East Timor Legal Information Site
CRISIS 2006 STATEMENTS JULY
26 JULY 2006 FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE FRETILIN
Resignations No Solutions, say FRETILIN Leaders. Call for Further Dialogue
Dili, Sunday 26 July, Dili.
FRETILIN ’s Central Committee, the highest decision-making body of Timor-Leste’s ruling party between its Congresses, tonight called for further dialogue to achieve national consensus, asking both the Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri and the President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmao to fulfil their Constitutional responsibilities and remain in their positions.
“To force people to resign is not a solution”, said PM Alkatiri, FRETILIN’s General Secretary. “Anyone following the events of the last few months should realise this.”
Estanislau da Silva, FRETILIN National Political Commission spokesman, explained the Committees resolution. “FRETILIN’s Central Committee represents leaders from across all districts and sectors of our society. Our delegates know their own country, much better than foreigners and Dili-based experts. They understand the problems we face building a sustainable peace. We lead the democratically-elected government, and the people who chose us have a right to expect us to do what we think is required.
Sr. Da Silva pointed to the practical proposals the Central Committee proposed for a solution which was sustainable. “Our proposals are clear: respect the Constituion and the rule of law; dialogue to achieve national consensus; action to restore security, including detention and trial of all citizens alleged to have committed crimes during the crisis. Our Committee also thinks we should urgently seek the involvement of international institutions and mediators.”
“Above all, we call for the appropriate authorities to move much more quickly to secure the situation,” Sr Da Silva said. “We want all the irregular forces and the so-called rebels disarmed. We want all the alleged perpetrators of illegal actions detained and charged. rapid investigation of all illegal diversions and distributions of weapons, and the alleged involvement of cadres and militants of FRETILIN. We want the criminal defamation of our party and our leaders to be dealt with.”
Sr Da Silva expressed his dismay at the way some spokespeople for the antigovernment forces were repeating headlines from the international media. “This is not some political game we are in, “ he said. “This is not a first-world country, where politics can be reduced to personality contests conducted in the media. This is a post-conflict society, where many people are feeling insecure. Half our population does not read, many more have no TV and live in areas where communications are extremely difficult. Everyone needs to keep a cool head, and do nothing to inflame the situation. Above all, we need to follow our own Timorese processes. Dialogue is our traditional way. And we will follow our own Constitution and our laws. That’s what independence means.”
For further comment: Estanislau Da Silva, FRETILIN National Political Commission +670 723 0018 Background/contact info: English-speaking media liaison person : Bob +61 407 492 648
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 23 July 2006 ENGAGEMENT WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS MARKS DR RAMOS-HORTA’S FIRST TRIP OVERSEAS AS PRIME MINISTER
Nobel Peace Laureate Dr José Ramos-Horta will this week make his first trip overseas as Timor Leste's Prime Minister for talks with key regional partners in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.
In a gesture full of symbolic significance Prime Minister Ramos-Horta first stop is in Jakarta where he will hold talks on Tuesday with H.E. the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
“Although I have spoken on the phone with President Susilo and - he was the very first leader to call me immediately after I was sworn-in as Prime Minister – when President Susilo invited me to visit I took up the offer as I wanted personally to express Timor-Leste’s deep appreciation for the moral, political and humanitarian support given to us by the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia throughout the recent crisis,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
“I owe also very special thanks to Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda for his equally constant support and friendship, “Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Dr Ramos-Horta said he would discuss bilateral issues, including the commencement of border pass regime, which will further strengthen family, community, social and economic relationships between citizens of the two countries, and the completion of the demarcation of the land border.
“In my short stay in the Indonesian capital I will endeavour to meet with leading members of the business community to explore their possible involvement in the economic development of Timor-Leste,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Accompanying Prime Minister Ramos-Horta to Jakarta will be the Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Energy Policy, José Teixeira, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Marcos da Costa, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Nelson Santos.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta will then travel to the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum, a group which discusses political and security issues, where he will sign Timor-Leste's formal request for accession to the 10-member Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN). The accession process would take about five years.
Timor-Leste has been the guest of AMM (ASEAN Ministerial Meeting) since 2002 and last year it joined the ASEAN Regional Forum.
In addition to ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the ASEAN Regional Forum groups Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, the United States, and now Timor-Leste.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta will join in Kuala Lumpur his successor in the Foreign Affairs portfolio, José Luís Guterres, who departs on Sunday to the Malaysian capital to participate in the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting as guest of the Chairman and later with the Prime Minister in the ASEAN Regional Forum.
Accompanying Foreign Affairs Minister Guterres to Kuala Lumpur are Juvêncio Martins, Designated Ambassador to Malaysia, João Câmara, Director of Multilateral-Regional Affairs, Lieutenant Colonel Filomeno Paixão, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.
While in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta is scheduled to meet with his Malaysian counterpart H.E. Abdulla Ahmad Badawi and the Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, to thank them and the people of Malaysia, for helping Timor-Leste in a moment of grave crisis. They responded without hesitation to Timor-Leste’s request for help and thanks to the prompt intervention of the Malaysian and other foreign forces, life is returning to normality and they are helping consolidate the peace in the country. – ENDS.
For further information please contact: CHRIS SANTOS Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor Tel: +670 729 7099
MEDIA ALERT: Prime Minister Ramos-Horta will be available for media interviews at Dili’s Nicolau Lobato International Airport, on Monday, 24 July, at 12.30pm.
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE MINISTÉRIO DOS NEGÓCIOS ESTRANGEIROS E COOPERAÇÃO MEDIA RELEASE 22 July 2006 BUSY START FOR NEW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION
José Luís Guterres, the former Ambassador to the UN in New York and Ambassador to the US, was sworn-in yesterday by President Xanana Gusmão as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in the Government led by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr José Ramos-Horta.
“I always feel honoured to serve my country in any capacity I’m asked to but to succeed Dr Ramos-Horta as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation is something special. I’m grateful for the confidence deposited in me,” Minister Guterres said.
“For more than 30 years I’ve been a friend and a colleague of Prime Minister Ramos-Horta in the struggle for independence, freedom and democracy for our country.
“I’ve learned a lot from him and I hope I can live up to the legacy of Dr Ramos-Horta, whose high-profile, intelligence and incisiveness has kept Timor-Leste in the minds of the international community and helped so much our country,” he said.
Immediately after he was sworn-in Minister Guterres got on to work.
