Subject: UNOTIL's Daily Media Review 17 February 200

UNOTIL

Compiled by the Public Information Office from national and international sources

Daily Media Review

Friday, 17 February 2006

National Media Reports

Australian surgeon attacked

An Australian doctor who has been working at the National Hospital, Dr. Kerry Steven, was attacked by a bus driver and his assistant on the way from Baucau to Dili last Sunday afternoon. According to a source from the Baucau District Police, apparently Dr. Steven, driving in a separate vehicle accompanied by two Government Ministers, did not give way for the bus to overtake, although the bus tried repeatedly to do so. When Dr. Steven pulled over without indicating in the Carabela area, the bus also stopped with the driver and his assistant alighting and abusing Dr. Steven, and then pouring dirty water over him. Although Dr. Steven apologized, his assailants threatened him with a knife but were hindered by the two Ministers who were travelling with Dr. Steven. Dr. Steven reported the incident to the Vemasse Sub-District Police, resulting in the arrest of the assailants on Tuesday who then spent 72 hours in a police cell for investigation purposes. (STL)

Timor-Leste Awaiting Investigation Result

The Foreign Ministry is awaiting the investigation results from the Indonesian Military police on the sexual abuse allegedly committed by Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) on a Timorese woman in Passabe, Oecussi Sub-District. Foreign Affairs Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta said Timor-Leste considers the sexual abuse by TNI very serious which is why the issue has been raised with the Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste. "The sexual abuse in Oecussi, is considered by the Government as serious and it has been raised with the Ambassador and they have told us that the Indonesian Military is carrying out the investigation. I am waiting for the results and then I will comment whether or not I'm happy with the investigation. If I'm not happy with the results, we will look at another mechanism to find justice because I will not accept that a poor, sick woman has been violated by the military," Ramos-Horta said. He hopes that the TNI Commander will seek justice for those responsible. (TP)

Investigation on Generals to Soldiers: Ruak (DN)

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said the investigation team will focus on everybody from generals to soldiers. Ruak said the team has already questioned six people but it will take time to complete the work. He added that the problem occurred because members of the Armed Forces never presented their complaints through the proper channels, noting that the institution has a group specifically meant to deal with problems, from personal to work-related matters. (TP)

RTTL News Headlines

16-02-2006

Goodbye to Cuban Doctor

Commenting on a Cuban Doctor who has reportedly fled to Indonesia and applied for political asylum, Minister Ramos Horta said that the Doctor should have talked to his superiors in TL to find solution. Nevertheless, if it is his desire to leave Timor-Leste, Horta wished him a good return journey.

Investigation seminar at HAK

In order to capacitate Timorese Civil Society groups in investigating and monitoring the execution of State budget, HAK Foundation organized a seminar on investigation on Thursday.

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


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