East Timor Legal Information Site

CRISIS 2006 STATEMENTS OCTOBER 2006

Interview with Mari Alkatiri - Secretary General of Fretlin - 31st October, 2006 

Good afternoon Dr. Alkatiri, thank you for agreeing to meet with me. First can I say how sorry I was that you were forced into resignation.

Thank you.

Q. I wonder do you think the constitution has been damaged irreparably by the forced resignation?

A. I have no doubt that it was not constitutional, fully aware that all accusations against me were false, to force the government to step down to force a government of national unity, I felt it was better to resign. I felt that we would experience bloodshed. I thought it would have a deeper crisis. I could not govern if there was bloodshed, if many people were killed.

It was a very bad precedent.

It now depends on the leadership to recognise their mistakes, including me. I was the biggest victim of the situation. It was a coup for no reason.

It is now a crisis of civil leadership, of state authority.

Q. I guess you are saying that you thought there could be a civil war?

A. Yes - I resigned to avoid a vacuum.

The criminal actions around the city now are not political. Now they are taking the time to spread crime. The same happened in 2000 and 2001, and again in 2002 and 2003, but we managed to control the situation.

The international force don't know the people they don't know who they are, where they are from.

Q. Do you think the international force have stabilised the situation at all?

A. They are not making a big difference, you might feel saver if the force is present, but they don't know the people, in thinking we are

all equal but in reality not quite.

Q. I have read the UN report, to me it seems a rather inaccurate history of events and does not go into a analysis of the politics behind the crisis. On the factual side it does not mention that the petitioners and their supporters rampaged all over Dili on the 28th April, 2006, it says they went to Tasi Tolo and Comoro. I know they went elsewhere I was living in Cai Coli, my adopted sons house was attacked and we ran from machete wielding thugs. Nor does the report mention that 2,000 people from all over Dili, including myself, took shelter in the F-FDTL PM camp in Cai Coli for several days. Do you agree the report falls short of a political and factual analysis?

A. They say it is not a UN report but an Independent Report. This means something, they defend the name. It is incomplete at least, not impartial. A lot of facts were ignored facts that were relevant to the whole crisis, made their own assessment of the facts ignoring the reality.

I was expecting a much better report. It is not objective.

It gives a background of the time during the resistance, ignores effects and situation, a lot of facts were ignored.

They talked of meetings in my place. No mention of meetings that Xanana and Ramos-Horta had with Railos and Alfredo . Why did they

ignore meetings that took place in Xanana's home?

As a government we consider the recommendations are impotent. Legal action recommended against F-FDTL, no legal action recommended against the police. No evidence against myself.

It is a political move to keep me in limbo. The whole process is political, they try to use justice for political purposes.

Yes, you are right the petitioners rampaged all over Diil on the 28th April, they did not just run to Tasi Tolo. They burnt many homes in

Taibessi, as you say attacked Cai Coli, and many other places.

Q. The report only says Xanana 'was divisive' when he re-defined Loro Sae/Loro Monu. Do you think this re-defination contributed rather

more to the crisis than the report implies?

A. This in reality was the main problem. What is his responsibility.

I want my name cleared people are aware that there is no evidence, but we need a decision.

Q. I have been told that during the occupation the name Timor Leste was Timor Loro Sae, is that true?

A. The name of this country was Timor Leste before 1980. It was changed to Timor Loro Sae in 1980 till 1999. The name was changed

to please the technocrats. I argued against the change, Loro Sae means 'rising sun', the name of the country since 1975 was Timor

Leste till 1980. The name change was the choice of CNRT - The Timorese Council, Xanana changed the name to suit the technocrats.

Q. I have read the Fretilin analysis of the Independent Report. It hints at various bodies and people being instrumental in the crisis but stops short of giving names. Is this because the situation could be made worse if people and organisations were named?

Yes, not to give names in case it made the situation worse. Our purpose is to restore stability not create new problems, that is why we avoid the names.

Q. The Fretilin analysis also speaks of counter intelligence. Can you explain more on this?

A. There was a lot of foreign interference, trying to push the people into action against the government. We had to expel Julian King from the country because of his frequent interference against the government. F-FDTL and the police were also approached.

Q. Timorese friends and myself are interested to know whether militant Fretilin have formed any campaign plans for the election in May 2007.

A. Yes, a National Commission dealing with different issues, marketing information for part of the national campaign. We have started work in the districts at suco level. We have started again work in western parts of the country, in Ermere, Aileu, and even Oecusse.

I believe that this crisis instead of damaging Fretilins popularity has done the opposite, we are getting more and more support from the people.

Q. Do you think the election will definitely take place in 2007?

A. Yes, the election will take place in 2007. It must take place.

Q. It is not just gang fighting that is going on now, as you said before some are taking this chance to increase crime. Some areas of

Dili are practically no go areas, for example the far end of the beach road near the American Embassy. Women are being sexually

harassed and mugging is on the increase. Do you think human rights and what constitutes a crime should be taught to the young?

A. We must deal better with organising the village authority and to have police around. Have police again in the Bairos. The Communities must be strengthened.

Q. Why was Ramos-Horta, an independent, selected to be caretaker Prime Minister?

A. Ramos- Horta was the only choice that would appease Xanana. Maybe it is a good way for the people to know Ramos-Horta. Perhaps he is best at lobbying the public and internationals. He was a co-founder of the Fretilin Party but left in 1981 or 1982, I think 1982, when Xanana decided to destabilise the party and establish a Marxist/Lennon movement.

Q. Do you thing there is a split in the Fretilin Party, I have heard a 'Fretilin Modern Party' is being formed.

A. There is no 'Fretilin Modern Party'. Small groups looking for positions, Vitor da Costa and Jose Gutteres are always looking for positions they don't get. They are now approaching the leadership for dialogue,

What some people are looking for is a weak leadership in Fretilin, starting with the Prime Minister. I am left, I am not even left centre, but although I am left I tried to create a strong economy.

There are some problems because many, including some NGO's do not know what is the meaning of Civil Society.

Q. I have heard that you would not like to take up the position of Prime Minister again?

A. Yes, that is correct.

Q. Lastly can I ask what your personal plans are?

A. I will work almost full time for the party. I will continue to be Secretary General until 2011. Perhaps I will return to the University and lecture again, maybe on election law. I will write some book on experiences of 4 years governing this country. I think I have learned.

I am not moved to be Prime Minister, but will keep assisting the government where I can.

Thank you very much you for your time.

No, thank you for coming.

Interview conducted by Lidia Catherine Tindle - Tyneside East Timor Solidarity.

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29 October 2006 TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER THE HON JOHN HOWARD MP

DOORSTOP INTERVIEW CANBERRA

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, East Timor is back on the radar again because of this latest outburst of violence. Do you have anything you can say on that and is Australia likely to respond in any particular way?

PRIME MINISTER: No, I have every confidence in the Australian military forces and the police and I have no doubt that they and their presence is very warmly supported by the local community.

JOURNALIST: But concerns though that they, I mean they did apparently attack the Australian compound, the residential compound, and the…

PRIME MINISTER: Well Geof, our troops wouldn’t be there if there weren’t some people that needed, in an appropriate way, to be dealt with. And what this underlines is the importance of our forces staying there until their job is finished. It’s always a good principle.

JOURNALIST: What do you make of the newspaper headlines in Timor suggesting Australian troops may have been involved in violence? What do you make of…

PRIME MINISTER: Well I do not accept that.

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Department of Defence Media Mail List CPA 282/06 29 October 2006

TIMOR-LESTE ALLEGATIONS

The Australian-led Joint Task Force (JTF) is completely neutral and highly professional in the way it operates in Timor-Leste. Extreme care is taken to avoid any perceived bias while maintaining security in this complex environment.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston rejected the speculation in the media stating "I refute entirely any allegation that our people were involved in any way in the deaths of two Timorese nationals on Friday".

Rumours and speculation about the JTF bias are wrong and mistakenly discredit the reputation of the Australian forces and the neutral,

professional support which they provide.

The JTF deployed at the request of the Timorese Government back in May and remains there at their request.