After visiting every division in his ministry where he was welcomed by the staff, Minister José Luís Guterres’very first official engagement was a meeting with a delegation from the European Commission, also attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry, Nelson Santos.
The EC delegation was led by the Ambassador Miguel Amado, the Special Envoy of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso; Sónia Neto, political advisor to the EC President; Predrag Avramovic, a specialist in the EC’s rapid reaction mechanism; and Aldo de-Lariccia, the head of the EC delegation in Papua New Guinea.
Minister Guterres asked the delegation to convey to President Durão Barroso his gratitude for his and the Commission’s support for Timor-Leste in the difficult phase the country went through by promptly sending a Special Envoy to Timor-Leste, Ambassador Miguel Amado, and a team to assess the country’s current and future needs.
Tomorrow, Sunday, July 23, Minister Guterres, departs to Kuala Lumpur to participate in the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting as guest of the Chairman and the ASEAN Regional Forum, from 24 to 28 of July. He will also accompany Prime Minister Ramos-Horta during a working visit to the Malaysian capital.
Timor-Leste’s delegation to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum also includes Juvêncio Martins, Designated Ambassador to Malaysia, João Câmara, Director of Multilateral-Regional Affairs, Lieutenant Colonel Filomeno Paixão, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, and Atanásia Pires, second secretary of Timor-Leste’s Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
They will join a delegation headed by Prime Minister, Dr José Ramos-Horta, which includes the Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Energy Policy, José Teixeira, and Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Marcos da Costa. –ENDS.
For further information please contact: Chris Santos Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor Cabinet Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Tel: +670 729 7099
ATTENTION: Minister José Luís Guterres will be available for media interviews at Dili’s Nicolau Lobato International Airport, tomorrow, Sunday, July 22, at about 12noon.
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 22 July 2006 PM ENCOURAGED BY NEW FOUND ENTHUSIASM AND VIGOUR IN THE COMMUNITY
Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta has expressed his satisfaction for the positive response he has received from both public and private sectors and the community in general to his Government’s new direction.
“I’ve been encouraged by the new found enthusiasm and vigour throughout Timor-Leste,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “It augurs well for the future of our country.
“The level of cooperation of my two Deputy Prime Ministers, Eng Estanislau da Silva and Dr Rui de Araújo, is very high and has been beneficial in rolling out our services to people, and this in turn seems to have reinvigorated the work ethic of all ministries,” he said
As examples of this, Dr Ramos-Horta cited the work of the Minister of Labour and Community Reinsertion, Arsénio Bano, who for the past few weeks has coordinated the humanitarian assistance to the many thousands of displaced Timorese.
“Now Minister Bano is driving, in close cooperation with aid groups and the international forces in Timor-Leste, the government’s plan for the safe and sustainable return of our citizens to their communities,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr Ramos-Horta was delighted with the efforts by the Ministry of Education which responding to his request, very quickly and efficiently organised the end-of-school-year’s exams for students throughout Timor-Leste except Dili and Atauro, where the exams are expected to take place in the second week of August.
“Last weekend in an admirable logistics exercise, and with the help of my office in facilitating security and transport by the UNOTIL helicopter to Oe-Cusse, the officials of the Education Ministry were able to distribute the exams’ papers to every school in Timor-Leste, even in the smallest and most remote village and the exams were held from 17 to 21 of July,” Dr Ramos- Horta said.
“This enabled 43,146 students to sit for the exams – 22,706 grade 6 primary students; 12,796 grade 9 students sitting for their end of junior school; and 7,644 grade 12 students sitting for their final exams for access to university.
“They will know the results on August 6. I hope that the last few weeks have not been very disruptive in their preparation for the exams and I wish all students the best of luck. They are the future of our county.
“I congratulate the Ministry officials, teachers and students on their hard work and dedication,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
Meanwhile, Dr Ramos-Horta has continued his program of visits to all ministries to learn about their work and to meet staff and exchange ideas on how best serve the community. After his visit to the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday, he also visited the Ministry of Planning and Finances and the Banking and Payments Authority of Timor-Leste.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta has also continued to meet with representative community groups
He held discussions this week with the National Youth Council of Timor-Leste, representing 32 youth organizations from all districts, during which the issues of creation of jobs, education and ideas for reconciliation were discussed.
Today Dr Ramos-Horta presided over a Business Community Consultation to hear the views and vision of the business community for the economic development of Timor-Leste.
“My discussions are aimed at creating a business friendly environment in Timor-Leste,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “We need their ideas, their investments and their technologies to help develop our country, to create jobs, to help all of us to have a better future.
“It is time we stop making life difficult to the business community and making prospective foreign investors feel unwelcome. They are helping us in our economic development.”
The districts have also not been forgotten with the Prime Minister travelling to Baucau on Thursday.
He was accompanied by the Minister for Labour and Community Reinsertion, Arsénio Bano (to address the issues of humanitarian aid and plans for a safe return home of the displaced Timorese); the Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Energy Policy, José Teixeira (to explain the electricity plans in the region); and the Vice-Minister for Finances and Planning (to explain the budget for 2006/2007).
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta visited the Bishop of Baucau, Don Basílio do Nascimento, with whom he had very positive discussions in relation to the socio, economic and educational work being undertaken by the Catholic Church in the region. He also met with many traditional and local government community leaders and many members of the public.
Dr Ramos-Horta continued is regular meetings with President Xanana Gusmão and chaired the weekly Council of Ministers meeting.
Yesterday he attended the swearing-in ceremony of his successor in the Foreign Affairs portfolio, José Luis Guterres, and the new Vice-Minister for the Interior, José Agostinho Sequeira, ‘Somotxo’. - ENDS
For further information please contact: CHRIS SANTOS Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor Tel: +670 729 7099
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 21 July 2006 PRIME MINISTER RAMOS-HORTA ORDERS SWEEPING REVIEW OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta has ordered a sweeping audit and review of the civil service regime.
As a first step towards a more ethical public service, Dr Ramos-Horta has ordered the interim Inspector General to conduct the following comprehensive investigations:
* embezzlement and theft of Government property before, during and after the recent security crisis in Dili;
* inappropriate use of Government fuel;
* misuse of government assets;
* non and late payment of salaries to government-contracted staff; and
* late arrival at work, absenteeism and low productivity of public servants.
Dr Ramos-Horta ordered the investigations after discussions with the interim Inspector General, Francisco de Carvalho, and the senior advisor on Auditing and Anticorruption, Billy Tarrillo. Vice Prime Minister Dr Rui de Araujo convened the meeting.
