee C recommends that another audit should be carried out during the audit of the financial year 2009 on the additional cash receipts of US$817,000 and cash payments of US$116,746,000 made during the period 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2009 relating to the 2008 budget. The objective is to ensure a fair presentation of the cash balance as at 31 December 2009.

Recommendation 18: The Government should endeavour to submit the Government National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) to the Parliament for approval before the Government issues the budget circular for the GSB 2011. National priorities laid out in the NSDP should be provided with adequate budgetary resources to achieve the desired outcomes.

Recommendation 19: The Ministry of Finance should put importance to quality control in the presentation of budget data and information for budget transparency. Errors and inconsistencies in budget numbers impact on the integrity and validity of data and create confusion among the members of Parliament leading to an improper analysis of the budget estimates.

Recommendation 20: The Committee requests that during the general discussion of the draft law on State Budget for 2010, the Government submit to National Parliament the Prime Minister's dispatch authorizing the transfer funds for the referendum package and the Minister of Finance's approval.
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La'o Hamutuk has posted the complete Portuguese version of the Report of Parliamentary Committee C (Economics, Finance and Anti-Corruption) on the proposed RDTL General State Budget for 2010 at http://www.laohamutuk.org/econ/OGE10/PN/RelatorioComC_OGE1017Nov09Pt.pdf .

An unofficial English translation of the Recommendations section of the report, including recommendations from all the Parliamentary Standing Committees, is at
http://www.laohamutuk.org/econ/OGE10/PN/CommCRecommEn.pdf.

Additional information on the budget, with links to other documents and submissions, can be found at
http://www.laohamutuk.org/econ/OGE10/09OJE2010.htm.
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GLOBAL RECESSION FAILS TO HALT TAX REFORM

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Written by Paul Grant

Number of economies refreshing their tax systems grows 25%

Tax reform has remained high on the agenda of many governments during the past year, despite the global recession, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the World Bank.

The Paying Taxes 2010 report showed that the number of economies reforming their tax systems to make it easier to pay had jumped by a quarter over last year to 45.

The top reformer of the year was Timor-Leste, which introduced new tax law, streamlined the business tax regime and simplified tax administration. With 10 economies reforming Eastern Europe and Central Asia had the largest number of reforms for the third year in a row.

Corporate income tax rates were reduced in 20 economies, while 18 simplified the process of paying taxes.

“The global recession has meant falling tax revenues and difficult tax policy choices,” said Susan Symons, partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “The challenge is ensuring sufficient public revenues for the future while incentivising investment and economic growth.”
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Timor-Leste president: Children's right should be strongly upheld

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People’s Daily Online - November 20, 2009

The President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos Horta said on Friday that children's right should be strongly upheld while in reality under age children have to work in fields that are not fit to their capability.

"That's not in line with the international convention ratified 20 years ago," said Horta here.

He said that in the country's regions of Ermera, Maubesi, Hatulia Remisio and Venilale, many under age children work beyond their capacity.

"They carry woods, work at plantations, sell agricultural products and work in road making," he said.

Horta said that they work because they have to support their poor families.

Source: Xinhua
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Óscares: "Sérgio" e "As Praias de Agnès" nomeados para melhor documentário

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Por Lusa - Diário de Notícias - 19 Novembro 2009

Os filmes "Sergio", sobre o diplomata brasileiro Sérgio Vieira de Mello, e "As Praias de Agnès", de Agnès Varda, integram a lista dos candidatos a uma nomeação para o Óscar de Melhor Documentário.

A Academia de Artes e Ciências Cinematográficas dos Estados Unidos anunciaram quarta-feira a lista dos 15 filmes finalistas candidatos a uma nomeação para o Óscar de Melhor Documentário.

Dessa lista fazem parte o filme biográfico "As praias de Agnès", da realizadora belga Agnès Varda, e "Sergio", um documentário de Greg Barker sobre o antigo Alto-Comissário da ONU para os Direitos Humanos, que morreu em 2003 num atentado em Bagdad.

"Burma VJ", do dinamarquês Anders Ostergaard, que segue os confrontos ocorridos em 2007 na Birmânia, e "Food Inc", de Robert Kenner, sobre a produção agrícola norte-americana, também foram seleccionados.

Há ainda "Valentino The Last Emperor", de Matt Tyrnauer centrado no estilista italiano Valentino Garavani, e "Mugabe and the white african", documentário britânico sobre a luta dos fazendeiros que lutam pelas suas propriedades no Zumbabué.

De fora ficaram "Capitalismo: Uma história de amor", de Michael Moore, o documentário mais lucrativo deste ano nos Estados Unidos, e "The September Issue", retrato de RJ Cutler sobre Anne Wintour, editora da revista Vogue.

Os nomeados para a edição de 2010 dos Óscares serão conhecidos a 02 de Fevereiro e a cerimónia decorre a 07 de Março em Los Angeles, Califórnia.
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ESPECIALISTAS ASIÁTICOS DEBATEM SISTEMAS ELEITORAIS

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Angola Press – 20 Novembro 2009

Dili - Especialistas de diversos países asiáticos partilharam experiências e debateram em Díli os diferentes sistemas e processos eleitorais, com vista à fixação de "padrões eleitorais internacionais" nas legislações nacionais respectivas.

O seminário em que participaram representantes da Indonésia, Malásia, Filipinas e Timor-leste, além de técnicos de organizações internacionais, foi organizado pela Comissão Nacional de Eleições (CNE) timorense, em colaboração com o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD), e financiado pela Embaixada de Espanha em Díli.

Na iniciativa, que decorreu durante dois dias no Centro João Paulo II, em Díli, e reuniu cerca de uma centena de participantes, marcou presença o Presidente da República timorense, José Ramos-Horta.

Por seu lado, o presidente da CNE, Faustino Gomes, destacou que a reunião foi "um instrumento para o reforço do sistema eleitoral timorense".

No seminário, foram discutidas as normas e enquadramento jurídico dos processos eleitorais e os regulamentos dos órgãos de gestão eleitoral, além do caso específico de Timor-Leste.

Entre os oradores convidados estiveram, a nível nacional, Claudio Ximenes, presidente do Tribunal de Recurso, Mari Alkatiri, antigo primeiro-ministro, José Reali, conselheiro da Comissão do Serviço Civil, e Tomás Cabral, director do Secretariado Técnico Eleitoral (STAE).

Do estrangeiro, participaram responsáveis das comissões eleitorais da Indonésia, Malásia e Filipinas.
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sexta-feira, 20 de Novembro de 2009

A ACUSAÇÃO PÁRA COM AS FOTOS DA AUTÓPSIA DO REBELDE

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Mentiras em obstrução à Justiça também vem da PGR

LINDSAY MURDOCH – Sydney Morning Herald – 20 de Novembro de 2009- Tradução de ZIZI TIMOR OAN

DARWIN: Os Procuradores do julgamento de Angelita Pires, nascida em Timor, recusaram-se a fornecer 200 fotografias do corpo do seu ex-namorado morto, Alfredo Reinado, negando que as imagens existissem mesmo, apesar de sua ampla circulação nos meios de comunicação de Timor-Leste.

As fotografias fornecem provas críticas mostrando que Reinado e um de seus homens foram executados à queima-roupa, na casa do presidente de Timor Leste, José Ramos Horta, em Fevereiro do ano passado, segundo Jon Tippett, QC, um dos advogados da Sra. Pires.

Ele disse ao Herald que ele arranjou um perito em medicina legal na Austrália, para examinar o pó dos ferimentos provenientes dos tiros que podem ser vistos nas fotografias, se o Ministério ceder e liberar as fotografias originais para o tribunal em Díli.

As cópias das fotografias supostamente tiradas durante a autópsia circulam há meses. Uma mostra Felismino Cardoso Garcia, um dos Procuradores do julgamento, em pé perto do corpo, com mais oito pessoas.

Quando os advogados da Sra. Pires apresentaram uma queixa formal e produziram algumas das cópias da média em tribunal, o senhor Garcia disse que as fotos não eram’’oficiais’’e a acusação não tinha sido notificada da sua existência. Os juízes têm ainda que se pronunciar sobre a queixa.

A Sra. Pires e 27 rebeldes do grupo de Reinado e associados estão a enfrentar inúmeras acusações de conspiração ou tentativa de assassinato de Ramos-Horta e o primeiro-ministro, Xanana Gusmão. A Sra. Pires nega as acusações, dizendo que ela não tinha nada a ver com os ataques em que o Sr. Ramos-Horta foi baleado e gravemente ferido. Ele foi levado para o Royal Darwin Hospital para ser operado de urgência.

O Sr. Tippett disse que o pó das queimaduras dão apoio a outras provas que foram refutadas pela versão dos acontecimentos da Procuradoria e de um guarda presidencial, Francisco Lino Marçal do tiro de Reinado e do seu adjunto, Leopoldino Exposto, de que estes foram baleados a umas distâncias de 40 metros do jardim da casa de Ramos-Horta. ''A evidência do pó das queimaduras encaixam-se numa outra evidência crucial recolhida pela Polícia Federal Australiana, ‘‘disse o Sr. Tippett. Um relatório de balística da AFP obtida pelos advogados da Sra. Pires, num pedido abrangido pela liberdade de informação, mostra que Reinado e Exposto foram mortos com armas diferentes.

Os testes balísticos também mostraram que os fragmentos das balas encontradas nos corpos dos homens não eram do tipo de arma que o Sr. Marçal disse que ele usou para matá-los.

Há testemunhas-chave que se recusaram a comparecer no julgamento, que começou em Julho, incluindo os membros de uma organização sombria chamada MUNJ que estiveram com Reinado horas antes da sua morte. Ramos-Horta e Gusmão também se recusam a comparecer, mas concordaram em apresentar provas por escrito.

O senhor Tippet disse: ‘‘Na nossa opinião está errado que estas duas testemunhas importantes decidiram ficar acima e fora do sistema judicial do país.''

O julgamento continua.
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LULA DA SILVA AGRADECE APOIO DE RAMOS HORTA

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Record - 20 Novembro de 2009

PRESIDENTE DO BRASIL CONSIDERA QUE LÍDER TIMORENSE TEVE PAPEL FUNDAMENTAL

O presidente do Brasil, Lula da Silva, agradeceu o "envolvimento direto" do presidente de Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, na escolha do Rio de Janeiro para as Olimpíadas 2016, afirmou hoje a Presidência timorense.

"Tenho a honra de agradecer o valioso apoio de Timor-Leste à candidatura do Rio de Janeiro para sediar os Jogos Olímpicos e Paraolímpicos de 2016", escreveu o Presidente Lula da Silva numa carta enviada a Ramos-Horta, considerando que o "envolvimento directo" do Presidente da República de Timor-Leste foi "fundamental" para a escolha do Rio de Janeiro.

O Chefe de Estado brasileiro destacou a sua "grata satisfação" em partilhar com o seu homólogo e com o povo timorense a "histórica conquista, que enaltece o valor do desporto como elo de união entre os povos".

"Além de ser a primeira vez que a América do Sul receberá uma edição dos Jogos Olímpicos, ao Rio de Janeiro também coube a honra de ser a primeira cidade lusófona a ter o direito de organizar o maior evento desportivo mundial", acrescentou o Presidente Brasileiro, na carta.

Lula da Silva agradeceu a Ramos-Horta o seu "envolvimento direto nas gestões realizadas junto de diversas personalidades internacionais, que foi fundamental para a vitória do pleito brasileiro".
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CHINA ELOGIA MACAU POR RELAÇÃO COM PAÍSES LUSÓFONOS

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Pequim, 19 nov (Lusa) - A China manifestou-se nesta quinta-feira satisfeita com os resultados da primeira década de governo chinês em Macau e elogiou o “papel único” do território no desenvolvimento das suas relações com os países de língua portuguesa.

“Desde o seu regresso à Pátria, Macau tem desempenhado um papel único e positivo no desenvolvimento dos laços econômicos entre o continente e os países de língua portuguesa”, disse o porta-voz da chancelaria chinesa, Qin Gang, respondendo a perguntas da Agência Lusa.

“O governo central chinês continuará a apoiar esse papel”, acrescentou.

Macau passou para a administração chinesa em 20 de dezembro de 1999, segundo a mesma fórmula adotada cerca de um ano e meio antes em Hong Kong, “um país, dois sistemas”, e com igual estatuto, de Região Administrativa Especial.

Aquela fórmula “tem sido plenamente aplicada” em Macau, proporcionando “estabilidade social”, “prosperidade econômica” e “nível de vida avançado”, declarou Gang.

Macau é a sede do Fórum para a Cooperação Econômica entre a China e os países de língua portuguesa, criado em 2003.
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ANGELITA PIRES DEFENSE TEAM'S ARGUEMENTS FOR ATTOPSY PHOTOS RELATED TO 11TH FEB 2008 CASE

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ETLJB – 20 November 2009

In light of Criminal Law, "investigation" means collecting evidence to clarify the crime occurred, demonstrating the existence or not (matter) of such crime and indicating to who committed this crime (authorship and participation), in addition to other relevant factors.

We must note that, here in East Timor, like Portugal, the members of the Public Ministry (Prosecutors) have a role in all acts of the investigation and they must ensure that they have all the evidence necessary to prove the existence of the crime, the identification of agents of the crime and demarcation of responsibilities. However, beyond that, considering also that the Public Ministry (Prosecution), further to being the one that makes the charges (accusations) based on the investigation which it (the Prosecution) leads, it is also the institution which, through its members, the Prosecutors, appear as a spokesperson for issues of social interests.

Thus, when the Prosecutor, presents to the Court, what is considered to be illegal in penal action and calls for a punishment , he does this in the name of the society offended.

Because it is so, the Prosecutor must act with legality, trying to meet and observe what the law says, never obstructing the realization of the right of others.

Case No 79/C.Ord/TDD/2009, where Angelita Pires, Sussar, Gastao Salinha and 24 other defendants in the 11 February Case, who were charged with conspiracy, murder and damage, in addition to other charges, it should be noted that since the investigation phase, the rights of these defendants have been violated and curtailed. They and their Lawyers did not access to the file when the law does not prohibit this right, except to the general public.

Furthermore, important evidence such as photographs and videos taken during the autopsy of Major Alfredo Reinado and Leopoldino Exposed were not properly joined in the investigation file by the Prosecution, when it should have been so. The reason is simple: through the photos, you can clearly see the marks of gunpowder, the severity of the injuries, the type of weapons used to kill Major Alfredo Reinado and Leopoldino Exposto, including other forensic characteristics that undoubtedly proves that both of these Major Alfredo and Leopoldino Exposto were not shot at a distance of 40 meters, during cross fire, as the security guards who worked at the home of President Jos? Ramos Horta have tried to lead us and the Court to believe. On the contrary, the photographs show that both Major Alfredo and Leopoldino were killed a short distance of no more than 3 or 4 meters. Therefore we can conclude that they were executed.

The Defense of Angelita Pires, knowing the importance of this evidence, asked the Court to determine the Public Ministry (Prosecutor) to join the photographs taken during the autopsy into the Process so that a Team of Forensic Cientist could analiuze the manner in which Reinado and Exposto died. The Prosecutor, Felismino Garcia Cardoso, in turn, responded to the request made by the AP?s Defense claiming the following:

"At no time was reported to Public Ministry (Prosecution) that during implementation of the autopsies, the medical team composed and led by physicians Drs Nurul and Rosa Pent?n, photographed these acts. Moreover, at no given time, the Public Ministry was aware of that the photos were taken at the time of the autopsies, and furthermore the Prosecution has never receiceived any such photographs.?

While saying this, note that the very Prosecutor, Felismino Garcia Cardoso, who headed the investigation and represents the Public Ministry (Prosecution) in the 11th February 2008 Case that is being heard in the Dili District Court, appears posing and smiling in some of the photographs gathered by AP?s Defense Team.

The Defense of Angelita Pires, contrary to what the Prosecutor stated in writing in the process, proved to the Court that such photos exist and proved that the Public Ministry did have knowledge of the existence of these photos, because the Prosecutor Felismino Garcia Cardoso, was with the team during the act and that important evidence has been withheld from the Court and Defense of the accused with the objective to obstructing and impeding the for truth and justice.

As noted, the photographs can prove that Major Alfredo Reinado and Leopoldino Exposto were executed at close range. If this is the case, it is clear that there was never any attempt on the life of the President or on the life of the Prime Minister. Instead, it was evident, however, that an ambush was prepared to kill Major Alfredo Reinado.

Based on this, the Prosecutor cannot argue, for example, that Angelita Pires was the one who planned and directed attacks against the Head of Government and against the Head of State. Similarly, there is no liability in relation to other defendants who, since 2008, have been unjustly accused and imprisoned.

It is for this reason that the Defense of Angelita Pires asked the Court to join the 9 photos that they found into the 11 February Process. It is known, however, that more than 200 were taken by the referred medical team.

The request for these photos has is supported and established in the Articles 133, paragraph 1, 241 ?, 114 and 252, all of the Criminal Procedure Code.

This points to another serious mistake: Many of the tests made by the Public Ministry (Prosecution) need to be redone. This is the case of ballistic examination. A properly trained team would have the capacity necessary to demonstrate the important issues and questions in relation to the deaths of Major Alfredo Reinado and Leopoldino Exposto, giving exact distances, type of weapons used, trajectories and other factors of great relevance to the discovery of the truth. A truth is that unfortunately, the Prosecution does not appear to be concerned with finding. Similarly, inspection of the scene should be performed.

The Defense is permitted to make these requests/applications to the Court because the law, namely the Code of Criminal Procedure, under the provisions of Article 60, paragraph 'h' Article 116, paragraph 1 and letter 'e', Article 151, paragraph 2, point 'a' and 'b'. In accordance with our adversarial principle the Defense has the right be present and to monitor the implementation of these tests.

However, members of the Public Ministry (Prosecution) are recognized as "those who are responsible and expected to protect and ensure the rights of all citizens," and most certainly, without reservation, the Prosecutor Felismino Garcia Cardoso?s speech is a further acknowledgment of this. However, when they (Prosecution) fail to ensure the implementation of the law when they do not observe individual rights, requesting the arrest of people that they (Prosecution) know to be innocent, and when they try to hide evidence of which, they know, are strong enough to absolve those who once have being wrongly accused; the Public Ministry (Prosecution) acts with total disloyalty, without dignity and legal credibility. The Prosecution has acted in disrespect and violation of the law, in dishonesty to the Process/Case and without the required ethical and moral sense granted to Jurists.

Angelita Pires? Defense is highlighting and insisting that it is merely asking to seek effective realization of justice. We are seeking the truth and to enforce the Law in accordance with the procedural, constitutional and fundamental rights. Will the Public Ministry and Felismino Garcia Cardoso continue to oppose these fundamental and democratic rights of the citizens of Timor Leste?
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Polícia em armas - INTIMIDAÇÃO DO PARLAMENTO ANUNCIA NOVA FARSA

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Por GONÇALO TILMAN GUSMÃO

GUSMÃO VEIO PARA FICAR, QUEIRAMOS OU NÃO

A estabilidade tão apregoada pelo governo timorense e por José Ramos Horta ruiu através dos autores que se vangloriavam com as mentiras que diziam e ufanos garantiam ao mundo que a estabilidade era um facto. Por aqui, no TLN, sempre dissemos que a estabilidade de que falavam devia de ser a deles, de Horta, de Gusmão e dos que se rodeiam de seguranças para estarem entre o povo, entre os timorenses. Mas a tão apregoada estabilidade, que era deles, afinal já não é. Nem com os imensos seguranças que tinham se sentiram seguros. Se assim não fosse não teriam de aumentar em número os elementos e de proceder a maiores rigores. Afinal já nem eles se sentem seguros. Consciências pesadas? Evidentemente.

Foi aqui notícia que Gusmão apresenta ao Parlamento Nacional, ao país, o Orçamento de Estado para 2009 – 2010. A apresentação teve início na passada quarta-feira. Dia em que com grande espanto o primeiro-ministro se fez rodear dos seus inúmeros seguranças e ainda de mais 18 elementos da PNTL devidamente fardados e bem armados. Ontem e hoje foi assim que Gusmão se sentiu estável e seguro dentro do Parlamento Nacional, exigindo que os seguranças e os agentes da PNTL se mantivessem armados dentro da câmara do Parlamento. Imagine-se a estabilidade e democracia que vai em Timor-Leste ao vermos os deputados eleitos rodeados de polícias armados no debate do Orçamento. Democracia exemplar, não resta dúvidas.

As perguntas surgem sem que as respostas sejam encontradas. Mas Gusmão tem medo de quê? Dos deputados? Dos que assistem ao debate em lugares destinados ao público e onde estão vários agentes, alguns vestidos à civil? Teme os próprios deputados da AMP, que são em maior número. Teme somente os da oposição? Se não os teme porque razão a PNTL está armada junto deles?

Terão razão aqueles que afirmam que ele está prestes a fazer outro “teatro” como em 2006 ou como em 11 de Fevereiro? Já se fazem apostas de quem é que vai sofrer “atentados” e atentados, que casas vão incendiar, que documentos vão desaparecer dos ministérios e de outras repartições do Estado, destruídos pelos revoltosos contratados. Rumores. Simplesmente rumores. Iguais ou do género dos que surgiram logo nas primeiras horas de 11 de Fevereiro de 2008 e que agora, pelo que tem sido demonstrado no julgamento do 11 de Fevereiro no Tribunal Distrital de Díli, nos permite concluir que afinal “não há fumo sem fogo”. Aquilo que vimos é a Procuradoria-Geral da República a ser apanhada em perjúrio e muitos a esconderem-se de algo que abominam: a verdade! E agora, serão rumores justificados ou injustificados? Após tanta mentira já é de crer em tudo. É convicção de muitos que esta intimidação do Parlamento é prenúncio de nova farsa.

Sabemos que sempre que Gusmão se sente fragilizado algo acontece, de terrível para alguns, que lhe permite sair reforçado. Também sabemos que isso traz mortes e instabilidade - que é sempre apontada como responsabilidade de outros, nunca dele nem das suas políticas e acções mais ou menos dúbias. Uma vez mais sente ser necessário reforçar a sua autoridade e estabilidade? Será que é desta vez que vai haver uma descarada e enorme caça às bruxas? Há quem espere “coisa má”.

Corre também o rumor de que os serviços de informação do primeiro-ministro tomaram conhecimento que se preparava alguma espécie de ataque à sua pessoa, mas que não tiveram oportunidade de definir que tipo de ataque iria ocorrer no Parlamento Nacional.

Se foi isso, e registe-se aqui um grande SE, pois melhor será informar o primeiro-ministro e todos que lhe são próximos, de que a casa própria para os ataques democráticos, em debate, é o Parlamento Nacional. Claro que iria ser atacado pela oposição democrática, com a reprovação de um orçamento que vai causar mais enriquecimento meteórico aos amigos, familiares dos governantes e a eles próprios, mais direta ou indiretamente. Como se tem visto.

Este é um orçamento que deixa portas escancaradas a que o povo fique com as migalhas dos milhões que ele envolve. Repare-se na desproporção que se regista entre as verbas destinadas à segurança, PNTL, e à saúde. Isto num país dito, por eles, estável, mas com inúmeros cuidados de saúde por concretizar, com imensas carências que nem se justificam ao olharmos para as vultuosas quantias que estiveram e continuam a estar ao dispor do governo.

Este exemplo mostra bem o que sempre vimos aqui afirmando: Gusmão está a armar até aos dentes a PNTL e a fazer dela um exército paralelo às F-FDTL, o seu exército privado, comandado por um seu servidor, Longuinhos Monteiro. Fique esta evidência à consideração dos que querem salvar a democracia no nosso país e travar por forma pacífica mas firme a progressão de um golpista, de um ditador.

O que se prepara é a conciliação de uma frase: Gusmão veio para ficar, queiramos ou não!
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LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA VEIO PARA FICAR, defende embaixadora Natália Carrascalão

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JSD – Lusa – 19 Novembro 2009

Cidade da Praia - A Língua Portuguesa, "por uma questão de identidade veio para ficar" em Timor-Leste, onde cerca de 20 por cento da população já a fala, disse hoje à Agência Lusa a nova embaixadora timorense em Cabo Verde.

Natália Carrascalão, falando à Lusa na Cidade da Praia, onde entregou quarta-feira as cartas credenciais ao presidente cabo-verdiano, Pedro Pires, sublinhou que, apesar dos constrangimentos sofridos pelos timorenses durante a ocupação indonésia (1975/2002), a Língua Portuguesa "fazia parte" da população.

"A Língua Portuguesa veio para ficar, porque foi escolhida pelos líderes políticos da altura, na sequência daquilo que a população queria. O Português é uma língua de timorenses também. Quando escolhemos a nossa língua foi por uma questão de identidade. Fazia parte de nós", sustentou.

Actualmente, prosseguiu, as crianças já aprendem o Português nas escolas e os adultos com mais de 40 anos, na generalidade, falam-no. "Muito rudimentarmente, mas falam".

"A forma de pormos a Língua Portuguesa a andar para a frente passa também pelo apoio, por exemplo, da RTP Internacional, que é muito vista em Timor-Leste, que poderia começar a passar programas mais agradáveis para que aquela juventude a comece a ver e ouvir", defendeu.

"Não quero estar a ser muito optimista, mas, se se percorrer Díli, já não deve haver ninguém que não saiba dizer umas quantas palavras em Português. Posso ser muito optimista, mas acredito que pelo menos 20 por cento da população já fale Português", referiu.

Sobre a situação actual em Timor-Leste, Natália Carrascalão salientou que o país está a viver um momento de grande desenvolvimento e, em 2010, começar-se-ão a ver os resultados da aposta nas infra-estruturas rodoviárias, portuárias e aeroportuárias, que vão, paralelamente, permitir desenvolver o sector do Turismo.

Natália Carrascalão, embaixadora de Timor-Leste em Portugal desde 24 de Setembro último, entregou quarta-feira a Pedro Pires as cartas que a credenciam como embaixadora não residente de Timor-Leste em Cabo Verde, estando previsto, para breve, que faça o mesmo em Madrid (Espanha).

quinta-feira, 19 de Novembro de 2009

PROSECUTION STALLS ON REBEL’S AUTOPSY PHOTOS

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Felismino Cardoso (fourth person from left to right) lied to the court

LINDSAY MURDOCH – Sydney Morning Herald - November 20, 2009

DARWIN: Prosecutors at the trial of Timorese-born Australian Angelita Pires have refused to release 200 photographs of the body of her slain former lover, Alfredo Reinado, denying the images even exist, despite their widespread circulation in the East Timorese media.

The photographs provide critical evidence showing Reinado and one of his men were executed at close range at the home of East Timor's President, Jose Ramos Horta, in February last year, according to Jon Tippett, QC, one of Ms Pires's lawyers.

He told the Herald he has arranged for a forensic expert in Australia to examine powder burns from gunshot wounds that can be seen in the photographs, if the prosecution relents and releases the original photographs to the court in Dili.

Copies of the photographs allegedly taken during an autopsy have been circulating for months. One shows Felismino Cardoso Garcia, one of the prosecutors at the trial, standing over the body with eight others.

When Ms Pires's lawyers filed a formal complaint and produced some of the media copies in court, Mr Garcia said they were not ''official'' and the prosecution team had not been notified of their existence. Judges have yet to rule on the complaint.

Ms Pires and 27 of Reinado's rebels and associates are facing numerous counts of conspiring or attempting to kill Mr Ramos-Horta and the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao. Ms Pires denies the charges, saying she had nothing to do with the attacks in which Mr Ramos-Horta was shot and seriously wounded. He was flown to Royal Darwin Hospital for emergency surgery.

Mr Tippett said the powder burns support other evidence disproving the prosecution version of events that a presidential guard, Francisco Lino Marcal, shot Reinado and his associate, Leopoldino Exposto, from up to 40 metres away in the courtyard of Mr Ramos-Horta's house. ''The evidence of the powder burns dovetails into other crucial evidence gathered by the Australian Federal Police,'' Mr Tippett said. An AFP ballistics report obtained by Ms Pires's lawyers under a Freedom of Information request shows that Reinado and Exposto were shot with different guns.

Ballistic tests also showed that fragments of bullets found in the men's bodies were not from the type of weapon Mr Marcal said he used to kill them.

Key witnesses have declined to appear at the trial, which began in July, including members of a shadowy organisation called MUNJ who were with Reinado hours before his death. Mr Ramos-Horta and Mr Gusmao have also refused to appear but have agreed to present evidence in writing.

Mr Tippet said: ''It is wrong in our view that these two important witnesses have decided to stand above and outside their country's judicial system.''

The trial is continuing.

More here
Trial 11 February - PGR SHOWS TO THE COURT THE FACE OF THEIR LIES
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LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION CRITICISES GUSMÃO GOVERNMENT

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Dili, 17 november (Lusa) - Translated from the original in portuguese

The leader of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, did this Tuesday, criticized fiercely the two years of Prime Minister of Timor Xanana Gusmão Government, in a large article published in some newspapers and blogs of the country.

Recognizing in the Premiê his past as resistance’s Leader, Alkatiri says that "this past glory cannot serve to cover up mistakes, mismanagement and illegalities of the present ".

With” US$ 2 billion (R$ 3.4 billion at the current Exchange) spent on two years ", the Government of the Alliance of Parliamentary Majority (AMP)" does not invest only spends ", accuses the leader of the opposition Fretilin, country's major political party.

In the article, it does not excuse what are the “success” more revealed by Xanana Gusmão’s Executive: economic growth, the resolution of problem of internally displaced persons and social peace.

"There is talk of economic growth which is presented as an end in itself, of development. Do not look for the quality of this growth reflected in the provision of services to the public, the number of jobs created, works with social and economic impact in the short, medium and long term, "said Alkatiri.

As the closing of many displaced persons camps, he reacted deploring the fact that the Government has been limited to promote the financial compensation households, "without any tangible effort towards resolve the origin of conflict 2006 ".

"Xanana knows very well that exists social peace and political only because there is a Fretilin which, although injustice, rejects violence and demonstrate great State sense, "says.

The leader of the largest opposition party criticises the "democratic deficit", specifically the total control of public television, suppressing of civil society organisations, once very active through financial contributions from the Government, manoeuvring of Parliament members and limitation of the political parties activities, parties have been removed from elections for “SUCOS” (minor administrative division of East Timor).

Public resources

However, in the management of public resources Alkatiri makes criticism more incisive, stating that are being used in a kind of "projetismo"(small project), in which are budgeted proposals submitted by various ministries, without linkage between themselves.

The leader of the Fretilin denounces what calls "dismantling” of the entire budget management system and financial, and concludes that" Budget is no longer an annual action plan, but rather a blue bag and contingencies that reflects the greed "members of the Government.

According to Alkatiri, maintaining the emergency nature of the State procurement to meet the basic needs of the population, to allow "everything is done by adjusting direct, opens doors to negotiate committees, rather than prices.”

Regarding the promotion of the private sector, in which the Executive of Xanana Gusmão has wagered, he says that is made distributing large sums, without taking in account that the projects are properly structured to ensure quality of work, and can be monitored.

“It prevail the cheap paternalism of a welfare State, that comes to outward the demagogy and populism, creating new-rich, but not a responsible business sector and be able to assert itself”, underscored.

The leader of the opposition accuses the Government too, in two years have transformed Public administration in a "destruction monster of resources”: Public administration become employment centre (but not work). Approximately 18,000 public employees in 2007, we are now close to 40 000 and the majority allowed by this government are temporary employees ".

In this area, it is still criticism of the “devaluation” of the Timorese capacity, "flooding ministries of international advisors, scandalous salaries and mostly low-skilled ".
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“IV GOVERNU KONSTITUSIONAL” KA SOSIEDADE INIPESOAL(I) LIMITADA?

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Mari Alkatiri*

(Parte II)

Haré husi lalenok leno ba kotuk

Ita koalia hela kona ba reformas Xanana nian no ita haré tiha ona désimu reforma. Tamba ami promete hatutan ta’an sirurjia ki’ik ida ne’e, ami sei refere ba reforma sira seluk ne’ebé Xanana halo tiha ona iha ninia governasaun, ne’ebé halao liu tinan rua nia laran.