The JTF is working tirelessly to support the East Timorese people in returning peace and stability to Timor-Leste.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO 27 October 2006 For immediate release

Statement issued by Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta

“Achieving lasting peace and security for us Timorese is the only thing that matters to us all – the President, the National Parliament, the Government and our people. It is something that unfortunately has consumed all of us in recent months. Our search for the optimal solution goes on tirelessly each day.

It was with this in mind that the National Parliament of Timor-Leste yesterday debated, and adopted a resolution “About the System of

Security in Timor-Leste”. I welcome this contribution of that august body. The Parliament expressed its preference for a UN peace keeping force which had been the position of the Government. However it is also prepared to consider military arrangements under bilateral and trilateral agreements.

My Government’s decision to request Australia and New Zealand to maintain their contingents in Timor-Leste as green helmets, is based on the realities of the arrangement having worked to date, and the additional troops available for deployment, and the fact that the Government is negotiating a trilateral arrangement with the UN and Australia, that will include all the necessary details of engagement to clarify the role, the expectations and the responsibilities. This would affect the unified and coordinated command that the National Parliament appears to be seeking.

I communicated this decision to the UN in a letter dated last October 18, to the Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The decision evolved after consultations with President Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Parliament Lu-Olo, my Cabinet, other political actors including Dr Mari Alkatiri, the Secretary-General of the majority party Fretilin, and the Supreme Council for Defence and Security.

We took that decision because we believed it is in the best interests of our Nation to maintain the status quo, as both forces have been here for a period of time and are now familiar with Timor-Leste and its people.

The Resolution voted for by the National Parliament believes that security would be better if the troops were under a unified command.

It is a fact that the arrangements we proposed to UN Secretary General provide us with more troops than would be available under a peace-keeping mission. Under the UN military proposal we would only have about 350 troops, half of which would correctly be assigned to protect the UN staff and assets. The other half, 170 or so, would be deployed to secure the rest of the country as opposed to 1000 Australian and 110 New Zealand troops already here. This number will remain until at least December, and beyond if we require them. The minimum number we will have is a battalion strength of approximately 650.

Having had discussions with the acting SRSG, Finn Rieske-Nielsen, acting UNPOL Commissioner Antero Lopes and the command of the international forces – Brig Gen Slater and Brig Rerden, I am absolutely confident that they can and will work in total coordination. I hope this allays any concerns the National Parliament may have when it passed the resolution.

We were also mindful that the United Nations is very stretched in these current times. When we have regional neighbours who, with the imprimatur of the Security Council, are able to provide the security we require to assist us in our efforts in nation building, it is both logical and necessary to accept our neighbours’ generosity. We are also in discussion with some other countries who have indicated their willingness to also deploy some troops to serve in Timor-Leste.” – ends.

For further information please contact: Chris Santos Mob: +670 7297099 or Janelle Saffin Mob: +670 7246993

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE FINAL VERSION Dili, October 27 2006

The Timor-Leste Government has today reaffirmed its total support for the work being done by Australian and New Zealand troops in helping to restore law and order in the country.

First Deputy Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva said the Government deeply appreciated the efforts the Joint Task Force was making to

help bring peace and security to the community.

"These soldiers are completely neutral and are conducting themselves professionally under very difficult circumstances," Mr da Silva said.

"It is important to remember they were invited here by the President of the Republic Xanana Gusmao; the President of the Parliament of

East Timor Mr. Francisco Guterres "Lu-Olo"; and the Prime Minister of the I Constitutional Government of Timor Leste Dr Mari Alkatiri. All three pillars of State invited these soldiers to Timor-Leste.

"The Security Council of the United Nations passed a resolution setting up the new UNMIT Mission to Timor-Leste and this includes UNPOL and JTF631. They work cooperatively side-by-side and command each other's respect."

There are 1000 Australians and 110 New Zealanders in Joint Task Force 631 (JTF631).

This is the final version of the Media Release concerning the Timor-Leste Government's support for Australian and  NZ troops. Please disregard the earlier version. Julian Swinstead. Media/Communications Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr Jose Ramos-Horta

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, October 27 2006

Timor-Leste Government reaffirms full support for Australian and NZ troops

The Timor-Leste Government has today reaffirmed its total support for the work being done by Australian and New Zealand troops in helping to restore law and order in the country.

First Deputy Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva said the Government deeply appreciated the efforts the Joint Task Force was making to help bring peace and security to the community.

"These soldiers are completely neutral and are conducting themselves professionally under very difficult circumstances," Mr da Silva said. "It is important to remember they were invited here by the President of the Republic Xanana Gusmao; the President of the Parliament Mr Jose Luis Guterres; and the Prime Minister of the first constitutional Government of Timor Leste Mr Mari Alkatiri. All three pillars of State invited these soldiers to Timor-Leste.

"The Security Council of the United Nations passed a resolution setting up the new UNMIT Mission to Timor-Leste and this includes UNPOL and JTF631. They work cooperatively side-by-side and command each other's respect."

There are 1000 Australians and 110 New Zealanders in Joint Task Force 631 (JTF631).

For further information please contact: Joel Maria Pereira Information Officer Gabinete Primeiru Ministru Email: riko_joel@yahoo.com  Telephone: +670 7254740 Ivana Belo Information Officer Gabinete Primeiru Ministru Email: unugina2004@yahoo.com Telephone: +670 724 3559. Julian Swinstead Communications/Media Advisor Office of the Prime Minister Email: jswinstead@hotmail.com Telephone: +670 732 7776.

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REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE GABINETE DO PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO

25 October 2006 Statement issued by Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta

The incidents in Dili in the last 24 hours have caused me great concern, disappointment and sadness, and heartache. Concern because the ramifications that the temporary closure - hopefully less than 24 hours -of the Dili airport will have on Timor-Leste’s immediate future. Today’s temporary closure was necessary because the staff felt unsafe to travel to work. Today’s closure is ironic, as we survived the worst of the crisis without any closure, and now due to a gang of common criminals, who deliberately targeted defenceless citizens, we had to close it.

We have now made the airport precinct safe for the staff and airlines to go about their business. I want to thank UNPOL and the international forces JTF631 for their well coordinated effort to secure the airport area and restore law and order. As UNPOL, working with PNTL, deploy in the country, law and order is gradually being brought under control.

I feel disappointed and sad because once again we see our people fighting each other resulting in pointless deaths.

Heartache because of the unnecessary loss of life and to see how we ourselves are weakening the very values we showed in our struggle to be free. Despite this current setback, I have faith that normalcy will soon return, due to the courageous spirit of our people. I appeal to all sectors of our population to be mindful that peace has to be worked at and all have to maintain their commitment to it.

Timor-Leste’s Armed Forces, the F-FDTL, led by Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, demonstrated that courageous spirit, in a public statement issued today. They apologised to all Timorese for all the damage caused directly and indirectly by them during the crisis and they also offered their condolences to the families of the people who died during that time. They also stressed the need for us all to strengthen our national unity and our supreme interests as a people and a nation. In Rome, on the eve of meeting His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, I have been in constant contact with the Vice Prime Minister Eng Estanislau Silva who, with other Cabinet colleagues, has been coordinating the response to the incidents of the last 24 hours.

I have been in contact with my President H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao to review the situation and discuss a coordinated response to this new development. I also spoke with many other Timorese religious, civic and political leaders including Secretary General of Fretilin and former Prime Minister Dr. Mari Alkatiri, who indicated to me his readiness to help lessen the tension and violence. He said that he would visit the Airport IDP camp to talk to people there, to seek their cooperation. I fully support this initiative. Besides discussing many issues with His Holiness, I will brief him on the current situation in Timor-Leste and ask him to pray for our country and for our people in this hour of need.” – ENDS.

For further information please contact: Chris Santos Mob: +670 7237099 or Janelle Saffin Mob: +670 7246993

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REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE FALINTIL-FDTL

General Headquarters Office of the General Chief of State of the Armed Forces (CEMGFA)

Press conference

The position of the FALINTIL-FDTL on the Report by the UN’s Independent Investigation Commission

The conflict in our country is a political conflict which covers two important objectives:

The fall of the Government, the dissolution of the Parliament and the establishment of a government of national unity.

