The Council of Ministers re-examined today in extraordinary session, the four options presented by the working group, preferring to keep the State General Budget 2008, and the allocation of additional funds for food needs short term.
In this context the government is giving emphasis to strategies to increase production of rice in order to alleviate the shortcomings of the country in 2009. In addition, the ministers are studying "Option 4" with a view to its development. The Council of Ministers is also looking at concrete steps to be taken to accelerate implementation of the general budget of the state. Concrete proposals will be presented at next meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister departs for Jakarta
The Prime Minister today departs for Jakarta on an official visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Republic of Indonesia, particularly with regard to bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and to discuss issues of common interest at the regional and international llevels.
The Prime Minister will meet with the President, Susilo Bambang Yudyono, with the chairman of the House of Representatives, Agung Laksono, the Representative of the People's Consultative Assembly, Hidayat Nur Wahid, with the Chief of the Armed Forces, General Joko Santoso , and the Commander General of Police, General Sutanto.
The head of the Government of Timor-Leste will participate in the Indonesian Council on World Affairs, giving a lecture on "Indonesia and East Timor redefining relations for the future." He has a working lunch with Indonesian businessmen and a meeting with the Timorese community living in Indonesia. During the official visit, agreements will be signed between the two countries on trade and technical cooperation in the field of food and drug control.
During the Prime Minister's meetings in Jakarta, the governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia will discuss the holding of bilateral protocols for the postal service, commercial aviation and creation of special residence visas for Timorese students in Indonesia, for as well as political discussions on matters of defence and security.
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TLGOV: Extraordinary Meeting of Council of Ministers 26 April 2008
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS of 26 April 2008
The Council of Ministers meeting was held this Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and adopted:
1 - Report of the Working Group on Civil Service Commission.
The Council of Ministers reviewed, discussed and approved the first report produced by the Working Group on Civil Service Commission. The group was established following a proposal of the Prime Minister for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission.
The Prime Minister wants the Civil Service Commission to be an independent statutory authority, with the aim of ensuring an apolitical and merit-based civil service , with the highest professional standards and capable of providing high quality services to the Government and people of Timor-Leste.
2 - Report of the Working Group of Inspector General on the Establishment of an Independent Audit Institution of the State.
In early 2008 the Government announced that it would introduce a significant institutional reform in order to promote good governance and professionalism in Public Administration in East Timor. One of the key initiatives is the proposal to strengthen the competence of the Office of Inspector General (GIG), to assume the role of an Auditor General of the State.
The Prime Minister called for the establishment of a Working Group to study this issue, which submitted its report to the Council of Ministers at its meeting today, proposing the creation of an Independent Audit Institution of the State, approved by the House.
The Council of Ministers also looked at:
3 - Presentation on alternatives to minimize the impact of rising prices in the most disadvantaged population.
The rise in prices of rice and oil the world has to reflect negatively in East Timor. In this context, the Prime Minister asked a group of technicians to submit alternative capable of meeting the urgent need in terms of food safety of construction materials and fuel. The government wants to ensure that those products will not miss the country and that the rise in prices does not have a negative impact on the poor. The Council of Ministers heard and reviewed the proposals for short, medium and long term submitted by the working group.
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TLGov: Meeting Of Council Of Ministers Of 23 April 2008
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS of 23 April 2008
The Council of Ministers meeting is held this Wednesday, April 23, 2008, in Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and adopted:
1 - Decree Law approving the scheme of allowances for Old Age and Invalid Survivors
Currently the majority of the Timorese population lives in poverty, especially affecting those whose capacity for work is low or nonexistent, and in particular senior citizens and disabled citizens. Finding it is still undergoing study the creation of an integrated system of social protection, the country lacks at the moment any provision of social protection to these groups, so it requires immediate intervention that will improve their situation of social weakness.
Accordingly, the Council of Ministers adopted at its meeting today, a Decree Law stipulating that the regime of allowances for Old Age and Invalid Survivors . This is a provision in cash, financed through the general budget of the state, aimed at ensuring the livelihood of citizens and disabled elderly residents in the national territory.
