UNMIT's Daily Media Review, 6 February 2008

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Horta supports National Language Institute: President Jose Ramos-Horta has come out in support of the National Linguistic Institute (INL) as it deals with one of the official languages of Timor-Leste, Tetun. The Chancellor of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), Benjamin Cortereal, said that the INL has met the President to promote the language of Tetun. "Tetum could be promoted as the medium of instruction, through seminars and conferences," said Mr Benjamin. "The government should have a policy towards Tetun and the mechanisms to promote Tetum."

Students demand response to scholarships proposals: Thousands of high school and university students have come to the Ministry of Social Solidarity to protest the lack of response from the Ministry regarding scholarship proposals submitted by the students. The students handed the proposals to the Ministry based on promises made by President Jose Ramos-Horta last year to provide assistance to students.

IDPs against Government food reduction policy: IDPs in the Obrigado Barracks and Airport camps are taking a stand against the Government's food reduction policy. The IDPs are arguing that the allocation of funds in the approved national budget was meant to provide assistance to the IDPs, and not for victims of natural disasters. "We reject the decision of the Government to reduce food," said the Obrigado Barrack IDP camp Spokesperson, Julio da Costa Gaio, in a press conference held last Monday (4/2).

"We will continue to defend our rights as IDPs. We will mobilizes and take our issues to the National Parliament…. The GGovernment must work together with NGOs to continue the food distributions as before." The Spokesperson also warned that if the Government did not find a way to resolve this, the IDPs would go on strike. (TP and STL)

PNTL arrests boy with ammunition: PNTL officers arrested a 15-year-old boy in Balide last Sunday (3/2) on charges of possessing ammunition. The Commander of PNTL Dili District, Pedro Bello, said that this was a joint operation between PNTL, UNPol and F-FDTL. (TP)

National Youth Group asks Government to solve petitioners case: The National Movement of Youth Unity (MJUN) have asked the Government to solve the petitioner's case in a transparent manner. The Coordinator of MJUN said that it's important that people are aware of, and are involved in, the process to solve the petitioner's case. (TP)

Petitioners to gather in Kampung Alor: President Jose Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Xanana GusmÃ£o and the President of the National Parliament Fernando Lasama, held a special meeting to determine a gathering place where the petitioners can convene to hold talks with the Government. Kampung Alor was chosen as the general area and a specific location will be identified this week. (DN)

Court of Appeals President agrees with plans for military tribunal: The President of the Court of Appeals, Claudio Ximenes, has come out in support of President Jose Ramos-Horta's plan to establish a military tribunal with assistance from the Brazilian Government. Mr Ximenes also said that Timor-Leste still requires technical assistance from the international community to bolster the judicial system. (DN)

NP Vice President: Food reduction must not be for all IDPs: The Vice President of the National Parliament, Vicente da Silva Guterres, has said that the Government's food reduction policy should be implemented according to the status of IDPs. He said that while the Government should reduce or stop food assistance for IDPs who are public servants, food assistance could be slowly reduced for other IDPs. "We must consider the consequences of our decision," said Mr Guterres. (DN)

Hospital IDPs: We did not become IDPs to receive rice: IDPs camped at the National Hospital have said that they did not become IDPs to receive rice. They became IDPs because of the crisis. They are reluctant to leave the hospital as they are still fear for their safety. Many of the IDPs also do not have homes to move back to. "The Government is reducing food rations as part of a plan to move the IDPs out of the Hospital," said one IDP named Aderito Pinto. "Because of this, I am asking the Government to rebuild my house." The IDPs also argue that 4kg or rice is not enough for one month. (DN)

Floods threaten Dili: The State Secretary for Environment, Abilio Lima, has appealed to people living in Dili and around Dili town to be aware of potential floods. "There may be floods in Dili as the sewerage systems are not working properly," said Mr Lima. "Because of this, we are expecting heavy rains to cause flooding in Dili." Mr Lima has also asked people to be careful when throwing away rubbish and to not throw rubbish onto the streets as this also blocks sewerage systems. Mr Lima cautioned that floods also threaten Ermera, Suai, and Manufahi. Heavy rains could also cause landslides in Viqueque.

The State Secretary of Security, Francisco Guterres, said after a meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao that the PNTL are prepared to provide assistance in the wake of a natural disaster. (STL)

University students demand Horta's promises to be kept: University students have asked the Minister for Social Solidarity (MSS), Maria Domingas, to keep the promises made to them by President Jose Ramos-Horta. The President had previously promised the students that those experiencing financial difficulties could present a proposal to MSS to be considered for a scholarship. The students had submitted their proposals to MSS but had not as yet received any reply. The students warned that if their proposals were not responded to, there would be further protests. (STL)

NATIONAL NEWS SOURCES: Televizaun Timor-Leste (TVTL) Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) Timor Post (TP) Suara Timor Lorosae (STL) Diario Tempo (DT) Diario Nacional (DN) SemanÃ¡rio Nacional (SN) Tempo Semanal (TS)

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