Until recently, acts of systematic violence occurred sporadically throughout the country, but with a greater incidence in Dili, with the objective of destabilising the government and making it unviable.The Independent Investigation Commission has published its report analysing the facts and the circumstances which became the basis for this conflict, however they failed to put it in the political context. As a way to contribute to a quick return to peace in our country, the Armed Forces declare:

A. We thank the IIC for concluding their report at this timely moment and for confirming no massacre ever took place at Rai Kotu.

B. To complement the Commission’s mission, we propose the creation of a Parliamentary Investigation Commission by the State, with the mission of determining the objectives, the strategies, and the intellectual and moral perpetrators who were behind the crisis and hold them responsible.

C. We reaffirm our position in cooperating with the East Timorese justice.

D. We present our deepest condolences to every East Timorese who became a victim of this conflict, starting with our own colleagues

within the Armed Forces, the National Police and the children of our dearest people.

E. We apologise to every East Timorese for the offences and damages caused, directly or indirectly, by us in the process of this crisis.

F. We are grateful for the confidence deposited in the Armed Forces by our people, and specially, by our political leaders in carrying out our roles during the crisis.

G. We appeal for the cooperation of all East Timorese so that we can put an end to the crisis which engulfed our country, bringing us much harm and pain, insisting in the unity of our people, to guarantee our supreme interests, as a People and a Nation.

For one People and One Nation!

Baucau, 25 October 2006

The FALINTIL-FDTL Command

The General Chief of State

Taur Matan Ruak

Brigadier General

unofficial English translation

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20 October 2006 Transcript of Press Conference with Acting SRSG

Finn Reske-Nielsen and UNMIT Acting Police Commissioner Antero Lopes

ADRIAN EDWARDS:

Good morning everyone. A very warm welcome to you. The purpose of today’s press conference is to talk about public security and what the United Nations is doing to help. I believe you know our speakers - I will introduce them again. We will start with opening remarks by Finn Reske-Nielsen who is the Acting Head of the UN Mission in Timor-Leste, and then Acting Police Commissioner Antero Lopes will speak. And then after that it will be your turn [speaking to journalists] for any questions.

FINN RESKE-NIELSEN

Thank you. Good morning everybody. In the three days since release of the report of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry Timor-Leste has been calm. Indeed very few incidents have been reported. Acting Police Commissioner Antero Lopes will speak to you in a few moments with details of developments about UNPol and public security. But before he begins I want to say a few words about the response to the report we have seen so far.

In general, and despite only a few dissenting voices, the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. I am very encouraged by and appreciative of the statement by the President, Prime Minister, and Parliamentary Speaker commending the Commission on its wisdom,

impartiality and independence. No less welcome have been remarks in the last day or two by Elizario Fereira of Fretilin, and separately by Prime Minister Horta, stressing the importance of judicial follow up on the report’s recommendations. I also thank Bishop Belo for his

warm appeal on Wednesday for peaceful acceptance.

On the report itself and the accompanying summary and question and answer paper, copies have been distributed in line with the wishes of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to all areas of the country. To those who have access to Internet the report is available to everyone on the website of the Office of the High Commissioner. I would remind everyone that the English version of the report is the original version, and as such is the version that should be referred to in the event of queries over translation.

Thank you very much. I will now ask the Police Commissioner to say a few words.

ANTERO LOPES

Thank you SRSG. Good morning ladies and gentlemen. A quick update on the security situation. As the SRSG has mentioned, the last

three days have registered the lowest recorded violence in the near past and we attribute this to the efforts of the community and the police with the support of the international forces. We are starting to do crime analysis and the statistics indicate that despite the rise of the police - we have more policemen on the streets now - the detected crime and the reported crime has decreased in some 60% in the last five days. As of today, we have 824 United Nations Police. Last week when we spoke there were 648, you can correct me if I am wrong. And within one week time, so by the end of the month, we should have 923.

With those numbers we are activating 24-hour duty stations throughout Dili. As you know we already opened Becora and Caicoli. And Comoro is being activated as well. Those stations will cover all those wide areas where additional sub-stations or posts will also be opened starting on Monday. So, we will open from Monday, onwards, permanent Police presence also in Hera, Bidau – more precisely - Akadiruhun, and UNDIL [University of Dili]. These priorities have been established jointly with the Timorese government and the Timorese civil society and it is expected that they will have a positive impact to facilitate the voluntary resettlement of IDPs.

In addition to the opening of stations, we will have dedicated monitoring programmes to follow up the future resettlement of IDPs. That will be done with the assistance of our community policing patrols; that will be done with assistance of dedicated teams of investigators,

and that will be done with a closer cooperation between the United Nations Police and the Heads of Suco, Heads of sub-districts and Heads of Aldeia and the neighbourhood authorities.

Good news also on the PNTL screening programme. With increased resources, you will hear higher numbers in the future, but so far we can confirm that 75 PNTL are already embedded either in operations with UNPol or - a group of 25 is still finishing their intensive course -

and next week another batch of 25 will start. So, by the end of this month we will have in Dili, 100 PNTL officers working in co-location

with United Nations Police. So by the end of this month, UNPol and PNTL together will be more than 1,000. That is indeed a milestone, and by early November we will be in a condition to start expanding to the other districts in Timor-Leste.

All the UNPol officers arriving from the police contributing countries are subject to an induction programme. And we have the help of other colleagues within UNMIT and the Timorese society to come and talk to the UNPol about the applicable law, about human rights, but also about the strict code of conduct of the United Nations Police. We are activating an office that will be dealing with professional standards, ethics and discipline for the UNPol but the same roles will be applicable to the PNTL. And soon we will announce independent mechanisms that can be used by the population to report any alleged misconduct by either UNPol or PNTL. It is very important that the population can trust all the policemen – internationals and nationals – who are working together to protect their freedom and their rights. So, we will be very strict with conduct and we hope that it will help restore the confidence and the public authority on the police.

Thank you.

ADRIAN EDWARDS: Thank you. The usual ground rules for questions: one question at a time each, and please do identify your name and news organisation and let us know who you would like to ask a question to.

QUESTION: I am Tito from Radio Timor-Leste. As you said that by the end of this month we will have here 100 PNTL officers, so could you please explain the role of the PNTL while they are working with the UN Police?

ANTERO LOPES: Thank you. They will be subject to the same rules of engagement as the United Nations Police according to the applicable law in Timor-Leste. We will soon sign an agreement with the Government of Timor-Leste that will regulate details of this relationship between PNTL and UNPol.

QUESTION: I am Trante from Suara Timor Lorosae. I would like to ask about the guns that are in the hands of PNTL and why you have not collected them?

FINN RESKE-NIELSEN: Let me first state that it was reported at last week’s press conference, held jointly with the International Military Forces, that 96% of the weapons that had been distributed have now been collected and accounted for. That means that there are only 4% left. But I will ask Police Commissioner to update you on the remaining 4%.

ANTERO LOPES: Thank you. We do corroborate what was said by the International Military Forces last week as well. They have done a very good job and intensive work with the communities and the authorities of Timor-Leste to recover the majority of the weapons. The weapons that are still in the possession of PNTL, most of them are due to be with the PNTL who are providing for security for the populations in all the other districts; so we are not counting those numbers in these weapons – the missing numbers – but we have spoken with the Minister of Interior. He has called all the PNTL Commanders and they are talking also with the communities in case some of those weapons would have gone to members of the communities who are not PNTL. We are tracing those weapons. The assurances we have so far is that there are people who are willing to hand over those weapons to the international forces or to the United Nations Police or to the Timorese authorities. We do believe that very soon we will account for those missing weapons which are mostly pistols, and it is believed they are in possession of people for self-protection.

QUESTION: I am Gido from Associated Press. Although you said that the incidents have been reduced, but some small community which is mainly Muslim – they are inside the mosque – every night they say that youth, drunken youth, go there and threaten them and even hurt them. So, what UNPol and PNTL that are working there, what have you done to protect them? Second question: Major Alfredo is still on the run and they say that some eight or ten URP members are involved. So what have you done in regards to this matter?