Under this law, the survivor's benefit is not combined with other cash benefits of social protection schemes from contributory or non-contributory, permanent and larger amount, paid by the state to the same beneficiary. They also defined the criteria for allocation of pensions, the amount and scope of its review, the procedure for processing the application, decision and challenge, beyond the role of the body responsible for processing.
The Council of Ministers also looked at:
2 - Decree Law Board Approves the allocation of Scholarships abroad.
The Council of Ministers discussed in its meeting today a draft decree-law laying down rules for awarding scholarships for further studies and research in scientific establishments of higher education abroad, granted by the Ministry of Education to nationals.
It was decided that the decree will be submitted in the next plenary session.
3 - Presentation of study on levels of life in East Timor (ENVTL) and software "DevInfo".
The Council of Ministers attended a technical presentation made by the National Directorate of Statistics on "Levels of Life in East Timor," according to a survey conducted in 2007. This study will constitute the basis for other sectoral studies.
It was also presented the software "DevInfo" (Development Information System). This is a database system that can organize and present data on social and economic development of East Timor for a more accessible to the user.
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Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 21, 2008
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV Constitutional Government
PRESS RELEASE
Meeting of the Council of Ministers Extraordinary of April 21, 2008
The Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting on Monday, February 21, 2008, in the Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and decided:
Request to His Excellency the President of the Republic on the termination of the state of siege, with the exception of the district of Ermera, where the state should maintain the siege for another thirty days.
The state of emergency decreed in modified form has contained the seriousness of the threats to the stability of the country, reducing its strength and confining them to areas identified, and ensure public order.
The Government is aware that this transitional regime in force in the country has implications for the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens, and therefore will do everything to restore constitutional normality in the shortest possible time.
The Joint Command of the F-FDTL and PNTL has achieved, in an extremely articulate way, and in close coordination with the people, to manage the threats involved, without bloodshed.
However, although increasingly smaller and more localized, these threats remain in the region of Ermera and should not be neglected, failing which they can increase and reduce to nothing the progress so far for its resolution.
Indeed, a group of men armed with equipment of war is still on the run, headed by former spokesperson for the petitioners Salsinha, the suspected participation in attacks against the security of the state and two of the holders of the organs of sovereignty, and that despite all trials, has refused to surrender.
The capture and submission to Justice of this armed group continues to be an imperative for the maintenance of public peace, but for that we need more time and some patience to avoid unnecessary shedding of blood, without ever forgetting the priority that this threat be eliminated in final form so that the country can, again, go along the path of development without outbreaks of instability.
Accordingly, and recognizing the positive results already obtained, the government considered, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 11. °, Article 13. ° and 27. ° of Law No 3/2008, February 22 , propose to His Excellency the President Ramos-Horta the termination of the state of emergency in all districts which still exists today, with the exception of the district of Ermera, where the situation of the state of siege should be maintained for 30 (thirty ) days, with the following limitations to the rights, freedoms and guarantees:
Beginning at 22.00 pm on April 22 and end at 22.00 pm on May 21 in the district of Ermera;
Restriction of the right to free movement, which must be curfew between 22.00 hours and 6.00 hours, safeguarding the rights laid down in points c) and f) of paragraph 1 of Article 3. º of the Law No. 3 / 2008 , Feb. 22;
Restriction of rights of expression and assembly, safeguarding the rights laid down in points d), e) and f) of paragraph 1 of Article 3. º of the Law No. 3 / 2008 of 22 February;
The right to inviolability of the home, allowing itself to carrying out home searches at night, provided that the competent court and respecting the mandate provided in point b) of paragraph 1 of Article 3. º of the Law No. 3 / 2008 of 22 February.
The F-FDTL should instruct the support to civil authorities, through the Joint Command, running the specific mission of coordinating and conducting operational intervention aimed to arrest of suspects of the practice of the crimes committed on 11 February, and taking the necessary steps for the restoration of democratic normality.