Désimu primeiru reforma mak ida ne’ebé nia haklo’ot tiha direitus fundamentais sidasaun sira nian. Xanana Gusmão, nu’udar Prezidente Repúblika, hafiklak tiha Prezidénsia ba fali sentru ida ba dinamiza Sosiedade Sivil no Partidus opozisaun. Iha 2006, nia uza fali direitus sidadaun nian, nu’udar argumentu bo’ot tebetebes ida, hodi hasoru I Governu Konstitusional, to’o nível ida ne’ebé ita la bele ona tolera. Atu halo luta hasoru I Governu Konstitusional, nia ba hamutuk fali ho “petisionárius” sira, revoltozus sira ne’ebé hasoru hela Komandu F-FDTL no governu. (Ami sei hanoin lia fuan ne’ebé nia hatete ba manifestantes sira “ Ita manán tiha ona funu”, iha Palásiu Governu nia oin, ema sira ne’ebé fahe makás ódiu no violénsia). Ohinloron, Xanana hakfilak a’an tiha, dulas nia a’an grau atus ida ualu nulu, no sikat súbar iha teoria seguransa sosial nia kotuk, ameasa fali sidadaun sira, halo tauk jornalistas sira, halo tauk povu, hamosu mau-hú bar’barak, hatama estudantes sira ba kadeia bainhira sira halo manifestasaun iha kampus universitáriu, halo perseguisaun ba polítikus partidus sira seluk nian ho material oi’oin servisus intelijénsia nian ho deklarasaun “ ami sei prende líder sira balu”. Halo ameasas ne’e bei’beik de’it, bainhira ema ruma bo’ok a’an ka iha movimentu ruma ba halo manifestasaun sósial ka polítika hasoru governasaun ninia salah, nia koalia hasou kedas hanesan fali polísia sira. . Organizasan Sosiedade Sivil nian, ne’ebé horiuluk ativu tebetebes, ohinloron, balun de’it mak sei halao sira nia knaar ho dignidade maibé, maioria, tamba kal simu ósan husi “governu”, hili dalan nonók de’it ka rezisténsia pasiva (kontra hela maibé nonók de’it).

Désimu segundu atu iha relasaun ho media.”Governu” Xanana halo buat hotu-hotu ba kontrola media. Kontrola tomak TVTL. Sósa pájinas jornais nian, selu tempu antena iha Rádiu no Televizaun, hodi halo propaganda ba inisiativas sira nian, ba buat ne’ebé la iha konsisténsia hanesan fo’os íbridu, fahe tratór , Memoramdum de Entendimentu bar’barak ne’ebé la iha rezultadu, ne’ebé asina de’it ho kruz ka ba akordu no adjudikasaun ne’ebé la tuir konkursu públiku, projetus investimentu ne’ebé la lao ba oin no halo’ot de’it iha gaveta laran, ( Ezemplus: hektár rihun atus ida ba kuda tohu, hektár rihun ba rihun ta’an ba kuda ai-fuan, jeradór uza óleu pezadu vs eletrisidade ba ema hotu-hotu to’o 30 Agostu 2009, gazeodutu husi Tasi Timor nian sei mai Timor-Leste, Baze de Apoiu ba atividade explorasaun minarai nian, produsaun Bio-Fuel, etc. no etc., hotu-hotu mega-projetus ( projetus bo’boot de’it) ne’ebé sira sósa husi vendedór mau-bóbar sira, iha merkadu informal rejiaun nian). Maibé, órgaun komunikasaun sosiál, biar la’os hotu-hotu, tatoli tuir buat sira ne’e hotu, hakru’uk de’it ba polítika intoxikasaun ne’ebé “Governu” Xanana defini no halao. Bóbar mai , bóbar ba, mak importante ba sira atu konvense ema katak sira halo duni buat ruma.

Ohinloron, iha lolós tinan ida ne’ebé nia deklara nu’udar tinan Infraestruturas nian, tamba hetan frakasu, nia uza fali paz sosial no polítika nu’udar sira nia governasaun ninia susesu. Liu hosi media, nia akuza FRETILIN sukat de’it progresu ho liurón no pontes ninia naruk kilómetru hira. Maibé Xanana tenke hatene katak paz sosial no politika iha, tamba FRETILIN, biar vítima ba injustisa, hakribit violénsia no hatudu sentidu estadu. Karik Xanana iha opozisaun nia fatin ka nu’udar Prezidente Repúblika no FRETILIN mak ukun karik, ita kal labele iha duni paz, estabilidade sosial no polítika. Pelumenus, ida ne’e mak akontese duni foin lalais liu bá.

Désimu terseiru reforma nian refere ba taka dalan ba demokrasia bainhira sira la husik partidus sira partisipa iha eleisoens ba líderansa komunitária. Xanana ho ninia asosiadu sira (asosiadu sira, la’os sósiu), iha Sopsiedade Unipesoal (I) Limitada ne’ebé hanaran a’an “IV Governu Konstitusional”, halo buat hotu-hotu atu evita rezultadu eleisaun nian konfirma sira nia ilejitimidade ba kaer “governu”. Nune’e, bainhira sira halo revizaun ba Lei eleisaun líderes komunitárius nian, sira la husik partidus polítikus sira aprezenta kandidatus. Maibé rezultadus tó ona no hotu-hotu hatene ona sá mensajen mak rezultadus sira ne’e ható ba ita hotu.

Désimu kuartu atu reforma mak dexsentralizasaun administrativa ne’ebé sira rasik mak halo mes’mesak de’it no sarani ho naran “ dexsentralizasaun ba sistema aprovizionamentu” [1].

Xanana hatete katak “ hafoin halibur no diskuti dalabarak ho sektór privadu” [2], emprezáriu sira “ haksolok a’an tamba bele ona partisipa liu ta’an iha dezenvolvimentu rai ida ne’e nian no sira hakarak duni iha responsabilidade bo’ot liu ta’an iha prosesu konstrusaun Estadu nian” [3],. Ida ne’e reprezenta de’it ( ?) dólar amerikanu tókun hitu nulu ( 70 milloens) atu gasta iha fulan rua ka tolu nia laran.

Xanana hatete ho fiar makás katak “Governu” desidi halo “teste” multimilionáriu ba “projetus kikoan ne’ebé tenke ramata molok tinan ida ne’e ramata”. [4]

“Teste” ida ne’e halo tuir hanesan ne’e de’it: “Governu”, tamba la konsege ezekuta projetu konstrusaun Sentral Elétrika nian, rekoñese katak, tuir Xanana nia lia fuan rasik: “ ami halo poupansa dólar amerikanu tokun rihun hitu, ne’ebé aloka ba projetu ida ne’e, iha tinan fiskal 2009”. [5]

Nune’e, tamba “ governu” la bele duni ezekuta projetu bo’ot ida ne’ebé Parlamentu aprova, sira retifika ka korije de’it, hau hatete fila fali, sira duni mak retifika Orsamentu
( tuir Konstituisaun, Parlamentu mak tenke aprova) no inventa fali de’it obras ki’ik besik 700 ( obras de’it , la’os projetus) ne’ebé tenke ezekuta iha fulan tolu nia laran. Atu fó kobertura legal ba hahalok ida ne’e, sira aprova Dekreto-Lei ida ne’ebé fo dalan ba tuir sistema “aprovizionamentu espesial”. Hó hahalok ida ne’e, governu loke fali dalan ba hisik tiha sira nia knaar no responsabilidade no fó fali ba Sektór Privadu. Atu fahe projetus husi “lista projetus ne’ebé fó ba distritu ida-idak, sira bolu Asosiasaun Emprezarial Konstrusaun Sivil no Obras Públikas nian atu harii lalais asosiasaun distrital no sub-distrital no responsabiliza sira ba halao prosesu adjudikasaun atu fahe justu no ho transparénsia” [6] ( subliñadu ami nian) . Ita la hatene saída mak sira hakarak dehan ho lia fuan justu no transparénsia tamba ita la haré entidade ruma halo konkursu públiku. Sira fahe de’it.

Karik sira koalia lolo’os, sira la iha projetus. Sosiedade Unipesoal (i) Limitada Xanana Gusmão nian la mehi ho projetus sira hanesan ne’e atu hatama ba orsamentu tinan 2009 nian. Tamba la bele duni ezekuta mega-projetu ne’e (ne’ebé ohinloron ita hatene ona katak halo arbiru de’it) , ninia mehi sai fali pezadelu (mehi a’at ida ne’ebé la husik nia toba) no Xanana, dala ida ta’na, tuir de’it ninia intuisaun hamohu rekursus públikus nu’udar solusaun ba problema hotu-hotu. Nia foti desizaun ida ne’e atu halai de’it husi “carry over” ( lori verba orsamentu husi tinan ida ne’e nian ba fali tinan oin). Biar hahalok ida ne’e hatudu irresponsabilidade, nia konsidera fali “brani no inovadór” bainhira foti projetus bobo’ot ne’ebé atu halao iha 2010 ba fahe fali ba emprezárius, molok 2009 ramata. Ho ida ne’e, nia gasta arbiru de’it rekursus públikus ba obras ne’ebé, karik halao duni, sei la iha kualidade. Nune’e, la tó ta’an fulan tolu, sira sei tolan tomak de’it dólar amerikanu tokun hitu nulu.

Ita labele duni hatán opsaun Xanana nian atu fó de’it responsabilidade ba Sektór Privadu halo adjudikasaun projetus Obras Públikas tamba razaun sira tuir mai ne’e :

i. Molok hahú, iha tiha ona konflitu intereses. Sektór Privadu , ne’ebé hakarak iha asesu ba projetus, sira rasik mak resposabiliza fali ba adjudikasaun no fiskalizasaun.

Ita rona ona ema hatete katak “ koordenador” balun “ Pakote Referendu” nian harii emprezas ho familia ka amigus sira nia naran, iha distritu no sub-distritu no entrega projetus ba sira. Balun, ne’eb’e hela iha Dili, tamba hatene liu informasaun, harii projetus iha sira nia distritus moris fatin, hodi simu mo’os projetu;

ii.. “Governu” la hanoin didiak molok foti desizaun ida ne’e: Tamba la bele konsege dezeña projetus 700, ho kualidade, iha períodu fulan rua ka tolu, no, kal lakoi lori tódan tamba la konsege ezekuta mega-projetu ida, “Governu” hisik tiha sira nia responsabilidade bainhira transfere arbiru de’it ba Sektór Privadu. Irresponsável liu, hau bele hatete katak, ninia hahalok ne’e krimi ida, bainhira nia sente katak nia iha direitu atu halo “teste” ho dólar amerikanu tokun hitu nulu ( 70 milloens), bainhira transfere montante ne’e, ka, pelumenus, dólar amerikanu tokun liu tolu nulu ( liu 30 milloens) ba konta privada, molok ema hahú ezekuta obras.

Buat ne’e hotu akontese tamba Xanana hakarak “ projetus konkretus ....atu benefisia sektor privadu...” [7], maibé hanesan bainbain, “populasaun iha nível lokal iha territóriu tomak” [8] sei simu oituan liu. Maibé ida ne’e mak vontade Xanana nian no, ba ninia asosiadu sira, ida ne’e mak Lei. Sira tenke kumpri de’it Lei ida ne’e.

Ridikulu liu bainhira sira la halao mega-projetu ida, maibé, bolu fali ida ne’e
“ poupansa dólar amerikanu tókun hitu nulu”. [9]Ida ne’e hatudu kedas katak sira la hatene saída mak Orsamentu Estadu. Labele koalia poupansa, tamba la iha poupansa, bainhira ita halao Orsamentu Estadu nian. Sira hatene ka la hatene? Karik hatene, tenke halo tiha uluk programa ida ho kualidade, ne’ebé bele halao, hatama ida ne’e iha planu anual asaun nian no, husu ósan ba implementa ida ne’e. Ita husu ta’an buat seluk: sira iha ka la iha kapasidade ba ezekuta? Bainhirala sira la halo buat sira ne’e, sira labele duni ezekuta planu, programa, projetu, katak labele duni halao Orsamentu.

Tuir bom senso ka bainhira uza ita nia kakutak, ita tenke hatene katak molok lori projetu multimilionáriu ida ba oin, ita tenke halo uluk estudu ida ke diak duni no halo konsulta bar’barak no mom’oos ( transparénsia) ho sektór oin’oin. Tenke haré mo’os ba impaktu oin’oin – sosial, ekonómiku, kulturál, ambiental no polítiku. Buat sira ne’e hotu mak garante katak projetu ne’e bele lao duni ba oin. Maibé, ita haré katak sira halo buat sub’subar de’it. Sikat sub’ subar de’it tamba hatene katak iha frakeza barak no la halo sasán ho seriedade. Foti uluk opsaun ida, ne’ebé iha kedas konsekuénsia a’at tebetebes, mak foin halo fali estudu ida. Ida ne’e hatudu momo’os katak “Governu” hametin a’an hela iha bé merak ida nia léten no, tamba ne’e, labele haré mo’os no konfundi fali tubaraun ho golfiñu, balada ne’ebé maus tebetebes.

Ita sei iha poupansa, lo’os duni ( ita sei iha, biar sira tolan tomak dadaun hela rekursus públikus). Hanesan hotu-hotu hatene, ita nia poupansa mak Fundu Minarai ne’ebé I Governu Konstitusional harii.

Désimu kintu atu reforma refere ba relasaun Governu/Parlamentu Nasional. Governu ne’ebé de’it tenke sadere duni ba ninia maioria iha Parlamentu ne’ebé garante estabilidade ba sira nia ukun. Maibé ita la bele simu katak Governu halo fali bankadas sira sai kúmplise ba sira nia desizaun inkonstitusional, ilegal no irresponsável.

Ita labele liu simu buat sira ne’ebé akontese. Sosiedade Unipesoal, ho sósiu mesak ida, naran Xanana Gusmão, foti desizaun mes’mesak no obriga de’it ninia asosiadu sira hatán de’it, liu-liu deputadus AMP sira. Nia ba Parlamentu ho mega-projetus ba sosa jeradór tuan sira no obriga de’it deputadus AMP defende no vota a favor ba projetus sira ne’e. Iha duni tinan implementasaun projetu nian, nia haré katak projetu la diak no labele ona lao ba oin, nia buka fali opsaun seluk-seluk no, dala ida ta’an, ita hatene ona, nia sei ezije ninia deputadus atu lalika halo krítikas no vota a favor de’it. Ida ne’e hatudu katak nia la respeita órgaun soberania ida ne’ebé iha kompeténsia ba halo lei no fiskalizasaun ba atividade Governu nian. Ho hahalok ida ne’e, nia halo foer de’it dignidade deputadus sira nian.

Désimu sextu atu reforma akontese bainhira nia hakfilak Administrasaun Públika ba sai fali administrasaun temporária. Administrasan Públika sai tiha fali sentru empregu (maibé la’os ba halao servisu). Iha 2007, funsionárius públikus besik rihun sanulu resin ualo, ohinloron besik ona rihun hat nulu. Maioria, ne’ebé Governun ida ne’e mak hatama, funsionáriu temporáriu de’it. Tamba ne’e, Administrasaun Públika rasik, iha de’it karáter administrasaun temporáriu. Organizasaun ida ne’e todan tebetebes, sai tiha fali mákina ida ne’ebé nonók hela de’it iha fatin.

Kal tamba ida ne’e duni mak mosu fali parte ida ridíkula reforma nian ka limpeza jeral ne’ebé halo sexta-sexta. Limpeza ba liurón, avenida no tasi-ibun ne’ebé funsionárius sira obrigadu halao nafatin ho komandu Xanana no Ramos Horta nian. TVTL sempre halo kobertura ba deklarasaun husi ema bo’ot ne’ebé halao limpeza semana ida, dala ida. Ita husu atu hahú uluk lae halo limpeza iha Ministériu no Sekretaria Estadu atu funsaun públika bele sai instituisaun ida ke mós, diak no forte.

Ita labele koalia kona ba reforma no haluha tiha revizaun ne’ebé sira halo ba Lei Tributária. Tamba osan minarai nian tama makás mai kofre estadu nian, “Governu” deside halo Lei Tributária foun ida, ne’ebé hakfilak tiha Timor-Leste ba quasi paraízu fiskal, rai ida ne’ebé la selu impostu ka selu oituan de’it. Maibé bainhira sira desidi hatún no halakon impostus ba buat balun, “Governu” ida ne’e fiar katak foli sasan hotu-hotu sei tu’un kedas no katak, liu hosi dalan ida ne’e, sira bele kumpri promesa ida ne’ebé sira halo iha kampaña eleitoral. Maibé buat hotu-hotu ninia presu sa’e ba bei’beik iha Merkadu. “Governu” la konsege explika fenónemu ida ne’e. Ohinloron, fós ba konsumu populasaun nian, tamba simu subsidiu makas husi estadu, sei fa’an ho presu ida ke ema sei bele sósa. Se ita hasai tiha produtu ida ne’e, husi ita nia kálkulu makroekonómiku, hau fiar katak infklasaun sei sa’e makás liu nível ida ne’ebé sira aprezenta mai ita ofisialmente.

(sei hatutan)

* Sekretáriu Jeral FRETILIN no Primeiru-Ministru I Governu Konstitusional

[1] Xanana Gusmão, Carta endereçada ao Presidente do Parlamento nacional datada de 22 de Outubro de 2009 - [2] Xanana Gusmão, karta hakerek ba Prezidente Parlamentu Nasional, 22 Outubru de 2009 - [3] Xanana Gusmão karta hakerek ba Prezidente Parlamentu Nasional, 22 Outubru de 2009 - [4] Idem - [5] Idem - [6] Idem - [7] idem - [8] idem - [9] idem
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USGov: President Obama's remarks on accepting credentials of new TL Ambassador to U.S.

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THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY TO THE REMARKS OF THE NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE CONSTANCIO DE CONCEICAO PINTO UPON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HIS LETTER OF CREDENCE

Mr. Ambassador:

It is with great pleasure that I accept your Letter of Credence, which establishes you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and I acknowledge receipt of the Letter of Recall of your predecessor, Ambassador Jose Luis Guterres, who was exceptional in representing Timor-Leste in the United States. I would like to extend to you and your family a warm welcome and I look forward to working closely with you to deepen the already close relations between our countries.

The United States is proud that our support for the people of Timor-Leste preceded the 1999 Popular Consultation which led to your country's independence. As one of the world's oldest democracies, the United States feels a special kinship with Timor-Leste - the first new democracy of the twenty-first century. Even as a young nation, Timor-Leste has already proven its commitment to democratic values by completing a successful transfer of power between elected governments - a hurdle over which many new democracies stumble. Timor-Leste also remains a vocal supporter of international human rights and world peace.

We are committed to Timor-Leste's economic and social development. Our robust foreign assistance budget in Timor-Leste is among the most generous per capita in the world and focuses considerably on rural economic development and access to basic health services. Since 1999, our Timor-Leste Scholarship program has supported university education in the United States for 50 Timorese students.

In more recent years, we have been pleased to support Timor-Leste's security sector reform efforts by sponsoring national security strategy workshops, practical trainings, and technical assistance. Our military-to-military ties have never been stronger and activities such as the recent deployment of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint exercises will reap benefits for both our countries for years to come.

Mr. Ambassador, I am delighted that Timor-Leste has assigned such an experienced diplomat to Washington, and I look forward to working with you to advance our common agenda and deepen the strong and abiding friendship of our countries. It is a pleasure to welcome you back to Washington.
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FUKUYAMA’S SIDE OF STORY

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By Anastasia Kapetas - The Diplomat - 19 Nov 2009

As a key player in the rise of neoconservatism within the US government, and author of the contentious treatise The End of History and the Last Man, Francis Fukuyama has an intimate understanding of the Washington scene that formulates so much of US foreign policy. He spoke to The Diplomat's editor Anastasia Kapetas in Sydney about failed states in the Pacific, Obama's military problem and India's nuclear ambitions.

You have done some considerable work on failed states, some in Australia’s immediate neighbourhood. How do you see Melanesia and South Pacific?

FRANCIS FUKUYAMA: I think that first of all Timor-Leste and Solomons are genuine failed states.

The problem in all those places is that you’re dealing with societies that didn’t have states prior to European colonialism and they’ve got a very strong social structure below the state level that really inhibits the formation of things like modern political parties. It’s very hard to do economic development because so much of the land is tied in up in customary land ownership.

I do think though, that when the enhanced cooperation program was started back in 2003, it was in the wake of September 11 and the Bali bombings and the general fear that failed states could be the platform for terrorism. In retrospect that danger is really not nearly as great as it may have been perceived

Now we can look at the problem more calmly and say what’s really necessary to create governments that can actually deliver services and goods to their people with a minimum amount of stability.

Should Australia be the one who takes leadership in that area in the South Pacific, given that there are a lot of players in that area now – New Zealand, China and Taiwan?

China and Taiwan are not going to be helpful at all. Their rivalry has been this great font of money for governments in that region that just end up being used for fairly corrupt purposes.

The Chinese can be brought along eventually but in the short run, as in Africa and other parts of the developing world, their primary interests are commercial and they’re not on board with regard to environmental or other kinds of standards. And so I think the impact of their involvement is largely negative.

It’s quite important that Australia maintain a strong presence there because of all the other international players, with the exception of New Zealand, none has the strength and the combination of the resources and standards for dealing with that region.

Just as there is anti-Americanism around the world, there has been a kind of anti-Australianism in the South Pacific. How can Australia address that?

It’s very hard when you have this kind of highly dependant relationship where one country is so much richer or more powerful than another one. So I think that just comes with the territory.

One comment that I’ve heard from a number of Melanesians is that they actually preferred dealing with New Zealanders. That probably has to do with the Kiwis’ experience in dealing with the Maori populations. I do think that leads to a different kind of perception in the way the two countries handle things. But I don’t want to overstate that because it’s just inevitable that there’s going to be resentment regardless of how Australia behaves.

What about the US’s relationship with Japan? Do you think that’s in good shape or do you think it’s deteriorated slightly over the last few years?

Under the Bush administration it was extremely good. In fact good to the point that it was a little bit troubling because when you have someone like Abe as Prime Minister wanting to revise Article 9 [prohibiting Japan from building up its military forces]... We probably should have distanced ourself a little bit from that.

The Japanese are worried right now that if a Democrat is elected there’s going to be a shift back to a more China centric policy but regardless of whether [the next US president is] a Democrat or Republican the alliance is still going to be a bedrock of American East Asian policy.

What do you think of the debates in the Japanese military about nuclearisation and greater force projection?

The nuclearisation thing never made any sense to me at all because Japan was perfectly happy to live under an American nuclear umbrella during the entire Cold War when the Chinese and the Soviets had thousands of nuclear weapons that were capable of hitting Japan.

And why all of a sudden because of a nuclear threat from Korea they should decide that the American umbrella is not credible any longer and that they need their own, is something that I don’t quite get.

Do you think that comes out of a sense of frustration with the U.S relationship?

I don’t think so. I think that it’s a reflection of a certain kind of nationalism. Because the nationalist right in Japan is not particularly pro-American they want Japan to strike out on its own and that’s exactly what we don’t want to happen.

The whole reason you’ve had peace in Asia since 1945 is that the United States has taken certain aspects of sovereignty from Japan and kept them in a way that’s reassured the rest of East Asia. Japan could move to that kind of posture and ultimately ought to but it has to be based on a much more open confrontation with all the historical issues and domestic Japanese politics in a way that more deeply reassures China and Korea.

In terms of again that broader nuclear question – what do you think of the whole India question at the moment? It’s been controversial…

Well again this is one of those things that probably should have been thought about more systematically, the good reasons why the United States and India have drawn closer together over the last decade. As a result of Islamic terrorism and the end of the Cold War and various realignments in the subcontinent, but I think that the United States making an exception for India in terms of proliferation should have taken place in the context of an entirely different proliferation regime. It really undermines your creditability with other countries if you’re going to make exceptions for a countries that are good friends of yours.

One alternative to the '68 regime was to say well we’re not going to say no proliferation to any country that wasn’t part of the original seven countries. But there is a legal route to proliferation which has to be under certain type of export, processing and other kinds of constraints and make that a general condition for what we consider to be acceptable proliferation. In that case you would have had to negotiate that Indian deal with much tougher terms which maybe would have meant you couldn’t do it. But I think that the Bush administration wanted the short term gain of having an ally and cementing it’s relationship with India. So it’s now put itself in a position where it’s weakened the global regime but without having something there to replace it.

Robert Kagan contends that the conflict between autocracy and democracy is the real driver of foreign policy. Would you agree with that?

I think he’s a little bit too nostalgic for the Cold War. He wants to see the current world in these bipolar terms as if there’s these two ideological poles of democracy and autocracy.

I think that you’re in a much more multi-polar world, where some regimes are more democratic and more autocratic, but the democratic ones don’t cohere necessarily and the autocratic ones don’t cohere, they do it because they’ve got common interests. I think it’s not ultimately that helpful a way of seeing the world, but it is true that there are these two big authoritarian modernisation projects going on and we’ll just have to see how stable and successful they are.

I spoke with a former senior Bush administration official last year who said that the last thing America needs now is big ideals in foreign policy. Do you agree with that?

No. I think that democracy promotion has always been an important component of American foreign policy. It’s just we’ve given it an exaggerated role as a strategic instrument and that link needs to be broken. But this idea that we’re not going to care about human rights abuses, or the way other humans treat their citizens, that’s not in line with American values.

It’s not good for the world as whole if the United States simply went back to a Kissingerian realism. We just need a better balance where this is not projected on the world as the US trying to make everybody.

Do you think one of the first tasks of the next American president is to revitalise America’s presence in big multilateral institutions?

It probably would send a good signal. Beyond that I think there’s a more fundamental structural question about whether the existing institutions we have are the right ones. The Bretton-Woods institutions largely don’t have a role anymore.

I think that in East Asia the more kinds of multilateral institutions you can incorporate China into in the long run the better. I don’t mean more like the East Asian summit but things that could deal with real security and economic issues that potentially might be more productive.

It’s conceivable that if you had a region wide agreement like a free trade area in the Americas or the EU and if it had more teeth with regard to corporate governance, that might be considered more useful.

At the moment it would be up to the United States to push something like that. We’ve just been out of this multilateral game for a while.

Is Washington still very worried that it’s being kept out of the regional political architecture?

It all depends on what the organisation is and what it’s trying to do. I don’t see ASEAN+3 at the moment as a particularly big threat because the Japanese don’t want to play ball.

I think that there are some positive forms of multilateralism including the United States that would be quite positive. All those agreements and a lot of economic cooperation I think was driven by ultimately by frustration with American economic policy after the Asian crisis in 97-98. It seems to me we’re kind of sweeping the results of what the Asian countries perceive to be self interested American economic policy in the region.

In theory it would be good if everybody went back to universal multilateral agreements, they all stuck to the WTO and didn’t do these special trade deals and so on.

If a WTO style trade multilateral regime is floundering, what other alternatives are there? Do we just keep pushing for bilaterals as the only pragmatic way?

It’s not clear that bilateral trade agreements in the end create more trade than they divert and they’re all done primarily for political reasons in any event. I don’t think that’s a particularly promising way to go.

It’s conceivable that if you had a region wide agreement like a free trade area in the Americas or the EU and if it had more teeth with regard to corporate governance, that might be considered more useful.

At the moment it would be up to the United States to push something like that. We’ve just been out of this multilateral game for a while.

What is the sense about China and Washington?

Every candidate campaigns on an anti China platform and then they end up with pretty much the same policy once they become president. The Democrats tend to be a little bit more pro-China, the Republicans a little bit more pro-Japan, but I think in the end they end up fairly pragmatic.

So there are practical and structural realities of the relationship?

The economic relationship is so strong, we’re in a mutual suicide pact with the Chinese with them holding American [dollar] reserves and our being [China’s largest] export market.

The one issue that overlays this is the protectionist one. On the trade front there’s a lot of anti-Chinese sentiment and it’s much stronger in the Democratic party than among the Republicans. For some reason they take it out on small countries like Columbia and Korea rather than China itself. But I do think that that’s something to watch and worry about.

Can any new US president really make a fresh start given the foreign policy albatrosses they’ll be inheriting?

I think people are probably overly optimistic about how big a break we can make. In the Middle East and a lot of areas, it’s not just albatrosses, we have commitments. It’s not clear that you want to break out of a lot of those existing arrangements.

Francis Fukuyama is the Bernard L. Schwartz Professor of International Political Economy and Director of the International Development Program at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University in the US.
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NAVAL BUILD-UP IN NORTH-EAST ASIA

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Salim Osman, Indonesia Correspondent Jakarta - The Straits Times (Singapore) - Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Analysts advise caution amid higher defence spending

JAKARTA: A naval arms race that could have catastrophic consequences is developing in Asia-Pacific waters, a military expert warned at a conference here yesterday.

The naval build-up in North-east Asia has exceeded basic modernisation with the addition of new capabilities such as submarines, destroyers, large amphibious ships and long range missiles, experts said.

Professor Desmond Ball of the Australian National University warned that the build-up could lead to a calamity if it becomes a full-fledged arms race.

'There's no arms control regime in Asia that might constrain these acquisitions,' he said.

He and other experts spoke at a conference on New Challenges To Asia Pacific Security organised by the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific.

Prof Ball said that, since 2000, nearly all countries in the region badly hit by the 1997 financial crisis had increased their defence spending again.

In South Korea, for instance, it rose 6.2 per cent in 2001 and then to 9.9 per cent by 2007.

'This has resulted, in rough terms, in doubling its defence capability since around 2000 beyond the level considered adequate for modernisation in the 1990s,' he said. He believes that China now spends more on defence than any country in the world except the United States.

China has bought large numbers of frigates and destroyers from Russia and plans to acquire aircraft carriers as well.

Analyst Sam Bateman of the University of Wollongong in Australia said: 'China is usually seen as the trigger for a naval arms race, potentially shifting the military balance in Asia, although China strongly denies the claims.'

Its naval force expansion may explain the acquisition of new missile destroyers by South Korea and Japan, he said in an article distributed at the conference.'While most navies, including the Chinese navy, stress that their capabilities are being developed for defensive purposes, it is often difficult to differentiate offensive from defensive capabilities,' he said.

Chinese analyst Zhang Junshe of the Naval Research Institute said that his country was merely making modest improvements to its maritime defence capability and that its navy 'was still lagging behind other countries'.

'We don't think the modernisation of the navy by countries in the region constitutes an arms race,' he added.

Analyst Kwa Chong Guan of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) suggested in response to the arms race there 'should be more trust, more confidence building and more transparency'.

The head of external programmes at NTU's Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, he warned: 'The consequence of the navy's build-up is the increasing probability of accidents and incidents at sea.'
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Commentary: Peter Galbraith's $100M Oil Patch

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Ruth Wedgwood - Forbes - 11.19.09, 12:01 AM EST

A glimpse at globe-trotting diplomats and conflicting interests.

Peter Galbraith is a person that I have admired for years – not least for his work as a Senate aide in the late-1980s when he went to northern Iraq and smuggled out the documents that proved Saddam Hussein's culpability in the gassing of Kurdish civilians.

As ambassador to Croatia during the war in the Balkans in the early-1990s, Peter bucked up the beleaguered Bosnians and Croats by allowing planes carrying weapons to land unimpeded -- reporting that he had "no instructions" to stop the delivery of the urgently needed military kit. This strategy helped to defeat the Serb forces of Slobodan Milosevic in the summer of 1995.

And not least, in 1999-2000, he took charge of the economic issues in the reconstruction of East Timor, after that small country was half destroyed by the wanton looting and violence of the Indonesian-backed militia, following its vote for independence. Timor is a country lacking any obvious advantages of geography or endowment, except for a soil good for coffee and sandalwood.

Yet Peter negotiated an enormously favorable deal for East Timor in that new state's dispute with Australia over the division of the gas and oil found in the "Timor Gap" – a pocket of wealth on the seabed floor between the two states. One might have supposed that Timor would not do much better than 50-50 or 60-40 in the split. But Peter served East Timor by winning the lion's share of 90% of the revenues for this struggling small state, though later a portion of the funds was reportedly lost through unwise financial investments.

Lately, in his recent service with the United Nations in Afghanistan, alongside Richard Holbrooke and Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide, he has shown courage in criticizing the irregularities of the national vote for a new president, even if the electoral shenanigans were to be expected.

