30 March 2010

TLGov: Timor-Leste solidifies stability with institutional reforms to the police force (PNTL)

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste Agio Pereira March 29, 2010 Dili, Timor-Leste Timor-Leste solidifies stability with institutional reforms to the police force - (PNTL) One of the most profound contributions to solidifying stability in Timor-Leste was made as the Government announced the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) has completed rigorous, comprehensive and vital reforms for the professionalization of the nations’ security sector.

Two independent bodies, the Secretariat for the Promotion of the PNTL led by Dr. Isabel Ferreira and the Commission for the Promotion of the PNTL, an international panel with representatives from Portugal, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and Timor- Leste, led by Sister Guilhermina Marçal, completed the first meritocratic system for the testing, evaluation, analysis and promotion of police officers into the newly established ranking system mandated under Decree Law 16/2009, of 18 March.

The Decree Law established a twelve tier career regime for the PNTL based on international best practice with clearly defined roles and responsibilities per rank. Testing for the Promotion regime was a three phase process which commenced with a 100 question written exam for general knowledge on policing and human rights administered by independent observers.

Inspectors, sub-inspectors and agents with command experience that received results of 50 percent or higher on the general knowledge test proceeded to the written psychological exam. The process concluded with a one hour interview with the Commission for Promotion of the PNTL.

Some 2,500 PNTL officers received promotions and assumed new ranks based on the testing results.

Upon completion of the process, the Government approved the resolutions recommended by the Secretariat for the Promotion of the PNTL and the Commission for the Promotion of PNTL which included:

1. The Approval of the Promotions for the Transitional Period of the Policia
Nacional de Timor-Leste; which certifies the date of and the promotions and also ensures resolution to pending cases according to the article 38, Decree law Number 16/2009, 18 March

2. Creation of a Commission to support the Process of PNTL Promotion;
which establishes a Commission to provide support in the implementation of the promotions, the resolution of late promotions; the resolution of PNTL cases that have not been assigned positions and to collect and analyze information for key recommendations to the Government on critical aspects of the reform implementation.

3. Review of Decree Law 16/2009, of 18 March, article 11-Promotion Regime
of PNTL which provides a review process for a second phase promotions scheme which would consider promotions for those who performed bravely or have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills such as veterans, senior officers and officers who attended various training courses but were not considered for promotion.

The systems established by the Secretariat for the Promotion of the PNTL and the Commission for the Promotion of PNTL ensured that the process was fully independent, transparent and free from any external or political interference.

Secretary of State Pereira noted “This critical reform to the security sector is one of the most vital initiatives by the Xanana Gusmão Government; a giant step in ensuring our nation remains one of peace, safeguarded by a professional security force with a shared sense of civic responsibility. The sector can now firmly focus on capacity building and modernizing to meet the needs of our people, our young democracy and our developing State.

We congratulate the Secretariat for the Promotion of the PNTL, the Commission for the Promotion of PNTL, the men and women of the PNTL and all those that contributed to this process for their sense of duty to serve. This profound reform is a living testimony that together we can make long lasting change.” ENDS

For More Information Please Contact: Agio Pereira +670 723 0011 E-mail: agiopereira@cdm.gov.tl Or govtlmedia@gmail.com

UN Hails Milestone as Timorese Police Celebrate Tenth Anniversary

UN HAILS MILESTONE AS TIMORESE POLICE CELEBRATE TENTH ANNIVERSARY

New York, Mar 29 2010 11:05AM

The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), which was set up by the United Nations in the wake of the country's vote for independence, has celebrated its 10th anniversary, making it one of the oldest institutions in the fledgling South-East Asian nation.

Parades and activities were held in the capital, Dili, on Saturday to mark the first decade of existence of the PNTL, established on 27 March 2000 by the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (<"http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/past/etimor/etimor.htm">UNTAET), set up to assist the country during its transition to independence in 1999.

"The continued development of the professionalism of the national police service is an essential element to a peaceful, stable Timor-Leste, where citizens can have trust in the rule of law," Ameerah Haq, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, said, following a ceremony attended by G
overnment officials and diplomats.

