East Timor Legal Information Site
CRISIS 2006 STATEMENTS NOVEMBER
TLGOV: Martial Arts Group Leaders to Meet at 4 PM
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA ALERT Dili, November 27 2006
Martial Arts Group Leaders to Meet at 4 PM
Leaders of the major martial arts groups will be meeting today at 4.00 PM in the Library of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in the Palacio do Governo. Members of the media are invited to a press conference to be held after the meeting.
The leaders will be discussing the pledge that they have made to stop violence among martial arts groups. This meeting follows the previous meeting of the Martial Arts Group leaders convened by Prime Minister Ramos-Horta on Friday, November 24.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 25 2006 Martial arts leaders pledge to end gang violence
Leaders of Timor-Leste’s major Martial Arts groups have held long discussions and told the media that they would end gang violence that has caused so much loss of innocent lives.
Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta convened a meeting at the Library in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation between the Martial Arts groups. The Prime Minister spoke to the leaders for 30 minutes.
In a frank discussion the Nobel Peace Prize winner told them: “Now that you are all here and you have heard me, you may continue to talk to each other on your own and find a way to live peacefully with each other and contribute to peace and stability in this country, or you may
leave and continue your stupid, irresponsible and criminal behavior.
“If you continue this violent behavior, let me assure you that none of you will go unpunished. If at the end of your meeting you decide to work towards peace and wish to come forward to me, we will request assistance for any constructive and meaningful purpose that you like, and the Government will find a way to assist you. “The country belongs more to you than to me because you are young and there is a long future ahead of you. You can change now and work for peace today and peace tomorrow for your future, or you can continue to damage your country and your future. “I have no interest in hearing your mutual accusations or any rational for the killings. I came here for you to listen to me and what I have to say. I am not accusing anyone in particular. I am holding all of you responsible for the behavior of your members.”
After making this statement the Prime Minister left the meeting, but the leaders of the Martial Arts groups continued to meet for two hours
afterwards and pledged to work towards ending rival gang violence.
The Martial Arts groups are scheduled to meet again on Monday and Wednesday to work out ideas and mechanisms for dialog, exchange information and work towards the stabilization of the situation.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 25 2006
High-level Government meeting discusses support programs
A high-level meeting of senior Ministers convened by the Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta has discussed how the Government could best respond to the recommendations of the Special Inquiry Commission concerning the victims of violence in the recent crisis.
The meeting also discussed special Government support programs for the occupants of internally displaced persons’ camps who are returning to their homes, including housing and food programs.
Dr Ramos-Horta discussed the issues with Deputy Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva, the Minister of State Administration Dr Ana Pessoa and the Vice-Minister of Planning and Finance Aicha Bassarewa.
The Prime Minister said recommendations from today’s meeting would be discussed in Wednesday’s Council of Ministers.
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PRESIDÊNCIA DA REPÚBLICA GABINETE DO PRESIDENTE MEDIA RELEASE Palacio das Cinzas, 21 November 2006
National Dialogue to Overcome the Crisis Reaches the High-Level Meeting
TOMORROW 22 November 08am, at Hotel Timor a High-Level Meeting to overcome the crisis will take place. This is a continuation of National Dialogue from a series of initiatives held last weeks among the civil societies and political parties. This dialogue will have participation from the four pillars of sovereignty of Timor-Leste, the commanders of F-FDTL and PNTL, Ministers of the II Constitutional Government, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church and other religions, will all be actively involved. The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, the Public Prosecutor General and the Diplomatic Corp and international entities are invited to attend as observers.
The motto of this dialogue is to identify the true causes, consequences, responsibilities and lessons learnt during this crisis.
President Xanana Gusmão appealed for reconciliation by saying “We must be honest enough to recognize our wrongdoings, be humble to forgive others and by doing so, we must embrace the dialogue because we realized that reconciliation is the process of searching peace within ourselves. This searching of peace is starting from an individual before its spread and influences the broader community and it’s for us to respects in one another.”