But this makes it all the more painful to think about the ethical swamp waters that too often lap at the heels of international actors in countries that are in chaos.

It has presented Peter with a choice in which it is hard to do the right thing, but where there are enormous consequences for the future of Iraq, and frankly, for the future of international post-conflict reconstruction.

In particular, it has been reported in the press that Ambassador Galbraith, as he is formally known, has had a fee arrangement with a Norwegian oil company to obtain 5% of the oil revenues generated in a particular large oil field in the Kurdish territories of Iraq. The amount of money at issue may be as high as $100 million, and perhaps even more.

From one perspective, this surprising amount of money could be dismissed as a private affair, as a simple contractual commission from a lucky Norwegian company that is grateful for his assistance in cajoling the Kurdish authorities to grant an oil lease. Certainly, Peter has banked a lot of good will in Kurdistan over the years.

But the press has also been chewing over the fact that since 2004, Peter has had a key role in pushing for autonomy for the Kurds over the disposition of their region's natural resources. His backing for giving final authority to the Kurds in developing the oil fields was reportedly a key variable in Baghdad's constitutional deliberations on the matter, and in building American support for the idea.

There is unlikely to be any American statute or conflict rule that covers this situation, since it has been years since he was employed as a U.S. diplomat. He may become a wealthy man unlikely to slow down in his adventures abroad.

Yet there is a gnawing sense that by choosing to stake a private financial claim of this magnitude -- in a triple play where he was publicly working for the Kurds, and yet privately working for the DNO oil company and himself -- this savvy former diplomat could prejudice America's role as a credible broker in diplomacy and reconstruction.

Since 2003, foreign critics have uttered the canard that the United States sought to topple Saddam Hussein simply to control Iraqi oil. Seeing an American mediator take home a pay check of this size will give comfort to the cynics, and may excite resentment in a tormented country where the annual per capita income is less than $2,000.

To be effective, international conflict resolution depends on the disinterested conduct of international mediators, including retired American diplomats who act in post-conflict areas.

It is also like the proverbial "clock that struck thirteen" -- calling into question all the chimes that went before. It would not be surprising to see critics looking back even at the Timorese negotiation with a new skepticism.

Alas, this phenomenon is not a new problem. In countries where the law has broken down, there is often a sense that only a fool would leave gold on the ground. But diplomats are not supposed to be gold-diggers.

The same problem has arisen -- on a smaller scale but also with crucial stakes -- in the newly-declared independent state of Kosovo. After the 1999 NATO military campaign that defeated Slobodan Milosevic, the United Nations set up an international administration in Kosovo to assist in building a modern state, with huge sums from the European Union and other international donors. The U.N. transitional mission has continued -- even after independence -- because of political disagreements over recognition of the new state.

But international officials in the U.N. mission have begun to switch hats with an ease and nonchalance that would curdle the blood of any ordinary conflict-of-interest lawyer. Two examples should suffice. The chief legal advisor to the U.N. mission -- who acted as de facto law-maker in Kosovo during almost eight years of international governance -- has now changed horses, representing Kosovo's prime minister, without any cooling-off period, in negotiations against the ongoing U.N. mission.

So, too, the former deputy special representative of the U.N. Secretary General -- who supervised the privatization of the energy and transportation sectors in Kosovo-- has gone to work for the main political rival of the prime minister, a former military leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army named Ramush Haradinaj, as an "advisor." Haradinaj is believed to have a major stake in the privatized companies.

An investigation by a U.N. watchdog office -- called the Office of Internal Oversight Services -- recently concluded that ordinary fiscal and auditing controls for UN-funded privatization projects were wanting. The energy sector aid package has a budget estimated at 500 million Euros, and with a local ''facilitation fee" of 1%, a maiden aunt could begin to worry.

Inconceivably, the United Nations appears to lack any conflict-of-interest rule that forbids such a revolving door of self-interest.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has made ethics the touchstone for his tenure in office. Certainly, he should promulgate a ban on such seamless acts of commercial reincarnation.

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker was a no-nonsense man who took a hard-nosed attitude when people tried to combine their public duties with private profit. He forbade U.S. ambassadors from engaging in any commercial activities in the countries that were the subject of their reporting.

That was the right attitude. Conflict areas may lie beyond the reach of effective law enforcement. But they do not reside beyond the demanding claims of honor and ethics.

- Ruth Wedgwood is a professor of international law at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies and a member of the Hoover Institution task force on law and national security.
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A LOOK AT NEW ZEALAND TROOPS IN EAST TIMOR

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By Mike McRoberts - News - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 6:45p.m

During East Timor's violent recent history nearly half of New Zealand’s defence force was engaged in peace-keeping duties there.

Today, New Zealand still has as many troops in East Timor as in Afghanistan.

But the country has enjoyed peace for some years now and the main challenge is deciding when our troops should come home for good.

The peacekeepers are now starting to look for other work including rebuilding schools, stadiums and medical facilities.

There’s no doubt New Zealand’s military presence here is a calming influence and as President: Jose Ramos-Horta presented each soldier with an East Timorese medal today, he was quick to praise the Kiwis.

“People can be very proud, when you ask East Timorese people what they think of New Zealand soldiers they have only good things to say” he says.

Perhaps the greater challenge facing New Zealand and East Timor’s governments is deciding how long the troops will keep coming.

Ultimately this decision lies with the President who says that ideally the Australian and New Zealand troops will stay in East Timor until the country’s next election in three years time.
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Timor-Leste: ON THE ROAD TO FUTURE PROSPERITY

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Guardian Weekly - Wednesday, November 18th 2009
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Matt Crook reports on a government project that's tackling two of Timor-Leste's biggest problems: bad roads and high unemployment

School was out in Ermera, a district in the western part of Timor-Leste, but for 17-year-old Natalia de Jesus de ­Nascimento, there was no time to waste as she got to work on fixing the 7km or so of road linking her village, Lehu, with the outside world.

"It was my own choice to come here. I wanted to contribute to the development of the village," she said on a sweltering day. All around, young men and women were armed with hoes, shovels, pickaxes and crowbars.

"It is hard work, but I don't feel too tired doing this. Sometimes, after I finish work here, I need to do other jobs at home like going to the farm or washing dishes," said de Nascimento, who has four siblings and attends the local junior high school.

De Nascimento and her 20 or so ­fellow workers are part of a government project that's tackling two of Timor-Leste's biggest problems: bad roads and high unemployment.

The aim of the project, which began last year, is to generate more than a million days of employment, targeted at young people, by getting rural communities to mend and establish routine maintenance on almost 2,000km of roads in the country that was created in 2002 after the Indonesian occupation of what was then East Timor ended.

About three-quarters of Timor -Leste's population of 1.1 million live in rural areas, most of them reliant on subsistence agriculture. The lack of infrastructure means that only a quarter of crops grown are sold, and farmers have to walk for many hours to reach markets.

The project identified the roads most in need of repair based on ­criteria such as the number of people living along the routes, while the feasibility of doing the work depended on building materials being within easy reach.

"This road is important so that people can go to the local market and get to the river to collect sand and other building materials," said community contractor Simian Luis Pereira, 23, who manages the workers on this project.

About 40% of East Timorese live below the poverty line, so the $2 a day the workers earn for fixing the roads keeps them just above that line and makes for a welcome injection of cash into their communities. Lehu village is home to about 1,000 people, most of whom farm taro, pumpkins, bananas, cassava, corn and coffee.

"Some of the workers are still high-school students, "said Pereira, who as a skilled worker earns $5 a day. "With this project, it can help them save cash to use for their education."

Pereira's workers, aged between 15 and 29, work from 8am until about 1pm every day. The high demand for this kind of labour means that the group has to be rotated every 30 days.

A short drive away from ­Ermera, 150 men and women of all ages were in the final stages of rebuilding 11km of road in Bazartete, part of Liquiçá district.

There are 600 households spread over three villages along the road. The work, which began in April, has seen the road transformed from a rocky, pot-holed nightmare into a weatherproof wonder.

Victor da Silva, chief of Maometo village, says the improved road is a blessing. "Transport is much easier now, which helps people to trade their agricultural products in the local markets, "he said. "The people here also transport building materials to renovate their houses."

All along the newly smoothed stretch of road, there are houses in various stages of being done up.

"Ambulances can now get to people in need, while trucks and microlets [small minibuses used for public transport] are now able to get through, whereas they couldn't before."

With so few paying jobs in rural areas, projects like this are highly­valued.

Fernanda Alves Correira, who has been digging and spreading gravel for 20 days with the latest rotation of ­workers, can't remember how old she is, but she knows she has 11 children to support and send to school.

"Yes, this is hard work, but I can still do it, said Correira, whose husband has a disability and can't work.

"I want to do this job because all my children need to go to school. What would make it easier would be if I could have work that is not just ­temporary."

Laurindo dos Santos, chief of Natuto sub-village, says the road project is a boon for the community, but it's one that's over too soon. "Some of the people here want to continue doing this kind of work, so now a few of them are upset that the project will come to an end, he said.

Getting rural communities to fix their own roads benefits thousands of people, but it's not a long-term solution to unemployment in Timor-Leste.

Village chief da Silva added, "Now the workers have to try and manage their time, so in the mornings they come here to do this and then afterwards they carry on with agricultural activities."

The UN's International Labour Organisation (ILO), which trains the community contractors before individual roadworks begin, provides technical support for the project. Across the country, the government is implementing labour-based rural infrastructure programmes assisted by ILO and with funding from Australia, Norway, Ireland and the EU.

For the road project, they get around the short-term nature of the employment by also providing life-skills training in areas such as ­ numeracy and literacy.

Tomas Stenstrom, the ILO's labour-based-technology expert, said, "This programme combines infrastructure work with employment generation. Where we can replace machines, we use manual labour."

For mother-of-11 Correira, who also has pigs, chickens and goats to take care of, the additional income has been worth the sweat and toil on the road. "This is a normal life in East Timor, she said, before getting back to dislodging large stones with her crowbar.
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EM 2010 LUANDA SEDIARÁ CONFERÊNCIA DA FAO PARA ÁFRICA

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Roma, 18 nov (Lusa) - O primeiro-ministro angolano, António Paulo Kassoma, anunciou nesta quarta-feira que Angola organizará a próxima conferência regional africana da Organização das Nações Unidas para Agricultura e Alimentação (FAO), que acontecerá em maio de 2010.

"Será mais um compromisso impulsionador da nossa luta comum contra a fome e pobreza, pelo que esperamos o apoio de todos os países-membros desta nossa importante organização, no sucesso dos objetivos da conferência", afirmou o chefe do Executivo angolano, citado pela agência Angop.

Kassoma falou à margem da Conferência Mundial sobre Segurança Alimentar, que ocorre em Roma, Itália.

A 26ª Conferência Regional da FAO para a África está marcada para maio de 2010.

Em Roma, a cúpula da organização foi marcada pela ausência dos principais líderes mundiais, expressamente do G8 (Alemanha, França, Itália, Reino Unido, Canadá, Estados Unidos, Japão e Rússia).

A exceção foi o primeiro-ministro italiano, Silvio Berlusconi, anfitrião do encontro do qual participaram 60 chefes de Estado e de governo e líderes de organizações internacionais.

A ausência de metas concretas para erradicar a fome e de um calendário na declaração final da cúpula foram outras das críticas das várias organizações presentes ao encontro, e também foram aspectos lamentados pelo diretor-geral da FAO, Jacques Diouf.

Textos anteriores
Diretor da FAO lamenta falta de data fixa para eliminar fome
Produção de alimento precisa aumentar 70%, afirma ONU
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RAMOS HORTA; ITA HADOMI MALU BA

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Dili-Timor Leste / CJITL Flash, 18 Novembru 2009

Prezidente Republika, Jose Ramos Horta husu ba povu Timor Leste tomak atu hadomi malu no simu malu iha Loron Toleransia Internasional ne’ebe monu iha Segunda semana ne’e (16/11).

Loron Toleransia Internasional ne’ebe proklama tiha ona husi Assembleia - Jeral Nosoes Unidas iha tinan 1993 no konhesidu iha mundu tomak hahu iha tinan 1995. “Loron Toleransia Internasional, Oportunidade ida atu fo hanoin liu-liu ba joven sira, mane no feto sira”, dehan eis ativista timor leste liu husi komunikadu imprensa, Segunda semana ne’e.

Liu husi komunikadu ne’e Horta esplika katak Timor-Leste mos tenki selebra no halo tuir buat foun ba kontrusaun nasaun pasifika ida ne’ebe demokratika no prosperiedade. Tanba aktu hirak ne’e bele halakon violensia no halakon marjinalizasaun hodi fo importansia ne’ebe boot ba kiak no fo espasu ba jerasaun ida.

“Se mak terus ba violensia, no hetan marjinalizasaun no kiak durante tinan ba tinan, ohin bele sai nudar ezemplu ba toleransia pas nian no vontade no ben estar nian” tuir komunikadu ne’e. Timor-Leste sei sai bo’ot no diak liu sekarik ita hatene harmoniza no integra iha sosiedade hanesan iha alin feton no maun sira. Iha mundu persiza fo tulun ba malu, hahalok ne’e lori husi ita nia moris loron-loron, no ita nia fiar no kultura nudar portador ba ispiritu no motivasaun.(*,dsc,cjitl)
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PRESENTATION OF THE DRAFT 2010 STATE GENERAL BUDGET LAW

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NATIONAL PARLIAMENT - 18 NOVEMBER 2009

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE DRAFT 2010 STATE GENERAL BUDGET LAW

Your Excellency the President of the National Parliament
Illustrious Members of Parliament
Illustrious Members of Government
Ladies and Gentlemen

On the occasion of the new budget year, which will be upon us soon, the Government has come to this Great House to present the Annual Plan and the 2010 State General Budget.

With the international financial and economic crisis that has been affecting the countries of the world, in particular during the second half of 2008 and 2009, the State General Budget for Timor-Leste is a budget that seeks to continue strengthening trust and hope in the Country.

It is a Budget directed to the future and founded on the strategic vision of this Government - a Government that is committed to setting the Nation on a new course.

The challenges that lie before our young Country are great, but the results that this Government has already achieved in two years and three months give us the confidence to say that we are on the right path.

Goodbye conflict, welcome Development! This is our motto, particularly in a year when we celebrate one of the most important dates in our recent history - the moment when we, with a spirit of cohesion, solidarity and courage, voted for our Nation to become Independent.

Independence brings with it many responsibilities, the most urgent of which is to free our People - who fought against the odds for so many years - from Poverty, Injustice and Instability.

The only thing that we, the leaders of this Nation, are expected to do is to not let our People down!

Therefore, the Budget we present here today is a Budget that seeks to make the most of this ongoing period of stability, growth and promise that Timor-Leste is currently enjoying.

We are ready to walk the road towards prosperity and development!

However, this is a challenge that requires the active participation of all Timorese citizens and a display of political maturity from our leaders. Therefore, I call upon you all in the following days to conduct debate in a manner that is constructive and truly democratic.

This is not a Budget by the Government and for the Government. It is not a Budget by AMP for AMP. It is a budget for all Timorese citizens, it is a budget for Timor-Leste, it is a budget confronting the difficult challenges we face as a Nation and making a sound investment in our future and that of our children.

I say it again: this is a Budget that seeks to support our Country's transformation from a post conflict environment to a situation of long term sustainable development with a strong and growing economy.

Your Excellency the President of the National Parliament
Illustrious Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Currently the world is experiencing a situation of trouble and uncertainty - with almost all of the economies of the developed world having fallen into recession.

In 2009 the world economy went through deeply troubled times; with developing countries and their people suffered greatly with the impact of the Global Economic Crisis and widespread fear of a worldwide depression.

Of course, Timor-Leste could not be immune from the damage caused by this economic storm.

Asset and commodities prices fell dramatically, the price of oil dropped from a peak of $145 per barrel in July 2008 to $30 per barrel in December 2008. This massive drop in the price of oil has impacted on our petroleum revenues in 2009.

In addition, the struggling American economy with the weakening value of the U.S. dollar, has affected the value of our petroleum fund, which is held primarily in US Treasury bonds.

In 2008 the Government acted with courage and determination to protect our People against the rising prices of commodities - and in particular rice - with the Economic Stabilization Fund.

This Fund prevented civil disturbance and demonstrations which were experienced in other countries. It prevented food insecurity and stabilised the prices of rice and other goods.

Most importantly, it addressed exploitative practises in our markets.

In 2009 we successfully managed the impact of the worst global economic crisis in almost 100 years. Timor-Leste successfully overcame these two years of economic turmoil while achieving an unprecedented level of economic growth as a result of the sound economic management of the Government and confidence and trust of the People.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Obviously, Timor-Leste cannot be fully protected from the events, policies and difficulties that currently affect the whole world.

Timor-Leste should and must monitor the economic responses of other countries, and it must absolutely take precautions to prevent crises that, given Timor-Leste's still fragile state, may prove dangerous.

Some countries, especially the emerging economies in Asia, are slowly recovering from the economic and financial crisis; however, the forecasts for worldwide economic recovery are mixed.

As such, we are living in times of uncertainty, which will continue until the world financial system recovers. While we have large budget deficits and growing debt in America and a number of European countries, we cannot assume that the world economy has stabilised.

What does this mean to Timor-Leste?

As you know, Timor-Leste is a Country that remains extremely dependent on the import of foreign goods. While fluctuations in prices may be moderating, it is not yet possible to guarantee that Timor-Leste will be completely unaffected.

Indeed, the changing price of the American dollar and its worldwide repercussions is in its self destabilizing. And it also encourages a second destabilising effect: market price speculation.

While the crisis began with events that took place in the US housing market, it has spread around the entire globe with serious consequences for world trade, investment and growth. Poorer countries were left in an even more fragile situation, jeopardizing the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

As an exact result of this, Timor-Leste is already reviewing and resetting goals and targets,reflecting on what can actually be achieved by 2015. And so, Timor-Leste has established a Secretariat under the Ministry of Finance dedicated to this task.

Given this, we must regret that the Economic Stabilization Fund was held to be unconstitutional, because it is in times of crisis that States must seek solutions and develop policies to respond rather than simply wait for the worst to occur.

And therefore, so-called ?stimulus packages? were adopted in many countries to prevent the worst that could happen: social instability.

Timor-Leste cannot afford irresponsible economic policy. It is the development of policies, reviews and annual forecasting models that give us a level of macroeconomic stability, as was proved during 2009.

In order to overcome the difficulties inherent in our young Nation, so that we may truly have stable and sustainable development, we must have the humility to acknowledge changes and trends caused by internal and external factors, and most of all the need to apply corrective measures in good time.

It is regrettable when, due to political or partisan interests, the intrinsic frailties of our Country are used for populist propaganda that in no way benefits our People.

Illustrious Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The State General Budget that we have presented here today remains faithful to our commitment when we came to office in 2007. We continue working to make Peace and Prosperity a reality in our Country.

This Government is proud of the fact that our Country today is very different from the one in 2007.

Unfortunately, the first few years of the history of an Independent Timor-Leste will be remembered as years of a declining economy and increasing poverty and instability.

Between 2002 and 2006 we had poor economic performance and negative growth rates. Extreme poverty in Timor-Leste increased from 38% of the population in 2001 to 49% in 2007.

I will not describe once more the enormous challenges we had to deal with when we entered
into office, but I do recall that during a certain period there were many references to Timor-Leste as a failed State, in which it was said that the Timorese dream - dreamt by us as well as the international community - was becoming a nightmare.

But this Government's spirit is strong and determined. Our determination in August 2007 was
to set a new course for the Country.

Under our leadership, we have begun recovery and transformation:

We have restored stability and security in the Country - streets are no longer deserted at dark, with whole families enjoying a true feeling of freedom and security, both in Díli and in the districts.

? This stability and public trust provides a security environment that allows a staged transfer of the policing responsibilities from UNPOL to our PNTL. And it also allows the staged withdrawal of soldiers from the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste.

? We have made the people trust State Institutions again - we have improved the living conditions of our heroes, widows and orphans, as well as of the IDPs, and we have improved the
purchasing power of our population in a way that while small is already very significant.

The Government is providing dignity to our People through the provision of pensions to our
veterans, as well as to our elderly and vulnerable citizens. In 2009 the Government spent $38 million on pensions, and in 2010 it will spend $52 million to support even more Timorese.

? We have established a framework for good governance in the public sector, in order to ensure that public funds are spent in a manner that is effective and that benefits the People, as well as to change the mindsets in our Public Administration. We never intended to replace people, but rather to change the way civil servants think and act, so that they may become good Public Servants, good Servants of the People.

The resetting of the systems used in the past has been most effective, as well as the legislative
and technical reforms that we are implementing.

The establishment of the Civil Service Commission will depoliticise the civil service and instil a
culture of professionalism and merit-based promotion, which will result in better service provision to our communities.

And the Anti-Corruption Commission will be an independent body reporting to the National
Parliament, with strong powers to fight corruption. The Anti-Corruption Commission has
been allocated $1.045 million, because investing in this area is investing in good governance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sometimes words are not enough, so please allow me to provide some figures. In 2008 our economic growth was the second highest in the world, with a rate over 12%. This positive record continued in 2009, with a forecast growth rate of between 7 and 8%. And we know that we need to maintain an annual growth rate of at least 8% in order to lift our People from poverty.

As a strong indication of private development, the business tax revenue increased by 50% between 2007 and 2008 - despite the tax reductions implemented in mid 2008.

These figures represent actual and substantial improvement in the quality of life of our People. These figures represent growth in our villages and districts; employment creation and the
improvement of agricultural productivity; the emergence of our tourism industry; the construction of houses, roads, schools and health clinics and the opening of shops and small businesses.

In 2009 we began an ambitious but urgent examination of our infrastructure needs.

Infrastructure projects are demanding and are long term tasks carried out by Governments
throughout the world. No Timorese Government has yet been courageous enough to present such an ambitious plan, or had the courage to adopt bold measures to develop our Country's infrastructure needs.

These figures also represent the emergence of our private sector, which is the future of the
Country's economic development. To support the development of the private sector, the Government implemented important reforms to lighten the tax burden and stream line business compliance procedures.

The World Bank's Doing Business Better Report 2010 recognized Timor-Leste as the World's top performer in the area of 'Paying Taxes' with our global ranking moving from 75th to 19th place over 12 months. And we also moved up 9 positions in the overall doing business better ranking.

Lastly, Illustrious Members of Parliament, this Government's spirit is evident in great achievements regarding budget execution rates.

The Government's capability to execute the Budget has been increasing steadily since 2007, as is shown by the payments made up until now. Comparing 2007 with 2008, budget execution has
tripled, reflecting stronger financial management and strategic planning systems in the Ministry of Finance and in other Ministries.

In 2008 the Government executed a total of $439.9 million in cash. And by 17 November this year, the Government has already executed a total of $478.1 million in cash. This shows the growing professionalism and the increasing capability of our staff to ensure that the funding allocated in the Budget is translated into effective service delivery to the People.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In anticipation of one of the primary issues of this coming debate, which will be regarding the
National Strategic Plan, I can inform you that it is currently being currently finalised before its
release for public consultation.

As I have said several times, building a prosperous Nation is not achieved through words in a document. A medium to long term sustainable development plan must be considered within an
integrated approach, assessing both the interdependency of the parties and their relationship with the whole.

This is the only way we can ensure harmonious development for our Country.

Therefore, we have been presenting Annual Action Plans that are compatible with the national
circumstances and our most pressing needs.

I must say that we can consider ourselves to be living in a transitional stage. We are moving
from past Governments that produced a raft of documents but that could not improve the quality of life of the Timorese People, to a Government that is truly committed to national development.

We have ?cleaned our house?, we have implemented crucial reforms, we have ensured stability and security in the Country and, starting next year, we will be ready to present a strategic vision with five-year development plans.

The Census in 2010 will also contribute significantly to discussions regarding the Plan. This is because we are still relying on 2004 data, which hinders our ability to determine with exactness the current reality of our Country, particularly in regard to the precise characteristics of the Timorese People and their primary needs.

There are no shortcuts in the road to prosperity and development. It is necessary to walk the
longest and hardest path to be able to respond to our People's needs: the reduction of poverty,
economic growth and sustainable development.

Your Excellency the Speaker of the National Parliament
Illustrious Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen,

What I can say with confidence is that the People believe that we are moving in the right
direction. Clear evidence of this was the Suco elections which were successfully conducting
without problems or incidents. Our People not only demonstrated their well developed political
maturity, they also provided a lesson in civic duty and democracy.

The 2010 Budget will consolidate the successes already achieved and make the most of our current opportunities.

In a time of world crisis, containing public expenses, strengthening the economy, promoting
productive sectors that create employment and reducing our dependence on imports and from our petroleum sector are the goals that guide our policies and our action.

As such, this Budget is focused on the most important aspects of our future - good
governance, infrastructural development, public and food safety, human resource development and decentralized access to justice, health and education, particularly in rural areas.

Above all, this is a financially responsible Budget.

The Budget forecasts total expenditure by the State of Timor-Leste of $637 million in 2010.

This is a decrease of $44 million, or 6.9%, from the 2009 Budget. This can be attributed to
one-off costs in the 2009 Budget for the F-FDTL patrol boats, which will ensure surveillance of
our territorial waters and fight illegal fishing, as well as the costs of the successful return of IDPs.

During this year's Budget process, Ministers were also asked to critically review their expenditure to make sure that Government funds are being used effectively for the benefit of the people. This process resulted in savings and efficiencies.

The 2010 Budget estimates that total revenue will be $1.48 billion, which is below last year. This
is due to reductions in oil revenues.

While domestic revenue is projected to increase in the future, as a result of our economic growth, it will drop from $90 million in 2009 to $83 million in 2010, as a consequence of the Government's successful tax reforms.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In 2010 the spending on public sector wages will remain stable, moving from $94 million in 2009 to $98 million in 2010.

This small change results from an 8% salary increase in the education sector, with the introduction of a new career regime to improve the quality of teaching.

Expenditure on goods and services will also drop from $247 million in 2009 to $208 million in 2010 with a $23 million reduction in the cost of importing rice.

Minor capital will decrease from $38.1 million in 2009 to $29 million in 2010. This is largely
because of and a reduction in car purchases and a reduction in the purchase of tractors for
agricultural use, as the government shifts its focus to improving and expanding cultivation techniques and productivity.

An additional $10 million will, however, be provided for heavy equipment to assist with the
Government's infrastructure projects.

Importantly, the Government is continuing its investment in infrastructure with $216.8 million
allocated for capital development. This will support a broad program of public works including
roads, bridges, power, water, education and health projects.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The 2010 Budget will be funded by the Estimated Sustainable Income, Domestic Revenues and Reserves.

The Estimated Sustainable Income, which is 3% of our petroleum wealth, is presently forecast as $502 million in 2010.

By the end of the year, the petroleum fund is expected to be $5.27 billion and by the end of
2010 it is expected to have a value of $6.16 billion.

These calculations for the wealth of the petroleum fund are conservative. They are based upon a low production scenario for the Bayu-Undan field and an oil price of $60 per barrel. The
calculations do not include expected future revenue from the Kitan field from 2011 to 2016 and they not include the Greater Sunrise field.

This Government and the Timorese People are also fully and firmly committed to the pipeline from the Greater Sunrise field coming to the south coast of Timor-Leste. This development would promote economic activity, increase State revenue and provide jobs and opportunities for Timorese citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The 2010 Budget prioritises investing in infrastructure . The future of our country depends upon the building of basic infrastructure.

We need basic infrastructure to develop a modern and prosperous Timor-Leste and to achieve the dreams we have for our country.

The 2010 Budget provides $217 million for capital development that will include:

- $73 million for road and bridge projects;
- $68 million for electricity and power;
- $11 million for clean water projects;
- $10 million for school construction and rehabilitation;
- $10 million for health facilities;
- $7.7 million to support tourism projects and cooperative facilities;
- $2.2 million for law and justice facilities, primarily in the districts;
- $2.9 million for projects to improve agricultural productivity.

Roads are central to our economic development and for connecting our People and our communities. They allow for the delivery of education and health services and are essential for district agricultural and industrial development.

The building and rehabilitation of road and bridges will also create jobs for our People. The
plan in this sector will involve the construction, within the next few years, of 190
kilometres of national roads and 100 kilometres of urban roads, as well as the rehabilitation of
a further 3,000 kilometres of rural roads, connecting the Sub-Districts to the Sucos. It will also include the construction of 14 bridges throughout the Country.

This Government will also continue to invest in electricity and power generation to ensure that
all the districts of Timor-Leste have power all day, every day.

This investment is critical for our economic development and is necessary to attract business
investment. As such, in 2010 we will be investing $50 million in the 'Project for Constructing
Power Plants' under the contract already established and reviewed for the Country's
electrification. This is not just based on the needs of the existing population, but also takes
into account the long term sustainable development plan.

Pursuing this goal does not exempt the Government from having to invest in alternative energies. Consequently, the Government has doubled the funds allocated to alternative and renewable energies in 2010.

This Budget also allocates $11 million for clean water projects.

Sickness, ill health and poor child development caused by lack of clean water and sanitation
result in incalculable social and economic costs for our People and for our Country. Less the 50%
of the Nation's urban population have access to safe water supplies. The majority of people living in district centres only have access to water for a few hours per week.

Half our Nation's schools and a third of our health clinics do not have running water for sanitation. Less than 10% of our rural population have access to adequate sanitation. Water is a
basic human need, which is why we cannot allow this situation to continue. Therefore, the
Government is embarking on a program of clean water projects throughout Timor-Leste.

Together with our spending on roads and bridges, electricity and power and clean water, this
Budget will also improve Dili's port and airport, build schools and health facilities and invest in
our justice system and our tourism industry.

Today, in this place, we must all agree that our People deserve that we provide them with better lives!

We will not address all our country's needs in one year or even in a few years, but unlike others we are determined to meet them, and for that we must start now. Illustrious Members of Parliament

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Rural development is a key priority of this Government.

All Timorese citizens deserve access to quality services and infrastructure in all Districts and Sub-Districts. Therefore, we will also give priority to broader service delivery and to administrative decentralization.

Timor-Leste is a diverse nation and it is important that budget expenditure is allocated across the Country in a fair manner.

Our Government is committed to improving our schools, our health facilities, our roads and our agricultural sector throughout the Country.

This is the second State Budget in which this Government has provided a district by district breakdown of proposed budget expenditure.

The capital budget for 2010 is $216.8 million, with $90.7 million of this allocated for projects
that benefit the whole nation, and the remaining $125.8 million provided for projects at a district level.

Public investments in capital development include:

- $1.5 million in Aileu , for the rehabilitation of four primary schools and the construction of one pre-secondary school and one maternity clinic.

-? $2 million in Ainaro , including the rehabilitation of five schools and the construction of a new health post.

- $7 million in Baucau , including the construction of four maternity clinics and one primary school, as well as the rehabilitation of two primary schools.

- $7 million in Bobonaro , including the construction of eight schools and three maternity clinics.

- $18 million in Cova-Lima , including the construction of eight schools and four maternity clinics.

- $7 million in Ermera , including the construction of five primary schools and two maternity clinics.

- $10 million in Lautem , including the construction of eight primary schools and two maternity clinics.

- $8 million in Liquica , including the construction of five primary schools and one maternity clinic.

- $1.6 million in Manatuto , including the construction of seven primary schools and three maternity clinics.

-? $2.6 million in Manufahi , including the construction of six primary schools and three maternity clinics.

- $11 million in Oecussi , including the construction of five primary schools and three maternity clinics.

- $7.6 million in Viqueque , including the construction of eight schools and three maternity clinics.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This Budget also invests strongly in education and training, which are vital for the development of our Country.

We are implementing a new special career structure for teachers. This new structure will
be the cornerstone in ensuring that our teachers possess the necessary skills to provide our students with good education.

We will be expanding our Literacy Campaign to eliminate illiteracy all over the Country, and we
will be focusing on providing training and school books to teachers.

This year His Excellency the President of the Republic launched pilot programs of intensive
literacy courses in Oecussi and Atauro. These programs will enable us to declare Atauro an
illiteracy-free zone by the end of the year, and we expect to be able to do the same in Oecussi by March 2010.

If we want to eliminate illiteracy in the short term, we will need a total of $8 million, to be
spent in two years. I sincerely hope that the National Parliament adopts the Literacy campaign as a National Cause!