The UN has been handing over policing responsibilities to Timor-Leste as part of the gradual transfer of the security functions it assumed in 2006 after dozens of people were killed and 155,000 others -- or about 15 per cent of the population -- were driven from their homes in an eruption of violence in the newly independent country.

The current UN peacekeeping mission in the country, or <"http://unmit.unmissions.org/">UNMIT, was set up in 2006 to replace several earlier missions, including UNTAET, in the county that the world body shepherded to independence in 2002. It currently comprises nearly 1,500 UN Police (<"http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/sites/police/">UNPOL) from 38 countries.

The mission is working closely with the PNTL to set the stage for its resumption of full responsibility over Timor-Leste, Ms. Haq noted. "But this remains a careful process, to be implemented applying the criteria agreed with the Government and in a step-by step-manner."

The PNTL has already resumed responsibility over the Police Intelligence Service, the Police Training Centre and the Maritime Unit, as well as four districts. Three additional districts will be handed over in the coming weeks.

Also attending the Saturday ceremony was Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who praised the police force for its community-based approach. "This means that a police member must be well-integrated in the local community? in permanent contact with the populations that he is responsible to keep safe."

Last month, Ms. Haq told the Security Council in New York that although Timor-Leste has made "remarkable progress" since the violence that disrupted it in 2006, the long-term goals of recovery and development may prove even more challenging.

"Timor-Leste has reached a new stage, where there is an intensified focus on measures needed to sustain stability, deepen democracy and the rule of law, reduce poverty and strengthen institutions," she said.

The Special Representative pointed to the possibility of the country's greatest long-term challenges lying in the socio-economic realm, citing the need to fight poverty, hunger, maternal and infant mortality, and improve access to health care and education. "It is essential that the Government redouble its effort to ensure that development benefits are felt equally in rural and urban areas," she added.

Also last month, the 15-member Council voted to extend the mandate of UNMIT by an additional year until 26 February 2011.

Pakote Referendum Timor-Leste: Exclusive Major Government Document Leak

Sunday, 28 March 2010 Pakote Referendum Timor-Leste: Exclusive Major Government Document Leak - In a major leak of Government documents Tempo Semanal can now reveal the details of over $31,140,000 million USD of Pakote Referendum funds covering 704 projects in 11 Districts across Timor-Leste.

Tempo Semanal was not able to obtain relevant documents for Ainaro and Aileu Districts. But Tempo Semanal can reveal the details of
1. Baucau,
2. Bobonaro,
3. Viqueque,
4. Oecusse,
5. Manufahi,
6. Manatuto,
7. Liquica,
8. Dili,
9. Ermera
10. Lautem
11. Cova Lima
In August 2009 the Government of Timor-Leste announced that it would create the Referendum Package (or Pakote Referendum) to be funded from Ministry of Infrastructure budget. The initiative was designed to procure public works projects on a massive scale in an extra budgetary method not approved by the National Parliament, going around the Finance Ministry in a "direct procurement" method executed by political allies of the Government of Timor-Leste. There have been many allegations that the project funds have been manipulated, not implemented, or implement far below standard.

Shortly after announcing the Pakote Referendum approximately 75 million USD - nearly 12% of the national budget in 2009 was transferred into the bank accounts of "AECCOP". Headed by the Julio Alvaro (godfather of one of Prime Minister Xanana's children and President of the Forum Empresario de Timor-Leste) AECCOP is the the structure set up to 1) select which companies would be awarded contracts under this new scheme and 2) oversee its execution across the country with both a National and 13 District structures.

All projects signed off on 24 September iha tinan 2009. Julio Alvaro mak assina sira hotu with Domingos Caeiro, Secretary of State Obras Publicas, Jose Manuel Carrascalao Vice Minister Infra Estruturas, Pedro Lay Ministru Infra Estruturas.

This new scheme appears to operated outside of the procurement laws which govern how public money is supposed to be spent in Timor-Leste. The Parliamentary Opposition and many in civil society have alleged whole scale corruption.