“Our country cannot develop without a productive civil service,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
“The civil service is the institution charged to serve the community and this must be their guiding principle in all that they do.”
The Prime Minister has also ordered the interim Inspector General to:
1. undertake an audit of all government services;
2. conduct a verification of all inventories of all State assets; and
3. initiate new investigations of government services.
“If we are to serve the poor of this country and develop our nation’s economy, we must have responsive, efficient, productive and honest civil service,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Dr Ramos-Horta also authorized the interim Inspector General to hand over to the Prosecutor General all its reports that involve conduct of a criminal nature by public servants.
The Prime Minister also ordered that the draft of the Organic Law of the Cabinet of the Inspector General, in limbo since 2004, be sent to the Council of Ministers for immediate approval.
This law sets out clearly the powers, functions and duties of the office of Inspector General, to be renamed State Inspector General (Inspector Geral do Estado) so this is transparent to all.
Dr Ramos-Horta said that a new Inspector General, to replace the late Mariano Lopes da Cruz, will be nominated next week.
In addition, the Prime Minister is asking the Government of Singapore to help support the office of the Inspector General to develop its auditing technical capabilities and UNOTIL and its successor for their continued support – ENDS.
For further information please contact:
CHRIS SANTOS Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor Tel: +670 729 7099
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 19 July 2006 UMA FUKUN SET TO BECOME A SHOWCASE
UMA FUKUN (commonly know as the ‘pink building’) is set to, once again, become a showcase that will enhance Dili’s beautiful waterfront promenade.
Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta, in one of his very first decisions as head of the Government, decided to hand over the imposing 19th century landmark to BNU/Caixa Geral dos Depósitos, another Timor-Leste institution.
Today, just 10 days after taking office as Prime Minister, Dr Ramos-Horta presided over the signing of the lease contract between Minister for Justice, Domingos Sarmento, on behalf of the Government of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and the Director of BNU/CGD in Timor-Leste, Dr Correia Pinto, for the rebuilding, refurbishment and 20-year management of Uma Fukun.
At the ceremony at Palácio das Cinzas, Prime Minister Dr Ramos-Horta expressed his delight of being able to wipe out an eyesore from the capital Dili.
“It’s been a sore point for me that after the World Bank spent some US$1.3 million to renovate Uma Fukun to its old glory, once it was handed over to the Government it was literally left to rot,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
“So this ceremony today to handover the management of the building to BNU/CGD is particularly pleasing to me as I’m sure they will make UMA FUKUN a cultural precinct and a beehive of activity for Timorese and foreign visitors alike,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta thanked the Minister for Justice and the ministry staff for the timely manner in which the contract negotiations were concluded and the BNU/CGD for their continuing commitment to Timor-Leste.
UMA FUKUN, which was originally a military installation used by the Portuguese, was subsequently used as a police station by the occupying Indonesian regime until 1999 when it was destroyed.
BNU itself suffered enormous damage from 1975 until 1999 during the Indonesian occupation during which time, observers estimate, lost some $100 million in business and profits. Then in 1999 when the Indonesian were withdrawing and the militias went on a destruction spree, the BNU headquarters in Dili was destroyed, costing a further US$4 million for its rebuilding.
Still, BNU/CGD remained commited to Timor-Leste and since 2000 has injected more than US$150 million into the economy of the country.
“BNU/CGD is an institution in the histoty of Timor-Leste and a model of professionalism both in the commercial aspect as in its socio-economic impact that should be followed by other commercial institutions around the world,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
Now, reinforcing its commitment to Timor-Leste, the BNU/CGD plan for the Dili landmark will transform UMA FUKUN in a centre for research, information and culture.
“BNU/CGD is very honoured to be chosen to look after one of Dili and Timor-Leste’s most beautiful and historical buildings,” BNU’s Dr Correia Pinto said.
“We have a proud record of service and commitment to Timor-Leste, and we will ensure that all Timorese will be proud of UMA FUKUN under our management,” he said.
UMA FUKUN will be transformed into a centre which will facilitate access to information and knowledge; promote the interchange of ideas; and dynamize socio-cultural activities and encourage the use of new technologies.
“One wing of the building will be divided into three big areas – Videoteca, Didateca and Biblioteca. The first will have over thematic videos, languages courses and will have facilities for video-conferencing; the second, Didateca, will be equiped with 12 access posts to internet, focused on self-education and research; the Biblioteca (library) will have more than 4,000 technical and scientific books with capacity for 60 seats,” Dr Correia Pinto said.
“The other wing will be used for art exhibitions, meetings, seminars, etc with 120 seats. The central open space, facing the sea, will be mainly a ‘leisure area’ with tables and chairs, where you can enjoy the beautiful view,” he said. – ENDS.
For further information please contact: CHRIS SANTOS Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 17 July 2006 PRIME MINISTER RAMOS-HORTA HITS THE DECK RUNNING
Following the swearing-in ceremony of his Cabinet on Friday and a marathon meeting of the first Council of Ministers in which the Budget for the 2006/2007 financial year was approved, Prime Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta, true to his word that there wouldn’t be excuses for inertia, has hit the deck running.
On Saturday, after meetings with political and community leaders, Dr Ramos-Horta, went on a three-hour walk through the suburbs of Balide and Taibessi, during which many Timorese, from the most humble to shopkeepers and children, had the opportunity to raise their concerns and tell of their hopes for the future.
These concerns and hopes and requests were shared by the Minister for Education and Culture, Rosália Corte-Real, and the Vice-Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Planning and Finances, and Public Works, respectively Adalgisa Magno, Aicha Bassarewa and Raul Mousaco, who accompanied the Prime Minister in this unscheduled ‘meet the people’ walk.
The walk through the streets both surprised and was enthusiastically greeted by the suburbs’ populations.
“I have been touring suburbs for years, either on foot or by bicycle. It is not only a good healthy exercise but it is the opportunity to meet the people,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
“I’m pleased that a few of my colleagues were able to join me and I hope this becomes a routine to all of my cabinet colleagues as it is vital not to lose touch with those we are supposed to serve. Only this way, listening to them, can we develop appropriate programs that will better their lives.”
On Saturday evening, Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Ramos-Horta, visited F-FDTL’s Naval Component at Hera, where he addressed the members of the armed forces stationed there and answered many of their questions.
