East Timor Press Review

Dili, 19 November 2002

· STL front page headline:

East Timor seeks UN support to combat terrorism

East Timor’s Ambassador to the United Nations, José Luis Guterres, told the Security Council that his country needs the assistance of the UN to fight terrorism. Referring to the Bali bombing last month, Mr. Guterres said that East Timor, which has only been independent for six months, was still growing as a nation and therefore needed a lot of support from the United Nations.

· East Timor’s Independence not for individual glory: President Xanana Gusmao

President Xanana Gusmão has said that the government cannot achieve development without cooperation from the people. Speaking in an interview with STL yesterday, Gusmao cautioned the population against seeking self-glory for the liberation struggle. “All the East Timorese fought hard for independence”, he said.

· Foreign Affairs Ministry not Restaurant or Sports Club: Ramos Horta

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ramos Horta has called on members of staff in his ministry to exercise discipline and seriousness towards work. He said that some of the staff had a tendency to dress inappropriately for work while other reported late for duty. He called for a change of attitude if the ministry is to execute its work effectively.

· East Timor Study Group (ETSG), Director, J. M. Saldanha ticks off Judicial system

ETSG Director, Mr. John Saldanha says that East Timor’s judicial system still leaves much to be desired. Mr. Saldanha noted that the Judiciary had faced its greatest challenges in the last six months of East Timor’s self-governance since becoming independent in May.

Timor Post

· “ Don’t be Arrogant to the People” President Xanana Gusmão Tells Politicians and Government Leaders

President Xanana Gusmão has appealed to politics and government leaders not to be arrogant to the people. Addressing ex-combatants in Dili yesterday, President Gusmao said that all the East Timorese played a part in the struggle for independence and the achievement was not for individual credit.

· “ Think Carefully about an International Tribunal”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Ramos Horta has called on the people to reflect on possibilities of an International Tribunal if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the Jakarta trials. He said that he was aware that some people were not happy with the Jakarta trials on the crimes against humanity committed during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor.

· Government Seeks Donor Funding for TLPS

Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri said that his government was soliciting for donor funds to improve the capacity of TLPS. Mr. Alkatiri stressed that funding was crucial for the enhancement of TLPS to enable local police serve the population especially after the departure of international police. The Prime Minister was speaking after a meeting with international donors yesterday.

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