Once again it would appear that the World Bank Public Financial Management Capacity Building (PFCBP) is either entirely toothless in executing its tasks in achieving good financial management in Timor-Leste, or is possibly complicit as the Worldbank has not spoken out about the issue. Jeffrey Sachs Former Worldbank official and now senior Economic Adviser to the UN Secretary General will be in Dili in two weeks. Will he comment on the matter?

Tempo Semanal will let readers including Aderito de Jesus Soares of the new Anti Corruption Commission (KAK) view the documents for themselves so make their own conclusions.
Baucau District Pakote Projects - $2,280,000
Bobonaro Pakote Projects $3,463,000
Cova Lima Pakote Projects $3,226,000
Dili Pakote Projects $6,690,000
Ermera Pakote $1,780,000
Lautem Pakote Projetu $2,180,000
Liquica Pakote Projetu $1,413,000
Manatuto Pakote Projetu $2,365,000
Manufahu Pakote Projetu $2,384,000
Oecusse Pakote Projetu $2,413,000
Viqueque Pakote Projetu $2,946,000

27 March 2010

Speech by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the National Police

10th Anniversary of PNTL 27.3.10

National security law guarantees PNTL and F-FDTL to respond incident

Diario Nacional, March 26, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Parliamentary President Fernando Lasama de Araujo has said that Timorese Parliament has recently approved the law for national security and defence, which guarantees the Timorese National Police and Army to respond any incident that might appear in the future.

Lasama made that comment after he met with the President Jose Ramos Horta to inform him about law for security and defence been approved by the Parliament.

“I meet with President Horta to inform him about the national law for security and defence that was recently approved by the Parliament as well as the activities conducted by the Parliament so far,” Lasama said.

Lasama added that the Parliament had approved three daft law for the defence and security and those draft laws will be presented to the President Horta to promulgate them.

Commissioner Monteiro: PNTL will go forward despite its limitations

Diario Nacional, March 26, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Police Commander, Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro, has said that the Timorese National Police will go forward although the institution lacks human resources.

Commissioner Monteiro said that the PNTL anniversary that will take place tomorrow is an historical day to the PNTL as it is the first time for the PNTL to mark its celebration with rank promotion.

Monteiro added that there are many cases registered within the PNTL institution when he become the PNTL commander but he said he is capable of resolving some cases and to date there are 280 of cases are in the process.

“There are many cases been registered and 280 of them are in the process,” Monteiro said.

He also confirmed that the total numbers of the PNTL officers are 3.177 but only more than 3.000 officers are working effectively at this time because some officers had been sacked and therefore they will recruit new officers in the near future due to the number of populations is continuing increase.

Parliamentary Committee A holds workshop on domestic violence

Timor Post, March 26, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Parliamentary Committee A for Law and Constitutional Affairs has held a workshop with the UN agency, the working group on domestic violence, and civilians in order to review the law on domestic violence before the Parliament’s approval.

MP Domingos Sarmento from Fretilin said that the working group and civil society had called for the competent parties to better improve the law before parliamentary approval in order to secure people from domestic violence.

“The participants have called for better improvement of the bill on domestic violence so that it can guarantee and secure people from domestic violence,” MP Sarmento said.

Sarmento said that there were four main parts in the creation of law on domestic violence such as prevention and training for the office of public prosecution, the National Police and community leaders on how to cope with the issue of domestic violence.

Meanwhile, Deputy for the Timorese Human Rights and Justice Ombudsmen (PDHJ) Silverio Piinto Baptista has said that it is important to really implement the law after in order to really respond to the needs of victims of domestic violence.

Government approves Social Communication Act

Timor News line, March 26, 2010 The State Secretary for the Council of Ministers, Hermenegildo Agio Pereira has said during a press conference Thursday that the Gusmao Government through the Council of Ministers had approved the Government’s policy for social communication.

The policy was approved by the Council of Ministers on 24th last Wednesday in a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Pereira added that this is the first time for the Government to create the policy to regulate the journalists in the country.

Upon the approval by the Council of Ministers, the bill will be sent to the National Parliament for approval.