ANTERO LOPES: Thank you. On the protection of the Muslim community, it is part of one of the programmes and with the activation of some posts closer to where these communities live; we do believe that the daily contacts will be intensified. We have sent patrols to the location; we have so far intensified the mobile patrolling especially around the mosque and we do know that some of these harassment or intimidation activities still go on especially at the end of the day when it is believed that youth groups under the influence of alcohol perpetrate those acts. So we do believe that the efforts will be intensified, more and more, and we will consider for vulnerable niches of the communities that we will need to have a more dedicated approach and permanent presence and definitely that is one the cases that would benefit from such programmes. The police and the International Military Forces continue to conduct operations envisaging the capture and safe return of the escapees, amongst them is of course Senhor Alfredo and we have a presence on the police side, mostly focused in Dili, where as the military are following up the situation in the other districts. We do not have any information that Senhor Alfredo and the other escapes that you may have alluded to are in Dili. However, we are working closely with the military and exchanging information to locate those elements. We cannot confirm who may be in that group. You have made reference to former URP elements; you may know more than we do. I am not in a condition to confirm that they are indeed with that group.

QUESTION: I am from STL and I just want to ask a question about the weapons that have not been recovered. Regarding the guns that are in the civilians’ hands, yes, I am aware that some have been recovered, but in the district of Ermera, some still report that some guns… [inaudible] Have you identified who has got those guns?

ANTERO LOPES: At this stage of the investigations, we would refrain from announcing details as it could jeopardise the process of recovery of those weapons. We do strongly encourage the communities to report any such situations where they know that some individuals may have weapons - so we are talking about illegal possession of weapons - and we do have a police hotline number that we would like to remind you of – it is 723 0365; I repeat 723 0365. It is very important that the communities report such situations so that we can take immediate action and investigate the case and recover the weapons.

[So do you know more or less the number of weapons that were distributed to the civilians?]

We know that there are some 200-ish weapons that belong to PNTL that are unaccounted for, most of them are pistols, and we are tracing them. And we have information about some of them already and very soon we will start to recover them.

FINN RESKE-NIELSEN: Can I just add to that? Well, over 3,000 weapons have been collected already including the vast majority of the long-barrel weapons.

QUESTION: During the crises, do you know how many PNTL guns were distributed to civilians?

ANTERO LOPES:UNPol itself has not conducted such investigations, so we cannot confirm at this stage any of such numbers, but the PNTL weapons that have been distributed about 200 have not been recovered yet and we are tracing it. That we can confirm.

QUESTION: Yesterday an incident happened in the St. Jose school, some groups are using … with Rama Ambon and they aim to some students in St. Jose school. So what kind of measures have taken in this regard? Second question: when will you complete the number of UNPol in Timor?

ANTERO LOPES: On the last one, which is the easiest to answer, the numbers will be completed by January 2007, but I would like to tell you that the deployments that will occur in December and January are mostly of UNPol officers that will be deployed to the sub-districts to help the electoral security process. So, all the other programmes will be attended by UNPol officers who will be deployed until the end of November. So, within the next six weeks, I think that the substantive part, except some electoral security elements will be throughout Timor-Leste.

On the schools, we have been talking within the international community with colleagues from agencies and programmes including the UNICEF to have special attention to the youth and the students at various levels. We cannot say at this stage that we are doing much operationally about it other than reinforcing the patrols around the schools, but very soon we hope that we can establish those teams that will be working under a programme called Eskola Segura – Safe School – and they will conduct visit programmes to the schools without establishing police posts there of course. And there is also, as part of this programme, a series of activities which include seminars and lectures and there has been a programme with ten lessons – if we want to say – to encourage the youth, students and non-students to help the police fight violence.

QUESTION: What means have you used to identify those illegal groups; they use cars.

ANTERO LOPES: The traffic control is very important in public security, and we started actually on the first day of the Mission by launching a programme which aims at educating drivers on how to drive safely and people have noticed that in comparison to other countries in the region, people are driving more carefully and slowly; and we will be soon in a phase where we have to start more aggressively with the enforcement measures; and we are also going to increase the check points and random traffic operations where we will stop the drivers and we believe that some of those vehicles may be apprehended in those operations. I can remind you for instance that as of today 23 vehicles belonging to the government that had been deviated have already been recovered through those operations and of course indications to such incidents will be continued.

QUESTION: It is alleged that there have been threats in Leorema, in Maubara sub-district and I just want to ask if UNPol have received those complaints and if you have conducted anything in this regard?

ANTERO LOPES: Yes, we did receive the complaints; we did receive the letter from the district administrator and the sub-administrator with his version of the facts and we are investigating the case and its quite a number of people that will need to be interviewed and investigated and we will be ready to take action in the course of the investigations.

QUESTION: I want to ask Mr Finn about the judicial system in Timor, which has stated in the report that is weak, so do you have anything to say anything about that, because even in the judicial system at the moment you have international staff integrated in it?

FINN RESKE-NIELSEN: As you would have noted in the report of the Special Commission of Inquiry, they do conclude that the judicial system of this country is weak and most of the judges, prosecutors, and public defenders are in fact internationals, and that is likely to continue for some time to come. The system remains weak also in the sense that there are not enough legal personnel to deal with all

the cases. The plans that were drawn up late last year did not and could not take into account the increased pressure that would be on the legal system as a result of the events since the beginning of the year. The report of course recommends prosecution of a significant number of individuals, and if that is indeed that those recommendations are followed then that would put even more pressure on the legal system. And there is therefore a need to further strengthen the system unless you would have noticed that the report recommends that international judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers be appointed.

QUESTION: Yesterday Mr. Alfredo said that the UN Report is a joke. It means that he does not want to come down to [be captured], so what is the UN doing [to bring him down]?

ANTERO LOPES: From a law enforcement perspective, I need to emphasise that we treat everyone equally; everybody is equal before the law and we do respect the human rights of everybody. But we also need to enforce the law, and we continue our operations to recover the escapees and of course we detected that by now if people were very willing to return voluntarily they would have sent signals. And we will be ready as we expand to the districts in conjunction with international forces to explore both ways: the voluntary return of the escapees, or the forceful return of the escapees. We do have the means and we are ready to conduct both kinds of operations. It’s on-going.

ADRIAN EDWARDS: Thank you very much everyone. One last point I would like to mention is that any journalist interested in accompanying the UN police on patrol, in seeing police activities, please be in contact with us and we will try and facilitate that. Thank you for coming along.

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Transcript of Media Teleconference with Commission of Inquiry member Ralph Zacklin

UNMIT Conference Room, Dili, Timor-Leste

Report of the independent special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste  18th October 2006

Adrian Edwards:

If you can hear us okay, I will hand it over to my colleague Abe who is translating and will ask the questions on behalf of the Timorese journalists.

Question:

This is from Timor Post, one of the dailies in Timor-Leste.  In the report the Commission presented some recommendations that need to be considered seriously, including the recommendation that those who are responsible for the crimes should be prosecuted.  If the recommendations are not implemented by the Timor-Leste State, will the Commission take some actions to assist Timor-Leste in solving this matter? 

Ralph Zakrin:

The Commission itself has finished its work and has, in presenting its report, complied with [its mandate].  So, it is not for the Commission to take any further action, unless of course there is a new request from the government to the United Nations.  The Commission obviously gave some thought to the difficulties that might arise in implementation of its recommendations for prosecution.  This is the reason why one of the recommendations is that in the annual report that is presented to Parliament by the Office of the Prosecutor, that report should indicate what problems may have arisen in regard to the prosecution.  The purpose of that recommendation precisely was to enable the international community and the United Nations to monitor the implementation of the recommendations that have been made regarding prosecution. 

Question:

The next question is from STL.  Does the Commission believe that Timor-Leste as a whole, will implement the recommendations of the Commission?

Ralph Zakrin: The Commission believes that since the Commission was requested by the government of Timor-Leste and, since the government and all of its institutions cooperated fully with the Commission, the Commission believes that there is no reason to doubt that the government has the intention of taking the report seriously and taking the recommendations in a serious way.  In that sense, I can say that the initial reactions to the report that I have been able to see on the part of the government are very positive.  And, I have seen the statement that was issued by the President and by the Prime Minister in which they described the report as a very valuable document and they have praised the objectivity of the report.  So I have to say that I believe that the President, the Prime Minister, clearly are going to consider the recommendations in a very serious way.  