He also addressed hundreds of the local population and IDPs (displaced persons), listened to them and answered their questions.
To both groups – the military and the civilian population – Dr Ramos-Horta told of aspects of the program of his Government that, he assured all, will do its very best to serve the best interests of the Timorese people particularly the poor.
“My Government,” he said “is going to be a government for the poor. My Government will be at the forefront in the fight against poverty. We are going to use existing money to dignify the human being, give them hope, given them food, clothing and give them a roof.”
This message was repeated in Manatuto when the Prime Minister visited yesterday, Sunday, July 16.
In his address to an enthusiastic crowd of many hundreds, including local and traditional leaders, police, clergy and local representatives of political parties, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta recalled his links to Manatuto and the district (he attended primary school at Soibada) and again outlined his vision to a prosper life to all Timorese.
Today, Monday, July 17, after his daily briefing by the Joint Task Force on the security situation in the last 24 hours, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta held a meeting with prospective Australian investors in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and catlle breeding and meat export.
“The private and entrepreneurial sector is an indispensable pillar in the development and well being of our country and I’ve been very encouraged by the response of international investors to my appointment as Prime Minister and their renewed confidence in Timor-Leste,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
“I’m happy to discuss with them projects, ideas that will contribute to the development of our country and create jobs to the Timorese. We are going to find ways to offer incentives and enthuse them and facilitate their activities. The foreign investors in this country can count on this Government to listen to them and to support them,” he said.
After his daily meeting with his two Vice Prime Ministers, Eng Estanislau da Silva and Dr Rui Araujo, the Prime Minister attend the swearing in ceremony by President Xanana Gusmão of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, respectively Dr Longuinhos Monteiro and Dr Ivo Valente.
Prime Minister Dr Ramos-Horta then held his regular Monday meeting with H.E. President Xanana Gusmão, during which a number of issues were discussed including the budget approved on Friday by the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister’s plan to visit every Ministry, salries of public servants, and candidates to fill in vacancies in the government as well as for the position of Inspector-General of the Republic, to replace the late Mariano Lopes da Cruz.
The economic and financial situation of Timor-Leste was the focus of a series of meetings in the afternoon.
Dr Ramos-Horta held separate meetings with the representative of the Asian Development Bank, Mr Charles Andrews; with Dr Abraão de Vasconcelos, general manager of Timor-Leste’s Bank Payment Authority; and later, together with his two Vice Prime Ministers, Eng Estanislau da Silva and Dr Rui de Araujo, and the Minister and Vice Minister for Planning and Finances, Madalena Boavida and Aicha Bassarewa, held an exhaustive meeting with members of a high-level delegation of the World Bank. –ENDS
For further information please contact: CHRIS SANTOS Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor Tel: +670 729 7099
-----
PRESIDÊNCIA DA REPÚBLICA GABINETE DO PRESIDENTE
Message of HE The President of the Republic On the occasion of The Swearing-in of the Second Constitutional Government 14 July 2006
Palácio das Cinzas,
With the swearing-in of the Second Constitutional Government today we close a cycle of profound crisis that has threatened the institutions of our democratic State based on the rule of law and subjected our people to unpredictable and unjust sufferings and distress.
Timor-Leste was blemished once again. Many things have been said and written about Timor-Leste as of late. Some hastened to announce that we would become a ‘failed State’. Others shed ‘crocodile tears’ insinuating that we had become prisoners of powerful global, political, military or economic interests. Yet, many continued to believe in us because they know that a people like ours who resisted against all forms of intimidation – from the most brutal domination to the most malicious seduction – for over two decades never gives up!
We have dared to walk on the ‘razor’s edge’ unwaveringly and so we have arrived at this solemn ceremony that marks the inauguration of a new Government. All around us there are thousands of Internally Displaced Persons who are still afraid of returning to their homes, some are afraid of reprisals, others do not return because they lost all of their belongings, except for the burnt walls of their homes, which were destroyed and vandalised.
But it was because of the innermost conscience of our responsibilities that we were capable of assuming institutional solidarity, which is so esssential, between all the organs of sovereignty in order to find the way towards reasonable political compromises and the key for solutions that are constitutionally legitimate, in full compliance with our Fundamental Law.
People’s hopes, the expectations yet to be satisfied from those who dedicated their lives to the resistance struggle, and the ambitions of the youth, who are still awaiting for an opportunity to learn, to become qualified and to deserve, through their work, a better life and a brighter future in their homeland, are growing all around us.
Today, the new Government is taking a heavy load upon its shoulders. Although this ceremony is only a modest step forward, it is important to remember the countless obstacles that hindered every small advance we made in the tormented path that we have travelled over the last months. We must make enormous efforts to bring reconciliation amongst all the Timorese and to heal the wounds that have divided us. But there is no reconciliation without truth and truth demands justice so that the wrongdoings, and the confidence in the impunity, will not be repeated.
Finally, we will only find an answer to this serious and painful crisis when we give the voice back to the sovereign people, so that the people can express themselves about the way in which they have been governed and choose those who they can trust. Once the displaced persons are assisted, order is re-established in the streets, and the functioning of the public services are ensured, then it will be the time for us to prepare for the elections, which are the appropriate means to resolve the conflicts peacefully and to overcome the crisis, thereby strengthening the State based on the rule of law and consolidating the constitutional democracy.
-----
PM RAMOS-HORTA UNVEILS NEW GOVERNMENT 14 July 2006 Press Release
Prime Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta has today unveiled the make-up of the new Government.
His Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, approved Dr. José Ramos-Horta’s recommendations for the the composition of the country’s Second Constitutional Government and swore-in the new Ministry.
Dr. Ramos-Horta said he welcomed his new team.
“It reflects the depth of talent already available within the ministerial ranks and the need to keep in place Ministers who already well know their portfolio areas as nine months is a short time to implement my Government’s plan of action and the less changes the better,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
“My new team was carefully selected after consultations with my Deputy Prime Ministers, Eng Estanislau da Silva and Dr Rui de Araujo in whom I have total confidence and with Fretilin, the Parliamentary majority party, in line with the Constitution.
“I’m confident that the new ministers will add strength to the Government. Together with their experienced colleagues they are vital to the regeneration of the administration, and the implementation of my goals for Timor-Leste of national security, economic strength and social stability,” the Prime Minister said. “I’ll ensure that the full Ministry will be attuned to priorities and emerging issues.”