This budget also extends our ambitious school rehabilitation and building program with a
further $10.4 million for capital expenditure.

And we are just as committed to higher education, with the Budget providing $3.793 million for the National University of Timor-Leste.

And we will also be constructing two polytechnics - one in Suai and one in Los Palos - as well as building an Engineering Faculty at Hera.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are also investing heavily in our health system.

This Budget provides $10.3 million in capital expenditure to the Ministry of Health, towards the construction and refurbishing of hospitals and health clinics throughout Timor-Leste.

We are also providing $6 million to purchase medical drugs for our health system, $1.8 million to cover expenses related to the Cuban Medical Brigade and approximately $3 million to provide cleaning services, sanitation, meals and security to all hospitals and health centres.

We will also be employing more staff in critical areas to cover the expertise gaps that we currently face in our health services.

We are funding programs to increase our immunization rates against measles, polio, tuberculosis and other diseases.

And we will be improving our mental health and our dental health care services.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government is committed to responsible economic management, building on our economic
growth and grasping the opportunities that our Country and our People offer, while actively promoting the development of the private sector.

The Private Sector should become a Strategic Partner of the Government in the creation of employment, the increase of national productivity and revenue, the strengthening of the Country's business capability, and the creation of industries that will enable us to sell our products in local and international markets.

Until now public investment by the State has been the primary driving force for economic growth, however, in the current world economic environment this is not sustainable. The strategy of the past, where companies were dependent on Government projects, has proved not to be the best way to develop a strong economy.

Therefore, with awareness of the vital role that the private sector must play in the Country's
development, the Government has been in discussions with business, with particular focus over the last few months, to support the development of a modern private sector, with the capacity to become involved in future investment projects.

I must underline that the goal here is to enable the training and consolidation of businesses or
business groups that are prepared to organise and improve their management capacity, to have proper accounts and to provide quality services.

Taking into consideration the difficulty of accessing credit in Timor-Leste, particularly
long term credit, the Government will be investing $8 million to establish a National Development Bank.

This financial instrument will support the Country's sustainable development model and
enable Timorese businesses to compete on an equal footing with foreign businesses.

The establishment of the National Development Bank will prove to be a milestone in the economic development of Timor-Leste. And so, we are already working on the model and the structure of the future Bank, taking into consideration the requisite legal requirements for its creation and its operation.

Details will be duly provided to the Illustrious Members of Parliament when the process is better consolidated and the institution is in a position to make an application to the Banking and Payments Authority. However, I can already say that it will be:

- A Bank that is proud to be Timorese, and that as soon as possible will seek to have representation in all district capitals, starting with branches in Dili, Baucau, Maubisse, Bobonaro and Oecussi;

- A Bank that meets the demands of the Timorese private sector, granting credit and guarantees to feasible Timorese projects, according to prudent technical and legal criteria;

- A Bank that is managed in a manner that is prudent and sustainable, complying with the most
rigorous bank practises, as set by the Banking and Payments Authority.

The Government is also responding to the commitment and leadership shown by our private
sector, supporting the initiative to establish a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the leaders of which will be elected democratically.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will represent the Timorese private sector and
advocate for its interests, working alongside the Government so as to overcome obstacles to
development. Importantly, it will provide support, services and advice to our businesses, in order to allow them to become more productive and to grow.

Lastly, it will allow for a greater decentralisation of the procurement system, through assisting businesses meet the necessary formal, technical and legal requirements and prepare the Country for the establishment of Municipalities.

This initiative is also based on the need to speed up procurement processes so that we can have more effective delivery throughout the Country. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will, therefore, work directly with a specific procurement Committee established to achieve this aim. This Committee will also include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure and other Ministries relevant to the projects in question.

Procurement for Major projects will, however, be undertaken at central level, as they are most likely to involve international participation.

Illustrious Members of Parliament

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten years after the liberation of our Country, and after much struggle and recurrent trouble,
Timor-Leste is emerging as a nation of hope and of promise.

We have also had signs of confidence in our economic growth potential from foreign countries, such as Portugal, which is willing to open an aid credit line to Timor-Leste of up to 500 million euros. The United States Government also signed a Bilateral Assistance agreement with our Government on 30 October 2009, to the value of $103.1 million over six years, so as to support investment in people, good governance, democracy and economic growth.

These are votes of confidence in this Government by foreign States that believe we are truly capable of maintaining Peace.

And today we present to you a Budget that acts on this hope and seeks to deliver on the potential provided by our Country and our People.

With this Budget we invest in our future and continue along the path to becoming a peaceful and prosperous Nation enjoying true freedom.

With this Budget we will work to make the Timorese dream a reality for our People.

Your Excellency the Speaker of the National Parliament

Illustrious Members of Parliament,

The 2010 State General Budget is the entrance gate to the path towards prosperity and development.

All Timorese citizens are called upon to walk through this gate, and in the first stages of our walk we will rely on the observations and criticisms from the Illustrious Members of Parliament, to ensure that all Timorese join this national journey towards Development.

Thank you very much!

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

18 November 2009
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PAREDES OFERECE MAIS 40 TONELADAS DE EQUIPAMENTO A TIMOR

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Vale do Sousa – 18 Novembro 2009

Sucesso do projecto “Uma Fábrica para Timor” permitiu o carregamento do quinto contentor para a unidade fabril de Baucau.

O projecto “Uma Fábrica para Timor” é hoje uma realidade na longínqua Diocese de Baucau. Lançado em Novembro de 2005, graças ao sonho de dois homens – o autarca Celso Ferreira e o padre Feliciano Garcês – e ao espírito solidário das empresas do concelho de Paredes, o programa tem sido referenciado pelo Governo como um modelo de responsabilidade social e empresarial e um exemplo a seguir por outros municípios na área da política externa nacional.

No âmbito do projecto “Uma Fábrica para Timor” que a Câmara Municipal de Paredes lançou, incentivou e vem promovendo desde Novembro de 2005, foi hoje carregado e selado o quinto contentor que a autarquia e a Associação para a Cooperação com Timor vão enviar para a Diocese de Baucau – a segunda maior cidade de Timor. Destino final? O Centro Tecnológico de Baucau – Rota dos Móveis, a primeira unidade ligada ao sector da madeira e mobiliário a funcionar naquele território desde Março de 2007.

Iniciativa conjunta do actual presidente da Câmara Municipal do Paredes, Celso Ferreira, e do padre Feliciano Garcês, interlocutor entre a autarquia e a Diocese de Baucau, o projecto designado “Uma Fábrica para Timor” partiu de um convite dirigido às mais de 1200 fábricas de mobiliário existentes no Concelho, no sentido de cederem gratuitamente equipamento fabril, em bom estado de funcionamento e conservação, com vista à criação da primeira unidade industrial de raiz no sector do mobiliário em Timor.

O convite resultou na adesão de 28 empresas, sendo o primeiro contentor enviado em Fevereiro de 2006, contendo maquinaria e equipamento diverso avaliado em quase 50 mil euros. (Gabinete de Comunicação CMP)

DO SONHO NASCE A OBRA

Impossível de concretizar no pensamento de muitos, dado o débil contexto social e político da jovem Nação, a própria distância – quase do outro lado do Mundo! – e outros imponderáveis burocráticos e logísticos, o certo é que, pela congregação de esforços e vontades, a fábrica ergueu-se e é hoje uma realidade na Diocese de Bacau – a cerca 90 km da capital Díli.

Ocupando uma área de 1.570 metros quadrados, foi oficialmente inaugurada a 19 de Março de 2007 pelo Presidente da República de Timor-Leste, José Ramos Horta, e o presidente da Câmara Municipal de Paredes, Celso Ferreira.

Asseguradas as máquinas e as tecnologias necessárias ao seu funcionamento e, não menos importante, a formação aos trabalhadores, a fábrica rapidamente se constituiu como uma referência e motivo de orgulho no país, empregando várias dezenas de trabalhadores e formando mais de uma centena de novos operários anualmente.

Para além dos 50 postos de trabalho directos, estão actualmente envolvidas no Centro Tecnológico de Baucau, directa ou indirectamente, mais de 500 famílias.

600 MIL EUROS DE INVESTIMENTO

Em resultado deste investimento, que ultrapassou já os 600 mil euros, a unidade fabril, baptizada de Centro Tecnológico de Baucau – Rota dos Móveis, é hoje capaz de assegurar a completa criação e produção de linhas de mobiliário e carpintaria, tendo já equipado diversos organismos oficiais, entre escolas, embaixadas, tribunais, hotéis e até mesmo o gabinete do Presidente da República, num projecto que Ramos Horta designou de “verdadeiro milagre económico na região”.

“Se outros municípios fizessem o mesmo, em outros sectores de actividade, do calçado ao têxtil, Timor dava um salto económico inimaginável em poucos anos”, admite, por sua vez, Celso Ferreira, o presidente da Câmara Municipal de Paredes, lembrando que “organismos oficiais de vários países estão ainda a tentar perceber como foi possível montar este projecto com tão pouco investimento e sem passar pelos tradicionais canais de cooperação”.

Ainda de acordo com o edil, “trata-se de um projecto de cooperação e de responsabilidade social dos empresários da Rota dos Móveis para um povo irmão que necessita de ferramentas para se desenvolver. A médio prazo, pode acontecer em Timor o que aconteceu em Paredes: o crescimento e expansão do sector industrial, até porque têm matérias-primas e são criativos”.

Fruto deste projecto “temos sido contactados por inúmeros empresários que têm tecnologia que já não usam e que gostariam de a doar para projectos similares”, acrescenta.

Como chegou a elogiar o secretário de Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Cooperação, “com este projecto notável, Paredes prestou um grande serviço à política externa portuguesa”.

QUINTO CONTENTOR A CAMINHO…

Por força deste programa, único no país, foram já carregados e enviados para Timor quatro contentores de 40 toneladas cada, entre Fevereiro de 2006 e Novembro de 2008. O sucesso desta iniciativa levou a que um quinto contentor fosse hoje, quarta-feira, carregado no Centro Tecnológico de Lordelo e de novo endereçado à Diocese de Baucau, contendo equipamento para o Centro Tecnológico e material diverso para várias outras instituições timorenses, no valor global de 45 mil euros.

… E MAIS DOIS À ESPERA

Mas as boas notícias não se ficam por aqui. Provando que o espírito solidário está bem presente no coração dos empresários de Paredes, seria já hoje possível carregar na totalidade dois outros contentores, de idêntica capacidade, com mais maquinaria e equipamento, agora para desenvolver a vertente da formação e possibilitar a expansão do negócio a outros distritos.

“Dependendo da resolução de alguns aspectos legais e burocráticos, os sexto e sétimo contentores seguirão para Timor, se possível, e assim esperamos, ainda antes do final deste ano”, confirmou o padre Feliciano Garcês.

ALGUMAS CURIOSIDADES

● Este quinto contentor foi carregado, em traços gerais, com quatro máquinas de grande porte, consideradas essenciais para a laboração e expansão da fábrica de Baucau, maquinaria de acabamento (como furadores e lixadeiras) e outros consumíveis (cola, tinta, parafusos, etc);

● Seguem igualmente viagem no interior do contentor material diverso para uma Gráfica em Baucau (papel, tinta, impressoras), 20 máquinas de costura (eléctricas e manuais), além de roupa, calçado, livros e manuais escolares;

● Logo que foi carregado e selado, o contentor seguiu para o Porto de Leixões. Amanhã mesmo inicia a sua longa viagem rumo à capital Díli, onde deverá chegar dentro de 35 a 40 dias. Já em Timor, precisará de mais uma semana até chegar ao seu destino final.
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“DEBATE DEMOCRÁTICO” COM POLICIAS ARMADOS NA CÂMARA DO PARLAMENTO

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DEBATE SOBRE O ORÇAMENTO DE ESTADO 2009 - 2010
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FRETILIN News Flash: 1 actualização do debate no Parlamento Nacional

18.11.2009 - 15:34 horas - O debate foi iniciado num ambiente de intimidação com pelo menos 20 policiais armados dentro da câmara parlamentar, composta esmagadoramente pela segurança privada para protecção dos membros do governo.

Os deputados da FRETILIN opuseram-se à presença no interior da câmara do Parlamento, mas o presidente do Parlamento com o apoio dos deputados da AMP defendeu dizendo que a presença armada policial poderia permanecer na câmara.

Isto vai contra as contínuas afirmações do governo de facto, do presidente Ramos Horta e outros que afirmam que Timor-Leste é estável e pacífico.

É porque a FRETILIN acredita que todos nós devemos contribuir para a paz e a estabilidade, e esta situação da presença intimidadora de policiais armados, em circunstâncias em que os policiais envolvidos na violência de 2006 não terem sido disciplinados e foram autorizados a regressar à força, voa em face da necessidade de um debate parlamentar tomar lugar num ambiente livre de intimidação e medo.

Neste momento o primeiro-ministro de facto tem a audácia na presença de mais de 20 policiais armados na câmara parlamentar de declarar "adeus conflito, olá desenvolvimento, mas os deputados do governo e ministros querem manter suas armas no interior do parlamento.

Em contraste, os deputados da FRETILIN não têm segurança armada.

José Teixeira - Deputado

*Traduzido por ZIZI TIMOR OAN
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quarta-feira, 18 de Novembro de 2009

GESTÃO FINANCEIRA DE GUSMÃO QUESTIONADA NO INTERIOR DO GOVERNO

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FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE – FRETILIN

Comunicado de Imprensa - Díli, 18 de Novembro de 2009

Gestão Financeira de Gusmão questionada de dentro

Um dia antes do Parlamento Nacional de Timor-Leste começar a discutir a proposta do orçamento nacional para 2010, a maioria dos membros do governo de facto da AMP têm criticado publicamente a gestão de obras públicas e levantaram questões relativamente à corrupção.

No diário de Díli, o Jornal Diário Nacional, em 16 de Novembro, o presidente do Parlamento, Fernando Lasama Araújo, foi citado: "Essa coisa, o pacote referendo [de infra-estrutura], quando olhamos para a sua qualidade, alguns empreiteiros estão a realizar obras sem qualidade e a roubar o dinheiro do povo."

O ex-consultor do FMI financiado para o Ministério das Finanças, e actualmente chefe da, Head of Pro-Poor Policy Unit and Policy Advisor, UNDP Timor-Leste, Rui Gomes, criticou também severamente a actuação do governo num comunicado por escrito à comissão económica do Parlamento. O Sr. Gomes é um líder académico timorense na área de estudos de desenvolvimento.

O líder parlamentar da FRETILIN Aniceto Guterres comentou: "O Sr. Lasama questionou a qualidade e a eficácia da gestão do governo do pacote chamado de "referendo " desde o início. Muitos no parlamento, organizações não governamentais e a comunidade em geral, manifestaram a sua preocupação sobre este passo mal concebido e juridicamente questionável do Sr. Gusmão. O nosso partido tem a intenção de examinar este pacote na íntegra e está a preparar uma acção judicial em devido tempo", alertou Guterres.

Ontem, o diário de Díli, Timor Post relatou que o deputado sénior da AMP, Rui Meneses, criticou os pontos fracos do Ministério das Finanças e as compras governamentais como a causa da corrupção generalizada.

"O nosso sistema ainda está fraco", disse ele ao jornal, acrescentando que "o ponto fraco é que não há contratação centralizada para supervisionar todo o projecto. Porque não há nenhuma contratação centralizada, cada ministério compila os seus próprios critérios, não há critérios básicos, tais como as regras gerais para controlar a contratação dos projectos que são iniciados."

Ele acrescentou: "Temos de reconhecer que politicamente o projecto do pacote referendo carece de qualidade."

Entretanto, o presidente de Economia do Parlamento Nacional, das Finanças e do Comité Anti Corrupção, Dr. Manuel Tilman, criticou o governo por não gastar $US 116 milhões dólares do Orçamento de 2008 até meados de 2009, para o qual ele acusou o governo de facto de falsas declarações ao Parlamento durante o debate do ano passado. "Eles (o governo) estão a mentir quando agora dizem que não há transições. Porque eles pagaram 116 milhões do Orçamento de 2008 até Junho de 2009, que deveriam ter feito no final de Fevereiro, e este surgiu no relatório da empresa Deloitte de contabilidade, caso contrário não teríamos conhecimento ", relatou o Jornal Nacional noticiando estas declarações como sendo de Tilman em 17 de Novembro de 2009.

O Sr. Guterres comentou: "O Sr. Gusmão foi apanhado. Ele tem dito repetidas vezes ao Parlamento e ao povo de Timor-Leste que as "transições" eram más e que o seu governo tinha eliminado essa prática. O relatório de auditoria da Deloitte mostra claramente que isso não é verdade. A gestão das finanças públicas do Governo está em desordem, e as instituições multilaterais como o Banco Mundial são cúmplices no encobrimento desta má gestão com a sua persistente incapacidade de resolver os problemas que publicamente os seus assessores e missões descobriram ".

O Sr. Rui Gomes, um dos ex-consultores do governo financiado pelo FMI para o Ministério das Finanças, e actualmente chefe da Pro-Poor Policy Unit and Policy Advisor, um Programa de Desenvolvimento das Nações Unidas em Timor-Leste numa recente nota preparada para a comissão parlamentar para a economia, Finanças e da corrupção, criticou o pacote de referendo, dizendo que esta despesa "sobrepõem a competência e a autoridade do Parlamento para aprovar e fiscalizar o orçamento e passarem as leis de aquisições do governo e os regulamentos por enfraquecimento competitivo e transparente dos processos de concurso".

O Sr. Gomes também criticou a sustentabilidade do Orçamento proposto para 2010 por este não ser pró-pobre e por ser fortemente inclinado para Díli.” A alocação de dois por cento do orçamento nacional para a agricultura não apenas derrota o compromisso do governo para erradicar a pobreza, mas nega as oportunidades de melhoria dos rendimentos aos lugares pobres de Timor-Leste, e está longe de alcançar a segurança alimentar e a redução da pobreza", disse ele. "Com uma elevada taxa de crescimento populacional (3.l2% ao ano em média), o objectivo de alcançar a segurança alimentar no país está se a mover na direcção inversa. "Acrescentou que existe um fosso entre os ricos e os pobres em Timor-Leste: "Os benefícios do crescimento e da distribuição de rendimentos continuou a estar nas mãos dos 20% mais ricos da população. O contínuo declínio no crescimento da agricultura tem agravado o problema da desigualdade de rendimentos."

O Governo de facto de Gusmão tem enfrentado acusações persistentes de corrupção, conluio e nepotismo nos últimos dois anos e meio.

O órgão de fiscalização anticorrupção, o Gabinete do Provedor de Direitos Humanos e Justiça, investigou e recomendou acções legais ao Procurador Geral da República contra um número de ministros no governo de facto, incluindo a Ministra da Justiça, Sra. Lúcia Lobato, a Ministra das Finanças, Emília Pires, e o Vice-Primeiro-Ministro José Luís Guterres.

"O Sr. Gusmão gosta de apregoar-se como um cruzado da anticorrupção. A verdade é que a conversa dele é tudo “ar quente”. O Parlamento aprovou por unanimidade uma lei que institui uma comissão anticorrupção, mas até agora ele não conseguiu nomear um candidato ao parlamento para a dirigir. Ele também não conseguiu nomear o novo Provedor de Direitos Humanos e Justiça. Por agora, Timor-Leste está sem um sistema eficaz de vigilância contra a corrupção. Que conveniente, num momento em que ele e seus ministros estão a enfrentar críticas sem precedentes de má gestão financeira e de corrupção, inclusive dentro das suas próprias fileiras ", disse Guterres.

Para encerrar o Sr. Guterres disse que o governo de facto parece ter a intenção de continuar a invadir o Fundo Petrolífero da nação com grandes orçamentos de que é incapaz de forma legal e efectivamente gastar, e que não apresenta resultados para a erradicação da pobreza e desenvolvimento humano.

Para mais informações entre em contacto com o deputado José Teixeira +670 728 7080 ou fretilin.media @ gmail.com

*Traduzido por ZIZI TIMOR OAN
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TIMOR-LESTE NEWS – 17 and 18 November

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Timor-Leste News

Local and International Media - For November 17, 2009

In this edition

LOCAL NEWS:

*Atauro Island becomes centre for peace: Horta
*Vikeke police to receive security responsibility from UN Police
*Govt discusses new law for Timorese labour
*Horta to promote tourism potency in Atauro Island
*MP recognizes corruption appears because of bureaucracy
*Transformation from old generation to new generation is important
*PNTL’s Command will not tolerate its officers who engaged in politics
*Training for 20 officers of BOP based on NATO standard
*Police guarantee situation in the country goes normal
*Govt to set up naval base in southern coast
*Mandela invites PM Gusmão to participate in 2010’s World Cup
*Referendum package is good, says Bishop Nacimento
*Political parties should not divide people: Lasama
*Carry over by AMP is US $ 116 million
LOCAL NEWS:

*Atauro Island becomes centre for peace: Horta

*Televizaun Timor-Leste, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

President Jose Ramos Horta said the Atauro Island became center forpeace in the Asian region, due to the country would hold internationalfishing competition in the referred island for promoting peace.

The president made the comments after meeting with the residents in the Atauro Island on Monday 16/11).

Horta stressed that the international fishing competition would showpeace and stability of the country to the world.

Horta added that the state should continue supporting the activitiesthat could promote peace and stability in Timor-Leste.

“Fishing competition will show peace and stability of the country to the world, so that other countries’ people could come to see tourism object in Timor-Leste,” Horta said.

*Vikeke police to receive security responsibility from UN Police

*Radio Timor-Leste, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Timorese Operational Police Commander, Inspector Mateus Fernandes saidVikeke district police would receive security responsibility from the UN Police shortly.

The commander made the comments on Monday (16/11) in relation to handing over security responsibility from the UN Police to the Timorese National Police (PNTL).

Fernandes stressed that the PNTL command had set up working team to make preparation for handing over power to the police in Vikeke.

Fernandes added that the handing over power would be made based on theassessment made that Vikeke police had achieved good leadership andlogistics.

*Govt discusses new law for Timorese labor

*Radio Timor-Leste, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

The State Secretary for the Council of Ministers has discussed about the new labor law for Timor-Leste. The law more reflects the Timoreselabors’ needs, as it contained with the ideas of the Timorese labors and other related sides.

The Government considered that the approval of the referred law wouldbenefit the country’s labors.

This law will also guarantee and will also promote the rights of labours for contributing to peace and stability in the country.

*Horta to promote tourism potency in Atauro Island

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Parliamentary Committee D for Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery and Natural Resources, Brigida Antonia Correia said the fisherman in the Atauro Island would get a great benefit during the planned fishing competition that would be held in that island. It is initiated by President Horta.

Correia said the referred fishing competition was a way of strengthening national unity.

Correia stressed that the competition could also improve skills of thefisheries’ fishing as well as to promote tourism potency in the AtauroIsland.

Meanwhile Yolanda da Costa said she was very proud of this competitionas it would promote the Atauro Island internationally.

*MP recognizes corruption appears because of bureaucracy

*Timor Post, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

MP Rui Menezes from the Democratic Party (PD) recognizes that corruption appeared in the country is caused by bureaucracy in the Finance Ministry.

Menezes said it was important to ameliorate the procurement law thattook long process of bureaucracy; otherwise it would be difficult tocontrol maladministration in the country.

“The weakness is that no centralization of procurement that couldcontrol all the projects” Menezes said.

Menezes added there were no basic criteria as a paradigm to be followed by the all ministries in controlling procurement of the projects had been managed; therefore they create their own ones.

*Transformation from old generation to new generation is important

*Timor Post, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Bishop for Baucau Diocese, Monsignor Basilio do Nascimento has calledfor the Timorese youth not only giving their hope to the leaders who had formed this country, such as President Jose Ramos Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Mari Alkatiri.

Monsignor Nascimento stressed that the youths should use the opportunity to lead the country in the future.

Monsignor Nascimento questioned how could the conscience of the people; the youth could be better developed in the country? As the country started from the old generation who had an important role in the resistance period, but they all would pass away.

“It will appear naturally, but the most important thing is the newgeneration should have a concern and should not go alone,” MonsignorNascimento said.

*PNTL’s Command will not tolerate its officers who engaged in politics

*Timor Post, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Acting General Commander for the Timorese National Police (PNTL),Inspector Mateus Fernandes said the police officers who were suspectedof being engaged in politics would not be tolerated.

Fernandes stressed that each of the PNTL officer should know and besubject to the regulation in carrying out their work and not toaffiliate politics.

“It is important for all the police officers to have knowledge, goodcharacter and experience about laws, so that this (PNTL) institutioncould be better strengthened,” Inspector Fernandes said.

Fernandes also called for all the PNTL officers to respect right whencarrying out their work in the field.

*Training for 20 officers of BOP based on NATO standard

*Timor Post, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Acting General Commander for the Timorese National Police (PNTL),Inspector Mateus Fernandes said the training was attended by the 20officers of the Timorese police of BOP (Public Order Bathalion0) wasbased on the international and NATO’s standard; therefore he [Fernandes] called for the trainees to seriously be participating in the training.

“The trainees should be proud of this six-week training, as the training conducted is based on the international and NATO’s standard,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes added the training would appear positive impact on thetrainees, as they could know what was their role exactly as well as they could have loyalty and more discipline.

*Police guarantee situation in the country goes normal

*Timor Post, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Acting General Commander for the Timorese National Police (PNTL),Inspector Mateus Fernandes said CPD-RDTL [a Timorese ResistanceOrganization] had held peace rally in Baucau district and said thepolice guaranteed that the rally went well.

Fernandes said generally security situation in the country was undercontrol, although there were some minor cases still happening, but thepolice had overcome them.

“The security situation in the country is under control and there is no serious case registered in the police,” Inspector Fernandes said.

Inspector Fernandes explained the Government’s plans for setting upmunicipal system in the country and increasing the remuneration of theGovernment officials had become the main reason of the CPD-RDTL to hold rally.

Inspector Fernandes added it was normal in the democratic country tohold rally, but the important things was it should be based on the rule and law being applied in the country.

*Govt to set up naval base in southern coast

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

The Government through the State Secretary for Defense has planned todeploy the Timorese Defense Force (F-FDTL) marine soldiers inModomahut’s harbor of Fatuberlihu in Manufahi district.

State Secretary for Defense, Julio Tomas Pinto said the objective ofdeploying the Timorese Naval officers in the southern cost was to takecontrol illegal fishing in the Timor Sea, mainly in the southern cost.“It has known to us that there are many illegal fishing in the southern cost; therefore the Government has planned to deploy the Timorese naval soldiers in the Lospalos and Fatuberlihu harbor,” Pinto said.

Pinto added the Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP) Government led by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão had a good will to better develop theF-FDTL institution, mainly to the Timorese Naval component in order tocontrol the wealth in the sea.

*Mandela invites PM Gusmão to participate in 2010’s World Cup

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

President for the Timorese Foot ball Federation (FFTL), FranciscoCalbuady said the Former President of the South Africa, Nelson Mandelahad invited Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão to participate in the 2010’sWorld Football Cup that would be held in South Africa.

Calbuady said PM Gusmão was very proud of the invitation from the former President of the South of Africa Nelson Mandela as well as the visit held by the chief of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA), and the chief of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) who held meeting with PM Gusmão.

“Their presence in the country is to see directly the football condition in the country and what will FIFA provide to support FFTL in the future,” Calbuady said.

Meanwhile, the chief of FIFA, Urs Kluser said the sport in Timor-Lestehad improved, although there were still lack of sport equipments, but he called for the Government, FFTL and other sport association to continue providing their supports in this regard.

*Referendum package is good, says Bishop Nascimento

*Diario Nacional, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Baukau Diocese Bishop, Monsignor Basilio Nacimento said the ongoingreferendum package project implemented by the country’s local companies was good, due to the project is constructing road for people.

The bishop made the comments on Monday (16/11) after meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the Palace of Government.

“The referendum package is to improve education, health, roads. I think this good to rehabilitate road,” the bishop said.

*Political parties should not divide people: Lasama

*Diario Nacional, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

Parliamentary President Fernando “Lasama” de Araujo said politicalparties should not divide the country’s people, but trying to embraceand lead them [the people] for moving forward with peace and stability.

Lasama stressed that Timor-Leste was now in the process of development; therefore political parties should unite the country’s people for strengthening peace and stability, so that the people could remain calm.

“We do not want political parties make people to take revenge oneanother, this is not so good and is not matured,” Lasama said.

*Carry over by AMP is US $ 116 million

*Diario Nacional, November 17, 2009 language source: Tetun

International report of De Lloyd from the US and France which holds anaudit to the Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP) Government sayingthat the Government puts carry over totally worth US $ 116 million in2008.

It is untrue that the Government has not allocated budget for carryover, as fact shows that the Government made payment using the statebudget for 2008 worth US $ 116 million, says MP Manuel Tilman.

Tilman stressed that according to the law the general state budget for2008 must be spent all in February 2009, not to be spent in June 2009.

Timor-Leste News

Local and International Media

For November 18, 2009

In this edition

LOCAL NEWS:

*Lasama calls for all Timorese people to follow debate on state budget
*Political parties not allowed mobilizing mobs: Lasama
*Malaysian investor comes to invest in Timor-Leste
*CPD-RDTL holds peace rally in Baukau
*Lasama Calls people not to believe in rumors
*Referendum package project in Dili has reached 80%
*Govt would offer land to a Malaysian Company
*President Horta transmits message to International tolerance day
*Malta NGO donates US $ 7,500 to CCT Clinic
*Timorese Emigration police is dilemmatic
*Govt allows Digecel to invest in the country
*NGO has not successfully executed 2009’s general state budget
*Govt should be subservient to Fretilin in naming commissary for KAK
*Govt to contract midwives from Indonesia
*IDPs urge Govt to compensate their properties with $ 7000
*Govt has no seriousness to fight against HIV/AIDS: Oliveira

LOCAL NEWS:

*Lasama calls for all Timorese people to follow debate on state budget

*Televizaun Timor-Leste, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Parliamentary President Fernando “Lasama” Araujo has called for all the Timorese people to follow the debate on the country’s general state budget for 2010 that would be held on Wednesday this week.

Lasama made the call on Tuesday (17/11) in relation to the Parliamentary debate on the country’s general state budget for 2010.

“There will be debate on the country’s general state budget. We haveinvited the Timorese public radio and TV to broadcast it. Therefore, Iam calling on all the Timorese people to follow this debate by watching TV and listening to the radio,” Lasama said.

*Political parties not allowed mobilizing mobs: Lasama

*Diario Nacional, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Parliamentary President Fernando “Lasama” de Araujo has threatenedpolitical parties not to mobilize mobs coming to Dili for celebratingthe Timorese Independence day, falling on November 28, as each district will celebrate it.

“I just want to say that no groups or political parties to mobilizemobs coming to Dili for Celebrating the country’s Independence Day on November 28,” Lasama said.

Lasama said November 28 was national day and was organized by theGovernment and said all the districts would commemorate this day.

Lasama added that the rainy was about to come, the farmers and thecommunity should make preparation for their farming activities.

*Malaysian investor comes to invest in Timor-Leste

*Diario Nacional, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Malaysian Investor, Janar resources SDN, BHD have arrived in Timor-Leste to invest in the field of tourism. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry have welcomed it.

“I have talked to the prime minister on our meeting with the Malaysianinvestors that want to invest in the country,” Minister Gil Alves said

The minister said those investors wanted to invest soon in Timor-Leste, therefore the Government asked their concrete proposal for theinvestment.Alves added that the Malaysian investors preferred investing ininfrastructure for tourism and business of hotels.

*CPD-RDTL holds peace rally in Baukau

*Diario Nacional, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

CPD-RDTL [a Timorese Resistance Organization] has held a peace rally in the eastern town of Baukau urging the Government not to implement system of municipality in the country. The CPD-RDTL also urged the UN to change its mission to become an embassy in Timor-Leste.

During the rally, representative of the CPD-RDTL handed over theirpolitical statement to Baukau district administrator which was aboutrejecting system of municipality in the country.

Baukau CPD-RDTL Coordinator Francisco Loisau said the CPD-RDTL wasstrongly against the Government’s policy of implementing system ofmunicipality in Timor-Leste.