The High-Level Meeting will have interventions given from the former Prime-Minister of Latvia, Mr. Valdis Birkavs, from the Club of Madrid, and the Special Representative of the Norwegian Government, Emeritus Archbishop of Oslo, Dr. Gunnar Stalsett.
The topics of discussion will include the previous findings from the grassroots and Medium-level dialogues held in the last weeks organized by the same Commission of Dialogue for Community Reintegration (CDCR) established by H.E President of Republic. The Final result of the Dialogue will be made public as soon as possible.
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MESSAGE TO THE NATION[1]
BY H.E. PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE ALSO ON BEHALF OF H.E. THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL PARLIAMENT, H.E. THE PRIME MINISTER AND H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL Palácio das Cinzas 17 November 2006
People of Timor-Leste, The population of Díli Mothers and Fathers The Loriko Aswain Youth! The society as a whole,
The Organs of Sovereignty gathered here today, with humility we apologise to the people, for the mistakes committed, in our capacity as those in charge of governing our country, causing this current crisis.
It was due to our fault that for six months you have been suffering, living in fear and tears.
We acknowledge our mistakes! And because of our mistakes we transferred to you, the elderly, the adults and, above all, the children, the consequences which you are now encountering.
F-FDTL and PNTL also suffered as a result of our mistakes.
We all are now working together to rebuild peace in this young nation of ours.
Since F-FDTL and PNTL are ready to work together and to accept each other, we have the duty to facilitate the meetings between these two institutions, resulting on the 15th of November these two institutions coming to us, the Pillars of Sovereignty, and the entire People that they are ready to, once again, take on their responsibilities, to guarantee stability, for the sake of each of us and for the sake of the entire People.
On behalf of the Pillars of the Sovereignty, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for the Youth that on that afternoon took flowers and offered to the security forces of F-FDTL and PNTL.
We wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to these young men and women, your children, for their recognition of such an important event, albeit simple, but with deep significance.
People of Timor-Leste Population of Díli Beloved Youth
The rainy season is about to begin, and we are conscious of the concern which we all have in relation to the internally displaced people (IDP’s).
This is why we are gathered here to appeal to all the people for the necessity to be united to lift back our Nation.
We all have to support each other to nurture the stability that was dissipated, so that we all can live in tranquillity and work together.
Today, more than ever, we need to listen to one another, we need to trust ourselves!
We are aware that there are those who are still reluctant. We are aware and also F-FDTL are aware that some of you, in some parts of the country, are still reluctant. Likewise, we are aware and PNTL too is aware that some of you in some parts of the country are still reluctant.
We can not solve everything at once! But, we the Pillars of Sovereignty, together with F-FDTL and PNTL, with humility, address to all of you,
asking you to abandon this feeling of hatred.
If we continue with this sense of hatred, we will not be able to unite to overcome this crisis. We all can continue to debate the mistakes committed so that we can identify solutions, but let us not do it with the feeling of anger, let’s not do it with the feeling of hatred!
It was that anger which led us to make mistakes, which led us to destroy each other, which caused us lack of peace in the last six months.
It´s high time for us to abandon these weak feelings. We all must promote peace; we must accept each other so that reconciliation can flourish amongst us.
But reconciliation alone can not overcome the mistakes already committed! Reconciliation will indeed be nurturing our hearts, will prepare us, will give us the will to forgive each other.
It will be through Reconciliation that we can again face each other, eye to eye! It will be through Reconciliation that we will be able to talk to each other, as the sons and daughters of God. It will be through Reconciliation that we will open our hearts to each other, as creatures that are conscious that one day we may need one another.
Dear Compatriots!
We the Pillars of Sovereignty believe that before Monday the 20th of November, all the IDP’s shall return to their place of residence.