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said that the immediate task of his Government is to consolidate security in Dili and in all of Timor-Leste and to put in place the necessary conditions to enable displaced Timorese to return home and rebuild their lives.
“As I said in my swearing-in speech early in the week, our people have suffered greatly and many, who were poor before the crisis, have now lost the little that they had, but they also lost faith in the institutions of the state and in the political leaders. My Government’s aim in the weeks and months ahead is to restore faith and hope, respect for our democracy and for our young nation state.
“This Government is not going to find excuses for inertia. This Government will try to serve the best interests of the people of Timor-Leste,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said he was pleased with the new faces brought in to his Government.
“I’m pleased that Ambassador José Luis Guterres has agreed to become my successor in the Foreign Affairs and Cooperation portfolio,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “He is a highly experienced and well respected diplomat, both in Timor-Leste and in the international community.
“I was particularly heartened by the fact that Fretilin, in a true spirit of reconciliation, has accepted my recommendation to have Ambassador Guterres, a founder of the majority party, in Cabinet,” the Prime Minister said.
Another new face in the Government is Eng Inácio Moreira, dean of the Politechnic School, who is the new Minister for Transport and Coommunications; and Lino Torrezão, a highly qualified public servant, who becomes Secretary of State for the Coordination of Region IV.
Some of the previous administration’s Vice-Ministers become Ministers in Dr Ramos-Horta’s Government, such as José Teixeira, who becomes the Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Energy Policy; and Rosália Corte-Real who takes on the Education and Culture portfolio.
“I wish to thank all those colleagues who have moved on for their contribution and hope that they can continue to play a role in the development of our country,”Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said. – ENDS.
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 13 July 2006
PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S SUPPORT
Prime Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta has welcomed the European Commision’s strong support for the people of Timor-Leste and for his new Government.
“I’m personally touched by the expressions of support and solidarity from my old personal friend and a good and old friend of Timor-Leste, Dr. José Manuel Durão Barroso, as well as from Commissioner Louis Michel,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
“As an example of the Commission’s unswerving support, just recently President Barroso promptly sent a Special Envoy to Timor-Leste, Ambassador Miguel Amado, and is going to elevate the level of the European Commission representation in Timor-Leste to that of Embassy.
“As well the European Commission also recently committed an additional 3 million euros (about 4 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid to the 140,000 displaced people of the Timor-Leste. “This was in addition to the recently signed framework program worth 18 million euros to cover the period 2006 and 2007. They have been extremely generous,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 12, the European Commission welcomed the inauguration of Ramos-Horta as the new prime minister of Timor-Leste. It said that the appointment "provides hope for a solution to the recent crisis" in Timor-Leste and “will support the new government in its efforts to overcome the current crisis.”
The Commission’s statement further said that it will "remain supportive of a multilateral framework" for continuing the presence of international deployment in the country, "subject to agreement by the UN Security Council.” According to the statement, the European Commission will work closely with the government to help address the most pressing needs, including the immediate challenges of stabilising the nation.
“I’m very thankful to the European Commission for the continuing confidence they have in me personally and in the future of Timor-Leste,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said. –ENDS.
-----
Government of East Timor
11 Jul 2006 "Handover weapons to authorities" - PM appeals
Thousands of people in the town of Liquiçá gave an enthusiastic welcome to Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and the Bishop of Dili, Dom Ricardo da Silva, there to witness the handover of weapons to the authorities.
In his first major public function since becoming Prime Minister, Dr Ramos Horta traveled to the town east of the capital Dili to witness the handover by Vicente "Railos'' da Conceição and his men of 14 weapons to the prosecutor general Longuinhos Monteiro.
In a speech to thousands of people at the town's soccer stadium he said: "We can win with our convictions and ideas. We cannot win with violence or weapons."
"Our own history has seen the triumph of conviction over force," the Nobel Peace Laureate continued. "So let me appeal to all individuals or groups who are in possession of weapons of any kind to hand them over to the authorities," Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
Today's handover of the weapons and the speeches by Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and Bishop Dom Ricardo, as well the appeals on the issue by President Xanana Gusmão, are expected to have a positive response and result in others to handover their weapons too.
Also attending the handover ceremony was the Special Envoy of the President of the European Commission, Ambassador Dr Miguel Amado, who in his speech appealed for dialogue and peace and reiterated the European Commission's support for Timor-Leste.
Ambassador Amado was expressing the feelings of the President of the European Commission, Dr José Manuel Durão Barroso, a good and old friend of Timor-Leste, who promptly sent a Special Envoy, Ambassador Amado, and is going to elevate the level of the European Commission representation in Timor-Leste to that of Embassy.
The handover at Liquiçá today was both a symbolic and significant ceremony as it marked the start of a move towards a secure and safe country. It was also a key step towards healing and reconciliation.
The handover was also witnessed by traditional and local leaders from both Liquiçá and nearby villages. – ENDS.
-----
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO MEDIA RELEASE 11 July 2006
MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATIONS AND SUPPORT POUR IN
Prime Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta is deeply touched by the thousands of messages of congratulations and support he has received in response to his appointment as Prime Minister.
Messages have been pouring in from within Timor-Leste and overseas since his appointment was announced on Saturday and especially since the Nobel Peace Laureate and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence was sworn in yesterday (Monday, July 10).
“I am particularly touched by the many thousands of messages and personal congratulations from Timorese from all walks of life, from the most disadvantaged, the most humble local farmers to community leaders,” Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said.
“This outpouring of support by my compatriots has further encouraged me to succeed in my government’s quest to give the political and economic leadership needed to bring them the development needed for a better life to all of us.
“As I said in my swearing in speech yesterday, I don’t know if I am worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me but I feel even more obliged not to fail them,” he said.
Leaders from around the world, including Japan, Portugal, Brasil, Australia, and most ASEAN countries and the UN Secreatry General, have also congratulated the Prime Minister by phone or in writing.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono telephoned Prime Minister Ramos-Horta immediately after the swearing in ceremony.
"President Susilo, who I have the utmost respect for as a leader and have the honour to call a friend, called to congratulated me," Prime Minister Ramos-Horta said. “During the teLephone conversation, we had the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest
including the finalization of the the demarcation of the land border, and the implementation of the long awaited border pass regime, which will further strengthen our family, community, social and economic relationships,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Meanwhile, following the swearing in ceremony, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta immediately convened a meeting on the Budget which the new government expects to introduce and have it passed in Parliament by the end of this month.