“National Policy for social communication is the first policy of the Government to be applied in the country to regulate journalists but it is not a law yet because it is the Parliament's task to produce law,” Pereira said.

2795 PNTL members to be promoted

Televizaun Timor-Leste, March 26, 2010 language source: Tetun - Secretary of State for Security Francisco Guterres has said that 2795 police officers will be promoted this week-end during the celebration of the National Police’s tenth anniversary.

“2795 are eligible for promotion but the promotion of 341 test-takers will be pending due to cases registered with the court,” said Guterres.

However, 341 officers of those who passed the exam will not be promoted due to their involvement in cases registered at the court.

The total number of those who attended the promotion test was 3,086 coming from all districts in Timor-Leste.
Parliamentary President Lasama met President Horta Televizaun Timor-Leste, March 26, 2010 language source: Tetun - Speaker of the National Parliament Fernando La Sama de Araujo met President Horta to inform the head of state about important laws approved by the Parliament.

“The National Parliament has approved three laws: national defence act, national security act, and internal security acts which are all important for the proper functioning of the defence force and police force in maintaining security and defence in the country,” said La Sama.

He added that these laws are in the final editing and will be sent to the office of the President of the Republic for promulgation.

La Sama said that with the promulgation of these laws the F-FDTL and PNTL are able to carry out their functions to ensure security and defence in the country.

Handing over security responsibility to Baucau and Ainaro police postponed until April

Diario Nacional, March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Police Commander Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro has confirmed that the handover of security responsibilities from the United Nations Police to the National Police Force of Timor-Leste in Ainaro and Baukau Districts has been postponed until April next month.

“Actually the process of handing over security responsibility by the UN Police to Baucau and Ainaro districts will should take place on 17th of this month but it was postponed until April due to the recent death of UNMIT Deputy for Security Mr. Takahisa Kawakami,” Monteiro said.

Monteiro is optimistic that this time there will be no second postponement of the process of handing over responsibility to Baucau and Ainaro districts.

He added that in April there will be also hand over of security responsibility for the district of Ermera, hoping that by the end of June 2010 overall security responsibility in the country will be in the hands of the National Police.

According to Commissioner Monteiro, one of the reasons for pushing the security responsibility hand over is that UN Police is not responsive enough to the security situation in the country, including its high incidence of traffic accident.

MP's oppose draft law on social communication

Diario Nacional, March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - MPs in the Parliament disagreed with the draft law for social communication proposed by the Government because they believe that the law will kill the press freedom in the country.

MP Arsenio Bano from Fretilin has said that the bill presented by the Government will kill press freedom because it states that the journalists should get a licence and be accredited by the Government before becoming journalists.

“The Government’s task is to determine general principles for journalists based on the law of press freedom but the draft law of social communication presented by the Government has kill press freedom in the country,” Bano said.

Meanwhile, MP Getrudez Moniz from Democratic Party (PD) has also said that she disagreed with the law for the social communication by the Government because the draft law limits the journalists to express their opinions freely.

Getrudez said that journalism is a professional work therefore she said it is not necessary to get a licence from the government when someone wants to be a journalist.

“Journalism is a professional work and therefore the Government should not set criteria to those people want to be journalists,” Getrudez said.

Police Operational Commander Fernandes: It is important to prevent terrorists in Timor-Leste

Timor Post, March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese National Police’s Operational Commander, Inspector Mateus Fernandes, has said that it is important to prevent terrorist before it appears in the country.

“It is important to prevent terrorists from now on,” Pinto said.

Inspector Fernandes made the comment yesterday, because the State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres had recently said that there are no terrorist activities in the country.

Inspector Fernandes added that Timor-Leste is a young country and therefore it is important for the Parliament to create a strong law that can prevent terrorist’s movement in Timor-Leste.

He also said that the Government should better professionalise the country’s intelligence officers so that they can undertake their tasks professionally in the future.

See also United States declares Timor-Leste presents risk of introducing instruments of terror into international maritime commerce

PM Gusmao holds Defence Superior Council meeting with President Horta

Timor Post, March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has met with President Jose Ramos Horta to inform the president about the real situation in the country.

