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Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring August 11, 2004

Timor Post

32 members of UIR sworn-in

Thirty-two members of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) were sworn in on Monday at its headquarter in Fatuhada, Dili. According to the National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, with the induction of the 32 officers, the numbers of UIR have increased to 182. According to the newspaper the Rapid Intervention Officers are stationed in Baucau and Dili, and the number of UIR personnel officers in Baucau will increase from 40 to 90.

Rogerio did not order to act against the demonstrators, said Horta The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Ramos Horta, said that the Minister of Interior, Rogerio Tiago Lobato, did not order the police to act upon the demonstrators in front of the government building. The Minister said that at the time of demonstration the Minister of Interior was not in Dili. The Minister for Foreign Affairs said that the veterans papers were already submitted to the National Parliament, and the Government is also waiting for the Parliament to decide.

We will organize a big demonstration, says Salsinha

The coordinator for the Unidade Nacional dos Antigos Quadros e Membros da Resistencia de Timor-Leste (UNAQMERTIL), Francisco Salsinha, said during a press conference that if the Government does not find a solution to the demands by the group, they will organize a big demonstration in Dili. Mr Salsinha said that they would appeal to the population to support their demonstration against the government. (The demands from the UNAQMERTIL is to dismiss members of the national police who during Indonesian times worked as police officers and some as soldiers. This organization brand them as spies)

New book launched by the Ministry of Agriculture

Today's edition of the newspaper reports that the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a new book entitled "Agriculture New Direction for a New Nation East Timor". According to the newspaper the book focuses on the direction for the development of the agriculture activities in Timor-Leste. The paper says that the National University of Timor-Leste collaborated in this book after a seminar held and organized together with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Suara Timor Loro Sa?e (STL)

Life back to normal at the village in Ermera

The National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that the security situation at Atsabe, Sub-District of Ermera is back to normal following tensions between community members and the District Administrator. The Commissioner said that 8 people have been detained including 2 former members of Falintil, suspected for destruction and provocation that led to the dispute. Mr Martins said that the police force was dispatched to the Sub-District following an argument with members of the community and the Sub-District Administrator, Raimundo Gomes, about personal belongings that were taken away in 1999, but not yet returned to the claimed owners.

CPD-RDTL member passed away after released from prison

The Coordinator of CPD-RDTL, Antonio Aitahan Matak, said that his group is recovering from mourning following the death of one of its 28 members, who was arrested by Police. The newspaper reports that a 56 year-old member of the group passed away due to starvation and weakness when he was trying to reach his home in the suco of Nahareka, a Sub-District of Ossu, District of Viqueque. According to the newspaper Mr Matak said that he is very disappointed with the police as the law enforcement institution for failing to return the detainees to their area after releasing them.

Meeting evaluation over security

The National Police Force and members of F-FDTL met yesterday to discuss and review the security issue at the border region with West Timor and Dili. The newspaper reports that the Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that the meeting is held every two weeks to evaluate the security issue nationally. The Police Commissioner said that so far the security is under control and calm at all fronts.

CAVR requested an extension to the President

Members of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (CAVR), Aniceto Guterres and Olandina Caeiro, requested an extension to their mandate at the CAVR during a meeting with the President, Xanana Gusmão. According to the paper, Olandina Caeiro, said that the extension would allow CAVR to finish the translation to Portuguese. (CAVR reports directly to the President).

Electricity back on in Baucau "this month"

The District Administrator of Baucau, Olivio Freitas, said that the company that won the tender contract is working full steam ahead to repair the generator that has been broken since January. He said that he was promised by the contractors that people will have electricity back in their homes before the end of this month.

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office