The F-FDTL and PNTL involved in ongoing operations should strictly observe the legal precepts contained in Law No. 3 / 2008 of 22 February cited in the Decree-Law No. 2 / 2007 of March 8, Operations on Criminal Prevention, Decree Law No 4 / 2006 of March 1, on schemes in Special Cases of Terrorism, Violent or Highly Organised Crime the other things mentioned in the Declaration of State of Siege
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV Constitutional Government
PRESS RELEASE
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 17, 2008
The Council of Ministers met on this Thursday, April 17, 2008, in the Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and approved:
1 - Resolution that Approves the Creation of the National Commission for the Framework of Integrated and Expanded Trade amongst Least Developed Countries.
Under the project "Framework for Integrated and Expanded Trade amongst Less Developed Countries" (QIA), which includes East Timor since June 2007, the Council of Ministers approved in its meeting today a resolution aimed at the creation, establishment and operation of the National Directive Commission (CDN) and its support structure, called the National Implementation Unit. The CDN is created in order to monitor, coordinate and supervise the project QIA.
The QIA is funded by various donors and aims to assist in commercial activity developed by those who have fewer financial and logistical resources, with the aim of integrating trade policy in the National Development Plan, to identify priority actions, and to coordinate the provision of technical assistance.
The funding to be granted to East Timor over the next five years up to USD 16 million and is aimed at development of trade policy, strategic planning, training, development and implementation of projects in the area of trade.
Initially, the QIA will prepare a Study of the Diagnostics of Trade Integration (EDIC), which in the case of East Timor, will be conducted by the World Bank, in coordination with the National Directive Commission (CDN).
2 - Organic Structure of the Inspectorate General of Gaming
The Council of Ministers approved the structure of the Inspectorate General of Gaming (IGJ), a service provided with technical and administrative autonomy, under the tutelage and supervision of the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry. Its mission is to ensure the definition and implementation of government policy in the areas of exploitation of social and recreational games of chance or gambling or other casino games, betting, lotteries and operations offered to the public.
3 - Organizational Structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
The Council of Ministers approved in its meeting today a Decree Law establishing the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Ministry was established by Decree-Law No. 7 / 2007 of September 5, which approved the Organic Structure of the IV Constitutional Government, it is expected in Article 30 a definition in law of the terms in which this government agency is responsible for designing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating the policy adopted by the Council of Ministers in the areas of agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries.
Thus, taking into consideration the broad policy options established in accordance with the National Development Plan, proceed to the creation of organs and departments of the Ministry and the definition of their respective powers, in an integrated way, evolutionary and functional, framed under the dependence and coordination of technical and normative central services and enabling the descentralised operational intervention services and district institutions operating in agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries.
This structure aims to equip the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with the means to increase the equity, efficiency and effectiveness of its services in order to achieve food security and generate national economic growth
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS of 16 April 2008
The Council of Ministers met on this Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in the Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and approved:
1 - Concession for public servants between 8:00 a.m. to 10:30, Thursday, April 17, 2008
By order of H.E. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, a concession is granted for tomorrow, Thursday, April 17, 2008, for the period from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 for all employees and agents of the ministries or departments dependent on them, as well as the institutes and integrated agencies in the administration for the return to East Timor of the President, Jose Ramos-Horta, after an absence of more than two months, determined by his stay in Dawin, Australia, in order to receive treatment due to serious injuries suffered during the attacks on February 11.
The return of the President is a matter of satisfaction for the people of East Timor, who express their satisfaction for his recovery.
2 - Decree Law approving the scheme for Border Passes
The Council of Ministers approved at its meeting today, a Decree Law establishing the border passes system, a travel document allowing holders entry to and exit from the national territory, in accordance with the "Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of Indonesia on Traditional Border Crossings and Traditional Markets".