“We hold a meeting with the president to inform him about situation in Bobonaro and Kovalima districts and that they had recovered after the Timorese National Police and Army held a joint operation. The Government has provided jobs to those people detained during the operation,” PM Gusmao said.

PM Gusmão said that President Jose Ramos Horta in the meeting had expressed his concern about three issues faced by the country such as the country’s security situation, rank promotion for the National Police and the recent spotlight of international media on the statements of the head of state on an international tribunal.

PM Gusmao added that President Horta informed him that some PNTL officers had made claims to the president about the rank promotion saying that the rank promotion test was unfair.

In response to this case, PM Gusmao called for the PNTL officers who did not pass the test not to be disappointed because they still have another chance to attend the test.

It is important not to hamper the court decision

Timor Post, March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - Alarico M. Tilman, Dean of the Law Faculty of the National University (UNTL), has said that it is normal to make appeals to the court, but the most important thing is that the appeal made should not hamper the decision of the court as it was made based on the law.

“It is normal everywhere to agree or disagree with the decision made by the court and it is possible to make appeal when there is something wrong with the decision,” Tilman said.

Tilman made the comment in relation to the appeal by the lawyers for Frederico Oan Kiak Florindo and Alberto da Costa Belo to the court of appeal, because they [the lawyers] dissatisfied with the recent decision made by the court to sentence their clients to be imprisoned for eight and six years respectively.

Tilman added that Timor-Leste has adopted the semi presidential system and therefore the four state bodies should not put their hands into decisions made by the court as what the court decided was based on the Law.

Meanwhile the Timorese Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) Director Luis Oliveira has considered the recent statement made by the MP Cornelio L-7 Gama will not affect the court decision as it was a political statement only.

L-7 has recently said that they will not let their fellow ex guerillas fighter to be locked up behind the bars.

Lawyer appeals court to annul first decision

Televizaun Timor-Leste March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - Jose Pedro Camoes, the lawyer for Amaro da Costa Susar, Marcelo Caetano and other convicted rebels has formally filed the appeal to the court of appeal with the view to annulling the decision of the Dili District Court.

“We appeal to the court of appeal to annul the decision of the court because it was hard for the judges to prove the allegations,” Camoes said.

He also said that out of 12 allegations only three are proved and for him it is not enough to sentence Susar, Caetano and others.

He added that the court found that they did not shoot President Horta and that the shooting might have been done by others but the court failed to find who committed that crime.

“They did not shoot President Horta and it is clear that other actors might have done it so the court must find them out,” he said.

He hoped that the court of appeal would rectify the decisions of the Dili District Court and therefore reopen the case for investigation.

Earlier this month, the Dili District Court, through a panel of judges, sentenced the attackers of President Horta with 16 years imprisonment.

President Horta was fatally shot during the attack and President Horta said that it was a member of the rebel group, Marcelo Caetano, who shot him.

The ballistic test result showed that the bullets found in the body of Mr. President were not from Caetano’s gun.

The court also found that rebel leader Alfredo Reinado Alves and his co-fighter Leopoldino Exposto were not shot with defence force’s bullets as it was previously claimed.

However the court failed to find who shot both President Horta or the two members of the rebel group.

PM Gusmao: Joint operation has freed local people

Televizaun & Radio Timor-Leste March 25, 2010 language source: Tetun - Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who is also Minister for Defence and Security, told the PR’s Council of State that the operation by PNTL in Bobonaro and Kovalima has been successful because it has freed the local people from threats.

“The people are happy now because they are free from threats,” said Xanana after meeting with the Council of State headed by President of the Republic.

Prime Minister Gusmao also said that those who voluntarily handed themselves in to Timorese National Police will be helped to have a decent life through social schemes by the government.

Mr. Gusmao also said that one amongst the issues raised was the promotion of PNTL members in which he acknowledged that there are a lot of complaints from those who did not pass the promotion test.

“In relation to the promotion test, President Horta got complaints (from those who did not pass) but we told him that this is only the first process,” said Gusmao.