Question: The third question comes from TVTL, the television station in Dili, the capital.  Why didn’t the Commission provide the recommendations for the former Prime Minister to be held accountable at the court for his actions?

Ralph Zakrin: As far as the former Prime Minister is concerned, if you read the report carefully in this respect – and I recommend that those who have access to the report should do so very carefully – you will see that in so far as the former Prime Minister is concerned, the Commission has said that in relation to the distribution of PNTL weapons to civilians, although we were not able to find conclusive evidence, the fact is that there was sufficient evidence before the Commission that it was satisfied that there was a reasonable suspicion that the former Prime Minister had at least some knowledge of the distribution of these weapons to civilians.  And although we have not recommended that he be prosecuted, the Commission finds that this should be the subject of further investigation in order to determine whether the former Prime Minister had committed a criminal act or not. 

Question: According to the report, the President should have “restrained himself.”  However, it says here that it is not necessary for him to be prosecuted.  It also said that he, the President, should have followed the institutional channels in his communication.  Based on this assessment, will he be prosecuted?  This is from Radio Timor-Leste.

Ralph Zakrin: There is no suggestion in the report that the President should be prosecuted for any act.  What the Commission looked at very carefully was the contacts that had taken place between the President and Major Reinado, after Major Reinado had defected from the F-FDTL.  And the question that the Commission was investigating was whether in these contacts the President might have in some way encouraged Major Reinado to commit unlawful acts.  But what we discovered in our investigation was that the contacts by the President with Major Reinado were an attempt on the part of the President to contain him and to control him, and that there was no evidence before the Commission that the President had given any instructions to Major Reinado that resulted in his carrying out unlawful acts. 

Question: This is another question from Radio Timor-Leste.  I have read some of the recommendations of the report, but the recommendations did not mention any other [foreign elements] or any other [foreign] parties involved in the crises.  Could you comment on that? 

Ralph Zakrin: Yes.  I am not quite sure what is meant by “any foreign element in the crises” but the mandate of the Commission, as you know, was to establish the facts and the circumstances of these events – which we did – after interviewing more than 200 witnesses and reviewing several thousand documents.  And we established the facts, I believe, as objectively as possible.  These facts have then led us to assess the individual and institutional responsibilities and make some suggestions about accountability.  So, whatever you see in the report is what the Commission found, and if you find no reference or suggestion of a foreign element then that is because there was no suggestion or there was no foreign element that came to the Commission’s attention. 

Question:

Again, from Radio Timor-Leste.  I am not quite sure about yesterday’s distribution of the report, or the handing over of the report to the National Parliament.  Could you elaborate on this, the way the report should be handed over?

Adrian Edwards: Ralph,just before you answer that, we can also elaborate on that here afterwards, but over to you first.

Ralph Zakrin:

All I can say about this is that under the terms of reference, the report was to be delivered to the Secretary-General and to the National Parliament, and to the best of my knowledge this is what has happened, and I know that there was some other distribution – it was translated in different languages - but the Commission itself is not responsible for the distribution of the report, other than to make sure that it did go to the National Parliament as was requested.  And the only other intervention of the Commission in this respect was that we had suggested very strongly that the report should be translated into Tetum. 

Adrian Edwards: Just to tell colleagues that as you know the report was delivered to the Parliament yesterday afternoon.  As you know, the report is also being delivered to senior leaders here.  It was the intention of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that the report be widely distributed in Timor; we are now facilitating that with your help.  It has gone to all the newsrooms.  It has gone out to the districts.  We are attempting to get it out as widely as possible.  It is also available on the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Question: This is from Timor Post.  You mentioned that there will be some difficulties facing the judicial sector in Timor-Leste.  Could you perhaps mention some of these difficulties in dealing with these cases in Timor-Leste? 

Ralph Zakrin: Certainly.  I think it is widely known that the judicial sector in Timor-Leste is very fragile and weak because of a lack of trained personnel and the lack of resources.  This is widely known and the Commission in the course of its work looked very closely into the functioning of the judiciary in Timor-Leste and that is why we have made a number of recommendations which we believe would strengthen the judiciary and enable it to deal with the types of cases that we have recommended for prosecution.  The main difficulty that we perceived in Timor while doing our work was that there was a question mark over the independence of the judiciary in Timor-Leste. And we had pointed it out in our report that we believe that this can be overcome through the assistance of international judges and prosecutors and through the mentoring of local judges and prosecutors. 

Question: This question is from the STL. Regarding the responsibility of the former Prime Minister in relation to the 28–29 April incident, why is it that there is no recommendation from the Commission for former Prime Minister Alkatiri to be held accountable in relation to the 28-29 April incidents?  Can you elaborate on that?

Ralph Zakrin: You are saying the 28-29 April; I assume you are talking about the calling out of the F-FDTL [yes] to quell the disturbances that were taking place.  The Commission in fact does address this question, but this is a question of institutional responsibility, not of individual criminal responsibility, and we have in our report analysed what we believe to be the failure of the institutions concerned to follow the proper legal framework – the proper constitutional framework – in regard to the question of calling out the military to engage in police functions, and we have made a quite - I think - clear comment about this.  But this is an institutional failing and it is not one which gives rise to any individual criminal responsibility.  There was in the Commission’s view a failure on the part of the government at the time to follow the proper constitutional law requirements with regard to consultation on the calling out of the F-FDTL. 

Question: Did the Commission find any involvement of opposition parties in the crises?

Ralph Zakrin: We did not find any involvement of opposition parties.  No. 

Question: While doing your work here in Timor-Leste, doing your investigations, the main challenge that you found Timor-Leste facing is the independence of the [justice] sector here.  Since some of the top leaders in this country will be the subject of investigations, do you believe that – once again this raises some doubts – that our tribunal or our court will be able to deal with this matter? 

Ralph Zakrin: I think I have answered the question already.  I think in the Commission’s view, the judicial sector in Timor-Leste is weak; it is fragile; it needs assistance.  There is evidence of political interference.  But this is one of the many institutional problems that have to be dealt with in Timor and the Commission, I think, believes that given the necessary assistance it is possible for Timor-Leste to develop a judicial sector which will be independent of the political organs and which will be able to carry out its judicial functions in a free and fair manner. 

Adrian Edwards: Ralph, thank you very much.  I am looking around the room there does not seem to be any more questions.  Thank you for giving your evening to this. I think everyone is very grateful.  

Ralph Zakrin: Thank you very much and my best regards to everybody in Dili.  I am glad that we were able to have this teleconference.

Adrian Edwards: Thank you.

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MEDIA RELEASE Dili, October 18  2006

Brigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak believes commission report ‘fair and balanced

STATEMENT ISSUED BY PRIME MINISTER DR JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA:

“As Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and as an individual, I share withPresident Xanana Gusmáo and with the President of the National ParliamentFrancisco Guterres ‘Lu-Olo’ the same views expressed in our jointstatement, and I quote:

The impartial and independent manner in which the commission undertookits work, in accordance with international standards, is commended. Thewise manner in which the commission guided itself in their analyses byadopting the standard of ‘reasonable suspect’ is singled out. Thisimplies that our courts will have to take on the responsibility toundertake further investigations and also the responsibility toprosecute.

We call upon the entire civil society and the professionals of the mediato adopt a positive behavior by also committing themselves to assiststabilizing the already difficult situation, particularly in the capitalof the city.

We call upon all groups that continue to be involved in violence to putan end to such violent actions. We cannot live eternally under thisclimate of continued disrespect for the lives and goods of theothers.

“We must leave it to the judicial system to take the steps that they deemnecessary in regard to the recommendations of the commission of inquiry. “I have spoken with the Chief of the Armed Forces of Timor-LesteBrigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak and I am reiterating my full confidencein him and in his leadership. Throughout the crisis the senior command ofF-FDTL showed zeal and discipline.

“It was known to all that the leadership of F-FDTL were not engaged inany cover up of allegations that weapons were distributed by F-FDTLleadership to former combatants. “When the leadership of F-FDTL received orders to disarm all the formercombatants who had received weapons, they did so promptly.

