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NATIONAL PARLIAMENT PLENARY PROCEEDINGS AUGUST 2006
REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR LESTE PARLAMENTO NACIONAL
Extraordinary Plenary Session
Agenda n. 442/I/4a
Thursday, 31 August 2006
Today’s Plenary session was chaired by the President of the NationalParliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Vice-President Mr. JacobFernandes, the Secretary of the Mesa, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and theVice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria AvalzizaLourdes.
TheProsecutor General, Dr Longuinhos Monteiro and the Deputy ProsecutorGeneral took part to today’s plenary session to present to the NationalParliament the annual report of the activities of their office, inaccordance to art. 133 of the RDTL’s Constitution.
In his intervention, the Prosecutor General informed that his office faced andis still facing a number of difficulties in the accomplishment of its daily routine, in particular he highlighted:
That the activities of the Office of the Prosecutor General are being jeopardized by its job being directly linked to Institutions that arenowadays facing serious obstacles, for instance the Investigation Unit ofthe Police;
The lack of qualified human resources as well as of equipment;
The lack of international advisors (at the moment only one international prosecutor is working in the office of the ProsecutorGeneral);
The loss of many documents during the events of last April/May;
Dr. Longuinhos Monteiro reminded that this “new” office is making a big effort to defend the democratic legality together with the Law and Orderin Timor-Leste.
The Prosecutor General gave the following statisticinformation:
CriminalLawsuits Year2005 Year2006 Year 2006
January -December Janury- May June - August
Received 820 312 281
Completed Lack of data Lack of data 47
Pending 985 1089 1323
The MPs expressed their concern as regards the capacity of the Office ofthe Prosecutor General to prosecute the pending criminal lawsuits, inparticular the ones related to the events that took place last April andMay. The MPs also asked information about the Ex-Prime Minister case andabout the prisoners that yesterday escaped from Becora.
The Prosecutor General highlighted that the presentation of the annualreport of its office’s activities was the only reason of his interventionbefore the Plenary, he nonetheless declared his availability in providingdetailed information to the competent Specialized Parliamentary Committeeon the different cases. Dr. Longuinhos Monteiro also informed that itsoffice hopes to receive the support of UNDP, of UNMIT and from thebilateral cooperation with Brazil as soon as possible.
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President Of The Parliament Express Gratitude to Malaysian troops
Francisco Lu’Olo Guterres, President of the National Parliament expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian troops who have contributed to stop the crisis in Timor-Leste. Guterres said although it still is difficult to totally recover peace, this is a job for the Timorese people to contribute to peace in their country, starting with the leaders. He said the Malaysians have stood alongside Timor-Leste to maintain stability together with other international forces. (UNMIT Media Monitoring 31/8/06 STL, TP)
30 August is a historic and reflection day: Lu Olo
Speaker of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo” reportedly stated that 30 August is a historical and significant day for all Timorese when in 1999 all Timorese decided on the destiny of this country by voting for independence. Lu Olo further stated that it was also an important day to reflect on the suffering of the people and the causes of the current crisis.
NP deliberation project on PNTL case
Speaking on a different issue, meanwhile, Lu Olo told journalists that the national parliament would propose a deliberation project to the plenary session to discuss the case of disrobing of PNTL officers by the international police. Lu Olo reportedly complained that the act did not show professionalism. Speaking at a press conference, however, commander of the international police, Steve Lancester, reportedly rejected the claims saying that the incident took place due to misunderstanding and offered to clarify before the Council of Ministers.
RTTL news headlines 30-08-2006
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REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR LESTE PARLAMENTO NACIONAL
Gabinete de Relações Publicas Plenary Session Agenda n. 441/I/4a
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
Today’s Plenary session was chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Vice-Presidents Mr. Jacob Xavier and Mr. Francisco Xavier do Amaral, the Secretary of the Mesa, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and the Vice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria Avalziza Lourdes.
In the Period before the Agenda there were only two issues:
* presentation of the Project of Deliberation nº 16/I/4ª that “Requests the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste to hold an official inquiry in regards to the accident that took place last Saturday, when the Australian Police, in a public place, obliged the Director of the Police Academy and others members of PNTL to remove their uniforms”;
* Presentation of the Protest Note to the Australian Government related to the above mentioned incident.
The Political Party Benches agreed upon the importance and necessity for the National Parliament, as Sovereign Organ of Timor-Leste, to take a position in regards to the event in question. They also highlighted that any kind of decision taken by the NP should follow the legal procedures established by this Country. For this reason the Mesa of the National Parliament decided to put on hold the issues in Agenda and to consult with the Government first.
In the period of the Agenda the election of the members that will represent the National Parliament in the Petroleum Fund Consultative
Council and in the Honor Commission, took place.