During the rally the CPD-RDTL also urged the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and the Timorese authorities to listen to their aspiration byamending the UN Resolution for transforming the UN mandate in the country to become embassy.

*Lasama Calls people not to believe in rumors

*Timor Post, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Parliamentary President Fernando “Lasama” de Araujo has called for allthe people not to believe in the rumors mongering that some unknowngroups would organize people from districts coming down to Dili forcelebrating the Timorese Independence proclamation day, falling onNovember 28.

“Rumors mongering that some unknown groups will mobilize people to come down to Dili for celebrating proclamation day is untrue, because the celebration of the proclamation day is organized by the Government” Lasama said.

Lasama said celebration of the Timorese Independence proclamation daywas the responsibility of the Government and the Government hadpresented its plans to the Parliament about it.

*Referendum package project in Dili has reached 80%

*Timor Post, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Coordinator for Dili’s Referendum Package Project, Alexo Cobra said the projects which were managed by the companies in the Dili had reached 80% and some of them almost finished.

Cobra said he had data from his observers in the fields that mostly the projects have been managed had reach 70%-80% and even some projects had reach 100%.

Cobra also was concerned about the Ministry for Infrastructure, because they had just sent their officials to see the implementation of the projects once only, whereas the projects almost finished.

Meanwhile, Oscar Lima said transportation that could transport theprojects’ materials had become obstacle to the companies which weremanaging the referendum package project in the districts.

*Govt would offer land to a Malaysian Company

*Timor Post, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Minister for Tourism, Commerce and Industry, Gil da Costa Alves said the Government would provide land to the enterprisers, mainly to JanarResources SDN.BHD Company from Malaysia which has good will to invest in the country, mainly in the tourism sector.

Minister da Costa said the land that would be offered to the company was not meant that it would be owned by the company, but to facilitate them only for 15 years to invest in the country.

“It is important to the Government to facilitate and support thosecompanies that have good will to start their investment in the country,” da Costa said.

Costa explained that the intention of the company for investing in thecountry was to help and better improve the economic growth in thecountry.

*President Horta transmits message to International tolerance day

*Timor Post, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

President Jose Ramos Horta has expressed his felicitation regarding the international tolerance day proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993.

President Horta said celebration of the referred day was the opportunity for the Timorese youths to celebrate and do good things in contributing to the national development in this democratic country, so that the people could live prosperously.

President Horta also called for all the Timorese people to put handstogether in order to reduce violence and conflict in the country.

President Horta said Timor-Leste would be well-known internationally if all the people were well-integrated in their social life.

*Malta NGO donates US $ 7,500 to CCT Clinic

*Timor Post, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

An international NGO named Order of Malta from Victoria of Australia has donated money to the Coperativa Café Timor (CCT) worth US $ 7.500. The money was handed over to the CCT by Christy Sword Gusmão on Tuesday 17/11.

Sword Gusmão said the objective of donating the CCT was to constructmaternal house in Malabe of Atsabe sub-district, in Ermera, because the pregnant mothers in that place had not accessed to health assistance and facilities.

“By constructing the maternal house could help facilitate mothers ingiving birth,” Sword Gusmão said.

Sword Gusmão also called for the nurses to inform all the mothersthroughout the country about breast feeding as it was important forbabies’ health.

Meanwhile, General Manager for the CCT, Xisto Monis said he was verypleased with the referred donation provided by the Order of Malta NGO to construct maternal house.

*Timorese Emigration police is dilemmatic

*Timor Post, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Timorese Emigration Police is dilemmatic in doing their tasks, becausethey must be subject to the Timorese National Police (PNTL) Command and in another hand it was under control of the State Secretary forSecurity.

Director for the Timorese Emigration Police, Inspector Boavida Ribeirosaid they were carrying out their tasks based on the organic law of the Defense Ministry No 31/2008, article 41 that work of the emigration police would be under control of the State Secretary for Security, but in the contrary the emigration law No 9 states that the emigration department should be under control of the PNTL’s Command.Ribeiro said there were no difficulties in their work, but they weredilemmatic in the administration aspect.

“We are working for the PNTL, because we are the PNTL emigration police officers, but on the other hand we are serving the State Secretary for Security based on the decree law for Defense and Security,” Ribeiro said.Ribeiro explained that he had always consulted with the State secretary for Security and the PNTL’s command before making decision, as he had no power in decision making.

*Govt allows Digecel to invest in the country

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Minister for Infrastructure, Pedro Lay said the Government had discussed the liberalization law in order to allow Digecel Company to invest in the country.

“We are liberalizing law in order to allow Digecel Company to come andinvest in the country but it is still in the process,” Lay said.

Minister lay said the Government would continue giving the Timor Telecom Company chance of making self-improvement before the Digecel invested in the country.

Lay added that there should be a competition between telecommunicationin the country so that the clients could be satisfied with thetelecommunication service in Timor-Leste.

*NGO has not successfully executed 2009’s general state budget

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Advisers of the prime minister office for civil societies (GPMASS),Joaquim Freitas said that based on the outcomes of the observation made that some of the NGOs had not successfully executed the 2009’s general state budget.

“The total amount of the 2009’s general state budget provided by theGovernment to the NGOs is worth US $ 6 million, but only 50 reports are received by GPMASS,” Freitas said.

Freitas explained that the objective of providing money to the 250 NGOs including private sectors was to help support their programimplementation and to better strengthen their institution, but just 50of them had submitted their report on the budget execution.

Freitas also called for the NGOs to finalize their report and submit it on the first of December as it had been determined and agreed by the NGO and the Government.

*Govt should be subservient to Fretilin in naming commissary for KAK

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

The Government has not named a Commissary to take up the post ofanti-corruption commission (KAK), although the 60 days chance of theGovernment in naming commissary has ended.

State Secretary for the Council of Ministers, Hermenegildo Pereira said they would not be hurry in naming the KAK’s Commissary, because it was difficult for them to find out a figure that could match Fretilin criteria.

Meanwhile, MP Cipriana Pereira said the Government should be brave toname a figure that had loyalty and dedication for assuming the KAK’scommissary, because there were many Timorese people who had a goodexperience in the judicial aspect.

“The most important thing is the one who would take up the KAK’scommissary should have loyalty to the law, dedication and capability for taking up the KAK’s commissary,” Pereira said.

*Govt to contract midwives from Indonesia

*Suara Timor Lorosa’e, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

The Timorese Government has planned to contract midwives from Indonesia, because the health centers in all the territories lacking of midwives as the Timorese are continuing their study abroad.

Deputy Health Minister, Madalena Hanjan said the Health Ministry hadplanned to start contracting 20 midwifes from Indonesia in February2010.

Hanjan also called for the mothers who were pregnant to get access tothe closer health center when there was a signal to born their babies.

Deputy Minister Hanjan stressed that the mothers who were pregnantshould come to the health center three times in a month forconsultation.

She also said the Government had planned to purchase cars and horses in order to facilitate the midwives who were carrying out their task in the rural areas.

*IDPs urge Govt to compensate their properties with $ 7000

*Televizaun Timor-Leste, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

The internally displaced people (IDPs) have urged the Government tocompensate their properties that were burnt down during the country’srecent crises of 2006 and reject the Government’s policy of providingthe IDPs US $ 500 per household.

Representative of IDPs, Lito Rambo said the Government should compensate the IDPs more than US $ 500, due to such an amount was very small number.

Lito Rambo also threatened to mobilize mobs for holding a rally, if the Ministry of Social Solidarity did not want to fulfill their demands.

On the other hand, some other IDPs urged the Ministry of SocialSolidarity to stop making payment for a while.

*Govt has no seriousness to fight against HIV/AIDS: Oliveira

*Televizaun Timor-Leste, November 18, 2009 language source: Tetun

Representative of the Timorese Civil Society, Jose Luis Oliveira saidthe Government was not serious in combating HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste, as numbers of it were now increasing.

Oliveira made the comments on Tuesday (17/11) during one-day seminar on HIV/AID held in Dili.

According to the data collected from the Health Department, number ofHIV/AIDS is now increasing to 126.

Oliveira stressed that this numbers was showing that the Government had no seriousness to fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

Oliveira added that the Government had no proper policy of preventingthe HIV/AIDS and that would bury this country, as Timor-Leste could lose its human resources.

"DEMOCRATIC DEBATE" WITH POLICE IN THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBER*

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FRETILIN News Flash: 1st update from debate in the National Parliament

18.11.2009, 15:34 hours - Debate commenced in an environment of intimidation with at least 20 armed police inside the parliamentary chamber, comprising overwhelmingly from close protection security for members of government.

FRETILIN MPs objected to the presence in the inside of the parliament's chamber but the president of the parliament with the support of the AMP MPs defended their presence saying that armed police could remain in the chamber.

This flies in the face of continued affirmations by the de facto government, President Ramos Horta and others that Timor-Leste is stable and peaceful.

It is because FRETILIN believes that we all should contribute towards peace and stability and this situation of an intimidating presence of armed police, in circumstances where police officers involved in the 2006 violence have not been disciplined and been allowed back into the force, flies in the face of the need for parliamentary debate to take place in an environment free of intimidation and fear.

Right now the de facto prime minister had the audacity in the presence of over 20 armed police officers in the parliamentary chamber to declare "goodbye conflict, hello development"... but the government's MPs and ministers want to keep their guns inside the parliament.

In contrast, FRETILIN MPs have no armed security.

Jose Teixeira
MP


*Title TLN
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OE – GUSMÃO ORDENA PRESENÇA DE "CAPANGAS" DENTRO DO PARLAMENTO

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MILHÕES PARA ARMAMENTO
QUANDO FALTAM MEDICAMENTOS NOS HOSPITAIS

Notícias recentes provenientes de Díli salientam a existência de enorme agitação no Parlamento Nacional devido à entrada aparatosa do primeiro-ministro com forças da sua segurança que ordenou que permanecessem dentro da casa da democracia, apesar da contestação dos deputados.

Testemunhas indignadas comentaram não perceberem quais os receios do PM ao fazer-se acompanhar por aquele “aparato de capangas tão impróprio dentro do Parlamento”, afirmando que nada justifica que homens armados “forcem a sua presença junto do primeiro-ministro” quando existe toda a segurança no Parlamento, “a não ser que pretenda intimidar os deputados da oposição e todos aqueles que apesar de pertencerem a partidos da AMP se revelam cada vez mais críticos” das políticas de Gusmão.

Tanto quanto é afirmado, sobre a saúde em Timor-Leste, “os medicamentos nos hospitais estão a faltar e o povo tem de os comprar nas farmácias privadas ou morre.” Protestam porque a AMP “destina muito dinheiro para a defesa e para a segurança”, no total de 44.954 milhões de dólares, enquanto que para a saúde destina 35.962 milhões USD. “Afinal a prioridade não é a saúde do povo mas sim a segurança dele e dos que fazem parte do seu clube”, comentam.

Hoje, no Parlamento, ocorre a discussão sobre o Orçamento de Estado. Já é publico que o governo vai privilegiar a aquisição de mais armamento em muitos milhões, menosprezando outros sectores vitais. Disso daremos conta proximamente.
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TIMOR FIXA COMO PRIORIDADE COOPERAÇÃO COM SUDESTE ASIÁTICO

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Lusa – 17 Novembro 2009

Díli - O governo do Timor Leste considera "uma prioridade de Estado" a adesão à Associação de Nações do Sudeste Asiático (Asean), posição transmitida nesta terça-feira pelo chefe da diplomacia timorense, Zacarias da Costa, ao secretário das Relações Exteriores da Nova Zelândia, Tony Browne.

O político neozelandês, que concluiu nesta terça-feira uma visita de trabalho ao Timor, foi recebido em conjunto com o embaixador da Nova Zelândia no país asiático, Tim Mclvor, e o ministro das Relações Exteriores timorense. Durante o encontro foram analisadas as áreas de cooperação bilateral, bem como a futura adesão do Timor à Asean.

Zacarias da Costa afirmou a Browne que "a adesão do Timor Leste à Asean é uma prioridade de Estado", e considerou que o país "tem de olhar para suas prioridades na região".

"É importante nós nos unirmos à Asean, o que esperamos que possa acontecer em 2012", afirmou Zacarias da Costa, segundo nota do Ministério. Para preparar a adesão, o Timor Leste criou a Secretaria Nacional para a Asean e estabeleceu em Jacarta um oficial de ligação junto ao Secretariado da organização, de acordo com a nota.

Com o mesmo objetivo já foram designados embaixadores para todos os países da Associação e o Timor Leste procurou abrir embaixadas, possuindo uma representação na maioria deles.

Atualmente, a Asean é formada por dez países: Brunei, Camboja, Indonésia, Laos, Malásia, Mianmar, Filipinas, Singapura, Tailândia e Vietnã, tendo ainda como membro observador a Papua-Nova Guiné. Sobre a cooperação com a Nova Zelândia, Browne expressou satisfação com o crescente relacionamento com o Timor Leste, "agora em um ambiente mais estável e de segurança".

"Estamos satisfeitos por participar no crescimento do jovem país e vamos procurar cooperar ainda mais no futuro. Posso adiantar que o governo de Nova Zelândia decidiu conceder ao Timor Leste uma ajuda adicional de US$ 1 milhão", afirmou o secretário das Relações Exteriores neo-zelandês.
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As expectativas quanto à economia do Timor foram igualmente debatidas durante a reunião, e Zacarias da Costa ressaltou que, "além da indústria petrolífera, o Timor Leste é muito forte na produção de café, que ainda figura como o principal produto de exportação" do país. Browne expressou o empenho da Nova Zelândia em trabalhar com o Timor no desenvolvimento timorense e convidou Zacarias da Costa a visitar o país.
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PUTREFACTION OF PGR MADE IN LONGUINHOS MONTEIRO, UNTIL WHEN?

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Felismino Garcia Cardoso, the magistrate who lied

By António VERÍSSIMO - Translated from the original in Portuguese: PUTREFACÇÃO DA PGR MADE IN LONGUINHOS MONTEIRO, ATÉ QUANDO?

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MAGISTRATE FELISMINO CARDOSO BY LYING IN COURT AND ALL INDICATORS AND CERTAINTIES CONTAMINATED EVIDENCE?

Comments: "depart of the Felismino give victory to Angelita Pires, so server of Ana Pessoa insists on having this liar and God knows who else in the process. This Ana Pessoa is another great disappointment, joined bunch of unscrupulous guys and will them protecting the coups! What did she want it was perch and that ruin the laws ...”

We must say more which: "give victory to Angelita Pires ". It must be said: The Angelita Pires and virtually all those who are sitting in the dock at the trial of the case 11 February 2008.

So therefore can read in comments related to the illegalities produced by the PGR for the 11 February case, which is to be tried in Dili district Court. It was not enough Longuinhos Monteiro era to prepare all the illegality, omissions, forged evidence, "disappearances" of evidence and destruction of same to conceal the real people responsible for everything happened that date and morning in Dili, and we still have evidence the Timorese Ana Pessoa, now PGR, previously belonged to Longuinhos Monteiro, does nothing to detoxify the process and the PGR who directs, consisting of professional of Justice demonstrated to be liars and who act in contravention of the laws in grievance and contempt by the Court itself.

People with their criticisms relate objectively the magistrate Felismino Garcia Cardoso, which last week, was caught in flagrant offence to lie to the Court, have always ensured that the Ministry Public, PGR, assurance there are no photographs of the Alfredo Reinaldo and Leopoldino Exposto autopsies, that never had knowledge. The records have already been shown.

Defences submitted the opposite before the Court. They submitted macabre photographs and extremely shocking autopsies. A medical team should proceed basically with rigour the autopsies of the two executed bodies on the President Ramos Horta housing complex in that morning. That team in pictures printed as trophies Alfredo Reinaldo organs, smile and smiled unashamedly, without professionalism, without humanity and respect for the dead. Visiting team was Felismino, a liar magistrate, as confirmed in photos that we replicated here in timely TLN a few days ago.

Felismino Garcia Cardoso shows us a shameless face of the ex- Longuinhos Monteiro PGR and also Ana Pessoa, the current PGR. He must be removed and punished we saw the acquiescence of Ana Pessoa with the farce produced by Longuinhos Monteiro the farcical process of 11 February 2008. Everything is contaminated in that process. Longuinhos Monteiro did to conceal politicians names who now are occupying the highest positions of the Timorese Nation, the signs always pointed to this and increasingly is show, for example, Alfredo Reinaldo he was attracted to Dili, PR Ramos Horta House to be murdered to be muted in accusations that was doing against Gusmão, some of these public accusations and others that still come out in his diary, which certainly appears … It is conviction that Xanana Gusmao did not escape, there is no attack. The staging of the attack has what was and is public that there is data that can be demonstrated if the pressures on witnesses cease to exist and the fears of reprisals if dissipate. To do this simply that Gusmão and a few more to lose powers who have now. Including the powers of manipulation, demonstrated by Monteiro and also by Felismino. This is obvious. It has always been clear. It is scandalous.

Let us not be surprised that for all this people begin to angry and require that really justice in the case of 11 February, which retrieve the justice in East Timor and that the real criminals and in contempt of the laws, of the Constitution, law and order and democracy are tried accordingly.

The shamefulness of Felismino Cardoso and his confidence lies in full the Court is so repellent on the sad reality that is shown in photos that we published last week. Also not be surprised the existence of comments as follows, also being clear that bad health professionals are on the photographs, sad spectacle must be called to the disciplinary action as it deserves. Is it this way what will the criticism? Understandably criticism of authors is not to reveal identities, until the Justice, democracy and freedom there is in East Timor.

Another comment: "it is incredible how much humans being can descend ...

Shameful behaviour of doctors, which breached human dignity. These people pay a disservice to East Timor and should go. Shameful was also the behaviour of Mr Magistrate Felismino Garcia that should be removed from this process and liable to disciplinary action and criminally.

One last note: If Mr. Attorney says that the goal of this process is not to establish who killed Reinaldo and Exposto that is waiting to open an investigation and add processes? Will not be murder a crime epitomized in Criminal Code? Or is this double murder is special, and that here too there is "national interest" is not investigated?

It seems that the strategy is crumbling ...”

Still not much. But it has been said and demonstrated a lot right for the defence of Democracy and Justice in East Timor. Whether the PGR Ana Pessoa will continue to lead a decayed PGR made in Longuinhos Monteiro, that undoubtedly need a cleaning-up with extreme measures, corresponding to a country which wants to be democratic and where there's exercise of Legality and Justice, in accordance with the commitment of the donor countries and international solidarity, as well as restoration all misfortunes of the Timorese for centuries, but mainly from the last three decades. And the UN, UNMIT, will continue to pretend that nothing knows and nothing seems to collaborate on all farces and illegalities of this decomposed regime?
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11 February – FELL TO THE GROUND THE THESIS ATTACK AND MORAL AUTHORING

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By ET - Translated from the original in Portuguese: 11 de Fevereiro – CAI POR TERRA A TESE DE ATENTADO E DE AUTORIA MORAL

Accusation witnesses wipe out the Prosecutor Office version on the arrival of Major Reinaldo at Dili on 11 February 2008.

Ongoing trial” 11 February 2008 case ", the Dili District Court continues by interviewing the 134 witnesses of the accusation. In this stage, are heard by the procedural actors the witnesses listed by the Office of the Prosecutor, in case represented by international prosecutor from Cabo Verde, Dr. Felismino Cardoso. Finished the examination of evidence of the allegation, the Court will reap the witnesses testimony indicated by the Defence, requests put forward measures from argued Angelita Pires, such as for example, new forensic evidence; what will happen, possibly by month February or March 2010.

On 9, 10 and 11 of November 2009, last week, were notified to be present at the Court approximately ten (10) people. However, not all attended. Among those omitted some justified absence and other simply did not attend the determination of the Court. This break forward an order issued by one of the Organs of Sovereignty is demonstrating that the Timorese citizen is not yet fully aware that an order Judicial magistrate is to be fulfilled. Yes, citizen opposition concerned, but only through recourse to the Second Judicial Instance in this case, the Court of Appeal, as legal forecast.

A witness who did not attend nor justified is Augusto da Silva that, in the police (27/03/2008), provided clarifications on their outward to Ermera District along with Câncio Pereira, his brother-in-law, on 9 and 10 February 2008. They stayed, he said, without interruption, at that District until the evening of August 10. They slept over at
Letefoho.

Augusto da Silva claimed that on 9 February 2008 received an invitation from his brother-in-law to go along with to Ermera to supervise a public work, which Câncio is the contractor (Letefoho).They departed with a Government car (a mini bus, white), that the President made available to MUNJ and Câncio held control and make use of. Augusto denies that Câncio Pereira has left Dili to Ermera accompanied by other MUNJ elements; it has coming directly to Dili on 9 and then on the following day, returned to Lauala. In the version of the witness, only he and Câncio went to check work of Letefoho on day 9. The following day, at the request of Câncio, left him at a crossing, not knowing where it was throughout that afternoon. At nightfall, Câncio would have been brought up to work for any element not identified. It was dark and it rains.

Augusto da Silva version does not have support in other testimonials and nor even harmonizes with the provided by own Câncio Pereira in Court. The other elements of the MUNJ, Câncio itself, as well as, the people that were in Lauala, home of the Major Alfredo Reinaldo, on 9 February 2008; provided to the Court that Câncio was together with other elements of MUNJ, in the car used by the lawyer Alfredo Benevides Correia Barros for a meeting at Lauala. According to these witnesses, four (4) or five (5) elements of MUNJ, not including Augusto da Silva, went and came back together Dili/Lauala and of Lauala/Dili on the same day 9 February 2008.

For Câncio Pereira, he would have used the Government's mini bus to go again Letefoho on 10 February. His brother-in-law, Augusto da Silva, would have taken until a crossing and from there, without saying anything, would have met with Major and the Group about 17 or 18 hours. He denies that drove any car that day. He would have been near the House of Salsinha, walking to the residence and then took a ride on a motorbike from a Salsinha element up to Major house in Lauala. There are discrepancy testimonials.

Perhaps for that, Augusto da Silva omits to testify in Court. Lie in legal proceedings under commitment, is a crime and punished by existing legislation.

The affirmation of Câncio and Augusto, both are not supported in other evidence and were contradicted, mainly, by José de Mendonça reliable testimony and without stain (10/11/09), a civilian, rude man and simple, who helped Major group in Lauala in domestic, as well as, by previously testimony provided by Victor de Souza and Teresa, which also were visiting Major on 10 February.

In José de Mendonça version MUNJ elements went to Lauala and were gathered with the Major, Salsinha and group on 9 February, including Câncio Pereira and used only one car. That night, left Lauala together. On the following day Câncio was using a dark car with black glass, returned to Lauala before lunch with their elements. Angelita Pires, Eliza Morato, Victor de Souza, Teresa de Souza and a child in another car, belonging to Lino Lopes, Rui Lopes brother and Eliza's uncle arrived in Major house too. All of them had lunch.

The evenings, Angelita group came down to Dili, only Câncio Pereira had stayed at Lauala, Major and their men. Late night Câncio driving his dark car with black glass and Major driving the car that used to the Ramos Horta House on 11 February, as well as another car, also dark, left from Lauala towards Gastão Salsinha house, which is close of the Major home.

Consequently, Câncio Pereira was not taken a ride in one of Salsinha elements; but in his own car to carry the Major and his group in Lauala and bring to Dili. Also he did not leave before Angelita and stayed in home to make sure that the Major wouldn't missing "the meeting" with President.

He had some appointment also has doubts. Susar said in first interrogation; Salsinha said, when the first interview journalists and Taboko, an element still unidentified, in the interview he gave the Jose Belo and an Australian journalist, confirmed the meeting of Reinaldo and Ramos Horta.

As for audiences, did not appear the journalist Jose Belo (10/11/09) alleging immunity from the criminal procedural law. In the same situation was the priest Natalino Verdial de Souza (10/11/09), which is not justified why not have answered the determination of judge President. However, do not have reason such witnesses. Should appear in Court, legal before an oath the judges, then invoke the fact that the duty to protect their sources, as well as, confessional secret. They may also be conducted by police force, up to the Court, since not even without justifying constitutes serious disregard of the judiciary and obstruction of justice. On 11/11/09, journalist Jose Belo was working during the audience and was withdrawn and prevented to remain there, because he could still be compelled to testify, if do not voluntarily.

José Barreto de Jesus was sick appeared and requested exemption because it wasn’t able to provide evidence that day. He was feverish. He was conceded and will return one of the forthcoming hearings. The Court, the Prosecution or Defence the main aim was only to discover the truth. There is no interest in coerce or bullying witness to extract the version that do not know about the facts.

Germiniano Amaral dos Reis (Liquicera), friend and supporter of Major Reinaldo, clarified that Angelita Pires was only girlfriend, Reinaldo partner and so went to Lauala to be with the boyfriend; that the Government did not resolve the crisis when could and should and that, on the contrary, was the Government who supported the rebels with cars, fuel and even money; that would have a seminar in Ermera/Gleno in February 2008 and that both the President and the Major Reinaldo were speakers in this event. That the President neither had communicated to witnesses who would not be in Timor-Leste in mid February and nor cancelled this seminar (meeting). Therefore, more once the accusation that Angelita was intellectual mentor of Reinaldo fell to the ground.

Antonio Caldeira Duarte Delgado, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão's wife bodyguard, justified the non-attendance. In the same approach was Verônica das Dores. Correct attitude. They may be interrogated without being conducted by police authority, on another occasion.

Manoel Barbosa Pina and Euzébio Salsinha nothing important brought that could consolidate the accusation. Latter, Augusto Junior Trindade uncle denied that he knew. What is that any linkage with the elements of the MUNJ; with Augusto Junior Trindade; with Rui Lopes, Câncio Pereira and Joanico Gonçalves cause resentment of those who are present to judges, under legal commitment. Like Pilates, wash their hands!

Clarice do Céu (Ameta), Alfredo Reinaldo ex-lover and ex-FDTL pretended to pass the image of submissive woman and unconnected to the father of his daughter (Reinaldo): pretended to consider a disposed of. She said that did not know that the "husband" was a fugitive from justice; did not know where he was when was not with her in the Same District; nor knew his phone number; who lived as husband and wife but, he did not leave clothing, personal documents and objects in her home; that the Major always phoned her the number 7361338 and which sometimes appeared and disappeared. She: "As good timorese woman asked nothing. I trusted blindly on him ".

Clarice do Céu version is not credible. She is an educated woman in the military arts; English language teacher for military classes and also belonged to the military force FDTL. E.g.: knew very well everything occurred at the level of rebellion and maintained direct contact with the Major, with Salsinha, with Lucas Soares, with Câncio
Pereira and other elements not by no:7361338, but by no: 7291243.

This is because:

Clarice says that the Major rang systematically her to know about the couple's daughter. However, no 7361338 had only 5 Major calls during the months of December 2007, January and February of 2008 (fls. 3.912/39150. It is not credible that the father of the child called only 5 times, 3 months to learn the daughter, especially when Clarice itself stated that he was an excited father and concerned with the child. If did not telephone the number Ameta says belong to her; however, for the number 7291243, Reinaldo phoned in the same period, more than 120 times. What will come with a part of the Clarice testimony: they talked almost daily.

To be interrogated by the defence, she confirmed that personal agenda (mobile phone 7361338) belonged to her. It was exclusively of her and there was plainly no 7291243 registered as it belonged to AAA @, his brother. In this personal agenda contained the names of friends and relatives only of her: Clarice.

However, clashing calls made by the woman who had no 7291243; all calls to that number link to Ameta family, MUNJ members, Major elements and Major himself.

In addition, the woman who had this phone, SMS to Major Reinaldo in 10 February 2008 by 22.30 hs, knowing that he was in Dili and would have a "seminar"; a meeting. Clarice confirmed in an interview to the local press that really had sent message to Reinaldo, but changes the content of that wrote! Clarice is afraid to say that this phone was in its possession. The message sent to ex-lover, that night and after 22.30 hs, connected to a possible attack, whether it is that this crime existed. She also called the next day and days after the death of Alfredo Reinaldo for number of the deceased, using this mobile phone.

The investigator of UNPOL CP7676, Manuel Araújo, NID/NIU Team Leader, even with all evidence linking Clarice do Céu (Ameta) phone no. 7291243; inexplicably, assigned to Angelita Pires possession such apparatus (fls. 4.307 Vol. 24). It expresses the desire to create a scapegoat, and while, at the time, unfounded and premature declarations of PGR Longuinhos Monteiro, as well as the President of the Republic against Angelita Pires it alleged account of thousands of dollars and the authoring moral of "crimes"; the police use and led the investigations in order to undermine it, any evidence which could, indeed, get rid of the facts and make real criminals. For this reason, the Defence of Angelita Pires requested that the Court ordered to TIMOR TELECOM to find out all calls from and to phone no: 7291243, as well as of Alfredo Reinaldo and another number provided by Ameta, antenna/antenna. This proof will demonstrate that all calls from Same District and not Dili or Australia, places where was Angelita Pires before the attacks.

Therefore, either the policemen who conducted investigations under International prosecutor, Dr. Felismino Cardoso, cannot prove to Court the improbable, because the evidence produced in this ruthless phase ended up by annihilating the thesis itself that seek out, avidly, sustain.

Question:

- What can expect to the Accusation for subsistence of his thesis; this stage that is uniquely it’s, the thesis of the attack and authoring moral already collapsed to the ground?
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POOR SANITATION KILLING KIDS IN EAST TIMOR: WATERAID

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By David Coady – ABC 17.11.09

An international charity focussed on safe water and sanitation says children are dying needlessly in East Timor due to poor toilet facilities.

WaterAid Australia estimates more than 1000 children die from diarrhoea in East Timor each year and poor sanitation is a reason for this.

Its chief executive, Adam Laidlaw, says diarrhoea rates can be cut by more than a third when there is better hygiene.

"Over 2.5 billion people around the world ... don't have a safe place to go to the toilet, and one of the outcomes of that, particularly in countries like Timor Leste, is that we have a significant number of child deaths each year due to diarrhoea."

He says the Australian Government needs to do more to improve sanitation.

"We reckon that Australia's fair share for water and sanitation financing would be around about $350 million per year," he said.

"And currently the spend is around $165 million a year."
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GUSMAO'S FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT QUESTIONED FROM WITHIN

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FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE - FRETILIN

Media Release - Dili, 18 November 2009

Gusmao’s financial management questioned from within

On the day before Timor-Leste’s National Parliament begins to discuss the proposed 2010 national budget, members of the de facto government’s AMP majority have publicly criticized the management of public works and raised questions of corruption.

In the Dili daily, Jornal Diario Nacional, on 16 November, President of the Parliament, Fernando Lasama Araujo, was quoted: “This thing the referendum [infrastructure] package, when we look at its quality, … some contractors are performing works of no quality and stealing the people’s money.”

Former IMF funded consultant to the Ministry of Finance, and currently Head of Pro-Poor Policy Unit and Policy Advisor, UNDP Timor-Leste, Mr Rui Gomes, has also roundly criticised the government’s record in a written statement to the parliament’s economic committee. Mr. Gomes is a leading Timorese academic in the area of development studies.

FRETILIN parliamentary leader Aniceto Guterres commented: “Mr Lasama has questioned the quality and effectiveness of the government’s management of the so-called referendum package from the start. Many in parliament, non-governmental organizations and the community at large have expressed concerns about this ill-conceived and legally questionable move by Mr Gusmao. Our party intends to scrutinize this package fully and is preparing for legal action in due course,” warned Mr Guterres.

Yesterday’s Dili daily the Timor Post reported senior AMP MP, Mr Rui Meneses, criticizing weaknesses in the Ministry of Finance and in government procurement as the cause of widespread corruption.

“Our own system is still weak,” he told the newspaper, adding “the weakness is that there is no centralized procurement to oversee the whole project. Because there is no centralized procurement, each ministry compiles its own criteria, there are no basic criteria such as general rules to control procurement of the projects that are initiated.”

He added, “We have to politically acknowledge that the referendum package project lacks quality.”