“An international commission of verification comprising elements fromAustralia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, the UK and US took part inthe verification of the F-FDTL armory and verified that all weapons wereaccounted for and were safely locked in the F-FDTL armory. “On the alleged massacre reportedly perpetrated by elements of F-FDTL,the commission found it to be baseless, and it confirms my personal belief based on my own numerous conversations with the so-called Petitioners and others that such massacre never took place.

“Hence, one of the main reasons for the resentment and distrust of F-FDTLhas now been removed. And I believe this will help restore F-FDTLprestige and credibility in the eyes of our people. “As Minister for Defence I am pleased to say that having spoken withGeneral Taur Matan Ruak he has also expressed his acceptance of thereport, which he regards as very fair and balanced.

“F-FDTL soldiers are now studying the report, in groups, and the orderfrom their leadership is that that they should analyze the report withserenity, with courage and humility, draw lessons from our mistakes soour defence force can recover its past glory and prestige.”

For further information please contact: Joel Maria Pereira Information Officer Gabinete Primeiru Ministru Email: riko_joel@yahoo.com Telephone: +670 7254740 Ivana Belo Information Officer Gabinete Primeiru Ministru Email:unugina2004@yahoo.com Telephone: +670 724 3559. Julian Swinstead Communications/Media Advisor Office of the Prime Minister Email:jswinstead@hotmail.com Telephone: +670 732 7776.

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Presidência da República Gabinete do Presidente

Message to the Nation On the Report of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry

Delivered by H.E. the President of the Republic Also on behalf of H.E. the Speaker of the National Parliament and

H.E. the Prime Minister

Palácio das Cinzas, 17 October 2006

The acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General has officially delivered today the Report of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry established by the United Nations with respect to the events of 28 April-25 May 2006 to the National Parliament with copies to the other three Organs of Sovereignty of the State of Timor-Leste.

Today also, at 16.00 hours Timor-Leste local time, UNMIT made the same document available, which has been translated into Portuguese, Tetum, and Indonesian, to the Timorese public at the same time when, being 09.00 hours in Geneva, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is making the same document available to the international community. The document has been translated into Portuguese, Tetum and Indonesian.

As everyone has already understood or may understand, the Commission did not have a mandate of criminal investigation. Rather, its mission was to establish the facts that occurred and the manner in which they have occurred. The impartial and independent manner in which the Commission undertook its work, in accordance with international standards, is commended. The wise manner in which the Commission guided itself in their analyses by adopting the standard of “reasonable suspect” is singled out. This implies that our Courts will have to take on the responsibility to undertake further investigations and also the responsibility to prosecute.

Thus, one must say that, having an objective knowledge of the reality, the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry has prepared a list of recommendations which we think to be very relevant.

The National Parliament must take the necessary political and legislative steps to deal with all the issues raised by the Commission within the appropriate legal framework.

The Government should immediately consider the recommendations concerning the victims, as well as other recommendations relevant to the executive power and the Prime Minister must urgently call a meeting of the Council of Ministers to decide on these matters.

The President of the Republic as well as the legislative and the executive organs reaffirm their respect for the independence and integrity of the judicial power and undertake to extend their total collaboration to ensure the smooth accomplishment of their responsibilities.

We would like to remind everyone that Timor-Leste is a fledging democracy and, for this very reason, it is still very fragile, and we all have to work hard so that the population can have confidence in the democratic State based on the rule of law.

In this connection, the first appeal we are launching is directed to the Political Parties not to take advantage of the substance of the Report of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for their own benefit. We call upon a greater maturity and reasoning insofar as the current problems are concerned, with the firm objective of calming the animosities of the people, because Timor-Leste needs to make a reflection and all those who are responsible in one way or the other for the destiny of this country must place the interest of the people above all other interest.

As the Office Holders of the Organs of Sovereignty we give the undertaking that we shall refrain from making public statements conducive to minimizing the conscience and the prestige of the citizens and the image of other institutions, particularly the political parties.

We call upon the entire civil society and the professionals of the media to adopt a positive behaviour by also committing themselves to assist stabilizing the already difficult situation, particularly in the capital of the country.

We call upon all groups that continue to be involved in violence to put an end to such violent actions. We cannot live eternally under this climate of continued disrespect for the lives and goods of the others. It is time to stop and reflect on what is good for all the Timorese and on what is not good for anybody!

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Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente (FRETILIN)

Assessing the ICG report No 120: “Resolving Timor-Leste's Crisis”, Oct 10, 2006

This report is wildly biased in its approach to Timor-Leste politics, and builds its basic case on crucial points by using either unnamed sources or highly partisan sources.

The bias is clear in its conclusion, on page 20, when it quotes only the critics of FRETILIN as described in the UN Secretary-General's report to the Security Council on August 8, 2006. So the report concludes that “One of the most important steps to ending the crisis is thus one that outside actors have least influence over: reform within FRETILIN”. Yet there is no evidence that FRETILIN used its parliamentary majority to crush opposition, as for example, the Howard government has done with its recent Senate majority in Australia. The conclusion ignores the UN Secretary-General's balance in acknowledging the FRETILIN view that some opposition parties use undemocratic methods to challenge the 2001 election results.

The ICG underplays the election of 2001, and thus underplays the importance of democratic processes – while at the same time claiming to be deeply concerned about ‘institution-building’.

The report bends over backwards to justify Major Reinado's armed attack on the army near Dili on May 23, mainly by quoting an outlandish story by an NGO-based Human Rights Monitoring Project (p11). It goes further to argue that Major Reinado should not have been arrested on July 26. The HRMP report acknowledges that its monitors have been ineffective since April 28, but this qualification was ignored by the ICG. HRMP is an anti-FRETILIN player, but this is not acknowledged by the ICG. The HRMP submission to the UN special investigation was thrown together in mid-September and released just days before the ICG report.

The report's hard line against Rogerio Lobato as someone who politicised the police by creating special units, which were then resented by thearmy, is based on “communication with Robert Lowry” who was a military adviser to UNTAET (p6). Lowry has given incendiary speeches in Australia against FRETILIN since the crisis broke out. The special police units were created under UN command, not by Lobato, and were under the operational command of the Police Commander Paulo Martins.

The report maintains that the FRETILIN elections were illegal, despite the Court of Appeals ruling of August 11, by simply dismissing the panel of three judges as biased or unprofessional. The report's account of the FRETILIN Congress is a pure echo of a small group of critics, untested by any further investigation.

The report's extensive quotes from President Gusmao's June 22 speech to the nation, which it acknowledged was full of bitterness and recrimination and very damaging were nonetheless accepted as the truth, again without any attempt to check any of the main allegations made.

Former Prime Minister Alkatiri and Paula Pinto, wife of former Defence Minister Roque Rodriguez, have separately criticized the lack of integrity and rigour in the ICG report on issues relating to them.

While the ICG report is harsh on FRETILIN, it absolutely exonerates Indonesia (p13) and Australia (p19) from any sinister role in the events of April and May. These exonerations are again contrary to the evidence, and express ICG political priorities rather than a concern to get to the truth and to really help the Timorese people.

The timing of the ICG report, just prior to the UN special investigation report, smacks of advanced managing the perception of the UN report.

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“Resolving Timor-Leste´s Crisis” A brief response by Mari Alkatiri

11 October 2006 I had access today to the report published on behalf on ICG. I must stress ‘on behalf of’ because the author simply made use of the name of a credible organization to convey a hardly objective message, drawing on a historical retrospective seriously lacking precision. The author hides behind ICG’s credibility to convey opinions and recommendations based on personal interpretation of make-belief facts, rumours and gossip instead of proven facts established by sound objective research.

For the sake of her own credibility, the author of this report ought to have shown interest in interviewing all those whose names were referred to. Just like me, other leaders mentioned in this report were not included in the list of meetings held by the gossip “researcher” which the author turns out to be.

In addition the author of the report analyses facts with no objectivity whatsoever. I will make reference to but a few of them.