Only one list with two candidates, Mr. Antero Benedito da Silva and Mr. Nuno Rodrigues, was presented for the Petroleum Fund Consultative Council. The list was approved with the following result: 41 votes in favor, 12 against, 3 abstentions and 2 spoiled votes.
As for the Honor Commission, the candidates were three, Mr. Roque Soares, Mr. Jacinto Viegas and Mr. Filomeno Gomes, all belonging to the same list that was approved with 53 votes in favor, 2 against, 2 abstentions and 2 spoiled votes.
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REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR LESTE PARLAMENTO NACIONAL
Gabinete de Relações Publicas
Extraordinary Plenary Session
Thursday, 24 August 2006
Today’s Plenary session was chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Vice-President, Mr. Mr. Jacob Fernandes, the Secretary of the Mesa, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and the Vice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria Avalziza Lourdes.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Dr. José Ramos Horta, took part to the session. In his intervention he talked about the future UN mission in Timor-Leste, the reorganization of the F-FDTL and the humanitarian situation of the IDPs.
As for the Future UN mission, the PM and Minister of Defense underlined that the Security Council will vote tomorrow, August 25, the resolution about the new mission in Timor-Leste. The voting, that was supposed to take place last week, was postponed due to a lack of agreement on the composition and mandate of the international forces. Australia, that has the support of the United States, Great Britain and Japan, wants in fact to lead the military operations.
As regards the F-FDTL, Dr. Ramos Horta informed the MPs that the Ministry of Defese is drafting a number a laws on the reorganization and modernization of Timor-Leste’s armed forces. The Minister hope to be able to send the above mentioned laws to the National Parliament, for their discussion and approval, next September.
In the end the Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s concern as regards the IDPs’ situation. He said the Government will continue to give humanitarian assistance to the IDPs, but it will also do its best to organize their return home before the rainy season. O Dr. Horta also promised that the Government will implement the plan of building new houses for the poorest ones, underlying that the crisis, which occurred in Timor-Leste, was also caused by the social and economic situation in the Country.
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REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR LESTE PARLAMENTO NACIONAL
Extraordinary Plenary Session Agenda n. 438/I/4a
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
Today’s Plenary session was chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Vice-Presidents, Mr. Francisco Xavier do Amaral and Mr. Jacob Fernandes, the Secretary of the Mesa, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and the Vice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria Avalziza Lourdes.
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Alcino Barris, and the Vice-Minister of Interior, Mr. José Agostinho Sequeira took part to today’s session. The only issue in the agenda was the evaluation of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) both in relation to the crisis occurred in the Country and to its future reorganization.
The Minister of Interior highlighted that the events of last April and May revealed the existence of serious problems inside the PNTL’s command. For this reason the Government of Timor-Leste asked for the intervention of the International Forces from Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia. The agreement with the above-mentioned countries ended last Sunday, August 20.
Mr. Barris also informed the MPs that yesterday a project to create an evaluation Commission, with the objective of reactivating the PNTL, was presented to, approved by the Council of Ministers.
The MPs showed great concern about the presence of weapons all over the country. The Minister underlined the necessity to wait for the report of the Independent Inquiry Commission before giving information on this important issue.
Before closing the session the Mesa informed the MPs that the extraordinary plenary session with the presence of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, that was supposed to take place this morning, had to be postponed to tomorrow, August 24, at 3 pm, due to a trip abroad of Dr. Ramos Horta. [via UNOTIL]
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REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR LESTE PARLAMENTO NACIONAL
Gabinete de Relações Publicas
Plenary Session Agenda n. 437/I/4a Tuesday, 22 August 2006
Today’s Plenary session was chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Secretary of the Mesa, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and the Vice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria Avalziza Lourdes.
The President of the National Parliament started the Plenary Session by giving the MPs information about the Extraordinary Plenary Session, which will take place tomorrow, August 23.
In particular the Mesa informed that the Members of the Government will be present tomorrow morning. Two the issues in the Agenda: evaluation of the crisis situation in the country, and discussion of the future UN mission in Timor-Leste. The Minister or Vice Minister of Interior will take part to the afternoon session, when the reorganization of PNTL will be discussed.
The MPs of the Fretilin Party Bench reiterate their request to invite the Prosecutor General to give the Plenary information regarding judicial matters.
In the Period of the Agenda only one issue was discussed: the presentation of candidates for the Petroleum Fund Consultative Council. Two candidates were presented: Mr. Antero Bendito and Mr. Nuno Rodrigues. Mr. Rodrigues did not confirm his availability yet.
