East Timor Press Review

7 November 2002

· Member of Parliament, Clementino dos Reis Amaral (KOTA party) stressed that the problem of Uatu-lari case originated from past generation and it is going to be difficult to eradicate it. Mr. Reis Amaral said the violence culture between residents of Naueti and Makasae occurred since the Portuguese and Indonesia period, reports Suara Timor Lorosae.

· Suara Timor Lorosae’s front page reported that President Gusmão held a press conference at the [Dili international] airport before departing for an official visit to Thailand and South Korea. Mr. Gusmão stated that his visit to both countries would be beneficial to Timor-Leste.

· This daily also reported that Foreign Minister, José Ramos-Horta will be joining the President in Thailand and travel together to South Korea. Mr. Horta was on a two-day visit to Singapore on bilateral meetings and seeking Singaporean assistance for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Regional Forum membership.

· Commenting about the wish of former pro-integration leader João Tavares to return to Timor-Leste, provided security will be granted, Member of Parliament from Bobonaro District, José Andrade da Silva said, “ security for João Tavares will be guaranteed if he confesses in court what he did in 1999.”

· It is reported that President Gusmão shook hands with the Timorese -currently serving in the Indonesian army ­accused of being responsible for the killing of the Dutch journalist Sander Thoenes. While shaking hands with the President, Kamilo D. S. explained that he did not kill Mr.Thoenes. Had he killed Thoenes he would have not come to shake hands with the president let alone wear the army uniform.

· Before his departure to Thailand, President Gusmão told journalist that 12 November massacre should not be commemorated with tears but with new sweat. Mr. Gusmão said we should hold on to the memories of those killed in 12 November 1991 and put all our efforts in moving forward, reported STL.

· STL reported that hundred of people turned up to the local produced furniture exhibition in Farol, Dili yesterday. Minister of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, Estanislau Aleixo da Silva opened the exhibition. He said local products are nicer than those imported. The exhibition was put together by 25 people from the districts of Same, Ermera, Lospalos and Dili after a month of training workshop.

· Member of Parliament, Manuel Tilman of KOTA party, criticized the government for not establishing yet a good future plan for the nation because funds donated to the government has never been kept in the country due to their constant travelling. “ I agree with government officials travelling abroad but they must also start thinking on a good plan to keep the money donated by donor’s countries to Timor-Leste, otherwise the government will not have a budget in the future.” Mr. Tilman added that the government must also help the local entrepreneurs because they can become the biggest donors in the future. Mr. Tilman carried on by saying that the motive for this thinking is to anticipate because UNMISET will take its money once its mandate ends.

· NGO Forum executive coordinator, Cecilio Freitas said the government must explain to the people about tax because up to now the majority of the population is not aware of how to pay it.

· In a separate article Cecilio Freitas said his organization is travelling to various districts during the month of November to explain the Timor Gap process to the people. Mr. Freitas said they would also explain about the roles and work of the Forum as well as collect data on the living conditions of Timorese in the districts, reports STL.

· It is reported that a police officer by the name of Antonio, threatened a few youth in relation to past political differences. “I am Antonio, the police, you know who I am. I was a fighter and you cannot step over my head” said the officer. The incident occurred on Friday, 1st November in Aiesa village, Balibó sub-district.

· Timor Post reported that Attorney-General Longuinhos Monteiro said Alcino Barros --who was appointed as Vice-Minister two days ago--, must complete his work at Dili Court before taking up his new job on 20 November. According to this daily Longuinhos Monteiro is upset because he was not told of Mr. Barros’ nomination and was not even invited to participate in the swear-in ceremony of the new vice-minister.

· TLPS commissioner, Paulo Martins informed that 5 people have been detained in connection with the conflicts in Uatu-lari and that the police Rapid Response Unit is still in that sub-district and maintaining patrol in the area.

· Timor-Leste Employers Union signed a workers agreement with Taiwanese business people last week, TP reported.

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