When the author states that Roque Rodrigues shared the same house for years with Taur Matan Ruak with the aim of influencing, on behalf of Prime-Minister Alkatiri, the Brigadier-General – and, consequently, the Defence Force, the author is basing her argument on a preconceived premise thus showing no sense of truth-seeking whatsoever. As the author could find nothing else, she simply tries to combine loose pieces in an attempt to assemble a non-existing puzzle, depicting a picture rich in conspiracy labyrinths typical of great Agatha Christie. At the end of the day, however, the author is actually dealing with real human beings and disrespecting individual privacy. Although she claims to be a defender of individual rights, she violates the basic rights of Roque Rodrigues and Taur Matan Ruak and their families. While trying to understand events by reading them in the light of a conspiracy framework, typical of mystery novels, the author ultimately taints the whole report.

But the fact is that Ms. Sydney Jones actually interviewed General Taur Matan Ruak, which makes things even worse. If her intent was to be objective in the search for truth she at least ought to have asked the General why he shared a home with Roque Rodrigues, what was the reason for such choice and what were the roots of their friendship. She preferred not, rather letting her imagination made of “plots” and “conspiracy” be fed by rumours and gossip roaming the streets of Dili everyday. Overwhelmed by this atmosphere of rumour, gossip and defamation, Ms. Sydney Jones chose to use them as key sources of information and offended honest decent human beings, without scruple.

As regards Fretilin and their Congress, Ms Jones also draws her conclusions without having cared to speak to the main actors in the process. She certainly did this based on opinions hostile to the organization. She ought to have shown greater respect for the nearly six hundred delegates present at the Congress and try to seek the truth by listening to some of them. When the author states that I totally changed the rules of the game, she is accepting a complete lie disseminated by my opponents as true. Were Ms. Jones interested in being more objective, she would have tried to contact the President or the Secretary-General of Fretilin and listen to their version of the facts. This however means expecting too much from Ms. Sydney Jones, as this report was seemingly never interested in seeking

the truth.

When the author states that the contradictions between Fretilin’s Central Committee and Xanana Gusmão, dating back from the 1980’s, are at the root of the conflict, she again shows a shallow approach to an issue that is so important to us. The author certainly ignores that any problems that may have existed in the 1980’s did not involve Xanana Gusmão and Mari Alkatiri. We had differences in our approach to specific issues. But there was certainly no conflict between us in the 1980’s. Explaining the existing crisis based only on a conflict between Xanana and Mari is to evidence a limited – not to say biased and intellectually dishonest – point of view on East-Timorese reality.

The truth is that other actors, both national and foreign, each with a different relative weight, have contributed to plunge Timor-Leste into the situation currently faced by our country.

Ms. Sydney Jones looks at the World as if it were an old-time Western on a screen, featuring an individual hero acting independently and deploying forces on his own, without ever being accountable to any institution. When the author refers to the Police Force, the creation of special units and names the Minister of the Interior responsible for this, once again she evidences her limited knowledge concerning the way in which these Units were set up and the functioning of East Timorese institutions. Besides the URP (Police Reserve Unit), established to respond to bloody attacks perpetrated in January and February 2003 by armed individuals operating in Hatolia, Atsabe and Atabae (bear in mind that, as of May 2004, the UN was still in charge of Internal Security and Defence in Timor-Leste) every other existing special Police Units were established by UNTAET. On the other hand, the author certainly ignores that these special Units were accountable to the General Command of the National Police. This was an option we made, to ensure a sole Command. On this issue, the recommendation the author draws is, to say the least, out of context.

I need to make no more efforts to prove that the Report drafted by Ms. Sydney Jones lacks objectivity and intellectual honesty. It is founded on prejudiced premises. I regret that the author used the name of a usually credible institution to convey a message which in no way contributes to ICG’s credibility. I sincerely regret it.

Lian Maubere Departamento de Informação e de Mobilização Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente (FRETILIN) Rua dos Mártires da Pátria, Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste Tel/fax: +670 3317219

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FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE

COMISSÃO POLÍTICA NACIONAL FRETILIN MEETING Dili, 9th and 10th October 2006 Declaration

The National Political Commission of FRETILIN met on the 9th and 10th of October to analyze the present situation in Timor-Leste which demands decisions to be taken accordingly.

This meeting was co-presided over by the President, Mr. Francisco Guterres (LU OLO) and the Secretary General, Mari Alkatiri.

The meeting was held with the participation of some of the members of the National Commission of Jurisdiction and National Commission of Fiscalization.

In regards to the present situation of Timor-Leste, the National Political Commission noted that:

It is absolutely unacceptable that the delivery of the report to the National Parliament by the International Commission of Enquiry is postponed withouth a specific time frame. This postponement, far from alleviating the tensions and managing the expectations, only provokes misunderstandings and diminishes trust in the process;

It is totally unacceptable that during the past months some citizens and members of the media continue to use rumours, insults and defamation against FRETILIN and its leadership with the aim to alienate some groups within Timorese society, and to cause destabilization for political gain.

It is urgent to establish a national framework with mechanisms to end this climate of destabilization;  It is necessary that we have in place minimum framework at the national level to:

• Restore the authority of the Democratic State and the Rule of Law;
  

• Defend Truth and Justice;
  

• Restore the people’s trust;
  

• Normalise life;
  

• Guarantee all conditions for the success of the national elections in April/May 2007
  

Therefore, the Political National Commission:

Demands the United Nations to deliver the English version of the report of the International Commission of Enquiry to the National Parliament by the 12th October 2006. The translations of this report can be concluded and delivered afterwards.

Appeals to all FRETILIN supporters, members and officials to continue to behave with political maturity as they have done before and during the crisis.

Appeals to the Timorese Judicial System to instigate criminal processes against those who insist on defaming FRETILIN and its leadership in order to denigrate them.

Initiates dialogue with all sovereign organs, all political forces and civil society organisations, Catholic Church, and other religious faiths, veterans of the Resistance and former combatants and other community organizations and

Directs all FRETILIN structures, from the top to the grassroots, to contribute to a political platform of understanding which aims to restore peace and stability, law and order and the authority of the State at the national level.

The struggle continues!

Maximum tolerance, total vigilance!

Dili, 10th October 2006.

National Political Commission of FRETILIN

Francisco GUTERRES (LU OLO)

President

Mari ALKATIRI

Secretary General

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FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE

Media Release Renegade Rai'los terrorises people, only 30 kms west of Dili

08 October 2006 12.45 am Vicente Rai'los terrorised people in Timor-Leste, just a week before the expected release of the report of the United Nationsinvestigation into who was behind the violent events of April and May this year, which displaced thousands of Timorese.

According to a signed statement by Felix da Costa, the Administrator of sub-district Maubara, 30 kms west of Dili, at dawn on September 29, an armed Rai'los, accompanied by local police, threatened to rape a local citizen, unless she and her husband Mariano cooperated.

A fearful Mariano was forced by Railos and his group to knock at the door of Felix da Costa, under the pretext that there were people needing his help. Using his pistol Railos then violently entered Mr da Costa’s house, and accused him and other local authorities of distributing weapons with the intention of killing him and the petitioning soldiers. When Mr da Costa's wife denied Railos' accusation, he hit her in the head with his pistol.

According to da Costa's statement, Railos screamed that if Mari Alkatiri doesn’t go to prison when the UN report is released, he would return to kill both the district administrator of Liquiçá and the sub-district administrator, Mr da Costa. Looking at Mr da Costa’s wife, he told her he would also return to rape her and burn her house.

According to Mr da Costa’s report, a defiant Rai'los said, “You can complain to your ministers. I am not afraid because I have the number one behind me and I have the local Liquica police in my hands”. He then threatened that a new wave of violent conflict would begin and would continue for at least ten months, if Alkatiri isn’t punished.

Administrator Felix da Costa has called for Rai'los and his group to be disarmed. He wants to know if any of the nation's leaders have authorized Rai'los' actions, and he wants UN police to protect his district and for this protection to be effective before the publication of the international findings.”

The report by the UN investigators regarding the violent events of April and May  is now expected by the end of October. The report was originally expected to be made on October 7. Dr Alkatiri was forced to resign in June following allegations by Rai'los on ABC TV program 4 Corners. Mr da Costa wrote his statement on October 2 and Timorese authorities had it by October 6.