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REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE TIMOR LESTE PARLAMENTO NACIONAL
Plenary Session Agenda n. 435/I/4a Monday, 21 August 2006
Today’s Plenary session was chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Vice-Presidents Mr. Jacob Xavier and Mr. Francisco Xavier do Amaral, the Secretary of the Bureau, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and the Vice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria Avalziza Lourdes.
In the Period before the Agenda, the Secretary of the Bureau, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares read the following documents:
* Letter by Mr. Josh Trinidade, addressed to the Prime Minister, José Ramos Horta, with copy to the President of the NP, in which Mr. Trinidad proposed suggestions on how to solve the crises in Timor-Leste;
* Announcement of the presentation of the candidacies for the creation of the Petroleum Fund Consultative Council and of the Veterans’ Tribute Committee.
Once again the actual situation in Timor-Leste was discussed in Plenary. According to the MPs’ opinions due to a lack of knowledge of the territory, the International Task Force is not succeeding in guaranteeing security in an effective way. For this reason it is urgent for the PNTL to become operative again.
The MPs also showed their concerns on the lack of information as far as the case of the former Prime Minister, Dr. Mari Alkatiri, is concerned.
The Mesa of the National Parliament therefore decided to call the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Defense and the Prosecutor General to give the MPs explanations on the two above-mentioned issues.
In the Period of the Agenda the following issues were discussed:
* Admission and handed over to the Committee of Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees of the non-government bill nº 28/I/4ª about “The Independent Electoral Committee (CEI)”;
* Admission and handed over to the Committee of Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees of the non-government bill nº 29/I/4ª about “ The Statute of former Members of Timor-Leste’s Sovereign Organs”;
The non-government bill n. 24/I/4a about the supplementary law n. 5/2004 of May 5, on “the MPs’ Statute” was approved in the generality with the following result: 59 votes in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention. After the discussion in the specialty, the Plenary proceeded to the overall final voting of the non-government bill in question. The result was the following: 53 votes in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention.
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National Parliament Plenary Session Agenda n. 428/I/4a
Tuesday, 01 August 2006
Today’s Plenary Session was chaired by the resident of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the Vice-Presidents, Mr. Jacob Xavier and Mr. Francisco Xavier do Amaral, the Secretary of the Mesa, Mr. Francisco Carlos Soares and the Vice-Secretaries, Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas and Ms. Maria Avalziza Lourdes.
Today’s session continued the discussion of yesterday’s agenda. The PM, Dr. José Ramos Horta, the two Vice Ministers, Dr. Estanislau da Silva and Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo, and some members of the Government took part to session.
The PM and the Vice PMs answered the questions asked by the MPs during yesterday’s Plenary Session. In his answers, the PM touched the following issues:
* Security;
* PNTL and FFDTL’s reorganization;
* Justice, Reconciliation and National Unity;
* Corruption;
* Budget Execution.
Security and Reorganization of PNTL and FFDTL:
The two institutions that guarantee Timor-Leste’s security are PNTL (internal security) and FFDTL (external security). At the moment, these two institutions are facing a serious conflict, for this reason it is one of the Minister of Defense’s priority to find a solution to this strife, so that PNTL’s morality and unity will be restored. Another unresolved problem is the one concerning the so called “Petitioners”. Presently the President of the Republic and the Government asked the Comissão de Notáveis to resume its work to give continuity to the investigations, which have already started.
At present, Dili is being patrolled by the International Military Force due to the lack of functioning of PNTL. The cooperation of the citizens is though fundamental to guarantee security in every single neighborhood. On the other hand, there are a lot of IDPs that are
still afraid to go back to their homes, both for security and humanitarian reasons. However, the Government will continue to guarantee IDPs security and humanitarian assistance.
Justice, Reconciliation and National Unity:
Timor-Leste has four Sovereign Organs, each of them has its own competencies. For this reason, the PM refused to pronounce himself on justice issues, highlighting that these matters are of exclusive competence of the Courts. In this moment, an International Commission of 50 experts is at work to finish the investigation process related to the events that took place between April 28 and May 25. This Commission will submit a report to the Prosecutor General.
The national dialogue on this issue is in the hands of the President of the Republic, of the two Bishops and of Timorese young people.
Corruption:
The new State Inspector General will be appointed this week. It will be his/her task to find mechanisms to solve the problem of corruption in Timor-Leste. The investigation processes, already started by the acting Inspector General, haven’t been handed over to the office of the Prosecutor General yet.
Budget Execution:
To guarantee a good execution of the budget it is necessary to work together with the civil society, the chefes de sucos, the Church.
Lastly the plenary proceeded to the voting of the Government’s Program, that gave the following result: 68 votes in favor, 2 against, 1 abstention.
After the approval of the Program of the Government, the Mesa handed over to the Committee of Economy and Finance the bill N. 49/I/4ª about “the General State Budget for the FY 2006/07”.