Meanwhile the Chair of the National Parliament’s Economy, Finance and Anti Corruption Committee, Dr Manuel Tilman, has criticised the government for failing to spend US$116 million from the 2008 Budget until the middle of 2009, for which he accused the de facto government of misrepresentation to parliament during last year’s debate. “They (the government) are lying when
they now say there are no carryovers. Because they paid 116 million from the 2008 Budget up until June 2009, which they should have done by the end of February, and this came up in the Deloitte’s accounting report otherwise we would not have known,” Tilman was reported as saying in Jornal Nacional Diario on November 17, 2009.

Mr Guterres commented: “Mr. Gusmao has been caught out. He has repeatedly told the parliament and the people of Timor-Leste that ‘carryovers’ were bad and that his government had eliminated that practice. The Deloitte’s audit report clearly shows this is not true. The government’s management of public finances is in disarray, and multilateral institutions like the World Bank are complicit in covering up this mismanagement with their persistent failure to publicly address problems which their advisors and missions
uncover.”

Mr Rui Gomes, one of the government’s former IMF funded consultants to the Finance Ministry, and currently Head of Pro-Poor Policy Unit and Policy Advisor, United Nations Development Program in Timor-Leste in a recent note prepared for the parliamentary committee for economy, finance and corruption, criticised the referendum package, saying that this spending “overruled the competency and authority of parliament to approve and oversee the budget and by-passed the government’s own procurement rules and regulations, by weakening transparent and competitive tendering processes.”

Mr Gomes also criticized the sustainability of the proposed 2010 Budget for not being pro-poor and for being heavily biased towards Dili. “Allocating two per cent of the national budget to agriculture does not only defeat the government’s commitment to eradicate poverty, but denies opportunities for improved incomes to the poor places of Timor-Leste, far from achieving food security and reducing poverty,” he said. “With a high population growth rate (3.l2% per year on average), the aim of achieving food security in the
country is moving in a reverse direction.” He added that there is a widening gap between the rich and the poor in Timor-Leste: “The benefits of growth and income distribution have continued to be in the hands of the richest 20% of the population. The continued decline in agriculture growth has compounded the problem of income inequality.”

The Gusmao de facto government has faced persistent allegations of corruption, collusion and cronyism over the last two and half years.

The country’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, has investigated and recommended legal action by the Prosecutor General against a number of senior ministers in the de facto government, including the Minister for Justice, Ms Lucia Lobato, the Minister for Finance, Ms Emilia Pires, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr
Jose Luis Guterres.

“Mr Gusmao likes to hold himself out as an anti-corruption crusader. The truth is that such talk from him is all hot air. The parliament unanimously passed a law establishing an anti-corruption commission, but now he has failed to nominate to parliament a candidate to head it up. He has also failed to nominate the follow-on Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice. For now, Timor-Leste is without an effective anti-corruption watchdog. How convenient, at a time when he and his ministers are facing unprecedented criticism of financial mismanagement and corruption, including from within its own ranks,” said Mr Guterres.

Mr Guterres said in closing that the de facto government appeared intent on continuing to raid the nation’s Petroleum Fund with big budgets that it is unable to legally and effectively spend, and which delivered no results for poverty eradication and human development.

For further information please contact Jose Teixeira MP on +670 728 7080 or fretilin.media@gmail.com
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LÍDER DA OPOSIÇÃO CRITICA GOVERNO DE GUSMÃO

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Díli, 17 nov (Lusa) – O líder da Frente Revolucionária do Timor Leste Independente (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, fez, nesta terça-feira, fortes críticas aos dois anos de governo do primeiro-ministro timorense, Xanana Gusmão, em um grande artigo publicado em alguns jornais e blogs do país.

Reconhecendo no premiê seu passado como líder da resistência, Alkatiri diz que "essa glória do passado não pode servir para encobrir os erros, má gestão e ilegalidades do presente".

Com "US$ 2 bilhões (R$ 3,4 bilhões, ao câmbio atual) gastos em dois anos", o governo da Aliança da Maioria Parlamentar (AMP) "não investe, só gasta", acusa o líder do opositor Fretilin, maior partido político do país.

No artigo, ele não poupa aquilo que são os "sucessos" mais apregoados pelo Executivo de Xanana Gusmão: o crescimento econômico, a resolução do problema dos deslocados e a paz social.

"Fala-se do crescimento econômico que é apresentado como o fim em si do desenvolvimento. Não se olha para a qualidade deste crescimento refletida na prestação dos serviços ao público, no número de postos de trabalho criados, em obras com impacto econômico e social a curto, médio e longo prazos", destacou Alkatiri.

Já quanto ao fechamento dos inúmeros campos de deslocados, ele reagiu lamentando o fato de o governo ter se limitado a promover a compensação financeira às famílias, "sem nenhum esforço palpável no sentido de se resolver a gênese do conflito de 2006".

"Xanana sabe muito bem que só existe paz social e política porque existe uma Fretilin que, embora injustiçada, recusa a violência e demonstra grande senso de Estado", afirma.

O líder do maior partido da oposição critica o "déficit democrático", especificamente do total controle da televisão pública, do silenciamento de organizações da sociedade civil, outrora bastante ativas, através de contribuições financeiras do governo, da instrumentalização dos deputados e de limitação à atividade dos partidos, impedindo-os de ter concorrido às eleições para os sucos (menor divisão administrativa do Timor).

Recursos públicos

É, no entanto, na gestão dos recursos públicos que Alkatiri faz as críticas mais incisivas, afirmando que estão sendo consumidos em uma espécie de "projetismo", em que são orçadas propostas enviadas pelos vários ministérios, sem articulação entre si.

O líder da Fretilin denuncia o que chama de "escangalhamento de todo o sistema de gestão orçamentária e financeira", e conclui que "o Orçamento já não é um plano de ação anual, mas antes um saco azul e fundo de contingências que reflete a cobiça" dos membros do governo.

Segundo Alkatiri, a manutenção do caráter de emergência de aquisições do Estado para satisfazer às necessidades básicas da população, ao permitir que "tudo seja feito por ajuste direto, abre portas para se negociarem comissões, em vez de preços".

Quanto à promoção do setor privado, no qual o Executivo de Xanana Gusmão tem apostado, ele afirma que é feita distribuindo grandes somas, sem levar em consideração que os projetos sejam devidamente estruturados, garantam a qualidade da obra, e possam ser fiscalizados.

"Prevalece o paternalismo barato de um Estado Providência, em que vem à tona a demagogia e o populismo, criando novos-ricos, mas não um setor empresarial responsável e capaz de se afirmar", ressaltou.

O líder da oposição acusa ainda o governo de, em dois anos, ter transformado a Administração Pública em um "monstro devorador de recursos": "A Administração Pública converteu-se em centro de emprego (mas não de trabalho). De cerca de 18 mil funcionários em 2007, temos hoje próximo dos 40 mil e a maioria, admitida por este governo, são funcionários temporários”.

Nesse domínio, faz ainda críticas à "desvalorização" da capacidade dos timorenses, "inundando os ministérios de assessores internacionais, com salários escandalosos e, na maioria, pouco qualificados".

Ler texto relacionado no TLN:
“IV GOVERNO CONSTITUCIONAL” OU SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL (I) LIMITADA? – 1ª Parte
“IV GOVERNO CONSTITUCIONAL” OU SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL (I) LIMITADA? – 2ª Parte
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CALL FOR JUSTICE IN EAST TIMOR

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Press Association - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A University of Ulster researcher is helping the Foreign Office seek justice in East Timor.

Dr Paul Hainsworth, a senior lecturer at the school of criminology, politics and social policy, met members of the Whitehall department as well as a secretary for MPs concerned about human rights.

The expert in Timorese politics outlined the international dimension of the truth process in East Timor.

"As one of the United Nations' most recent members, and following a period of serious conflict in the territory, Timor-Leste is at an important stage in its development," he said.

"Issues of human rights, justice and impunity are at the centre of current debates.

"At the same time, the country is looking to enhance its socio-economic development and address issues such as infrastructural construction, health, poverty and unemployment.

"The international community has a constructive role to play in these and other matters and the recent debate at the United Nations will have served to focus attention here."
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TIMOR TO BUILD A SOUTH COAST NAVY BASE

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TEMPO SEMANAL - Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Timorese Secretary of State for Defence, Julio Tomas Pinto, Chief of the Defence Force Brigadier Taur Matan Ruak and Commander of the Naval Component, Commander Pedro Klamar Fuik along with senior defence force officers visited Betano on the south coast in Manufahi as well as the Manatuto area last Sunday.

They were their to scope out locations for for the building of a naval supply base for the two Shanghai Class Patrol Boats currently being built in China for the Timorese Defence Force, FALINTIL-FDTL.

The company constructing the vessels Poly Technology is in the final stages of construction and Commander Klamar Fuik will travel to China in the next few days to view the ships and participate in their first sea trials.According to the Secretary of State for Defence, Julio Pinto, the Betano area is very important as it will assist in supplying the vessels when the patrol in between Viqueque and Cova Lima Districts at the eastern and western ends of the southern coastal region. The naval supply base is being review now as the 2010 budget discussion is underway and the vessels are due to arrive next year.
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Autoridade de Pagamentos acusa advogado português de pressões políticas ilegítimas

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PDF – Lusa – 17 Novembro 2009

Lisboa - A Autoridade Bancária e de Pagamentos de Timor-Leste acusa um advogado português de violação deontológica por exercer "pressões políticas" para anulação da decisão de destituição do anterior "número dois" da Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) no país, seu constituinte.

Para apresentar uma participação formal da actuação do advogado, Ricardo da Cunha Limas (sociedade Miranda, Correia, Amendoeira e Associados), ao Conselho Deontológico do Conselho Distrital de Lisboa da Ordem dos Advogados, encontra-se em Lisboa Maria José Sarmento, directora-geral adjunta para a Supervisão do banco central timorense.

"O advogado procurou colocar em causa autonomia da Autoridade exercendo influências políticas através de altos quadros governamentais para que fosse revista a decisão" de destituição do "número dois" da sucursal timorense da CGD, maior banco do país, disse à Lusa a responsável timorense.

Na sequência da destituição do vice-director-geral da CGD, Artur Amaral Jorge, por ter autorizado transferências em valor superior a 3 milhões de dólares de forma considerada ilegal, em Setembro o advogado pediu "indevidamente em nome da sucursal" a revogação da sanção e fez cópia da exposição para "alto quadro governamental".

A Autoridade reporta directamente ao primeiro-ministro, mas alega confidencialidade do caso para guardar silêncio sobre o alvo das pressões, que no mesmo mês pede mesmo a revisão da decisão, alegando a importância do banco para a economia timorense.

"Estes comportamentos violam as normas e princípios fundamentais da deontologia profissional (...) no nosso entender foi exercida uma pressão política. Como advogado, tem conhecimento da legislação timorense", afirma Sarmento.

Os responsáveis do banco central alegam ainda que a documentação enviada em anexo à carta estava incompleta e dava uma versão distorcida dos factos.

A legislação timorense penaliza tentativas de influenciar decisões da Autoridade.

Os 3,029 milhões de dólares terão saído das contas da Pualaka Petroleo para as de duas outras sociedades apenas com a assinatura de um dos sócios, Américo Lopes, marido da ministra da Justiça timorense, segundo relatava recentemente o jornal Tempo Semanal.

A queixa contra Amaral Jorge, que deu origem à investigação, foi apresentada pelos outros dois sócios da Pualaka - João Alves (ex-ministro da FRETILIN) e Luís Oliveira.

Trata-se da empresa à qual foi adjudicado em Setembro de 2008 o contrato de fornecimento de combustível à Electricidade de Timor-Leste (EDTL), avaliado em mais de um milhão de dólares, embora apresentasse o preço mais elevado por litro, o que levou a forte contestação por parte de outros interessados.

Para as suas operações, terá ainda beneficiado de uma carta de crédito do Estado timorense, por ordem do Ministério das Finanças, no valor de mais de 3,18 milhões de dólares.

Sobre o destino da transferência que deu origem ao processo, a Autoridade mantém o segredo, alegando confidencialidade.

"A autorização era ilegal. O dinheiro era da sociedade", afirma Maria José Sarmento.

A Autoridade iliba a Caixa de quaisquer responsabilidades no processo e considera questão interna do banco a eventual realização de uma auditoria de procedimentos."Assim que foi notificada da decisão, a Caixa cumpriu logo com a decisão da ABP e desde início do processo mantivémos boas relações", sublinha.

Paralelamente, decorre uma investigação judicial decorrente de queixa apresentada pelos sócios junto da Justiça Timorense.

Esta foi a primeira vez que a Autoridade foi forçada a actuar em transacções financeiras ilegais de montante tão elevado.

Em função dos resultados que a queixa venha produzir, a Autoridade admite apresentar queixa da sociedade de advogados portuguesa junto de outras instâncias internacionais.

Sociedade de advogados nega pressões políticas em processo da CGD

Lisboa - A sociedade de advogados Miranda, Correia, Amendoeira & Associados recusa ter exercido pressões políticas ilegítimas em Timor-Leste para travar a destituição do ex-número dois da Caixa Geral de Depósitos, que, assegura, teve conhecimento de todos os actos.

"Em defesa do seu bom nome e reputação, a Miranda afirma inequivocamente que não praticou qualquer acto sem aprovação da sua representada", a sucursal timorense da Caixa, maior banco do país, disse hoje à Lusa Agostinho Pereira de Miranda, sócio responsável por Timor-Leste.

Para apresentar ao Conselho Deontológico do Conselho Distrital de Lisboa da Ordem dos Advogados uma participação formal da actuação de um advogado daquela sociedade, Ricardo da Cunha Limas, encontra-se em Lisboa Maria José Sarmento, directora-geral adjunta para a Supervisão do banco central timorense.

Na sequência da destituição do vice-director-geral da CGD, Artur Amaral Jorge, por ter autorizado transferências em valor superior a 3 milhões de dólares de forma considerada ilegal, em Setembro o advogado pediu, segundo a Autoridade Bancária e de Pagamentos (ABP), "indevidamente em nome da sucursal" a revogação da sanção e fez cópia da exposição para "alto quadro governamental".

A Autoridade reporta directamente ao primeiro-ministro, mas alega confidencialidade do caso para guardar silêncio sobre o alvo das pressões, que no mesmo mês pediu mesmo a revisão da decisão, alegando a importância do banco para a economia timorense.

Agostinho Pereira de Miranda, que respondeu à Lusa por escrito, admite falhas na exposição, mas nega qualquer ilegalidade.

Um inquérito interno da sociedade de advogados concluiu que Limas "não violou qualquer norma legal ou deontológica, mas que as expressões críticas contidas nas peças processuais por ele subscritas, sendo comuns em Portugal, não tiveram em consideração os usos e terminologia utilizados numa jovem nação como é Timor-Leste", refere Pereira da Miranda.

"A Miranda nega categoricamente ter tentado influenciar a decisão final da ABP exercendo influências políticas, que aliás não tem nem nunca teve em Timor-Leste. No único caso em que remeteu cópia de um requerimento a outro órgão da República, fê-lo por entender, como continua a entender, ser esse um requisito da lei timorense", adianta.

Miranda disse ainda à Lusa que a sociedade dirigiu um pedido de desculpas formais à ABP e ao seu director-geral, que foi aceite em carta "datada de 26 de Outubro", pelo que o assunto foi dado como sanado.

Contactado pela Lusa em Timor-Leste, o advogado Cunha Limas mostrou-se surpreendido com a apresentação da queixa.

"O assunto parece ter sido dado como encerrado pela ABP, através da sua carta. E o assessor jurídico da ABP encarregado desse assunto, Hugo Campaniço, é um ex-colaborador da Miranda, que conhece o rigor técnico e ético do nosso trabalho", disse ainda Pereira de Miranda.

A destituição do quadro da Caixa decorreu de uma transferência, considerada ilegal, de 3,029 milhões de dólares das contas da Pualaka Petroleo para as de duas outras sociedades apenas com a assinatura de um dos sócios, Américo Lopes, marido da ministra da Justiça timorense, segundo relatava recentemente o jornal Tempo Semanal.

A queixa contra Amaral Jorge, que deu origem à investigação, foi apresentada pelos outros dois sócios da Pualaka - João Alves (ex-ministro da FRETILIN) e Luís Oliveira.
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Censura indonésia ainda hesita em autorizar a projecção do filme "Balibó"

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Por PÚBLICO – 17 Novembro 2009

Filme retrata atrocidades cometidas em Timor-Leste

Os censores indonésios formaram uma equipa especial para decidir, ao fim de mais de dois meses de polémica, se o filme australiano “Balibó” poderá ou não ser apresentado no país, noticiou hoje o jornal The Jakarta Globe.

O Governo de Jacarta considerou que a obra de Robert Connoly é “ofensiva”, por documentar a forma como cinco jornalistas com base na Austrália foram assassinados nos dias que precederam a ocupação indonésia de Timor-Leste, em 1975.

As Forças Armadas solicitaram na primeira quinzena de Setembro à censura indonésia que proibisse o filme sobre o drama ocorrido na localidade timorense de Balibó, onde alguns enviados da informação em língua inglesa tentaram relatar para o exterior a iminência da invasão da antiga colónia portuguesa por tropas do regime ditatorial de Suharto, que vigorou de 1967 a 1998.

“Balibó”, estreado a 24 de Julho, na inauguração do Festival Internacional de Cinema de Melbourne, está programado para ser exibido em Dezembro no Festival de Cinema de Jacarta, mas aguarda há dois meses a luz verde dos censores.

Já em 2006 diversos filmes sobre Timor-Leste foram proibidos no Festival de Jacarta, para não ofender os sentimentos da classe castrense indonésia, que ainda evita que se faça luz sobre todas as atrocidades cometidas durante a ocupação indonésia, de 1975 a 1999.

Anthony Lapaglia, Oscar Isaac e Damon Gameau são alguns dos intérpretes do filme de Connoly, que escreveu o argumento, com David Williamson, a partir de um livro da jornalista australiana Jill Jolliffe, "Cover UP - The Inside story of the Balibó Five".
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Corrupção: Angola, Guiné e Moçambique descem no ranking, São Tomé sobe 12 posições

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MCL – Lusa

Mais corrupção - TIMOR-LESTE DESCE UMA POSIÇÃO*

Lisboa, 17 Nov (Lusa) - Angola, Guiné-Bissau e Moçambique desceram quatro lugares na classificação do índice global de corrupção, enquanto São Tomé e Príncipe subiu 12 posições, segundo o relatório de 2009 divulgado hoje pela Transparency Internacional.

A lista, divulgada anualmente, estima o grau de corrupção do sector público percepcionada pelos empresários e analistas dos respectivos países, e está organizada do menos corrupto (1.º lugar) para o mais corrupto (180.º), a que corresponde uma escala de 10 pontos (livre de corrupção) a zero pontos (muito corrupto).

Entre os países de expressão portuguesa, Angola e Guiné-Bissau ocupavam em 2008 a posição 158 e encontram-se agora no posto 162 com 1.9 pontos.

De acordo com a Transparency Internacional, "apesar do seu potencial para gerar fortes rendimentos, que poderia aumentar o desenvolvimento social, estes países não conseguiram traduzir a sua riqueza em programas sustentáveis da redução da pobreza".

"Em vez disso, os altos níveis de corrupção na indústria extractiva contribuem constantemente para a estagnação económica e desigualdade e para o conflito", lê-se no relatório.

No ranking da percepção da corrupção, Moçambique surge na 130ª posição (2.5 pontos), enquanto ano passado estava no posto 126.

Timor-Leste desceu um lugar na classificação, estando agora no posto 146 (2.2 pontos), posição que partilha com a Serra Leoa, a Ucrânia e o Zimbabué.

A maior subida entre os países de expressão portuguesa registou-se em São Tomé e Príncipe que passou do lugar 123º para o 111º, com 2.8 pontos.

O Brasil registou uma subida de cinco pontos e ocupa este ano o lugar 75 (3.7 pontos).

O segundo país de expressão portuguesa melhor cotado pela Transparency Internacional é Cabo Verde no posto 46 (5.1 pontos), uma posição acima da registada em 2008. Portugal aparece em primeiro lugar entre os lusófonos na posição 35.

A Transparency Internacional destaca no relatório que Cabo Verde é, a par do Botsuana e das Maurícias, um dos três países da África Subsaariana com uma cotação superior a cinco valores.

Macau, Região Administrativa Especial da China, manteve a mesma posição do ano passado, ocupando o lugar 43, com 5.3 pontos.

De acordo com a presidente da Transparency Internacional, Hugette Labelle, a "corrupção requer alta supervisão dos parlamentos, um bom sistema judiciário, agências anti-corrupção, vigorosa aplicação da lei, transparência nos orçamentos públicos, bem como espaço para meios de comunicação social independentes e uma sociedade civil activa".

"A comunidade internacional tem de encontrar formas eficazes de ajudar os países devastados pela guerra para desenvolver e manter as suas próprias instituições", defendeu.

VER A LISTA DE PAÍSES AQUI
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*Subtítulo TLN
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terça-feira, 17 de Novembro de 2009

“IV GOVERNO CONSTITUCIONAL” OU SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL (I) LIMITADA?

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Por MARI ALKATIRI*

(Segunda Parte)

Falávamos das reformas de Xanana e já íamos no décimo acto. Prometemos continuar esta micro-cirurgia e, por isso, ainda temos mais algumas que marcaram estes pouco mais de dois anos de governação Xanana.

O décimo primeiro acto de reforma é a restrição dos direitos fundamentais dos cidadãos. Xanana Gusmão como Presidente da República transformou a Presidência no centro da dinamização da Sociedade Civil e dos Partidos da oposição. Fez da defesa dos direitos dos cidadãos o cavalo de batalha contra o I Governo Constitucional até ao limite do intolerável que foi em 2006 quando se colocou ao lado dos “peticionários” e dos insurrectos contra o Comando das F-FDTL e o Governo. (Ainda nos recordamos das declarações de “Já Ganhamos a Guerra” feitas em frente do Palácio do Governo diante dos manifestantes que espalhavam ódio e violência). Hoje, Xanana dá um volte-face, roda cento e oitenta graus e, escudando-se na teoria da segurança nacional, ameaça cidadãos em geral, intimida jornalistas, amedronta o povo, prolifera “bufos”, prende estudantes quando pacificamente se manifestaram no campus universitário, persegue políticos rivais com o seu aparato de inteligência e com a sua declaração “ami sei prende líder sira balu”, i e, “vamos prender alguns líderes”, ameaças que se vão tornando prática policial sempre que se verifica um mínimo gesto, um movimento social ou político de manifestação contra erros da sua governação. As Organizações da Sociedade Civil outrora muito activas, hoje, com raras e honrosas excepções, a maioria, porque recebem financiamento do “Governo”, preferem o silêncio, talvez a resistência passiva.

O décimo segundo acto de reforma realciona-se com a media. O “Governo” Xanana tudo tem feito para controlar a media. Controla totalmente a TVTL. Compra páginas de jornais, paga tempo de antena na Rádio e Televisão para espalhar propaganda de iniciativas sem consistência como a do arroz híbrido, de distribuição de tractores, ou de enxurradas de Memorandum de Entendimento sem qualquer consequência, assinados de cruz ou ainda de acordos e adjudicações feitas sem concurso público sobre projectos de investimento que nunca acontecem e que depois ficam nas gavetas (Exemplos: cem mil hectares para cana de açúcar, outros milhares de hectares para frutas, geradores a óleos pesados vs electricidade para todos a 30 de Agosto de 2009, gasoduto do Mar de Timor para Timor-Leste, Base de Apoio às actividades de exploração petrolífera no Mar de Timor, Produção de Bio-Fuel, etc. e etc., tudo mega-projectos comprados a vendedores de banha de cobra no mercado informal da região). Mas os órgãos de Comunicação Social, com algumas excepcões, fizeram eco de tudo isso, obedecendo à política de intoxicação definida e executada pelo “Governo” Xanana. O importante é continuar a fingir que algo está a ser feito.

Hoje, em pleno ano que ele próprio declarou ser de Infraestruturas, perante o fracasso nesta área, escuda-se na paz social e política como o sucesso da sua governação. Usando a media acusa a FRETILIN de só saber medir o progresso em quilómetros de estradas e pontes. Xanana sabe muito bem que se existe paz social e política porque existe uma FRETILLIN que embora injustiçada recusa a violência e demonstra grande sentido de Estado. Se Xanana estivesse na oposição ou como Presidente da República com a FRETILIN no Governo certamente que não teríamos nem paz, nem estabilidade social e política. Pelo menos assim foi no passado recente.

O décimo terceiro acto de reforma traduz-se na proibição de vida democrática pluripartidária nas eleições para Líderes comunitários. Xanana e os seus assosciados (sim, associados e não sócios) na Sociedade Unipessoal (i) Limitada que se auto-intitula de “IV Governo Constitucional” tudo fizeram para impedir que os resultados das eleições viessem a confirmar a ilegitimidade deles como “Governo”. Assim, através da revisão da Lei simplesmente proibiram a apresentação de candidatos por partidos politicos. Mas os resultados vieram e todos sabem o que eles acabam por demonstrar.

O décimo quarto acto de reforma reduz-se na privatização da descentralização administrativa baptizado com o nome “descentralização do sistema de aprovisionamento”[1].

Xanana disse que “após várias reuniões e discussões com o sector privado”[2] os empresários “estão encorajados com a possibilidade de participarem mais activamente no desenvolvimento do País e ávidos de maiores responsabilidades no processo de construção do Estado”[3]. Isto só (?) representa setenta milhões de dólares para serem gastos em dois ou três meses.

Como Xanana categoricamente afirma, o “Governo” decidiu fazer um “teste” multimilionário de “projectos de pequena dimensão para serem executados até ao final do ano”.[4]

O “teste” reduz-se no seguinte: O “Governo”, face à sua incapacidade de executar o projecto de construção de Central Eléctrica, reconhece no dizer do Xanana que “:deparamo-nos com a poupança de 70 milhões de dólares americanos, alocados a este projecto no ano financeiro de 2009”.[5]

Assim, o “Governo”, incapaz de executar um mega-projecto aprovado pelo Parlamento Nacional, rectifica, repito, rectifica ele próprio o Orçamento (sem aprovação do Parlamento como determina a Constituição) e inventa cerca de 700 pequenas obras (sim, obras e não projectos) a serem executadas em menos de três meses. Para dar cobertura legal aprova um Decreto-Lei que introduz um sistema de “aprovisionamento especial”. Este não é nada mais que abrir caminho para o governo se demitir de algumas das suas funções e responsabilidades entregando-as ao Sector Privado. Assim, a Associação Empresarial de Construção Civil e Obras Públicas é chamada para criar à golpe de marreta associações distritais e sub-distritais que “perante a lista de projectos entregues em cada distrito, responsabilizam-se pelo processo de adjudicação de forma transparente e justa em termos de distribuição”[6] (sublinhado é nosso). Não sabemos qual é o sentido aqui de transparente e justa uma vez que nenhum concurso público foi realizado por nenhuma entidade. Simplesmente se decidiu distribuir.

Na verdade, não existem projectos. A Sociedade Unipessoal (i) Limitada de Xanana Gusmão não tinha incluído nos seus sonhos para 2009, para serem reflectidos no Orçamento, projectos desta natureza. Colocado perante a não execução de um mega-projecto (hoje comprovadamente feito sobre os joelhos) o sonho transformou-se em pesadelo e Xanana levado mais uma vez pela sua intuição devoradora de recursos públicos como solução para todos os problemas fez a decisão de modo a evitar “carry over” (transportes de verbas). De uma forma irresponsável que chamou de “arrojado e inovador” recupera potenciais projectos para 2010 e distribui-os como prenda de Natal aos empresários em finais de 2009. Qualquer governante responsável teria preferido transportar este montante ou reorçamentá-lo para 2010. Como foi feito, o que vai acontecer é esbanjar recursos públicos com obras que, se existirem, não terão qualidade. Devoram-se assim setenta milhões de dólares em menos de três meses.

A opção de Xanana de responsabilizar o Sector Privado pela adjudicação de projectos de Obras Públicas é inaceitável pelo seguinte:

i. existe, à partida, um conflito de interesses.O Sector Privado, interessado em ter acesso aos projectos, é ele próprio responsável pela adjudicação e fiscalização.

Hoje já é corrente ouvir denúncias de que alguns “coordenadores” do “Pacote de Referendo” criaram empresas em nome de familiares ou amigos seus nos distritos e sub-distritos e adjudicaram obras aos mesmos. Outros ainda, residentes em Dili, mais informados, estabeleceram empresas nos seus Distritos de origem para benefeciarem dos projectos;

ii. É uma decisão impensada do “Governo”: O “governo”, sabendo-se incapaz de desenhar 700 projectos, com qualidade, num período de tempo de dois ou três meses e, não querendo assumir o fardo da não execução de um mega-projecto, demite-se das suas responsabilidades e transfere-as de uma forma irresponsável para o Sector Privado. Mais irresponsável ainda, diria mesmo, um crime, quando se sente no direito de fazer um “teste” com setenta milhões de dólares, transferindo este montante, ou pelo menos, os primeiros mais de trinta milhões de dólares para contas privadas, antes da execução das obras.

Tudo isso porque Xanana quer “projectos concretos…que beneficiem o sector privado…”[7] e que, como sempre, algumas migalhas chegarão às “populações a nível local em todo o País”.[8] É vontade do Xanana e, para os seus associados, é Lei. Cumpra-se.

Mais ridícula ainda quando Xanana considera a não execução de um mega-projecto como “poupança de setenta milhões de dólares americanos”.[9] Fica aqui patente a falta de entendimento do que um Orçamento de Estado significa. Não há poupança em termos de execução do Orçamento de Estado. Ou se sabe, previamente, desenhar um programa de qualidade e que seja exequível, incluí-lo no plano de acção anual, dotá-lo de verbas para o viabilizar, ou não. Mais ainda, ou se tem capacidade para executar ou não se tem. Quando nada disso acontece, o que existe é a não execução do plano, do programa, do projecto, em suma, do Orçamento.

O bom senso ensina-nos que os projectos multimilionários só podem aparecer depois de muito estudo prévio, depois de muita consulta multisectorial feita com muita transparência. Há que se ter em consideração todo o tipo de impacto – social, económico, cultural, ambiental, político. Tudo isto considerado garante a sustentabilidade do projecto. O que aconteceu foram secretismos. Tanto secretismo que certamente escondia muita fraqueza e falta de seriedade. Fazer o estudo depois de uma opção, à partida, desastrosa só prova que o “Governo” navega em águas turvas e, por isso, confunde tubarões com pacíficos golfinhos.

Falando de poupança sim temos (ainda temos, apesar da onda devoradora dos recursos públicos). A nossa poupança, como todos sabem, é o Fundo Petrolífero estabelecido pelo Primeiro Governo Constitucional.

O décimo quinto acto de reforma relaciona-se com a relação Governo/Parlamento Nacional. Qualquer Governo apoia-se na maioria que tem no Parlamento para poder garantir uma estabilidade governativa. O que não se admite é que o Governo torna as bancadas que o apoiam cúmplices das suas decisões inconstitucionais, ilegais e irresponsáveis.

O que tem acontecido é absolutamente inaceitável. Como Sociedade Unipessoal que é, o seu único sócio de nome Xanana faz as decisões e impõem-nas a todos os seus associados, particularmente os deputados da AMP. Aparece no Parlamento com mega-projectos de geradores obsoletos e obriga os deputados da AMP a defender o projecto e a votar a favor. No ano da execução do mesmo chega a conclusão que o projecto não serve, procura outras opções e mais uma vez, temos a certeza, que vai exigir dos deputados da AMP que se abstenham de fazer críticas e votem a favor. Um desrespeito por um Órgão de soberania com competência para legislar e fiscalizar as actividades do Governo. Um atentado à dignidade dos deputados.

O décimo sexto acto de reforma prende-se com a conversão da Administração Pública numa administração temporária. A Administração Pública converteu-se em centro de emprego (mas não de trabalho). De cerca de dezoito mil funcionários em 2007, temos hoje próximo dos quarenta mil. A maioria, admitida por este Governo, são funcionários temporários. Por isso, a Administração Pública tem, ela própria, o carácter de administração temporária. É uma engrenagem pesada, uma máquina parada.