He also said that there was no discrimination in the promotion test and that it was merit-based and told those who did not pass to have their second chance.

According to Gusmao, the promotion test was part of the security sector reform.

“Security sector reform is as important as the promotion test itself,” he said.

Conoco Phillips Timor Sea Cup 2010

Football Federation Northern Territory
GPO Box 3105
Darwin, Northern Territory, 0801
+61 8 8941 2444 T
+61 8 8941 8644 F
info@footballnt.com.au E
www.footballnt.com.au W

Press Release

26 March 2010

ConocoPhillips Timor Sea Cup 2010

The ConocoPhillips Timor Sea Cup will be played in Dili, Timor- Leste, from 29 April to 2 May 2010. The final will be held on Sunday 2 May.

The ConocoPhillips Timor Sea Cup is a men's under 18 international football tournament between teams from the Northern Territory, Timor-Leste and the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT).

FFNT is proud to announce that former Manchester United and England player Paul Parker will coach the Northern Territory team. Paul's experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the NT side. Paul will also be conducting coaching clinics during his stay in Dili. The Cup is a round robin series of three games with a final played under Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rules.

This will be the second time the Cup will be played. The inaugural tournament was held in Darwin in 2008. The event was considered a success, with Timor-Leste winning the final 3-0 over the Northern Territory.

The ConocoPhillips Timor Sea Cup has been secured for three years, with next year's Cup being held in Darwin during the Arafura Games (7-14 May 2011). In 2012 the ConocoPhillips Timor Sea Cup is likely to be held in Kupang.

Land Claims in Baucau District Publicised by National Directorate of Land and Property

Press Release

DNTPSC Undertook Another Public Display In District Capital Baucau

On the 23rd March 2010, Government of Timor-Leste, through National Directorate of Land Property and Cadastral Services (DNTPSC), undertook the public display of maps containing data from land claimants in Baucau District.

Eng. Jaime Xavier Lopes, DNTPSC Director stated that “The objective of public display maps is to guarantee the transparency of the land claims process. During the public display period, land claimants will verify and correct the collected data presented in those maps. It is also possible to submit a counterclaim for land parcels already claimed by other parties. Therefore, DTPSC District Directors will ask the participation of the communities to verify the displayed data. The public display period is only for 30 working days, after that period it will not be possible to submit new land data.”

Collection areas included in this public display are from Sub-District Baucau, Suco Bahu and Tirilolo, Aldeia Ana-Ulo, Lutumutu and Lamegua. The public display period starts on 23rd March 2010 and will be closed by the 5th May 2010. Public Display Maps are displayed in the following locations: Baucau District Administration Building, Bairo Lamegua (Chefe de Aldeia post) and Bairo Central (near the Rice Shop), DTPSC/Ita Nia Rai Baucau and DNTPSC in Bebora, Dili. They are also available in the internet, through www.itaniarai.tl.

The Ministerial Decree No. 229/2008 from July, 1 authorizes DNTPSC to prepare public displays with the land data collected during the data collection process. During the public display periods, people may submit new land claims and also counterclaims, which constitute a dispute against another part. After the closure of the public display period, people will not be able to submit new land claims or counterclaims for those displayed areas.

Ita Nia Rai is a 5-year project (2007-2012), funded by the American Government through USAID, and supports the Government of Timor-Leste in strengthening property rights in Timor-Leste. Working together with National Directorate of Land Property and Cadastral Services (DNTPSC), this project aims to provide technical assistance and support laws and regulations so to create a sustainable and transparent system for land administration in Timor-Leste. Currently, Ita Nia Rai project is collecting land claims in district capitals of Aileu, Baucau, Bobonaro, Liquiça, Manatuto, Oecusse, Dili and Lautem. Data collection process will start shortly in the district capitals of Covalima and Ainaro.
USAID RDTL Ita Nia Rai

HAMETIN DIREITU DA PROPRIEDADE IHA TIMOR LESTE

Balide, Dili, Timor-Leste

For more information, please contact: Jose Caetano Guterres TEL: +670 730 4325 Email: JCaetano@sprtl.tl

See also Land Policy in East Timor - The Cart before the Horse

25 March 2010

Parliament approves law on domestic violence

Diario Nacional, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Parliament has approved a new law on domestic violence last Monday, 22 March 2010.