There are two types of Border Pass:
Model A is used for the purpose of crossings for traditional markets and has a term of validity corresponding to the duration of the traditional market. It is valid for a single entry and is not renewable.
Model B is used for crossings for usual and traditional purposes, has a duration of two years, is valid for multiple entries and can be renewed for equal periods.
3 - Decree Law approving the scheme of Recruitment of Workers of Public Administration
The Council of Ministers at its meeting today, approved the scheme for the competition, recruitment, selection and promotion of staff for Public Administration. The new scheme aims to improve the management of human resources and, in parallel, enabling the boosting of careers and professional satifaction expectations of the officials and agents who provide service in the public service, according to the regime of careers and positions of leadership and direction.
With the approval of this draft Decree-Law, and with regard to methods of selection, it highlights the importance attributed to substance, in order to make the selection process for the public service fairer and more transparent.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF 09 APRIL 2008
The Council of Ministers meeting is held this Wednesday, 09 April, 2008, in the Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and approved:
1 - Resolution approving the amendments to the Agreement between the European Union and ACP countries
The Council of Ministers at its meeting today, decided to submit to the National Parliament for ratification, the final text of the amendments to the agreement, the Cotonou Partnership, concluded in 2000 between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) and the European Union (EU). Changes promoted by the review reached in Luxembourg on June 25, 2005, the date on which the Agreement was signed reviewed by interested parties. The new approach to the Agreement seeks to increase the efficiency and quality of the partnership between the EU and ACP countries in order to be more consistent with the new agenda for development, deepen the political dimension and broaden the framework of cooperation, including new and important developments in the field of international security.
2 - Organic Law on the Economic and Food Inspectorate
The Council of Ministers approved the structure of the Economic and Food Inspectorate (IAE). The draft law defines the structure of organs and services that make up the IAE, giving them the necessary skills to the pursuit of its mission, which is intended primarily to the defence of the citizen in general, consumer and the healthy competition of the market.
3 - Resolution approving the change of name of the ferry, which is a maritime link with the enclave of Oe-Cusse and Isle of Ataúro to "Berlin Nakroma"
The ferry-boat "Nakroma" was donated by the Federal Republic of Germany to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for the performance of the task of transport. Its configuration supports operations of transportation of people and goods between Dili, Ataúro and Oe-Cusse.
In 2006, upon completion of its construction contract, the ship was identified, as is customary in the world shipbuilding industry, with name "Nakroma."
Considering the strong relationship between the two countries, the success of cooperation in German territory and development effort in route to East Timor in the bilateral level, the Government decided to amend the paragraph 1 of resolution No. 2 / 2006 of 26 April, which is replaced by the following, approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting today:
"Assigning to the ferry, which is a maritime link with the enclave of Oe-Cusse and Isle of Ataúro the name of 'Berlin-Nakroma."
The Council of Ministers also examined:
4 - Organic Structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
The Council of Ministers reviewed in its meeting today a Decree Law to establish the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to provide the MAP the means to improve the fairness, efficiency and effectiveness of its services in order to achieve food security and generate national economic growth.
After a thorough analysis, the Council of Ministers decided to make some changes, so the draft law will be considered at a future session.
5 - Presentation of the Report of the National Commission for Research and Development
The Council of Ministers attended a presentation on the Interim Report of the State of the Nation of East Timor, for the months of February and March this year, conducted by the National Research and Development, established by resolution of the Government approved on January 23 and is under the Minister of Economy and Development. The main task of the Commission is precisely to prepare and draw up the report of the State of the Nation of East Timor, projecting the macro economy in the medium term and inventory studies on the development of the country made since 1999.
