East Timor Press Review

26 August, 2002

· Timor post front page reported on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to Suai war victim’s families who have requested the head of Human Rights, Mary Robinson for an International Tribunal.

· The United Nations Commissioner for Humans Rights has been quoted as saying that United Nations has been following the Ad Hoc tribunal in Jakarta, and if Indonesia fails then UN will look for alternative. She said, “ I have been meeting with Timorese people and it is clear that they want an International Tribunal established in East Timor” reported TP.

· Mary Robinson the United Nations Heads of Commission for Humans Rights quoted as saying that the court is an independent institution, and it should not be intervened by the Government.

· Rumors that former militias’ members had handed 11guns to the Colimau Group 2000 in the border between East and West Timor has not been proven.

· A final year economic and political science Timorese student at the Australian National University Dionisio Babo Soares said the government must have a short, middle and long term economic plan in order to combat the social problems in the country.

· NGO Forum Director, Cecilio Caminha Freitas stressed that the role of NGO’s is important in the society, especially for communities. In relation to tackling the cases of the worst human rights violations in East Timor, there is a need to create a good relationship between Government and NGOs.

· The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation will soon introduce its commissioners and programs to Suai district communities.

· The Bishop of Dili Diocese, Carlos Ximenes Belo, said the establishment of an International Tribunal depends on the willingness of East Timorese.

· Suara Timor Lorosa’e front page reported on the head of UN Human Rights, Mary Robinson visit to Santa Cruz cemetery where she laid a wreath of flowers at the big cross in memory of those Timorese killed in a 1991 massacre.

· Upon her arrival in East Timor, Mary Robinson was quoted as saying she is disappointed with the Jakarta Ad Hoc Tribunal. Her first official visit was with a group of families of the disappeared.

· German Ambassador, Gerhard Fulde stated that the German government would maintain its bilateral support for East Timor.

· It has been reported that the European Union is reviewing the Jakarta Ad Hoc tribunal regarding crimes against humanity committed in East Timor since from 1975 to 1999.

· Nine people have been treated in hospital after a minibus accident in Atabae, Maliana district on Thursday.

· The Project Manager of ITC, IDSS , Moh. Joao Martires says that at least 0.64% people infected Virus HIV/AIDS. He was speaking at a Workshop organized by the department of health in Dili on Friday.

· Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri on Friday in the presence of Finance Minister and many other members of the government and military officially declared the tax office in Baucau open.

· STL reports that in a short meeting with Mary Robinson, the head of Fokupers, Maria Domingas Alves presented cases of violence committed in East Timor. In reply to her, the High Commissioner said, “ I know many things are still missing in East Timor. But Sergio Vieira de Mello and I will go to New York to discuss the establishment of an International Tribunal in East Timor.” Maria Domingas said the High Commissioner’s visit is to listen to each individual’s concerns and suffering.

· MP Joaquim dos Santos (FRETILIN) says National Parliament, President, and the Government are sovereign bodies with the legitimacy from the people, and they should not have with CPD-RDTL. He noticed that this could create precedent to other groups. Mr. Dos Santos does not consider CPD-RDTL as an opposition group because since UNTAET period they have abstained from the political process. Their request has been met such as the restoration of the East Timor flag, and the date of independence 28 November and there is no need to have dialogue, he said.

· Members of Parliament from all political parties in the Parliament appealed to the UN High Commissioner to pressure the international community for the establishment of an international tribunal for East Timor.

· Mary Robinson signed an agreement with the government and civil society on the defense and promotion of Human Rights in East Timor. The communiqué signed at the end of her first day official visit explains 11 aims in the promotion of human rights in East Timor, reports STL.

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