The content of this email does not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank.

Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring for November 30, 2004

The World Bank Finances a road rehabilitation to Oecusse Timor Post & Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

Both papers carried a press release from the World Bank Saying that the Bank is financing a vital road link between the enclave of Oecussi and the rest of Timor-Leste is to be restored by December 2005 if work proceeds according to plan, says the World Bank Country Manager, Ms Elisabeth Huybens. The $3 million project will upgrade 42 kms of the existing 120 km road linking Maliana, Atambua and Wini to Pante Macasar in Oecussi in the first phase.

Over 7 kms of road has already been rehabilitated at a cost of USD 75,000 by the Indonesian government who have also received World Bank financed credit for the rest of Phase I . "By restoring this important land link between Oecussi and Timor-Leste, the road will not only give an impetus to the movement of goods and services but will also help families that, at present, find the journey difficult to make," Ms Huybens said. "The new road will cut the travel time from six hours to two hours."

At present, the daily bus service takes an average of 12-14 hours from Dili, including the time it takes to get immigration clearance. Travelers from Timor-Leste will still require visas to transit through West Timor on the new road ? something which is not required on the twice weekly Oecussi-Dili ferry ? but those from the border areas will be able to save the journey time to Dili.

The contract is being handled by PT Waskita Karya, who is bound to complete the project within 420 days. In Phase II , a 5 km feeder road connecting Atambua to Motain will be built to provide easy access to the road to Oecussi.

Timor-Leste not practicing discrimination say parties Timor Post

Five parties from the National Parliament said that information published by Indonesian media saying that Timor-Leste is discriminating against Moslems in An-Ur mosque, is untrue.

In respective places, the representative of each of the five parties, Democratic Party, KOTA, PSD, ASDT, and PDC said that those Moslems who occupied the mosque were told to move based on the regulations established, and that the law is to educate people to live with legal documents.

Petroleum fund expenditures need negotiation with government, says President Gusmao Timor Post

On Monday the 29th, the President of Timor-Leste, Mr. Xanana Gusmao, said that there have been some programs that are expected to be undertaken using the petroleum fund resources, but that no decision had been made yet.

He said that the decision is to be made by the National Parliament with the Prime Minister; the two would cooperate to define areas of fund allocation.

Ermera infrastructure to be further developed in 2005 Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

In the coming year, the District of Ermera's infrastructure will be further developed, said the Prime Minister, Mr. Mari Alkatri in an opening ceremony for a bridge rehabilitation in the sub-district of Gleno.

The rehabilitation fund comes from BNU, Timor Telecom and the government itself.

The Prime Minister said that to achieve proper development there has to be cooperation between the local leaders and their communities.

Petroleum Fund parties detail implementation, clarify coverage Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)-November 22,2004

The interim president of commission C of the Parliament of Timor-Leste, Dr. Manuel Tilman, from KOTA political party, and Francisco Miranda Branco from FRETILIN, told Parliament that 'the petroleum fund is not an invention of the Government'.

And he said also that the government's plan to create a petroleum fund is very good, because articles 139 and 140 of the constitution of Timor-Leste states: ?The State is the owner of petroleum and mineral resources?. And they agreed with the government plan to create Petroleum Fund.?

They said some of the money should be invested in Timor-Leste, and some should be invested offshore.

Charles McPherson

Charles McPherson, senior adviser oil, gas, mining and chemicals department International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, said Timor-Leste is a new country in the world, but Timor-Leste already competes with other countries because its government system is very good and very open to the public.

Create a Petroleum Fund for Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Dr. Mari Alkatiri, said if we want to create a petroleum fund, we will meet many problems, such as:

1. how much oil and gas revenue do we have available for spending

2. how much to invest in human development and infrastructure

3. how much money do we have to fund for the future

4. how we can create a good government system

5. how we can practice transparency so the public will support the policy. If not, many people will not support the government?s plan.

President Gusmao to discuss using Timor Sea revenues for veterans' issues Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

President of Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao said he will discuss together with the Parliament, the Government and all of the Political party leaders using some of the Timor Sea revenue to address the problem of the Veterans.

The President said he's already told the Prime Minister about his views. However, the President said if the Parliament and the Government decide to suspend the money for the future he has no problem with this and we will look other way.

Note: The World Bank welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for correction. Messages may be sent to Sildonia Sarmento who can be reached through e-mail at ssarmento@worldbank.org or telephoned at 332 4649, extension 304.

David de Araujo Receptionist World Bank, Dili Office Tel: 332 4649 Email: ddearaujo@worldbank.org