For further information: Dili: Mr Filomeno Aleixo +670 729 1644 Melbourne: Mr Alex Tilman +61 419 281 175 Sydney: Mr Sahe da Silva +61 414 807 824

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Presidencia da Republica

APPEAL TO THE NATION

From His Excellency the President of the Republic, also on behalf of His Excellency the President of the National Parliament And His Excellency the Prime Minister

Palácio das Cinzas, 5th of October 2006

APPEAL TO THE NATION

The Independent Special Commission of Inquiry is about to present its Report. Since the time the United Nations transferred the  powers of independence to us, in May 2002, this is the first time that our State had wholeheartedly opened our hands and asked the United Nations to establish a commission to investigate the situation in our country. The United Nations agreed to the request of the sovereign organs of Timor-Leste and established a commission which became known as the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry.

The mandates entrusted by the United Nations to the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry are as follows:

* To establish the facts and circumstances relevant to the incidents of 28 – 29 April, 23 – 25 May, and other events or issues which contributed to the crisis;

* To clarify responsibility for those events;

* To recommend measures to ensure accountability , and in doing so, with regards to the alleged serious crimes and violations of human rights throughout the period covered by the mandate of the commission, will take into account the existing legal and judicial mechanisms in Timor-Leste;

Timor-Leste conveyed to the United Nations the request to establish this commission on 8th of June, when Dr. Ramos-Horta as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation wrote to His Excellency the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Kofi Annan, and requested that an Independent Special Commission of Inquiry be established. That letter was sent by Dr. Ramos-Horta on behalf of the entire State of Timor-Leste, including the undertaking that the Government of Timor-Leste, meaning all of us, will ensure that the results that will come out from this inquiry will strengthen our security sector and ensure accountability for the criminal offences and human rights violations allegedly committed during the crisis.

Compatriots People of Timor-Leste

The time has now come for all of us to receive the result of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry with its recommendations in order to assist us in the development of our security sector, enhance the respect for human rights, and to put an end to the political violence, ensuring that this crisis will not take place again in our country.

It is for the good of the State, and not for the good of any one person or leader. It is to contribute towards the enhancement of the development of the State, through democratic means and the Rule of Law.

As organs of sovereignty, the President of the Republic, the President of the Parliament and the Prime Minister, today, we are gathered

here, in this conference, with one voice only.

We have not seen the report and the recommendations which the Independent Special Commission is yet to issue. We only know that the Commission will present its report and recommendations in the coming days.

We also know that the Commission’s report and its recommendations may turn out to be a heavy burden for many people; a heavy burden for the leaders, for many citizens, for civilians as well as the military and police forces. All these heavy burdens are, after all, a burden for the entire State.

That is why, today, we, the Prime Minister, the President of the National Parliament and the President of the Republic, jointly appear, here, at the Palácio das Cinzas, so together we can convey the following appeal:

That we shall receive with open heart the report and the recommendations which the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry will deliver to our beloved country;

That we shall receive with serene mind and with the sense of responsibility because that was a strong characteristic which the entire people of Timor-Leste have already demonstrated during the 24 years of national resistance embracing the resistance until we achieved our right to self determination and independence;

That we all shall welcome this report and recommendations, with a sense of dignity, strength and courage as has already been displayed by our people on 30th of August 1999, seven years ago, when our people casted their votes at the polling stations around Timor-Leste, and ended the illegal occupation in our land to gain independence.

These historical steps, we had made with the assistance of the United Nations, within its legal framework and in accordance with international laws.

Compatriots People of Timor-Leste

Once again, with the assistance of the UN, our people will receive the recommendations from the United Nations’ Special Commission, the Commission which we ourselves had asked to be established, to assist us in finding out how exactly this serious crisis came about.

When in the very near future, the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry presents its report, all of us as a nation and people, all leaders and all citizens with the spirit of dialogue and reconciliation, with the spirit of justice and national unity, with courage and serenity, we must welcome the report and all the recommendations, so that we can transform them into our own, for the sake of our

Nation!

From the three of us to you all, our best wishes for happiness and the best of health!

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FRETILIN MEDIA RELEASE PRESS RELEASE 2/10/06

FRETILIN headquarters attack: Party leader condemns political violence

Dili, Monday, 2 October On Sunday morning, October 1, 2006, as reported by Dili Fire Brigade, a fire was set at FRETILIN headquarters in Comoro. Before it could be extinguished, one of the buildings on the FRETILIN block, a small café area, was destroyed. The fire also damaged some of the adjoining offices.

In a brief statement in Dili this morning, FRETILIN’s Deputy Secretary General, Jose Manuel Da Silva Fernandes, condemned the attackers as enemies of democracy.

“For thirty years, FRETILIN has been a leading force in the fight for independence and democracy,” said Mr. Fernandes. “Our party was the elected choice of the majority of voters in the national elections in 2001, and the local elections in 2005. Those who attack our supporters and our facilities are trying to prevent us from preparing for the next election”.

Mr Fernandes continued: “This is a deliberate strategy. They attack our leaders, they attack our government, and now they attack our Party’s infrastructure. This pattern of events has been going on now for six months, since April. We call on all the institutions, national and international, who are responsible for security, to work together to bring this political violence to an immediate end.

“It is time to speak the truth about the violence. It is not violence of west against east, or east against west. It is violence directed largely against FRETILIN,” said Mr Fernandes”

For further details, contact in Dili: FRETILIN Deputy Secretary General, Jose Manuel Da Silva Fernandes +6707240637

Background Information (provided by Timor Leste Democracy Support Network, Australia):

Cormoro, on the western side of the town on the road to the airport has been one of the main flash points for violence. Many FRETILIN supporters and members in this area have already been driven from their homes into the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Dili, which now house 70,000 people. Others have moved out of the city into the 12 rural districts, where 80% of the population lives, and which have so far been free of violence, with only one or two exceptions.

Over 108,000 people are now registered as IDPs in the districts. According to party officials, in normal circumstances, FRETILIN’s many hundreds of supporters in the Comoro area would be able to prevent such attacks, or at least report and act on them immediately. Now they cannot. They also claim that many of these attacks are by people who have come into Dili from other districts in recent months, and are not known to locals. This makes their identification and apprehension more difficult.

Last weekend, gangs of rock throwing youths attacked FRETILIN headquarters, driving away a small number of FRETILIN youth on security. The previous night, there was a break-in, and a computer hard drive stolen. On both occasions, the international forces had to be called, but no one has been apprehended for these attacks. This morning, they were called again, and so was the fire brigade. Neither arrived in time to prevent the damage. By then, FRETILIN supporters extinguished the fires before they arrived, while the arsonists had disappeared long before.

The continued lack of security seriously affects FRETILIN’s ability to communicate with its members and supporters and to prepare for the next election.

Senior FRETILIN officials, including several members of the Council of Ministers, have had their houses attacked and burned and are living in overcrowded conditions with friends. Many FRETILIN leaders regularly receive threats to their lives and those of their family via text messages. The President of the Party, who is also the President of the Parliament, has to be provided with Close Personal Protection (CPP) by Malaysian forces. The Secretary General, Mari Alkatiri, has to live under similar protection at his house, from the Australian forces, and rarely goes out. The lack of security obstructs the work of FRETILIN committees and sub committees, including its youth organization and the committee responsible for its magazine and bulletin, and the committee preparing the electoral campaign. This is an extraordinary situation for a party which has huge popular support in the districts, and in Dili itself. In the Dili district at the local elections last September, FRETILIN candidates won 94% of the positions. The party also holds the majority of seats in the national parliament.

Without basic security, the ability of the party and its leaders and supporters to engage in democratic political processes to resolve the current crisis is seriously impeded. Despite these conditions, FRETILIN is continuing with the process its calls ‘consolidation’ following on from the Party Congress in May. For example, on Saturday September 30, in the village of Ostico, in the District of Baucau, nearly 200 members and sympathisers took part in a dialogue with members of their party who are in the government.

For further details, contact Timor Leste Democracy Network Spokespersons: Sahe da Silva 0414807124 ; Alex Tilman 0419281175

Lian Maubere Departamento de Informação e de Mobilização Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente (FRETILIN) Rua dos Mártires da Pátria, Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste Tel/fax: +670 3317219 Email: sppccfretilin@yahoo.com http://lianmaubere.blogspot.com/