Among those who attended the meeting were the two Vice Prime-Ministers, Eng Estanislau da Silva and Dr Rui Araujo, with whom Dr Ramos-Horta is in constant contact to discuss the many tasks deserving immediate action, such as the make up of the new government, and developing the plan for the next nine months. - ENDS
-----
-----
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINSTER MEDIA RELEASE 11 July 2006
CABINET SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
The swearing-in ceremony for the Government led by Prime Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta and his two deputies, Eng Estanislau da Silva and Dr. Rui de Araújo, will be held at Palácio das Cinzas on Thursday, July 13, 2006, at 9.30am.
The first Council of Ministers of the new Government will meet at 2.30pm that afternoon (Thursday, July 13) to discuss the Budget for the 2006-2007 financial year.
Meanwhile, President Xanana Gusmão will meet tomorrow all political parties. –
ENDS For further information please contact: CHRIS SANTOS Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor Tel: +670 729 7099
-----
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER Address by Dr José Ramos-Horta at his swearing in ceremony as Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of East Timor
10 JULY 2006
Your Excellency President of the Republic Your Excellency President of the National Parliament Your Excellency President of the Superior Court of Appeal Your Excellencies The Reverend Bishops of the Dioceses of Dili and Baucau Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Forces of Defence and Security, Community Members, Excellency Ambassador Miguel Armado, Special Envoy of the President of the European Commission, Your Excellencies, Sukehiro Hasegawa and Ian Martin, Special Representatives of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Representatives of the Interational Agencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, July 10th 2006, in the year of Christ, we enter a new phase in the construction of our State for the quest for Law and Peace. The path has been long, difficult, dangerous, and has resulted in the shedding of tears and blood, with the loss of too many lives. Our journey to nationhood has been a centuries long journey, with those years now lost in time, when the beaches of our country were first stepped on by the Portuguese Missionaries.
On May 20th 2002, our nation concluded that long journey and it was an occasion crowned with joy and festivities. We then had to initiate another immediate journey, that of the edification of our state and its institutions. We had also to initiate the painful process of examination of conscience, reflection, and national and international reconciliation. We have gone through generations of pain and mourning, of hate and treason. It was necessary to dispaly a lot of courage and generosity to try to forget, but this is not always possible. It is however, always possible to pardon. Pardoning is an act of courage and generosity and grandeur. Hate and revenge are feelings and expressions of weakness, that lead to self-destruction, because such feelings can consume as, as we don’t live the present and future but instead we live as prisoners of the past. The experiences of past and present generations have left deep wounds in the great Timorese family, causing collective trauma.
The crisis that imploded in our country on the 28th April 2006, the crisis that continues to this day, admittedly now a lot more calm and secure, has reopened the wounds not yet fully healed and has rendered opened new ones.
It is then necessary to undergo even deeper reflection about our collective experience of the years 1974-1999. The extensive CAVR report is an encylcopedia of our history, both rich in teachings and suffering. We must utilise its great teachings to better understand today’s crisis and to help prevent futute crises.
The Special Inquiry Commission that the Timorese State asked for and establsihed by the international community, will soon begin their mission. We leave to them as a neutral and independent body to gather information and statements of some key and recent incidents and other events enveloping the crisis to enable us to know the truth. We will wait for the result and its recommendations.
Excellencies, Today I have been sworn in in the honoured function as head of government as a result of the resiganton of my old friend and combatant in the struggle, Dr. Mari Altatiri. I served in a government led by him, always guided by prudence and loyalty to the people that he really loves. What we inherited from UNTAET in May 2002, was only a sketch of a state. After the violence and destruction in September 1999, the Security Council mandated the Secretary General to build a modern and democratic state in only two years. The late Sergio Veiria de Mello that our Lord has in his care, was tireless, intelligent, dedicated and a friend, but it was not possible for him in two years to give birth from the ashes from the violence and destruction of 1999, to a modern and democratic, stable and fully funcitonal state.
If it is not possible to make a small business viable in two years, consolidate it and make it commercially sustainable in two years, yet we ask, ‘Is it possible to build a state in two years?’. The answer is no, but the Security Council had other concerns and priorities. And us the Timorese, fueled by patriotism, we even thought that a transition of two years was excessivley long.
In regard to the new United Nations Mission, I simply reiterate the view expressed in our letter of 11 June 2006. We trust that the Security Council will once again decide with wisdom on the needs of the Mission that is best needed for the people of Timor-Leste and that our request will be positively responded to.
If we recall what the United Nations handed over to us on the night of May 19 2002, then we could say on balance the government of Dr. Mari Alkatiri registered notable progress in many areas.
We provided our nation with a judicial and legal system with laws and rules that had not before existed, wih a public administration whose previous existence was very weak, a school network that has significantly increased since 2002, a health network that surpassed our expectations; we negotiated and concluded important agreements with our neighbours, and we acceded to more than twenty internationl treaties including all the Human Rights Conventions.
We failed in other areas. We failed in the area of internal security, we failed in the dialogue with the people, we stand accused of insenstivity and arrogance, and corruption started to invade institutions of the state. We say that we want foreign investment and we know of the importance of its development to our country, becasue of the very slow and complicated burueacracy. In a short time we managed to create by us and for us, a bureacratic stranglehold that undermines our best intentions and political decisions and opens the door to corruption.
Unfortunately I cannot say that I learned a lot from Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, during his four years in government. I was always absent about half of the yeasr and when I was in the country, I was not very enthuasistic in the very long sessions of the Council of Ministers. I could have learned much more with this brother and friend from my youth, but Mari Alkatiri has volunteered his support now and I will rely often on his good counsel. I am also obliged to consult regularly, to listen to, the National Political Committee of Fretilin. I will do it always with pleasure and respect. I have two Deputy Prime Ministers in whom I have total confidence and who have much more experience than me. I have a dedicated and experienced team of Ministers that will be sworn in sometime this week. For that reason, I believe that the weight that I carry of leading the government, will be lessened.
I know my intellectual and professional limitations. I am not a person of virtues. I am not Mahatma Gandhi. I don’t know if I am worthy of the trust that you Your Excellency Mr. President, have placed in me and I do not know if I am worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me. In the last few days I have received numerous expressions of friendship and support from very the most humble members of our great people. May God guide me so that I don’t betray their trust.
Excellecies, Our immediate task is to consolidate the security in Dili and in all of Timor-Leste. Make a return to their houses the thousands of brothers and sisters who during these weeks have taken refuge in several centres and give them necessasry support to rebuild their lives.