Members of F-FDTL and PNTL, will work with the Government program Simu Malu , and with the Commission of Dialogue for Community
Reintegration, as well as with the Humanitarian Agencies such as IOM and UNHCR, to carry out the return of the IDPs back to their place of residence.
We must all be united in this process, to avoid worse problems due to the rainy season.
The IDP’s must not be scared that their respective local communities may not welcome them. The Youth working with the Commission of Dialogue for Community Reintegration are prepared to promote reconciliation in each area of residence.
The IDP’s must not be concerned that there may not be a house to host them. The Government program Simu Malu will have their people there to provide you the necessary support. We, the Pillars of Sovereignty, specially appeal to the Members of the National Parliament, Members of the Government, Public Servants, currently in the IDP camps, to act as an example by leaving the camps first so that the population can follow your example.
Members of F-FDTL e PNTL, who will be assigned to each residential area, together with the Youth, will help with carpentry work, will help with placing of corrugated iron sheets on the roofs, so that, soon enough the houses already have top cover, protecting the residents from sun and rain. They will also work together to ensure that there are doors and windows so that each family can feel at home again.
The options already announced by the government will also be taken into account, so that due success is ensured not only to the individuals but also to the families, as well as to the community as a whole. But these options will be discussed in each residential area itself, not in the camps (of IDP’s).
People of Timor-Leste Population of Díli Dear Young People
Together, we are all investing efforts to repair our Nation, to enrich our commitment in the struggle for peace, eradicate hatred and revenge, so that once again, we can lift our State back, whilst a sovereign and independent State, deserving the respect of the international community.
Whilst a State and People, it is true that we have made mistakes, we fell, we are slightly wounded, slightly ill, but as a State, we have not passed away, as a People we have not faded away.
It is high time for us to reaffirm ourselves as a People and Nation!
It is still within our reach for all of us to show to the world that we succeed in recovering our dignity! The Dignity of the Aswain People, the Dignity of a People who truly strives for PEACE!
[1] Translated from the original version in Tetum
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 16 2006
Soldiers and police embrace friendship as peace is given a chance
With tears in their eyes, soldiers and police embraced each other as they gathered for an historic ceremony at the Palacio do Governo yesterday in Dili.
As hundreds of spectators packed the Palacio grounds and the national anthem was played, the President of the Republic Xanana Gusmão called on the youth of the country to collaborate with the army and police in the process of peace.
Army and police paraded before President Xanana, the President of Parliament Francisco Guterres "Lu-Olo" and Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta and members of his Government. Spectators including most members of the diplomatic corps and public servants, watched as members of the F-FDTL and PNTL lined up alongside each other in a display of solidarity and trust.
Traffic along the main ocean-front boulevard was brought to a stop. Bunches of flowers were handed out to the country’s army and police forces and as they raised them above their heads the crowd cheered.
“This is a time to work together and to accept each other,” President Xanana said. “Youth must promise their mothers and fathers that they will no longer be involved in violence.”
Dr Ramos-Horta said today that it was time for Timor-Leste’s youth to embrace peace “just as our army and police have done”. “We cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into violence,” he said. “There is no future for our country in that. We must use our energy for peace.”
The President of the Court of Appeal, Claudio Ximenes told the rally Timor-Leste’s courts would be independent and impartial. “The tribunal will make decisions independently and impartially,” he said.
Yesterday’s historic rally followed a series of extraordinary meetings held recently between the President, the Prime Minister and leaders of Timor-Leste’s army and police.
The head of the armed forces, Brigadier Taur Matan Ruak shook hands and embraced many of the police at the rally as the Commander of the Police Paulo Fatima Martins walked among soldiers shaking hands and greeting friends.
The demonstration of comradeship and trust between the F-FDTL and PNTL has given encouragement to many people in the Internally Displaced People’s camps to return to their homes.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 15 2006
Soldiers and police rally to show solidarity, peace and trust
In an extraordinary display of solidarity, trust and friendship, hundreds of Timor-Leste’s soldiers and police will this afternoon march together to the Palacio do Governo where they will be received by the President of the Republic, the President of Parliament and the Prime Minister.