6 - Creation of the National Commission of the Integrated Framework for Trade and Expanded To Least Developed Countries
Under the project "Integrated Framework for Trade and Expanded for Less Developed Countries" (QIA), the Council of Ministers reviewed a proposal for the creation, establishment and operation of the National Commission Directorate and its support structure, called Implementation of National Unity.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV Constitutional Government
PRESS RELEASE
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of 02 April 2008
The Council of Ministers met on this Wednesday, April 02, 2008, in the Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, and approved:
1 - Proposed Law on Weapons
The present law, which the Council of Ministers approved in its meeting today, aims to criminalize conduct likely to create danger to the life and physical integrity of citizens arising from the use and carrying of firearms, sharp weapons, and weapons aimed at projecting toxic, corrosive or suffocating, substances or explosive devices or fireworks, and criminalises trafficking of such weapons.
By legally defining the various types of weapons the transport or holding of is likely to be the subject of criminality, the draft law seeks to provide resources to the police authorities so that they can act accordingly in cases of breach of public order.
It is still the definition of certain objects and instruments, in order to specify the factual context in which they could be considered weapons and factual context in which can be classified as mere instruments of work, or as is being used for some other legitimate purposes, thus promoting the completion of a legislative loophole that prevented the seizure of some weapons used in the commission of crimes.
They are devoted to the security measures of cancellation of holding licences, use and carrying of weapons, particularly for personal purposes, functional or labour, sports or events, during the period in which the measure is imposed, the defendant must make the delivery of weapons, permits and other documents to the police unit in their residential area, the objective being thus making more effective control of such situations.
Also of note is the possibility that the agent or the police have to seize weapons, ammunition and their licenses when the owner is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, psychotropic substances or other, and evidence of the suspect engaging in domestic violence against their spouses or others with whom they live in conditions similar to those of spouses, parents, children, who are defenceless.
2 - Consultation with the courts need to create an International Commission of Inquiry
The Council of Ministers decided to consult the competent judicial bodies on the immediate need to create an International Commission of Inquiry into the events of February 11.
The Council of Ministers also examined:
3 - Proposed Law on Community Leaders
The Council of Ministers at its meeting today, examined a Proposed Law on the community and its leadership election. The structures of community leadership in East Timor conducted elections in 2004 and 2005 to choose the Heads of Suco Councils, according to the provisions of Law No. 2 / 2004 of 18 February. At a time when new elections are pending, it is necessary to better define and limit the action of community leadership.
It also uses this opportunity to experience in the administration of the electoral process, and then in presidential and parliamentary elections of 2007 to promote changes with the aim of improving the election process, ensuring democratic rotation in the aforementioned structures.
This Act defines and regulates the boundaries of action of the structures of community leadership, as well as the organization and execution of the process of election.
The draft law will now be the subject of public consultation and return later to the Council of Ministers for approval.
4 - Organic structure of the Economic and Food Inspectorate
The Council of Ministers reviewed a draft structure of the Economic and Food Inspectorate (IAE), making some changes, so the draft law will be assessed at the next meeting.
The draft law defines the structure of organs and services that make up the Economic and Food Inspectorate (IAE), giving them the necessary skills for the pursuit of its mission, which is intended primarily for the defence of the citizen in general, consumer and healthy competition of the market .
5 - Presentation on the Feasibility Study of a Pipeline for East Timor
The Council heard a presentation made by technicians of the Secretary of State for Natural Resources and the oil company Petronas, Malaysia, which will undertake a joint feasibility study of natural gas Pipeline to East Timor.
The conclusions of the study, which follows an agreement signed in Bali last March between the Secretary of State for Natural Resources and Petronas, should be submitted within a period of four months.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR
IV Constitutional Government
PRESS RELEASE
Special Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 28, 2008
Measures to minimize price increases
The Council of Ministers met on this Monday, April 28, 2008, in Meeting Room of the Council of Ministers, at the Government Palace in Dili, to examine the alternatives suggested by the working group set up by Prime Minister for minimise the impact of rising prices of rice, oil and construction materials, in the population.
The rises in global prices of rice and oil have reflected negatively in East Timor. In this context, the Prime Minister asked a group of technicians to submit alternatives capable of meeting the urgent needs and medium term in terms of food safety of construction materials and fuel. The government wants to ensure that those products will not miss the country and that the rise in prices does not have a negative impact on the poor.