Our people has suffered and many, who were poor before the crisis, now lost the little that they had, but they also lost faith in the state institutins and in the political leaders. The Government action in the weeks and months ahead is to restore faith and hope, respect for our young democracy and for our young nation state.
This Government has only got nine months to govern until May 2007. If to this time constraint we add the burueaucratic obstacles that we bulit, the inefficiency, the incompetence, the laziness of some of the public and private sectors; the useful time of Governmet will be even more constrained. We are going to simplfy processes so that they are not a constraint to the development of the country. The so called “procurement”, bids or tenders have to be more transparent and responded to more quickly. We are going to introduce the concept of ‘fast track’ to accelerate the execution of projects. The item public grants in the 2006-2007 budget, is a response to the need felt by all that we have to simplyfy the process to make quicker the rendering of services to the nation.
Timor-Leste is cited in a study of the World Bank as one of the worst countries in the world to register a company. We are going to reverse that immediately. The country is not poor. We have money from our own resources and from the generosity of friends.
This Government is not going to find excuse for inertia. This Government will try to serve the best interests of the poor. This Government is going to be the government for the poor. This Government will be at the forefront in the fight against poverty. We are going to use existing money to dignify the human being, give them hope, given them food, clothing and give them a roof.
The poor and forgotten in the rural areas will be our main focus and we are going to mobilise all our financial and human resources to rapidly revitalise economic activity in those regions, through small projects that will have a rapid impact. We are going to support more the public servants who serve in the Districts, we are going to support the Liurais and the Chefes de Sucos, restoring the dignity and secular moral power of the Liurais, giving them the means to serve the people.
Excellencies, The Timorese Catholic Church is the only continuous solid institution, that has absorbed the fabric of Timorese. It must be venerated and called once again to partnership with our young State, help us get out of this crisis, heal the wounds, help us better serve the people in all the areas such as social, educational, cultural, spiritual and moral. This Government, then, invites the Catholic Church to assume a bigger role in education and in the human development of our people and in the fight against poverty.
The State must make available to the Institutions of the Church, namely the Dioceses, the necessary financial means so that this partnership with the State will be a reality. Our Muslim and Protestant communities, although small in number, also play an important role in their contribution to education and human development. This Government will continue and will reinforce the dailogue of cooperation with these two religious communities.
Timor-Leste has a singular historical experience. Timorese people are a people deeply spiritual whose day to day lives are inspired and influenced by the spirits of the past and by supernatural beliefs that are fused with Christain beliefs. For that reason we cannot import or impose modern models of secularism or Europeanism that would disturb the symbiotic relationship of Timorese animist and Christain beliefs.
This Government awaits with excitement the opening of the third Diocese in Timor-Leste and we reiterate our desire to see installed in Dili a Nunciatura representing the Vatican. Timor-Leste is going to nominate an Ambassador to the Holy See.
I salute with reverence and friendship our two Bishops, Dom Ricardo and Dom Bascilio, and through them all the Timorese and foreign clergy serving in Timor-Leste. I want to pay homage to the late Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart and Dom Martinho da Costa Lopes, unforgettable historical figures of Timor-Leste and the Catholic Church. I also want to pay tribute to Bishop Dom Carlos Filipe Ximenes de Belo, who in the more difficult years of our history, side by side with Dom Bascilio and the then Priest of the Church of Motael, Dom Ricardo and other priests and nuns of this country, were the refuge of the persecuted.
This Government is going to give special attention to our Youth. I propose that we study the viability of a university campus, comprising accommodation, canteen, internet access, library, gymnasium, etc., so that we can offer our youth the basic conditions to enable them to achieve their academic goals.
This Government is going to establish a programme of scholarships for the students that study in Timor-Leste, to enable them to feed and clothe themselves and to buy their books and materials.
Already in place is an extensive food distribution programme, called a “Meal-a-Day per Pupil”, although still of a preliminary and limited nature. The objective is to reach a target of 300,000 pupils in the whole of Timor-Leste.
We have to look after our Veterans, the big heroes of our nation. We are going to honour them very soon, with valour and decoration in solemn ceremonies, and support their well deserved retirement and housing. We are thankful to the Chinese Government for the offer of 100 houses for the Veterans, but the Timorese State is going to do even more for them, for their widows and their orphans.
We are going to take care of the Defence and Security sectors, through prudent reforms to equip our country with modern forces to better serve our people and the cause of peace.
The two institutions of Defence and Security charged with the protection of our nation and people, in our Constitution, were deeply affected by the crisis in our country. Tragically some lives were lost, others were critcally injured in their bodies and practically all suffered injury to their souls.
We did not know how to manage the problems that emerged within these two institutions. This failure of ours resulted in the crisis that affected the whole nation. To the people, to the members of the F-FDTL and of the PNTL, let down by the political elite, of which I am part of, I do apologise. I can only promise that the nine months of this Government over which I preside is going to look at these two institutions, with total attention and prudence, so that from them, they can be reborn from this crisis more dignified and more deserving of the trust of our people.
Excellencies, The private and entrepreneurial sector is an indispensable pillar in te development and well being of our country. With them we are going to find ways to offer incentives and enthuse them and facilitate their activities. The foreign investors in this country can count on this Government to listen to them and to support them. We are going to better and simplfy the laws and rules for the process of registration of companies. We are going to investigate the complaints about the non-payment of bills by the Government.
National and International non-government organisations (NGOs) have a central role in the development of the country. We know that the work of the NGOs has not been well supported, and sometimes we displayed an attitude of suspicion towards international NGOs. We invite suggestions and proposals that can simplify our laws and our bureaucracy in this sector.
I cannot conclude this address without thanking the Governments and the people of the four friendly countries, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Portugal who came to help in a moment of grave crisis. They responded without hestiation to our appeal. Thanks to their prompt intervention, life in our city of Dili is returning to normalcy. In the next months we will continue to depend on their generous help to consolidate the peace in our country. I ask the representatives of the four countries here today to transmit to their respective governments and to their people our deepest appreciation.
I also wish to express our deep appreciation for the moral, political and humanitarian support throughout this crisis, given by the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia. During this period Indoneisa had also suffered tragedy as a result of natural disasters and despite their own tragedy, they did not forget the people of Timor-Leste and sent humanitarian aid in the way of food, that contributed to the alleviation of suffering.