Talvez por isso mesmo veio a parte caricata da reforma que é a limpeza geral às Sextas-Feiras. Limpeza das ruas, avenidas e praias de Dili, feita compulsiva e religiosamente pelos funcionários públicos com Xanana e Ramos-Horta a comandarem. Nunca faltou a cobertura feita pela TVTL para declarações de ocasião proferidas pelos grandes senhores da limpeza semanal. Sugerimos que a limpeza comece nos Ministérios e Secretarias de Estado em prol de uma função pública capaz e de uma instituição forte.

Não podemos falar das reformas sem mencionarmos a revisão da Lei Tributária. Perante o aumento de receitas petrolíferas o “Governo” decidiu adoptar uma nova Lei Tributária, convertendo Timor-Leste num quasi paraíso fiscal. Ao reduzir drásticamente os impostos o “Governo” acreditava que iria imediatamente baixar os preços e assim cumpriria uma das suas promessas eleitorais. Na verdade, o que temos assistido é o aumento dos preços de todo o tipo de produtos disponíveis no Mercado. O “Governo” não tem sido capaz de explicar este fenómeno. Actualmente, só o arroz para o consumo geral da população, porque é altamente subsidiado, é vendido a um preço acessível. Se retirarmos este produto dos nossos cálculos macro-económicos, não tenho dúvidas que a inflacção dispara para níveis muito superiores daquilo que oficialmente se apresenta.

(continua)

* Secretário Geral da FRETILIN e Primeiro-Ministro do Primeiro Governo Constitucional

[1] Xanana Gusmão, Carta endereçada ao Presidente do Parlamento nacional datada de 22 de Outubro de 2009 - [2] idem - [3] Xanana Gusmão, Carta endereçada ao Presidente do Parlamento Nacional datada de 22 de Outubro de 2009. - [4] Idem - [5] Idem - [6] idem - [7] idem - [8] idem - [9] idem.
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PALAVRAS OCAS DE UM SER MENOR

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Por ZIZI TIMOR OAN

No Dia Internacional da Tolerância Ramos Horta disse:

“Por vezes, comportamo-nos como seres menores, o grande devora o pequeno, mas se falássemos, comunicássemos, aprendêssemos mais uns dos outros, se partilhássemos recursos, os ricos ajudassem os menos afortunados, os mais fortes apoiassem os mais débeis, poderíamos ter menos violência nas nossas comunidades e menos conflitos internacionais.”

Palavras nobres, dignas de um galardoado com o Prémio Nobel da Paz. Por momentos muito breves até acreditei na veracidade das mesmas. Mas...

José Ramos Horta proferiu estas palavras por obrigatoriedade, e para estrangeiro ouvir. Mais um triste espectáculo, a que o Presidente da República já nos habituou. Impotentes temos de assistir a esta patética demonstração de hipocrisia e ouvir palavras proferidas por quem as diz por dizer, porque vendo a sua prática vimos que na realidade não reflectem o seu pensar. Comportamento típico de um ser menor!

Estaria ele a pedir tolerância ao povo timorense, estaria ele a pedir que o povo se submeta ainda mais às injustiças e aos maus-tratos a que é sujeito por parte deste Governo por ele abençoado? José tás a pedir demais...chega!

O Ramos Horta que faz este apelo comovente à tolerância é o mesmo que age em Timor Leste como um ditador, um fora da lei e o mesmo que espezinha tudo e todos que se sobrepõem à sua vontade.

Recordemos os recentes actos de José Horta em Timor, onde estão bem patentes a sua “tolerância”...

Quando o Prémio Nobel da Paz foi com a polícia destruir com as suas próprias mãos as barracas dos vendedores ambulantes, que honestamente ganhavam o seu pão de cada dia, estaria ele a ajudar os menos afortunados ou a apoiar os mais débeis?

Ramos Horta comunicou ou consultou o povo timorense quando à revelia das leis timorenses, em conjunto com o seu comparsa, Xanana Gusmão, libertaram Maternus Bere? E os gritos daqueles que clamam justiça e que por motivos dúbios Horta continua a negar-lhes? É este o diálogo a que apelas José?

O apelo à não violência é feito pelo mesmo que nomeou um Governo saído de um golpe de estado, o mesmo que instigou a violência que resultou em centenas de mortes e desalojou milhares de timorenses, tudo pela ganância pelo poder e com o intuito de assaltar as riquezas da nação, e governar Timor em prol do seu próprio umbigo.

Pois... não me espantam mais as palavras ocas deste ditadorzeco, pois elas reflectem bem o ser repugnante que se tornou, continua a enganar o mundo com palavras que aprendeu a recitar... Mas nós timorenses já somos cada vez menos os que acreditamos nele!

Resta-nos a esperança de que um dia Timor Leste se torne num país verdadeiramente livre, governado por pessoas honestas, e não num estado invadido por mentirosos, criminosos e traidores que insistem impunemente em destruir esta nação nascida com tanto sofrimento e tanto sangue derramado, tantas vidas perdidas às mãos de carrascos agora protegidos por este mesmo José Horta em parceria com Gusmão.

Fica a esperança...
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APEC AO RUBRO SOBRE RISCO DE CRISE NAS DIVISAS

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Jorge Nascimento Rodrigues (www.expresso.pt) - 16 de Nov de 2009

Uma frase sobre taxas de câmbio apagada do comunicado final da reunião dos 21 membros da região da Ásia-Pacífico acabou por ser a estrela mediática da cimeira realizada em Singapura este fim-de-semana.

O unanimismo do discurso político anticrise e anti-proteccionista da 17ª reunião do Foro de Cooperação Económica Ásia Pacífico (conhecido pela sigla em inglês APEC, para Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) sofreu uma borradela.

O Foro, que reuniu em Singapura os seus 21 membros costeiros do Pacífico, no sábado e no domingo (14 e 15 de Novembro), não conseguiu concordar numa frase para o comunicado final. Rezava a frase acordada, previamente, numa reunião de ministros das Finanças na sexta-feira, que "as taxas de câmbio deveriam ser orientadas pelo mercado de modo a que reflictam os fundamentos económicos subjacentes".

Frase apagada

O consenso rompeu-se, no entanto, no foro de líderes, apesar do colorido das camisas de linho com colarinhos à Mandarim. Estados Unidos e China não se entenderam, segundo fontes anónimas, sobre a escrita, e a frase foi apagada do comunicado final. Muitos membros da reunião expressaram preocupações sérias sobre os riscos de uma crise nos mercados de divisas, se o problema não for resolvido, admitiu o primeiro-ministro anfitrião, Lee Hsieng Loong, numa conferência de imprensa. Tudo indica que o tema transitou para a visita de Estado do presidente americano a Xangai e a Beijing, que se iniciou domingo, envolta numa onda de obamania chinesa, e durará quatro dias.

Alguns membros pressionaram a China em relação à sua moeda indexada rigidamente ao dólar desde 2008, sendo o yuan (a moeda chinesa) acusado de estar subvalorizado, dando uma vantagem competitiva mercantilista ao antigo Império do Meio.

Os chineses, a partir de Beijing, pela voz do regulador bancário, Liu Mingkang, retorquiram, ainda no domingo. O argumento é radical: as taxas de juro indicativas da Reserva Federal norte-americana, anormalmente baixas (quase próximas de zero e com as designadas call money rates para os brokers financeiros em níveis tão baixos jamais vistos desde 1953, como, recentemente, alertou o analista Mark J. Lundeen), estão a gerar uma nova "bolha" especulativa nas bolsas e a desencaminhar os fluxos financeiros da economia real para a economia de casino, associando-se a um colapso do dólar que prejudica os detentores de bens e mercadorias com preços em dólares, e activos e reservas em dólares (como são os chineses, entre outros).

No entanto, o Banco da China já admitiu, na semana passada, considerar futuramente um conjunto de divisas na gestão do valor cambial do yuan.

Adiamento da zona de comércio livre

O comunicado continua a repetir o discurso oficial sobre a integração comercial na região com vista a uma zona livre de comércio, mas os passos ficaram atrás do que os analistas esperavam. Recorde-se que, em 1994, na Declaração de Bogor, os membros da APEC comprometeram-se a liberalizar o comércio na região em 2010 entre as economias mais avançadas e em 2020 em relação ao resto.

O comunicado reafirma que os presentes continuarão a "explorar os pilares" em relação a uma futura "possível" zona de comércio livre (FTAAP em inglês, Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific). Os objectivos ficaram por uma melhoria de 5% nas medidas em cinco áreas-chave em 2011 e de 25%, em acumulado, até 2015. Referiram, também, a prioridade a uma estratégia de interligação entre cadeias de fornecedores em oito chokepoints (pontos estratégicos de passagem do comércio internacional e das rotas marítimas) da região. Eis um ponto que os interessados no Pacífico deveriam estudar com atenção.

A reunião reclamou, ainda, a finalização da Ronda de Doha no âmbito do comércio mundial, apelando ao "pragmatismo e a toda a flexibilidade possível" pelas várias partes.

O colorido da cimeira ficou, também, enegrecido com a surpreendente disputa entre o Peru e o Chile, por causa de um alegado espião peruano que trabalharia para os chilenos, um escândalo que rebentara na quinta-feira nos media daqueles dois países e que está a trazer ao rubro a tendência crónica para o conflito entre países latino-americanos vizinhos (recorde-se o choque em curso entre Venezuela e Colômbia). O presidente peruano, Alan Garcia, acabaria por abandonar a cimeira.

À parte as divergências e os impasses, a cimeira seguiu o discurso político do G20 (manutenção das politicas anticrise por enquanto e intenções na área ambiental) e colocou-lhe algum sal próprio, como a reclamação de "um novo paradigma de crescimento" para depois da crise. Neste colorido local, a reunião chamou a atenção para estratégias de aumento das oportunidades às mulheres e de reforço da "resiliência social" (em que transpira alguma cópia da ideia europeia de "rede de segurança social" que, explica o comunicado, deve "fornecer segurança de curto-prazo, mas evitar dependência de longo prazo").

20 anos de APEC

A APEC foi fundada em 1989 por 12 países ribeirinhos do Pacífico - Austrália, Brunei, Canadá, Coreia do Sul, Estados Unidos, Filipinas, Indonésia, Japão, Malásia, Nova Zelândia, Singapura e Tailândia. A partir de 1991 aderiram a China, Hong Kong, a ilha de Taiwan (designada curiosamente por Taipe Chinês), México, Papua-Nova Guiné, Chile, Peru, Rússia e Vietname. Desde 1993 que o presidente americano Bill Clinton instituiu as reuniões anuais de líderes, a primeira das quais foi em Seattle, no estado de Washington, costeiro do Pacífico.

A próxima cimeira anual decorrerá no Japão e em 2011 será a vez do Hawai, anunciou Obama.

O foro passou a ter um director-executivo nomeado por um período fixo.
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THE ROLE OF JOURNALISTS IN THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE

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Press Release: West Papua Media Alerts - Tuesday, 17 November 2009, 11:24 am

Clinton Fernandes

Sander Thoenes Memorial Event, Frontline Club, London. Monday 26 October 2009

The struggle for justice is not a contest between Indonesians and non-Indonesians. Rather, it is a contest between those around the world who want to justice to prevail and those who want to see impunity prevail.

In 1975, Indonesia illegally invaded East Timor. This triggered an international armed conflict to which the 1949 Geneva Conventions applied. During the 24-year occupation, there were numerous reports of killings, famine, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The minimum conflict-related death toll was 102,800. A conservative estimate for the maximum conflict-related death toll is 204,000. Whichever figure is relied on, the fact remains that East Timor suffered perhaps the largest loss of life relative to total population since the Holocaust.

In these circumstances, why commemorate one man - Sander Thoenes? After all, journalists enjoy no greater protection from attack than other civilians. One answer to this question must be that journalists played a crucial role in the independence struggle. Another answer is that in East Timor itself, Sander Thoenes is remembered with respect. There is a memorial for him in Becora, in the east of Dili, and commemorations are held for him every 21st September - the anniversary of his murder. As Manuel da Silva, an East Timorese man, stated at the NSW coronial inquest into the murders of British, Australian and New Zealand journalists at Balibo: "The reason why I came to be a witness was that I believe that the journalists are martyrs for East Timor and I believe they are East Timorese as well."

Journalists played a crucial role in Indonesia's independence struggle too. Most Indonesians know about Jusuf Ronodipuro. When Japan, which had been occupying Indonesia, surrendered, the Foreign Service section of the radio station had been left unguarded. Jusuf Ronodipuro entered the recording booth of the foreign section, and with the help of the radio's technical officers, read the Indonesian proclamation of independence to the world in August 1945. Later, Jusuf and his friends managed to steal enough equipment to set up Suara Indonesia Merdeka (The Voice of Free Indonesia). Jusuf and his colleagues founded Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI). It had a famous slogan, 'Sekali di udara, tetap di udara' ('Once on the air, always on the air').

Raden Mas Tirto Adhisuryo was a pioneer of Indonesian journalism. He was the first indigenous Indonesian to publish a daily newspaper, using it to promote the struggle for independence.

Ernest Douwes Dekker published many articles advocating Indies nationalism and Indonesian independence. His activities were declared illegal, and he spent three months in prison. He was exiled from the Netherlands East Indies during World War II. After independence he returned to Indonesia and was appointed a member of the provisional parliament. He changed his name to 'Danudirja Setiabudi' which means 'powerful substance, faithful spirit'. A district and a main street in Jakarta are named Setiabudi in his honour.

Siti Latifah Herawati Diah, or Ibu Hera, as she is better known, was a stringer for the United Press International (UPI) newswire. She was a founding member of Merdeka newspaper and The Indonesian Observer.

Abdul Muis was an Indonesian writer and journalist who was famous for his stirring articles in favour of independence. Many Indonesian cities have streets named after him.

These Indonesian journalists were honourable, courageous people, and journalists reporting on East Timor during the Indonesian military occupation were following in their footsteps. In fact, Sander was not the last journalist to be killed by the Indonesian military. He was the last *foreign* journalist to be killed. The last journalist to be killed was in fact an Indonesian - Agus Muliawan, a 26 year old man who worked for the Tokyo-based Asia Press International. The leader of the unit that killed him had trained alongside Australian troops in the early 1990s.

In East Timor's independence struggle, Sander Thoenes and Agus Muliawan were at the tail end of a long and honourable tradition of journalists who covered the territory during the war. These include the Portuguese journalist Adelino Gomes, who obtained evidence in 1975 that Indonesia had massed troops in West Timor and crossed into Portuguese Timor.

British journalists Malcolm Rennie and Brian Peters were murdered at Balibo, near the western border of East Timor, along with their Australian colleagues Greg Shackleton and Tony Stewart, and their New Zealand colleague Gary Cunningham. Later in 1975 the Indonesian military murdered another Australian journalist named Roger East.

The silence of the British, Australian and New Zealand governments after these murders sent a powerful signal to the Indonesian military - that they could treat the Timorese as they wished, and there would be no objection from the West. That was the real green light. After all, if the British government took no action over the deaths of British subjects, the Indonesian military could expect similar inaction over anything else it did to the East Timorese.

It was the work of journalists and members of civil society that contributed to the growing public awareness of East Timor. In September 1990 Robert Domm conducted a secret interview with the resistance leader Xanana Gusmao in East Timor. It was broadcast to the outside world, resulting in greater awareness of East Timor's independence struggle. English journalist Max Stahl captured vital footage of the Santa Cruz massacre, changing forever the world's perceptions of Indonesia's occupation of East Timor. US journalists Alan Nairn and Amy Goodman, who narrowly survived the Santa Cruz massacre, campaigned for East Timor in the United States. Indonesian journalists such as Tossy Santoso and Yoss Wibisono broadcast stories and interviews whilst working for Radio Netherlands. John Pilger and David Munro entered occupied East Timor in 1993, resulting in Death of a Nation, a powerful film that contributed to the world's knowledge of the Indonesian occupation.

Some East Timorese members of the resistance have themselves become journalists in a free East Timor. They recognize the importance of journalism, and the care and protection that society should afford to members of this laudable profession.

During the campaign for independence, the East Timorese and their supporters were constantly told that the Indonesian occupation was "irreversible". That word - "irreversible" - was repeated with numbing regularity for almost 24 years. Yet - thanks to the important work of journalists and members of civil society - the irreversible was reversed. As East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation noted, 'in the face of extraordinary challenges including significant disunity, resource constraints, isolation and overwhelming odds', the campaign for independence 'focused on internationally agreed principles, eschewed ideology and violence, was open to the contribution of all East Timorese, and made maximum use of the international system, media and civil society networks'.

This is an important lesson in the campaign for justice - for an international tribunal. The campaign is important precisely because it is difficult. It will face resistance, but the process of overcoming resistance will educate people, shame perpetrators, contribute to Indonesia's democratic transition, and make new friendships among campaigners. Just like climbing a high mountain, those who are committed to justice don't expect to get to the top in one climb. They recognize the need to establish a base camp and then a series of more advanced camps before the final push.

I suggest that it is important to call things by their correct names. It's important to say the words "International Tribunal". There is an hierarchy of phrases:

Reconciliation (a term best avoided until perpetrators have been punished)

Honouring the Memory (an ambiguous phrase that is often used to get around meaningful justice)

Justice (a good term, although there is a better one)

International Tribunal (Correct!)

However, there are intermediate camps that must be established on the way to the top. Just as a historical novel gains a narrative focus by discussing history through the life of an individual, so also we need to focus on individuals in order to inform the public. For instance, those who are committed to justice here can take steps to ensure that Yakob Sarosa becomes the best-known Indonesian in the UK.

Yacob Sarosa, the commander of Battalion 745, was criminally responsible for the murder of Sander Thoenes. He was a Major at the time, and was later promoted from major to lieutenant colonel. Sarosa attended Indonesia's military academy and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 1984. The military selected him for special training in the US, and he spent six months at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1990. He held the rank of major during the events of September 1999, but was later promoted. On 6 November 2002 Sarosa was indicted before the Dili Special Panel with crimes against humanity over the same events.

Lt Camilo dos Santos, a platoon commander within D Company, is also criminally responsible for the murder of Sander Thoenes. Dos Santos was indicted in Dili with Sarosa.

Neither Sarosa nor Dos Santos have paid for their crimes because they remain in Indonesia, which has refused to cooperate with the East Timorese legal process. The British government has so far done little that is discernible to ensure that the killers of its own citizens are brought to justice. It appears that the British government is doing little or nothing to give effect to Security Council Resolutions 1264 and 1272 (both from 1999), which demanded that those responsible for serious crimes be brought to justice.

Prosecutions would enable the Indonesian people to better respect the rule of law as part of Indonesia's democratic transition. They would send a message that no one is able ..... ? the law, thereby deepening Indonesia's own democratic culture. This is why numerous Indonesian civil society groups have opposed amnesties and called for prosecutions for what their military did in East Timor. They recognize that most of the important pro-democracy initiatives that occurred in Indonesia during the 1990s occurred precisely because of the aftermath of events in East Timor such as the Santa Cruz massacre of 1991. Self-described 'supporters' of Indonesia who call for amnesties may be more accurately described as supporters of Indonesia's moral and political decay.

Page 74 of the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee's Human Rights Annual Report 2008 states:

"We recommend that the Government works to strengthen international support for the ICC, and for the principle of bringing to justice those who commit war crimes or crimes against humanity."

That is to say, a committee from all sides of UK politics has called for justice for those who commit war crimes or crimes against humanity it. What is the British government doing about it? Perhaps British citizens might lobby their local MP to raise this matter with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

For those who support justice for East Timor, education and organization remain the watchwords. There is no statute of limitations on crimes as serious as those perpetrated against the East Timorese. Under UK and international law, it is entirely possible for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice. Whether the UK has the political will to do that remains the 34-year-old question. It was activists who shaped public opinion and confronted official policy throughout the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. In this case, as in the past, public opinion will continue to influence political will. How strong that opinion is, is up to us.
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The Hon Stephen Smith MP - AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

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Speech - 10 November 2009, Singapore

Moving the APEC agenda forward: Defining its role in the region’s future

Introduction

Thank you very much, Tommy [Koh], for that introduction.

And thank you, Foreign Minister George Yeo, our APEC host, for inviting me to participate in this APEC 20th Anniversary Symposium.

Australia and Singapore have a strong, broad-based relationship based on our historical ties, similar strategic outlook and our contemporary, active roles in the Asia-Pacific.

Our relationship is an example of natural economic partnership in the region: Singapore is Australia’s fourth-largest trading partner, with total two-way trade valued at over $30 billion in 2008.

The Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is one of Australia’s most comprehensive FTAs.

In the APEC context we are both founding members and are both among its most committed proponents.

APEC reflects the active role that Australia has played in the region.

Australia has been present and played an important role at all stages of APEC’s development.

Australia has much to be proud of, both APEC’s initial establishment as a ministerial meeting in 1989, and in its elevation in 1993 to a Leaders-led organisation.

And of course, former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke – your previous presenter – was one of the key architects.

But we did not do this on our own. We worked closely with our friends in Asia and America, and later our friends in Latin America, to deliver prosperity to the region.

To address APEC’s role in the region’s future, I will first address how Australia sees our region, the Asia-Pacific.

This is the century of the Asia-Pacific. Economic, political, military and strategic influence is moving to the Asia-Pacific.

Some attribute it solely to the rise of China. Everyone sees the rise of China but the rise of India is still underappreciated, as is the rise of the ASEAN economies combined.

Some also seem implicitly to assume that the economic and strategic influence of the United States, the world’s largest economy and superpower, will somehow be eclipsed overnight.

And then there is Japan, still the second largest economy in the world and vital to peace and security and prosperity in our region.

With that context let’s look at the current Asia-Pacific architecture.

Since its foundation in 1967, as a group of six countries, ASEAN has become a hub of regional architecture.

Australia is a longstanding and strong supporter of ASEAN. In 1974, Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner.

The stability, prosperity and regional cooperation ASEAN has fostered since its establishment is a singular achievement.

ASEAN works to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development and to promote peace and stability in our region.

From it has grown the ASEAN Regional Forum, a forum of 27 participants, our region’s primary multilateral security forum, which first met in 1994.

The ‘ASEAN plus 3’ followed in 1997, and ASEAN plus 6, the East Asia Summit, in 2005.

APEC has also helped define the region.

APEC is an important trans-Pacific bridge, reflected by the fact that the Chilean Foreign Minister Fernandez is part of this panel and that we all travelled to Peru for the 2008 APEC Ministerial Meeting.

Australia regards APEC as the pre-eminent regional institution for our regional economic engagement and a driving force for prosperity in our region.

During the 20 years since its first Ministerial Meeting of 12 Ministers it has brought together key economies on both sides of the Pacific to address trade, economic growth and prosperity.

Now a Leaders meeting, APEC has been vital to building consensus around open markets, trade and investment.

The practical effects are many. Average tariffs within APEC have fallen from 17 per cent in 1989 to around 5 per cent in 2008.

APEC has made business cheaper and easier by removing or streamlining processes that inhibit the movement of goods, services and business people across borders.

It is progressing mutual recognition of professional qualifications such as the law.

The APEC Business Advisory Council has given regional business leaders an important voice in APEC.

It is clear that the developed economies of APEC will be able to report next year, as they undertook in the Bogor Declaration of 1994, that they have substantially achieved free and open trade.

APEC’s strength is that it provides a forum for high-level engagement by Leaders and Ministers about wider issues affecting our region.

It can help build a regional consensus on issues such as climate change, regional architecture, and disaster preparedness.

Historically, APEC Leaders have responded positively and constructively to: events in East Timor in 1999, by galvanising a cooperative regional and international response; the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, by cooperating on counter terrorism; SARS, avian influenza and the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, by helping to develop emergency preparedness systems.

APEC’s Future

APEC must now show that it can still deliver.

APEC is in many ways a reflection of its evolution in terms of its agenda, its membership and its structures.

Twenty years on, APEC is making the natural and appropriate shift from “at-the-border” to “behind-the-border” issues.

This is important today and will be increasingly important in the years ahead.

APEC must look at ways it can play a role in implementing the G20 commitments.

To remain credible and relevant, it must make a meaningful response to the global economic crisis.

It must also reflect the changed nature of trade and investment in the region in recent years.

APEC is well placed to reinforce the G20’s agenda, and help entrench good economic policy globally, particularly in terms of structural reform to achieve balanced growth.


The links are natural: nine G20 members are also in APEC and APEC was an observer at the G20 Pittsburgh Summit.

APEC and the G20 have shared goal of economic growth and stability. Making them work together will be good for both organisations, good for the Asia-Pacific region, and good for the global economy.

APEC faces opportunities and challenges in 2010 when the current membership moratorium is due to expire.

APEC’s current membership does not reflect economic and strategic changes, above all the rise of India.

It’s no secret that Australia believes that India must be involved. India’s strategic and economic weight makes it a natural partner.

India’s membership would help ensure that APEC remains relevant to contemporary and emerging economic realities.

But the lifting of the moratorium also raises the question of how wide its membership should be expanded. Clearly, the more compact the organisation is, the more effective it will be. We must ask ourselves whether it would be in APEC’s interest to expand by a number of economies to include India?

This issue will require a great deal of thought and careful deliberation. Australia is willing to play its part in this discussion.

Institutionally, APEC has 17 ad hoc or regular ministerial processes, and some 37 senior officials meetings, committees, working groups, task forces and industry dialogues.

These cover everything from marine conservation and life sciences innovation to market access and services, to counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness.

In APEC we often talk about economic integration, but we should also ask whether APEC’s structures are integrated to maximise APEC’s approach and achieve its highest priorities.

Australia is particularly keen to see finance issues better integrated as part of APEC’s core agenda.

We would like to see finance and economic ministers play a greater role as APEC’s work on inclusive growth and structural reform expands, and as regional economic integration work focuses increasingly on regulatory issues.

APEC must also make better use of the participation of foreign ministers.

Asia Pacific community

APEC arose from a vision twenty years ago of our region’s economic future, so we should look to the next 20 years and ask how we might shape that future.

Australia asks whether the regional architecture is right to enable all the key Asia Pacific players to have a conversation in the same room at the same time, both about trade and investment, but also about peace, stability and security.

APEC and ASEAN will have central roles to play into the future.

But we have to recognise the gaps that exist in our regional architecture and think about how we might address them.

APEC brings together a broad range of Asia- Pacific countries but India’s absence means that it does not include all the key players relevant to the region’s economic prospects and future security.

Likewise, the EAS is an increasingly productive forum of key regional countries with the potential to play a significant role in building a strong East Asian community. However, the absence of the United States – a critical contributor to regional security – limits the EAS.

As the Asia Pacific century unfolds, where the region’s economic, security, strategic, political and military influence is much more prominent than it has been in the past, what should our region’s architecture look like?

This question, which Australia and others are asking, has some very positive and productive responses across the region.

Australia is hosting a one and half track dialogue in Sydney in early December, where we have invited academics and representatives and officials from all around the Asia Pacific.

We believe this will be a very positive step forward, a positive contribution to the debate.

We look forward to many of you from the region joining us there.

Thank you.
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CARTA DE SÓCRATES A XANANA REITERA INTERESSE EM VISITAR TIMOR-LESTE

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MSO – Lusa – 17 Novembro 2009

Díli – O primeiro-ministro José Sócrates enviou uma carta ao seu homólogo timorense, Xanana Gusmão, manifestando disponibilidade para visitar o país, revelou hoje à Lusa fonte diplomática.

“O primeiro-ministro José Sócrates acabou de enviar uma carta ao nosso primeiro-ministro Xanana Gusmão reiterando a ideia de visitar Timor-Leste, uma visita que não pôde ser feita na última legislatura e que aguardamos com interesse”, disse à Lusa Zacarias da Costa, ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros de Timor-Leste. "Saudamos essa disponibilidade do primeiro-ministro português para visitar Timor-Leste nos próximos meses e estamos apenas a acertar datas."

De acordo com o ministro, as relações entre os dois países “estão numa fase muito boa, ou mesmo excelente”, estando a ser negociado com Portugal “um quadro de créditos ao investimento que os dois ministros das Finanças poderão assinar em breve”.

“No próximo ano, iremos olhar para o novo quadro indicativo de cooperação e temos também ideias em relação ao reforço e consolidação da língua portuguesa em Timor que terá de mobilizar a maior parte dos recursos investidos na cooperação portuguesa”, disse Zacarias da Costa.

Segundo o chefe da diplomacia timorense, o facto de alguns membros do Governo terem transitado do anterior executivo liderado por José Sócrates é um factor que facilita as negociações:

“Temos um novo Governo em Portugal que, de alguma forma, é a continuação do anterior, com o mesmo primeiro-ministro, o mesmo ministro das Finanças, o mesmo ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros e o mesmo secretário de Estado da Cooperação. Os actores são os mesmos e conhecemos o compromisso para aprofundar a cooperação entre os dois países.”

Zacarias da Costa faz questão de salvaguardar que as boas relações de Timor-Leste com Portugal “não são com este ou aquele governo, mas com todo o povo português.

“Temos uma relação com Portugal muito diferente daquela que temos com os outros países porque é uma relação cultural e afectiva”.

A diplomacia timorense está também na expectativa quanto ao futuro da União Europeia, de que Portugal faz parte, futuro que poderá condicionar as relações bilaterais:

“A União Europeia está a atravessar um momento de transição muito importante, caminhando para uma nova fase depois da aprovação do Tratado de Lisboa", disse. "Essa nova fase vai ter reflexos na política externa, que será conduzida por um único ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros e cujas competências serão muito mais claras até 2012."

"Estamos a acompanhar e a ver como é que a situação vai evoluir, para verificar como é que cada país, dentro da União Europeia, irá ou não de alguma forma alienar as suas competências e responsabilidades em matéria de política externa", acrescentou Zacarias da Costa. "Terá uma influência grande para Timor-Leste e para o resto do mundo, na media em que teremos de olhar para um novo enquadramento no nosso relacionamento com a UE."

"As relações bilaterais obviamente continuarão a existir no futuro, mas iremos olhar para uma relação com um bloco que aparece com uma voz única no cenário internacional”, explicou à Lusa.

Relativamente à próxima presidência espanhola da União Europeia, Timor-Leste está “optimista”, dadas as boas relações com Espanha.

“Temos uma relação muito dinâmica com Espanha, que, nos últimos anos, tem aumentado as ajudas a Timor-Leste. Estamos a contemplar uma série de projectos em que a Espanha poderá participar mais activamente e também há algumas grandes empresas espanholas que manifestaram interesse em participar activamente no desenvolvimento de Timor-Leste”, concluiu o ministro.
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PRESENTES SOLIDÁRIOS NO NATAL 2009

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Agência Ecclesia - Segunda-feira, 16 de Novembro de 2009

Pelo quarto ano consecutivo, a Fundação Evangelização e Culturas (FEC) promove a campanha “Presentes Solidários”, uma iniciativa que visa ajudar projectos de desenvolvimento em países lusófonos.

Projectando a celebração do Natal 2009, a FEC apela a “todos quantos desejam um mundo mais justo e fraterno” para que contribuam, adquirindo um destes presentes inéditos, para “a melhoria das condições de vida de tantas famílias dos países lusófonos que, diariamente, se cruzam com o sofrimento e a falta de esperança”.

A campanha Presentes Solidários 2009 traduz o slogan “Dar a duplicar!”. Os projectos escolhidos vão ao encontro de áreas como a educação, a saúde e as infra-estruturas. São comprados em cada país, a fim de promover o comércio local e são adquiridos e entregues em colaboração estreita com sete parceiros no terreno: Irmãs Filhas d’África (Angola), Missionários Espiritanos (Cabo Verde), Diocese de Bafatá (Guiné-Bissau), Missionários de São João Baptista (Moçambique), Missionários da Consolata (Brasil), GAS Porto - ISMAIK (Timor-Leste) e Associação Navegar (São Tomé e Príncipe).

Em comunicado enviado à Agência ECCLESIA sublinha-se que “qualquer pessoa pode escolher entre os sete presentes diferentes que constam do catálogo deste ano e que foram previamente escolhidos de acordo com as necessidades reais do terreno. Faz depois a encomenda em nome de um amigo, colega ou familiar que receberá um postal ilustrado com a indicação do presente oferecido”

.Em 2006, a Campanha Presentes Solidários angariou 1400 presentes. Em 2007 este número subiu aos 2871 presentes e no ano passado a campanha conseguiu angariar 4195 presentes.

