| Subject: UNOTIL's Daily Media Review 07
March 2006
UNOTIL Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources Daily Media Review Tuesday, 07 March 2006 National Media Reports Workshop on Women's Political Participation To discuss women's participation in the 2007 General Elections, a joint one-day workshop on the subject coordinated by the office of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister's office for Promotion of Equality, UNIFEM and the local NGO Fokupers was held yesterday at the Hotel Timor. The workshop entitled "Ensuring Women's Participation and Representation in the Political Life of the Nation Via the 2007 Legislative and Presidential Elections" was opened by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, with statements by President Xanana Gusmao, Vice-President of the National Parliament Jacob Fernandes, and SRSG Hasegawa. Workshop participants included representatives of political parties, the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, and civil society. Organizing Committee member Manuela Leong told journalists that this is the second such workshop of this nature, the objective being to ensure that decision makers take into account women's participation in the electoral process and in the 2007 elections, as well as being useful to gather ideas for the promotion of women's participation. Spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party in the National Parliament Joao Goncalves stated that PSD has always paid great attention to women's political participation, noting the current distribution of parliamentary seats for PSD MP's consists of three men and three women. In his speech at the workshop, SRSG Hasegawa declared that he hopes that women's political participation will increase in the upcoming elections, and that the role of the Cabinet for the Promotion of Equality together with UNIFEM will be instrumental in assisting with this through their civic education programs. The SRSG stated that it is important not just to increase the number of women in politics, but more importantly, to increase the number of both men and women who understand the importance of women's participation in the decision-making process of politics. (STL) Delegation on Millennium Challenges Cooperation Visits TL A delegation on Millennium Challenges Cooperation (MCC) which is assisting Timor-Leste in increasing economic growth and reducing poverty, has for the second time paid a visit to Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is one of 24 countries that belong to the Millennium Challenge Account, an initiative of the Bush Administration, becoming a member in November last year. According to a press release from the US Ambassador to Timor-Leste, the objective of the four-day visit is to explain to various segments of the population the purpose of the MCC. US Ambassador Joseph Grover Rees stated that he feels very enthusiastic about the visit, and that he sees the visit as an affirmation of the progress that Timor-Leste has made toward the implementation of a free-market economy, as well as a mature and participative democratic system. The purpose of the MCC is to work with developing countries to reduce poverty and provide incentives for sustainable economic growth. Speaking to journalists after receiving the delegation, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said that reducing poverty cannot only be achieved just by distributing food, but also via the health care system. He said that he very much appreciates the assistance provided by the MCC, as Timor-Leste is one of only a few countries in the world to receive such support. (STL) Some Foreigners Dislike Fretilin: Alkatiri Secretary General of Fretilin, Mari Alkatiri, reportedly said during a speech in Liquica District on Saturday that many foreigners, including some parties dislike Fretilin' governance. According to Timor Post, Alkatiri said they pick on many things of this democracy, but that democracy is more than just elections. He added that small political parties must also respect the majority party. "The foreigners want to divide Fretilin during its congress, but we will see. They will not sit peacefully," the Prime Minister said. He pointed out that he has sat many times with Mario Carrascalao (PSD) and signed many proposals together with him but in the end the opposition votes against it, noting that in reality they don't want development but they want Fretilin to form a government of national unity. (TP) I'll Not Resolve F-FDTL Problem: PM Alkatiri Prime Minister Alkatiri said he does not want to resolve F-FDTL problem because the petition forgot all about the Prime Minister. "If they have forgotten me, I cannot do anything. Let them keep forgetting me," added Prime Minister Alkatiri. He noted that the petition is addressed to almost everybody except the Prime Minister but warned them to be careful as many have already left the headquarters. "They have already made a mistake for leaving the headquarters. If they held a demonstration, it's even worse because the armed forces and the police cannot hold demonstrations," Alkatiri said. (STL) Bishop Basilio: They Must Have A Reason The Bishop of Baucau Basilio do Nascimento said there must be a reason for the problem with the F-FDTL members that presented the petition to President Gusmao. The Bishop said he does not know a solution as he is not aware of the reasons that led to the problem. But he added that as a Timorese, he is concerned that the demonstrators involved the armed forces. Nascimento stressed that he is confident that the interest of the nation is above any group's interest and he believes it won't have negative impact on the nation. Diario Nacional First Anniversary Today's edition of Diario Nacional dedicated most of its space to various comments on its first anniversary. Following are some of the comments: President Gusmao was reported as saying that the newspaper is good and its orientation does not provoke polemics. President of PSD, Mario Carrascalao, reportedly said he does not like Diaro because it constantly publishes photographs of Mari Alkatiri and Xanana Gusmao and that more space should be allocated to the civil society. President of the Parliament, Francisco "Lu'Olo" Guterres congratulated the newspaper and said it publishes the correct information. Prime Minister Alkatiri pointed out that regardless of its difficulties Diario Nacional is growing bigger. Abilio Araujo, President of PNT said, "Jornal Diario is independent, pluralist and objective". The Secretary General of PD, Mariano Sabino said this newspaper is like one from the government. President of the Court of Appeals, Claudio Ximenes said Jornal Diario contributes to the official languages, Tetum and Portuguese. (DN) UNDERTIM Asks Police to Stop Group Actions Vice-President of the Political Party, UNDERTIM has condemned the actions of groups using the party's name to create instability in Liquica District. Jose Galucito told the media that two groups by the name of Ninja Land Owners and Ninja America are using his party name to steal, attack people and pelt houses in that District. Galucito said UNDETIM coordinator in Liquiça already requested the police to stop the actions of these groups. He also appealed for people who have joined his party to follow the party's structure. (DN) National News Sources Timor Post (TP) Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL) Diario Tempo (DT) Diario Nacional Seminario Lia Foun (LF) Televisaun Timor-Leste [TVTL] These Items Do Not Reflect the Position or Views of the United Nations. UNOTIL Public Information Office Back to March menu |