I owe a very special thank you to H.E. President Susilo Bambang Yudyhono and my Foreign Affairs counterpart H.E. Hassan Wirayuda for their constant support and friendship. A mark of the friendship that our countries enjoy, is the fact that I received a communication that President Susilo is going to ring me immediately after my swearing in. I have to say thanks also to the way the Indonesian Forces stationed on the border behave and maintain order. By next month I hope to finalise the demarcation of the land border, and implement the long awaited border pass regime, which will further strengthen our family, community, social and economic relationships.
To the Secretary General of the United Nations and to all the United Nations Agencies, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund, I want to express our appreciation for your generous support. The ADB has continued with some infrastructure works in some parts of the country.
I wish to state my profound gratitude to the friendly countries that promptly contributed financially or in goods to help our people, via bilateral or through agencies.
The humanitarian agencies and national and international NGOs have responded promptly to our needs in close cooperation with the Timorese Government, thus averting a humanitarian catastrophe.
Timorese health workers and foreigners of many nationalities, namely Cuban and Chinese doctors, remained in country, in their posts during the crisis. Staff and technicians in the electricty, port, airport, border police, and thousands of public servants and teachers in the remaining twleve Districts did not abandon their posts. In te middle of this crisis, many thousands of Timorese, members of F-FDTL, PNTL,public servants, teachers, doctors, nurses, ordinary workers, priests and nuns revealed their patriotism. Many international staff also remained at work refusing to abandon the country.
I cannot finish without referring to the crucial role of the religous orders, priests and nuns in opening their doors and their hearts to tens of thousands of their brothers and sisters. The servants of the Church once again displayed their humanity to afford the same to those in need.
I cannot forget the tireless work and dedication of our friends Sukehiro Hasegawa and Anis Bajwa who were always at their posts during the crisis. To all the personnel of UNOTIL our eternal gratitude.
The president of the European Commission promptly sent a Special Envoy and is going to elevate the level of representation in Timor-Leste to that of Embassay.
Last week we received in our country a delegation of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) led by Foreign Affairs Minister of Sao Tomé Principe. In the preceding weeks before, we received a visit from our friends the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence of Australia, the Minister for Defence of New Zealand and the Chief of Defence Forces and other dignitaries of Malaysia.
In conclusion, until some weeks ago friends and supporters made me believe and wanted me to believe that I could occupy the 38th floor of United Nations Head Quarters. Some friendly governments believed in my elgibility. I have got another mission here. I would never be a good United Nations Secretary General if I was not a good Timorese first and a good Timorese must be in this country with his people in their moments of crisis. Perhaps then in 2012. Now the world has to wait as I have more pressing needs to attend to in Timor-Leste.– ENDS.
-----
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & COOPERATION Office of the Minister MEDIA RELEASE 07 JULY 2006 CONFIDENCE RETURNING TO TIMOR-LESTE
With calm prevailing in the country, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Minister for Defence, Dr José Ramos-Horta, embarked on a intensive schedule of meetings aimed at restoring people’s confidence in the political leadership, in the country’s institutions and in the national and international business communities.
“It’s very encouraging to see the population regaining the freedom of the city, going about their lives without fear, and to see shops and other businesses operating near full capacity. A large number of public servants have also returned to work,” Minister Ramos-Horta said. “The fact that the international police in collaboration with Timor-Leste’s Interior Minister, Alcino Baris, have increased daily patrols and re-installed traffic discipline in the streets of the capital are positive developments which have helped Dili return to normalcy.”
Early in the week, as Coordinating Minister in Timor-Leste’s caretaker Government, Dr Ramos-Horta convened and chaired a Council of Ministers meeting where pressing issues such as humanitarian assistance to the thousands of displaced persons and current financial needs and commitments were discussed and actioned.
At a second Council of Ministers meeting they received briefings on current and future issues related to security and law and order by the commander of the Joint Task Force, Brigadier General Mick Slater, and by the special envoy of UN Secretary-General, Mr Ian Martin, on the forthcoming UN mission.
Minister Ramos-Horta was particularly pleased that, despite the upheaval of the last couple of months, international investors this week showed their faith in the future of Timor-Leste.
“The announcement on Wednesday that a power supply project is going ahead was very satisfying. It is an investment of US$80 million, the biggest investment in Timor-Leste, other than the Timor Sea gas developments,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “It will generate cleaner and cheaper power to Timor-Leste – much needed to attract other investments in the country.”
The power supply project will be run by EGET (Energy Generating Enterprise Timor-Leste), a joint venture comprising the Government of Timor-Leste, which will contribute some 10% of the capital, and Thai and UK private investors and UK technology.
“The response by prospective international investors to the power supply project has been overwhelming. In the 48 hours since the
announcement my office has been contacted by a number of prospective investors who want to discuss their investment ideas or want to revive dormant projects that for one reason or another have been mothballed.
“This is really encouraging for Timor-Leste’s economy and for the wellbeing of the Timorese people as it will lead to the creation of much needed jobs and a future of hope and good things to come,” Minister Ramos-Horta said.
Minister Ramos-Horta also held extensive discussions with a number of influent international and national dignitaries including
President Xanana Gusmão, the Bishop of Dili, Dom Ricardo da Silva, the special envoy of UN Secretary-General, Mr Ian Martin, the special envoy of the European Union Commission, Dr Miguel Amado, and the high-level delegation from the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Nations), World Bank’s executive Sarah Cliffe, and representatives of many national political parties.
“I’ve also toured extensively the suburbs of Dili to personally assess the humanitarian and law and order situation,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “In one such suburb, Becora, I’ve attended a community meeting in which their security concerns were addressed.” “As a result I convened and chaired a high-level meeting of key ministers, representatives of the international military and police forces and their respective ambassadors, UNOTIL and most of the agencies, including UNDP, UNHCR, OCHA, UNICEF, IOM and several NGO’s engaged in humanitarian assistance in Timor-Leste, to discuss a plan, to be coordinated by my colleague Minister Arsénio Bano, to have the displaced persons resume their normal lives in the safety they deserve and have the right to.
“I am pleased to announce that all parties are now engaged in the preparation of a community reintegration plan, first developed by Austcare, in partnership with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Labour and Community Welfare,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Minister Ramos-Horta said that President Xanana Gusmão has been consulting with political parties including Fretilin, the majority party, following the constitutional processes necessary to the formation of a new government.
“It is my hope we will have a new government in place sometime next week,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.- ENDS.