Para encomendar os “Presentes Solidários”, basta ir ao site da campanha, http://www.presentessolidarios.pt/ A iniciativa decorre até ao dia de Reis de 2010.

Presentes 2009

Angola – Kit de Construção – 18€

Na região da Humpata, Angola, as Irmãs Filhas d’África estão a reconstruir um Centro de Acolhimento para Raparigas. Este centro procurará promover a educação e a igualdade do género feminino através de aulas de apoio e formação extra-escolar (cozinha, gestão doméstica, higiene, informática...).

Cabo Verde – Painel Solar – 24€

Considerada a zona mais pobre de Cabo Verde, em Milho Branco os recursos escasseiam. Este presente é um contributo para a aquisição de um painel solar para o Centro Social e Paroquial desta localidade que, entre outras valências, acompanhará mães solteiras a fim de diminuir a taxa de mortalidade materno-infantil.

Guiné-Bissau – Leite – 6€

A Guiné-Bissau tem uma das taxas de mortalidade infantil mais elevadas do mundo. Os Centros de Recuperação Nutricional do leste e do sul da Guiné-Bissau acolhem diariamente muitas crianças que passam fome. Estas latas de leite em pó vão dar-lhes uma alimentação mais saudável e equilibrada.

Moçambique – Cabra – 33€

Moçambique tem uma das taxas mais elevadas de incidência do vírus HIV/SIDA. Para contrariar estes valores torna-se essencial assegurar uma alimentação diversificada e saudável. Estas cabras serão entregues à Missão de Marrere, em Nampula que acolhe e serve uma vasta população.

Brasil – Kit Yanomami – 20€

O Povo Yanomami, também chamado “Povo da Floresta”, vive na região de Catrimani, estado de Roraima, no norte do Brasil. Este kit é composto por uma rede para dormir, lã para confecção de roupa, fio de pesca, chinelas de pé e material escolar.

Timor-Leste – Kit Sementinha Saudável – 13€

Timor-Leste é um país em construção. Aqui é essencial educar os mais jovens para uma alimentação e higiene saudáveis. Este kit (escovas e pastas de dentes, balde, toalha, sabão, arroz e mistura nutritiva) será entregue ao Jardim Infantil “As Sementinhas” de Aileu.

São Tomé e Príncipe – Cadeira – 9€

A Igreja em São Tomé e Príncipe tem procurado promover a educação de todas as crianças e jovens. Esta é uma aposta no futuro e num desenvolvimento sustentado. Estas cadeiras destinam-se a equipar dois ATL’s: um na Roça Pinheira e outro em Guadalupe.

Portugal – Bolsa do Voluntário – 15€

Enquanto Plataforma do Voluntariado Missionário, a Fundação Evangelização e Culturas promove diversas acções de formação ao longo do ano, para todos aqueles que partem em missão. Este presente destina-se a apoiar este programa de formação dos voluntários.
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“CONTINUOUS MILITARY PRESENCE IS NEGATIVE FOR EAST TIMOR"

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By ABEL COELHO DE MORAIS – Diário de Notícias – 15 November 2009

This in Lisbon at the beginning of the week for a seminar between leaders and entrepreneurs Portuguese and Chinese counterparts, the Deputy Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, José Luis Guterres, spoke with DN on the situation in their country and the region.

Met recently with Australian officials as if multiply criticism of the country's military presence in East Timor, and speaking including a temptation neo-colonial approach of Canberra ...

Whatever tendency of Australia, democracy is difficult to oppress other countries. On the other hand, after 20 years of struggle and just by independence and this must be emphasised, no Timorese leader is interested in being recolonized by anyone. For this reason, when Australian Defence Minister showed willingness to extend military presence in East Timor, I answered that Dili appreciates the work done, but I pointed out that the continuous foreign military presence sends out a message negative to the international community, that East Timor is almost a failed State, unable to defend their sovereignty and internal security. There is already a decision of the Council of Ministers to assess the benefits and costs of the presence of international forces ...

Which includes the UN mission?

No; these forces must remain in the territory by 2012.

Dili has made an effort to the normalisation of relations with Indonesia. The results are the level desired by the two Governments?

We have a free and healthy relationship with Indonesia. We have established bilateral Committee for truth and friendship to assess the human rights violations time of the occupation. To do this it took courage and should welcome the courage of leadership in Indonesia and of our Government for having chosen the path of dialogue and of frankness. But I must say one thing: no one person, no any family victim of repression will forget what happened during the occupation. Nor the Government asking for this, but it is also contrary to our interests, as people and nation,we represented always as victims.

The crisis that has lived since 2006 is indeed closed?

The situation is stabilized. The Government has a strong position, has extensive majority in Parliament, that is healthy for democracy, we had a motion of censure introduced by the opposition, which was defeated, but there was a good debate, live television. What was a good proof of democracy and demonstrates stability.

We are discussing the State budget for 2010. One of the criticisms is that does not provide attention to “lacking conditions on health, education and infrastructure and does not pay attention to "young, the poor and the rural population ".

What are the priorities of the Government in this budget?

The budget provides for expenses in all these areas. In terms of priorities, we chosed the infrastructure, most roads has not been repaired from independence; other priorities is the creation of a channelled water system, which does not exist. Here will be spent 34% of the total budget, 199 millions of dollars. This will create the conditions to make progress in other areas.To respond to the question of unemployment among young people, we need infrastructure to attract foreign investment. At the moment, the Government and the national entrepreneurship alone do not have the capacity to create jobs required for approximately 30,000 people arriving per year to the market work. Because the majority of our population lives in rural areas, these also will be privileged: we are improving the irrigation system for increase agricultural production; on the other hand, from 2008, the Government is buying agricultural products, such as maize, beans and rice, to strengthen our strategic reserve fund. The aim is to be self-sufficient in the production of Rice within five years.

The economy of East Timor is too dependent on the outside. Which sectors consider the Government priority to operate the necessary diversification?

Having basic infrastructures, such as good roads, ports and airports, electricity, water, telecommunications, there are conditions to attract the investment. Our legislation will be discussed shortly in the Council of Ministers to allow increased attraction of foreign investment. The food crisis in 2008 showed that agriculture is a strategic sector for any country. Agriculture is dominant in East Timor, but this has not been appreciated by ourselves.It is basically a subsistence activity.We want to encourage the production of the farmer family; if we can be self-sufficient in food production, it is a great victory.

Bilateral cooperation with Portugal is to produce the expected results or there are areas in which it is desirable to strengthen?

The relationship with Portugal is a relationship of brothers who helped in difficult times; it is a historical relationship, which we want to enhance to translate into concrete results that help the development of East Timor. And we want not only attract large companies, which are already there, as PME Portuguese investment. For us, create ten or 20 jobs, it is very good.
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*Traduzido do original em português
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THE CRIMINAL DEFAMATION CASE AGAINST TEMPO SEMANAL CLOSED

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Tempo Semanal - Saturday, 14 November 2009

Internet Exclusive: Criminal Defamation Charges Against Tempo Semanal Dropped. A Victory For Media in Timor-Leste

A year ago Tempo Semanal published a series of stories that became known as the "SMS Scandal" in which it alleged corruption by the Minister of Justice, Lucia Lobato, along with Timorese and Indonesian business people in relation to projects under her Ministry. These projects included the Becora Prison, uniforms for prison guards and Timor-Leste national identity cards projects.

The stories include

- Tempo Semanal: Edition 108: SMS texts evidence: Minister for Justice Gives Herself And Friends Projects - Tempo Semanal Edisaun 108 SMS: MJ Fo Projektu ba An Rasik no Ninia Belum Sira - Translation Tempo Semanal Edition 135 (Minister of Justice SMS Corruption Scandal Continues) "Identity Card Project Breaches Law No. 10/2005 and Confirms Allegations of KKN." [In the Ministry of Justice] "Identity Card Project Breaches Law No. 10/2005 and Confirms Allegations of KKN[1]." - Minister Lobato reacted angrily and in October 2008 she lodged a criminal defamation case against Tempo Semanal and its Director Jose Antonio Belo.

Read stories on the criminal defamation case here:

- Justice minister sues East Timor newspaper - Pacific Freedom Forum Petitions Against "Unconstitutional" Defamation Case - Defamation Case against Tempo Semanal: Lao Hamutuk - ETAN urges dropping of defamation charges against Timorese editor - TAPOL protests against defamation charges against Timorese journalist

She reported the case of criminal defamation against Jose Belo to prosecutors. Belo was investigated by the International Prosecutor on 19 January 2009 and has been under city detention since then. He has to report to the prosecutor if he wants to travel away from Dili more than 15 days. Since last year Belo only made two trips out from Timor-Leste and had to refuse three invitations for foreign travel. He went to Australia for 10 days and to Indonesia for 4 days.

On 13 November 2009 PNTL delivered a two page notification letter to Tempo Semanal Offices in Palapaso Dili.

These letters informed Tempo Semanal officially that the case of Criminal Defamation has ceased on 15 June 2009 and was signed by International Prosecutor Jose Landim.

The Notification letter stated, “The crime of defamation was decriminalized by the new Timor-Leste Criminal Code, DL No. 19/2009 of 8 April 2009, as a result of which the accused can no longer be held criminally liable.

It continued, “In effect, pursuant to the provisions of article 3, 1. of Timor-Leste's new Criminal Code, "nobody can be held criminally liable as a result of facts prescribed as criminal acts at the relevant time it was carried into action if the law subsequently ceases to consider it as a crime."

“As such, because it is not now possible to continue with the criminal proceedings against the accused, the proceedings currently on foot are hereby ordered to be closed pursuant to article 235, 1. c) of the Criminal Code."

Tempo Semanal Director Jose Antonio Belo congratulated the Prosecutor General and all her staff to put the law in it's highest place. However, at the same time Belo was disappointed the case would not reach court, where the facts of the corruption case might come to further public light. Belo stated that he is aware that the then Prosecutor General had demanded the Minister for Justice Madam Lucia Lobato to submit more evidence before the case could be sent to the court.

“I and Tempo Semanal have been left in confusion for an entire year and we don't know the situation of the case against us but this afternoon we have receive this notification letter,” said Belo on 13/11/09 in Tempo's office.

“I as a Timorese journalist very sad to see our Minister of Justice's actions by lodging a criminal defamation case against myself and Tempo Semanal while her office producing the New East Timor Penal code which decriminalized defamation,” Belo said.

He continued to say that, “it seems like the Minister for Justice is confused about Timorese law.”

Belo stated that he would like to make it cleared to Tempo Semanal readers that, “we are not afraid to go the court to prove our story that's why we have request the kindness from the good office of the two deputy Prime Minister to encourage the Minister of Justice to carry on the case.”

In this opportunity Jose Belo and Tempo Semanal would like to thanks to all those friends who give courage and support this in this difficult time.

It remains unclear if the Minister of Justice will ever faces charges in relation to the accusations of corruption that have been made against her by this newspaper, the Provedor, the Parliamentary Opposition and many others.
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Censors Form Special Team to Decide If 'Balibo' Film Can Be Screened in Indonesia

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The Jakarta Globe - November 17, 2009

Indonesian censors have formed a special team to decide whether to allow the politically sensitive Australian movie about five Australian newsmen killed during the Indonesian occupation of East Timor to be shown in the country.

The Indonesian government has declared Robert Connolly’s Balibo “offensive” and the country’s military has urged the censorship board to ban it, Australian Associated Press reported on Monday.

The movie depicts Indonesian soldiers brutally murdering five newsmen, known as the ‘Balibo Five’, in the East Timor border town in 1975, contradicting the official Indonesian line that the men were killed in crossfire.

The organisers of the Jakarta International Film Festival (JIFF), which begins in December, want to show the movie, despite possible controversy. They have submitted the movie to the censors, who have formed a special team to decide whether it is too politically sensitive for Indonesian audiences.

The country’s censorship prevented the JIFF from screening several films about East Timor in 2006 because of similar concerns.

The film’s release in Australia earlier this year came just weeks before federal police announced they would conduct a formal war crimes investigation into the Balibo killings, a move that sparked some diplomatic tensions.
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segunda-feira, 16 de Novembro de 2009

11 de Fevereiro – CAI POR TERRA A TESE DE ATENTADO E DE AUTORIA MORAL

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Por ET

Testemunhas de acusação aniquilam a versão da Procuradoria sobre a vinda do Major Reinado a Díli em 11 de Fevereiro de 2008.

Em continuidade ao julgamento do “Caso 11 de Fevereiro de 2008”, o Tribunal Distrital de Díli continua inquirindo as 134 testemunhas da acusação. Nesta fase, são ouvidas pelos intervenientes processuais as testemunhas arroladas pela Procuradoria, in casu representada pelo Procurador Internacional proveniente de Cabo Verde, Dr. Felismino Cardoso. Terminada a inquirição da prova da acusação, o Tribunal passará a colher o depoimento das testemunhas indicadas pela Defesa, pedidos de diligências da arguida Angelita Pires, como, por exemplo, nova prova pericial; o que ocorrerá, possivelmente, pelo mês de Fevereiro ou Março de 2010.

Nos dias 9, 10 e 11 do mês de Novembro de 2009, última semana, foram notificadas para se apresentarem à Corte cerca de dez (10) pessoas. Entretanto, nem todas compareceram. Dentre as que se omitiram umas justificaram a ausência e outras, simplesmente, não atenderam à determinação do Tribunal. Esse descaso frente a uma ordem emanada de um dos Órgãos de Soberania está a evidenciar que o cidadão timorense ainda não está plenamente ciente de que uma ordem de um Magistrado Judicial é para ser cumprida. Admite-se, sim, oposição do cidadão interessado, mas apenas através de recurso para a Segunda Instância Judiciária, no caso, o Tribunal de Recurso, conforme previsão legal.

Das testemunhas que não compareceram e nem justificaram está Augusto da Silva que, na polícia (27/03/2008), prestou esclarecimentos sobre a sua ida ao Distrito de Ermera junto com Câncio Pereira, seu cunhado, no dia 9 e 10 de Fevereiro de 2008. Permaneceram, segundo afirmou, ininterruptamente, naquele Distrito até à noite do dia 10 do mesmo mês. Dormiram em Lete-Foho.

Augusto da Silva sustentou a versão de que no dia 9 de Fevereiro de 2008, recebeu um convite do seu cunhado para ir junto a Ermera no sentido de administrar uma obra pública, onde Câncio é o construtor (Fete-Foho). Dirigiram-se num carro do Governo (um mini-bus, de cor branca), que o Presidente presenteara ao MUNJ e que Câncio detinha a posse e uso. Nega Augusto que Câncio Pereira tenha saído de Díli para Ermera acompanhado por outros elementos do MUNJ; que tenha vindo diretamente para Díli no dia 9 e, depois, no dia seguinte, retornado à Lauala. Na versão da testemunha, somente ele e Câncio foram verificar a obra de Lete-Foho no dia 9. No dia seguinte, a pedido de Câncio, deixou-o num cruzamento, não sabendo para onde ele foi durante toda aquela tarde. Ao anoitecer, Câncio teria sido trazido até à obra por algum elemento não identificado. Estava escuro e chovendo.

A versão de Augusto da Silva não encontra amparo nos demais depoimentos e sequer se harmoniza com o prestado pelo próprio Câncio Pereira no Tribunal. Os demais elementos do MUNJ, o próprio Câncio, bem como, as pessoas que estavam em Lauala, casa do Major Alfredo Reinado, no dia 9 de Fevereiro de 2008; dão conta ao Tribunal de que Câncio foi juntamente com outros elementos do MUNJ, no carro usado pelo advogado de Alfredo -Benevides Correia Barros - para uma reunião em Lauala. Segundo essas testemunhas, uns quatro (4) ou cinco (5) elementos do MUNJ, não incluindo Augusto da Silva, foram e voltaram juntos de Díli/Lauala e de Lauala/Díli no mesmo dia 9 de Fevereiro de 2008.

Para Câncio Pereira, ele teria usado o mini-bus do Governo para ir novamente a Lete-Foho no dia 10 de Fevereiro. Seu cunhado, Augusto da Silva, o teria levado até um cruzamento e de lá, sem dizer nada a Augusto, teria reunido com o Major e o grupo até cerca das 17 ou 18 horas. Nega que dirigisse qualquer carro naquele dia. Teria ficado perto da casa de Salsinha, foi caminhando até à residência e, depois, apanhou boleia numa motorizada de um elemento de Salsinha até a casa do Major em Lauala. Discrepância nos depoimentos.

Talvez por isso, Augusto da Silva se omite de prestar declarações no Tribunal. Mentir em juízo, estando sob compromisso, é crime previsto e punido pela legislação vigente.

As afirmativas quer de Câncio; quer de Augusto não encontram suporte nas demais provas e foram desmentidas, principalmente, pelo testemunho escorreito e sem mácula de José Mendonça (dia 10/11/09), um civil, homem rude, simples, que ajudava o grupo do Major em Lauala nas lides domésticas, bem como, pelos depoimentos anteriormente prestados por Victor de Souza e de Tereza, que também estiveram de visita ao Major no dia 10 de Fevereiro.

Na versão de José Mendonça os elementos do MUNJ foram a Lauala e reuniram-se com o Major, Salsinha e o grupo no dia 9 de Fevereiro, incluindo Câncio Pereira e usaram apenas um carro. Naquela noite, saíram de Laula juntos. No dia seguinte, Câncio usando um carro escuro, com vidros pretos, retornou a Lauala antes do almoço. Chegaram também, além dele e dos elementos, Angelita Pires, Eliza Morato, Victor de Souza, Tereza de Souza e uma criança num outro carro, pertencente a Lino Lopes, irmão de Rui Lopes e tio de Eliza. Todos almoçaram.

À tardinha, o grupo de Angelita desceu para Díli, tendo ficado em Lauala Câncio Pereira, o Major e seus homens. Tarde da noite, Câncio dirigindo o seu carro escuro, com vidros pretos e o Major dirigindo o carro que usou para descer até a casa de Ramos-Horta no dia 11 de Fevereiro, bem como um outro carro, também escuro, saíram de Lauala em direcção a casa de Gastão Salsinha, que fica perto da casa do Major.

Consequentemente, Câncio Pereira não foi de boleia na motorizada de um dos elementos de Salsinha; mas em carro próprio para buscar o Major e o seu grupo em Lauala e trazer para Díli. Também não saiu antes de Angelita. Ficou lá na casa para ter certeza de que o Major não iria faltar “à reunião” com o Presidente.

Que havia alguma reunião marcada também não se tem dúvida. Susar afirmou no primeiro interrogatório; Salsinha afirmou, quando da primeira entrevista a jornalistas e Taboko, um elemento ainda não identificado, na entrevista que deu a José Belo e a um jornalista australiano, confirmou a reunião de Reinado e Ramos-Horta.

Quanto às audiências, não compareceu o jornalista José Belo (10/11/09) alegando imunidade que lhe dá a Lei Processual Penal. Na mesma situação esteve o Padre Natalino Verdial de Souza (10/11/09), o qual não justificou o porquê de não ter atendido à determinação do Juiz Presidente. Ora, não têm razão essas testemunhas. Deveriam comparecer no Tribunal, prestar o juramento legal perante os juízes, e, após isso invocar a circunstância do dever de proteger suas fontes, bem como, segredo de confessionário. Poderão ainda ser conduzidas, por força policial, até ao Tribunal, pois que o não comparecimento sem justificativo constitui grave desrespeito ao Poder Judiciário e obstaculização da justiça. No dia 11/11/09, o jornalista José Belo estava trabalhando durante a audiência e foi retirado e impedido de ali permanecer, porque ainda poderá ser compelido a depor, se não o fizer voluntariamente.
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José Barreto de Jesus, mesmo doente, compareceu e solicitou dispensa porque não tinha condições de prestar depoimento naquele dia. Estava febril. Foi dispensado e retornará numa das próximas audiências. Até porque o Tribunal, a Acusação ou a Defesa têm por objecto apenas descobrir a verdade. Não há nenhum interesse em coagir ou amedrontar testemunha para se extrair versão que desconheça sobre os factos.

Germiniano Amaral dos Reis (Liquicera), amigo e apoiante do Major Reinado, esclareceu que Angelita Pires era apenas namorada, companheira de Reinado e que por isso se dirigia a Lauala para estar com o namorado; que o Governo não resolveu a crise quando podia e devia e que, ao contrário, era o Governo quem sustentava os rebeldes com carros, combustível e até mesmo dinheiro; que haveria um seminário em Ermera/Gleno no mês de Fevereiro de 2008 e que tanto o Presidente, quanto o Major Reinado seriam palestrantes nesse evento. Que o Presidente não comunicou à testemunha que não estaria em Timor-Leste em meados de Fevereiro e nem sequer desmarcou esse seminário (reunião). Portanto, mais uma vez, a tese da Acusação de que Angelita era mentora intelectual de Reinado caiu por terra.

Antonio Caldeira Duarte Delgado, da escolta da esposa do Primeiro-Ministro Xanana Gusmão, justificou o não comparecimento. No mesmo sentido, Verônica das Dores. Atitude correcta. Poderão ser interrogados, sem que sejam conduzidos pela autoridade policial, em outra ocasião.

Manoel Barbosa Pina e Euzébio Salsinha nada de importante trouxeram que pudesse consolidar a tese da Acusação. Sendo que este último, tio de Augusto Júnior Trindade, negou que o conhecia. O que se constata é que qualquer vinculação com os elementos do MUNJ; com Augusto Júnior Trindade; com Rui Lopes, Câncio Pereira e Joanico Gonçalves causa aversão naqueles que estão frente aos juízes, sob compromisso legal. Como Pilatos, lavam suas mãos!

Clarice do Céu (Ameta), ex-amante de Alfredo Reinado e ex-F-FDTL pretendeu passar a imagem de mulher submissa e alheia a tudo que dizia respeito ao pai da sua filha (Reinado): pretendeu que a considerassem, verdadeiramente, uma alienada. Afirmou que não sabia que o “marido“ era fugitivo da justiça; que não sabia por onde andava quando não estava com ela no Distrito de Same; que não conhecia o número do seu telefone; que viviam como marido e mulher mas, que ele não deixava roupas, documentos e objectos pessoais na casa dela; que o Major lhe telefonava sempre para o número 7361338 e que, às vezes, aparecia e desaparecia. Ela: “Como boa mulher timorense, nada perguntava. Confiava cegamente nele”.

A versão de Clarice do Céu não é crível. É uma mulher instruída em artes bélicas; professora de língua inglesa para turmas de militares e também pertencia à Força Militar das F-FDTL. Ou seja: sabia muito bem tudo o que ocorria a nível da rebelião e mantinha contacto directo com o Major, com Salsinha, com Lucas Soares, com Câncio Pereira e demais elementos não pelo n. 7361338, mas pelo n. 7291243.

E assim é porque:

Clarice afirma que o Major lhe telefonava, sistematicamente, para saber sobre a filha do casal. Ora, o n. 7361338 teve apenas 5 chamadas do Major durante os meses de Dezembro de 2007, Janeiro e Fevereiro de 2008 (fls. 3.912/39150. Não é crível que o pai da criança telefonasse apenas 5 vezes, em 3 meses, para saber da filha, mormente, quando a própria Clarice afirmou que ele era um pai zeloso e preocupado com a criança. Se não telefonou para o número que Ameta diz lhe pertencer; entretanto, para o número 7291243, Reinado telefonou, no mesmo período, mais de 120 vezes. O que remata com uma parte do depoimento de Clarice: que eles se falavam quase que diariamente.

Ao ser interrogada pela defesa, ela confirmou que a agenda pessoal (do telemóvel 7361338), lhe pertencia. Era exclusivamente sua e ali estava estampado o n. 7291243 registado como se pertencesse a AAA@, seu irmão. Nessa agenda pessoal constava os nomes de amigos e de familiares apenas dela: Clarice.

Ora, confrontando-se as chamadas feitas pela mulher que possuía o n. 7291243; todas as chamadas desse número se vinculam aos familiares de Ameta, amigos de Ameta, membros do MUNJ, elementos do Major e para o próprio Major.

Ademais, a mulher que possuía esse telemóvel, mandou SMS ao Major Reinado no dia 10 de Fevereiro de 2008, pelas 22.30hs, sabendo que ele estava em Díli e que iria a um “seminário”; uma reunião. Clarice confirma em entrevista à imprensa local que, realmente, mandara mensagem a Reinado, mas muda o teor do que escreveu! Clarice tem medo de afirmar que esse telefone estava na sua posse. A mensagem que mandou ao ex-amante, naquela noite e depois das 22.30hs, a vincularia ao possível atentado, se é que esse crime existiu. Também telefonou no dia seguinte e nos dias sucessivos após a morte de Alfredo Reinado para o número do defunto, usando esse telemóvel.

O Investigador da UNPOL CP7676, Manuel Araújo, NID/NIU Team Laeder, mesmo com todas as evidências ligando Clarice do Céu (Ameta) ao telemóvel n. 7291243; inexplicavelmente, atribuiu à Angelita Pires a posse desse aparelho (fls.4.307 -Vol. 24 ). É manifesta a vontade de se criar um bode expiatório e, considerando que, na época, as declarações infundadas e apressadas do PGR Longuinhos Monteiro, bem como do Presidente da República contra Angelita Pires atribuindo-lhe suposta conta de milhares de dólares e a autoria moral dos “crimes”; os Agentes da Polícia, aproveitam a oportunidade e conduziram as investigações no sentido de prejudicá-la, desprezando evidências que poderiam, efectivamente, elucidar os factos e responsabilizar os verdadeiros criminosos. Por essa razão, a Defesa de Angelita Pires requereu que o Tribunal ordenasse à TIMOR TELECOM que localize todas as chamadas partidas e recebidas do telefone 7291243, bem como dos aparelhos de Alfredo Reinado e do outro número fornecido por Ameta, antena/antena. Essa prova demonstrará que todas partiram do Distrito de Same e não de Díli ou da Austrália, locais onde se encontrava Angelita Pires antes dos atentados.

Portanto, quer os polícias que conduziram as investigações sob as ordens do Procurador Internacional, quer o Dr. Felismino Cardoso, não conseguem provar ao Tribunal o improvável, pois que, as evidências que produziram na fase inquisitorial acabou por aniquilar a própria tese que buscam, avidamente, sustentar.

Pergunta-se: - O que pode esperar a Acusação, quanto à manutenção da sua tese; se nesta fase, que é exclusivamente sua, a tese do atentado e da autoria moral já ruiu por terra?
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APELO DE RAMOS HORTA À TOLERÂNCIA

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Por JORGE HEITOR, jornalista – O Máximo* - 16 Novembro 2009

O Presidente da República, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, saudou hoje o Dia Internacional da Tolerância proclamado pela Assembleia-Geral das Nações Unidas em 1993 e instituído em todo o mundo desde 1995.

A mensagem do Chefe de Estado e Laureado Prémio Nobel da Paz diz:

Hoje é celebrado o Dia Internacional da Tolerância.

Uma oportunidade para lembrar sobretudo os jovens, mas também os homens e as mulheres de que Timor-Leste também deve celebrar com renovado empenhamento a construção de uma nação pacífica, democrática e próspera, para erradicar a violência, a marginalização e a extrema pobreza no espaço de uma geração.

Quem sofreu a violência, a marginalização e a pobreza durante séculos, deve hoje ser um exemplo de paz, de tolerância e de vontade de bem-estar.

Por vezes, comportamo-nos como seres menores, o grande devora o pequeno, mas se falássemos, comunicássemos, aprendêssemos mais uns dos outros, se partilhássemos recursos, os ricos ajudassem os menos afortunados, os mais fortes apoiassem os mais débeis, poderíamos ter menos violência nas nossas comunidades e menos conflitos internacionais.

Timor-Leste será tanto maior e melhor quanto mais harmoniosamente souber integrar na sociedade as suas irmãs e os seus irmãos, nomeadamente de outros lugares do mundo que a necessidade trouxe a viver entre nós, portadores das suas crenças e culturas, e espírito empreendedor.

Demos-lhes pois as boas-vindas e a oportunidade de, connosco, fazerem do seu sonho uma realidade, para construir uma vida melhor.

*Associado Fábrica dos Blogs – ver actualizações na barra lateral
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PUTREFACÇÃO DA PGR MADE IN LONGUINHOS MONTEIRO, ATÉ QUANDO?

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Felismino Garcia Cardoso, o magistrado que mentiu

Por ANTÓNIO VERÍSSIMO

O QUE ACONTECE AO MAGISTRADO FELISMINO CARDOSO POR MENTIR EM TRIBUNAL E POR TODOS OS INDICIOS E CERTEZAS DE PROVAS CONTAMINADAS?

Comenta-se: “Se afastam o Felismino dão vitória a Angelita Pires, por isso a lacaia da Ana Pessoa insiste em ter este mentiroso e sabe Deus que mais no processo. Esta Ana Pessoa é outra grande desilusão, juntou-se à corja de malandros e vai-lhes acobertando os golpes! Afinal o que a senhora queria era poleiro e que se danem as leis...”

Devemos dizer mais, onde consta: “dão vitória a Angelita Pires”. Deve dizer-se: A Angelita Pires e a praticamente todos os que estão sentados no banco dos réus no julgamento do Caso 11 de Fevereiro de 2008.

Mas é assim que se pode ler em comentários relacionados com as ilegalidades produzidas pela PGR no Caso 11 de Fevereiro, que está a ser julgado no Tribunal Distrital de Díli. Não chegava a vigência de Longuinhos Monteiro para aprontar toda a ilegalidade, as omissões, provas forjadas, “desaparecimentos” de provas e destruição das mesmas para encobrir os verdadeiros responsáveis por tudo que aconteceu naquela data e naquela manhã em Díli, e ainda temos a evidência de que a PGR timorense, agora a ocupar o lugar que anteriormente pertenceu a Longuinhos Monteiro, Ana Pessoa, nada faz para descontaminar o processo e a PGR que dirige, constituída por profissionais da Justiça comprovadamente mentirosos e que agem ao arrepio das leis em prejuízo e desrespeito pelo próprio tribunal.

As pessoas, com as suas críticas, referem-se objectivamente ao magistrado Felismino Garcia Cardoso, que, na semana passada, foi apanhado em flagrante delito a mentir ao Tribunal, por ter sempre assegurado que o Ministério Público, a PGR, garantia não existirem fotografias das autopsias a Alfredo Reinado e a Leopoldino Exposto, que disso nunca tomara conhecimento. Os registos já aqui foram mostrados.

As Defesas apresentaram exactamente o contrário perante o tribunal. Apresentaram fotografias macabras e extremamente chocantes das autópsias. Ou seja, de uma equipa médica que devia proceder simplesmente com rigor às autopsias dos dois cadáveres dos executados no complexo habitacional do presidente Ramos Horta naquela manhã. Equipa essa que, nas imagens, exibia como troféus órgãos de Alfredo Reinado, ria e sorria despudoradamente, sem profissionalismo, sem humanidade e respeito pelos mortos. A visitar a equipa estava Felismino, o magistrado mentiroso, como se pode confirmar nas fotografias que oportunamente reproduzimos aqui no TLN há uns dias.

Felismino Garcia Cardoso, é a face da ausência de vergonha da PGR de Longuinhos Monteiro e também, agora, de Ana Pessoa, a actual PGR. Ao não ser afastado e punido o magistrado Felismino assistimos ao assentimento de Ana Pessoa com a farsa produzida por Longuinhos Monteiro no processo-farsa do 11 de Fevereiro de 2008. Tudo está contaminado naquele processo. Longuinhos Monteiro fê-lo para encobrir políticos de nomeada que agora ocupam os cargos mais elevados da Nação Timorense, os indícios sempre apontaram para isso e cada vez mais se está a comprovar, por exemplo, que Alfredo Reinado foi atraído a Díli, a casa do PR Ramos Horta para afinal ser abatido com vista ao seu silenciamento nas acusações que vinha fazendo a Gusmão, algumas dessas acusações publicas e outras que ainda constam no seu Diário, que certamente aparecerá… É convicção que Xanana Gusmão não escapou a atentado nenhum. A encenação do atentado já deu o que tinha a dar e é público que existem dados que poderão ser comprovados se as pressões exercidas em testemunhas deixarem de existir e os medos de represálias se dissiparem. Para isso basta que Gusmão e mais a