[Poster's note: Repeats of international articles already sent out to the east-timor list (info@etan.org) have been removed.]

Thursday, 15 March 2007

UNMIT ­ MEDIA MONITORING THE UN INTEGRATED MISSION IN TIMOR-LESTE DOES NOT VOUCH FOR THE ACCURACY OF THESE REPORTS

National Media Reports

Military Observer Julio Pinto: "Presidential election is the solution for the crisis."

The Military Analyst and Observer from Universidade da Paz, Julio Tomas Pinto said to DN on Wednesday (14/3) that the presidential election will give a solution for the crisis, since it will have a new president to run the country.

He also said that this election is the program of State that would be a solution for the crisis and need full support and commitment from all people to have a successful election.

Furthermore, he said that problem being faced at the present is the security problem. Many people will not vote without a security guarantee. (DN)

Mal Rerden: "Alfredo Used Australian Uniform"

The ISF Commander, Brig. Gen. Mal Rerden said that he is not preoccupied with the Australian Defense Force uniform worn by Alfredo.

He added that the plan of ISF will not change and the ISF will continue to track down Reinado. (DN)

Some Leaders Supporting Violence

Clementino dos Reis Amaral, the Vice President of Committee B for Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security Section of NNP said that violence in Dili is supported by some leaders. Information gathered in Bairopite indicated that the area remained calm when the ISF is on duty, yet when they leave young men ‘inflame' the situation.

It is suspected that there are some people supporting the youth for their individual and political interests and blaming others.

Amaral said in some areas the youth have begun to behave peacefully and forgive each other through the oath in church. They promise that they will not contribute to the violence.

Difficult to Arrest Alfredo in the Base of Guerrilla

The ISF Commander, Brig. Gen. Mal Rerden said that it will be difficult to arrest Alfredo without cooperation of community.

Pedro da Costa, an NP member from PST noted the example of Xanana who for 24 lived among the enemies and was not arrested by the Indonesian Army because he base support. Furthermore, he said, the ISF has no idea about the terrain conditions and no cooperation from the local people which brings ISF to difficulties in arresting Alfredo.

Pedro Gomes, another NP member from ASDT said "I do not agree with them (ISF) saying that it is difficult for them to arrest Alfredo, because they have modern equipment, planes and helicopters, so they have access to arrest." (STL)

Leandro Being Targeted by ISF, Involved in Alfredo's Activities

The ISF raid is not targeted only at Alfredo and his members, but also towards Leandro Isaac, an NP member who is directly involved in the activities of Alfredo.

Leandro is suspected for his direct involvement before the raid in Same on Sunday (04/3) on Alfredo and his members.

"I do not know where I am now, people brought me here," said Leandro. "I still have contact with Alfredo through my messengers," added Leandro from his hidden place. (TP)

Brig. Mal Rerden does not support Dialogue with Alfredo,

The statement of ISF Commander, Brig. Gen. Mal Rerden who does not support the process of having dialogue with Alfredo's group, provoked some NP members who said that Mal Rerden has no power in Timor-Leste, yet the ISF is invited by the Timor-Leste sovereign government to re-stabilize the country.

The ISF will not succeed in capturing Alfredo because he has many supporters since he (Alfredo) is the only one who fights for the truth and justice," Fernando Dias Gusmão, an NP member from PSD side said. (TP)

The Church is Studying Government Proposal of Contacting Alfredo

The Catholic Church is still looking for ways of solving Alfredo's problem before the presidential election.

The church realized that Alfredo's problem is complicated, so it should have a different point of view and gather different opinions to help solve the problem.

Dom Alberto Ricardo da Silva, Bishop of Dili Diocese, said that the organs of sovereignty, the Church and all the people should try their best in the limited time to solve Alfredo's problem before the presidential election. (TP)

International Media Reports

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]

UNMIT MEDIA MONITORING www.unmit.org