President Xanana Gusmão, the President of Parliament Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, and the Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta will greet the marchers around 5 p.m. and each of the nation’s leaders will make a short speech.
“I invite all the people – Timorese and the international community – to come and join our soldiers and police at the Palacio,” President Gusmão said today.
“The wounds of recent events are healing and our forces are showing us the way towards a lasting peace. “I am moved by the unity and friendship shown by our soldiers and police, and particularly by their leaders. “They have faced a most severe ordeal and emerged even stronger. Their unselfish actions send a very clear message to all of Timor-Leste, and that message is one of peace, unity and harmony.”
Tomorrow’s rally at the Palacio follows meetings held recently between the President, the Prime Minister and leaders of Timor-Leste’s army and police.
“I have had many meetings with the leaders of the soldiers, F-FDTL senior officers, both formally and informally sharing conversations and meals with them,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “And in the last couple of weeks Brigadier Taur Mata Ruak, the army’s commander, has met President Xanana for frank and fraternal discussions on how, and where, this country should progress. “These meetings were followed by larger gatherings involving the President, myself and all senior and middle-ranking army and police officers. The informal gathering at President Xanana’s private residence in Balibar last Thursday was a particularly moving one.” President Xanana said he hoped as many people as possible would come to the rally.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, November 8 2006
Dr Alkatiri off to Portugal for medical treatment
The former Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri flew out of Dili today for Portugal to have ongoing medical treatment for an existing complaint. He was farewelled at the airport by the President of the Parliament Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta and members of Fretilin. Dr Alkatiri’s medical treatment is necessary every six months. “I wish Dr Alkatiri a safe trip and I hope that all goes well for him and that the medical treatment is successful,” Dr Ramos-Horta said. “The Prosecutor General has approved Dr Alkatiri’s travel arrangements and I hope he returns quickly as I value his presence and counsel. He is a very experienced man with much to contribute to our country.”
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East Timor: Alkatiri's FRETILIN 'politically dishonest' - President Gusmso
Dili, Nov. 7 (Lusa) - The political standoff in East Timor between President Xanana Gusmao and former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has escalated with the head of state accusing Alkatiri's dominant FRETILIN party of political dishonesty in its analysis of the country's recent spiral of violence. Gusmao, in an opinion piece published by local newspapers in Portuguese Monday and in Tetum Tuesday, charged FRETILIN's leadership had shown a "total lack of political honesty" and had "insulted common intelligence" by suggesting the violence had been orchestrated by unnamed "internal and external actors" bent on toppling its government and constitutional order.
"I implore, pray and ask" FRETILIN to present with "the greatest detail" the alleged power-grab plan and to identify those responsible, Gusmao said in his article, promising to publish a follow-up piece. He described the official FRETILIN analysis of the crisis, issued Oct. 29, as "counter-intelligence" and "counter-information".
Alkatiri, contacted by Lusa, declined to react immediately, saying he was awaiting the promised second article and consultations with his party's No. 2 leader, Parliament Speaker Francisco Guterres, before taking a public stance. "If the shoe fits, wear it", was his only laconic comment on the president's remarks.
In a mid-crisis showdown, Gusmao forced Alkatiri to resign in June, holding him responsible for the disintegration of the security forces and of fuelling the violence by arming civilians. A UN inquiry report into the April-May rampages that killed dozens of people and displaced some 180,000 from their homes, recommended that former Alkatiri administration security officials be held "criminally accountable" for arming civilians.
The report also suggested "further investigation" into whether Alkatiri was also responsible for the weapons scheme.
With general elections expected during the first half of next year, analysts said virulent debate over the causes of the recent violence and who was responsible would likely continue to dominate the Timorese political agenda.