The law was presented by the Government through the State Secretary for the Promotion of Gender Equality, Idelta Maria Rodrigues, to the Parliament to be discussed and approved.

Rodrigues said that the Government produced this law in order to protect people from domestic violence and to guarantee the victims to get access to legal assistance, particularly the victims of domestic violence.

“Timor-Leste needs a law that can protect people from domestic violence and those who had engaged in domestic violence should be tried,” Rodrigues said.

Guterres: Ninja gangs in Watucarbau is a rumor only

Timor Post, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The State Secretary for Security, Francisco Guterres, has confirmed that the recent rumors mongered about Ninja gangs in the Watucarbau sub-district were not true as there was no evidence that could prove their existence in the area.

“It is a rumor only, because no one sees that the houses destroyed by fire are burned by ninja gangs,” Guterres said.

Guterres added that the local police were now continuing to hunt those people who had burned the houses in order to make sure whether they are truly ninja gangs or not.

ALSO:

PNTL will not stop operation in hunting ninja gangs: Monteiro *Diario Nacional, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Police Commander, Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro, has said that the National Police will not stop its operation to hunt ninja gangs in Bobonaro and Kovalima Districts.

Moteiro made the comment regarding the Parliamentarians calls for the PNTL to stop their operation because they had held observations in the Bobonaro and Kovalima districts but there is no ninja and those people detained by the police were the members of the ex-guerilla fighter organization (CPD-RDTL).

Commissioner Monteiro said that they will not stop the operation since there is no command from the Defence and Security Minister to stop the operation.

“It depends on the Defence and Security Minister if he commands to stop the operation then we stop it,” Monteiro said.

Transfer of security responsibility by the UN Police to the PNTL is postponed

Timor Post, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The State Secretary for Security, Francisco Guterres, has said that the United Nations Police had planned to hand over security responsibility to the Timorese National Police (PNTL) in Baucau and Ainaro districts this week, but it was postponed.

“We were discussing the plan for handing over the security responsibility to the National Police, but the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) Deputy Takahisa Kawakami passed away suddenly and that is why we postponed it, but the plan will still be realised after some change within UNMIT,” Guterres said.

Guterres said that the process of handing over security responsibility should go on well with a proper balance of the UN Police and the State Secretary for Security.

He added that the problem of handing over responsibility process should be resolved this month.

Oliveira: L-7’s declaration will not affect on the court decision

Timor Post, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) Director, Luis de Oliveira Sampaio, has said that the recent statement made by MP Cornelio L-7 Gama from UNDERTIM would not affect the court decision made to sentence Frederico Oank Kiak Florindo and Alberto da Costa Belo to be imprisoned for eight and six years respectively.

Oliveira made the comment because MP Gama had recently made a public statement that they (the ex guerillas) would not let Florindo and Belo to be locked up behind bars.

He added that all the people in the country should be subject to the law and order and respect the legal verdict made by the court.

“I think all the Parliamentarians know and understand well the Constitution as the Constitution has guaranteed that the court decision is the highest one - rather than political decisions.

Oliveira also considered the recent statement made by Gama was a political statement only.

Deputy PM Guterres: Government will continue supporting press freedom

Timor Post, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - Deputy Prime Minister for Social Issues, Jose Luis Guterres, has said that the Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP) Government would continue supporting press freedom in the country.

Deputy PM Guterres made the comment as the Council of Ministers discusses a resolution for social communication today.

He also called on the journalists to be optimistic that the Government will continue supporting them, although he [Guetrres] had not read the resolution.

“You the journalisst should be optimistic that press freedom will not end in the country as the Government will continue supporting the journalists to get access press freedom in Timor-Leste,” Deputy PM Guterres said.

Deputy PM Guterres also said that it was important to support the journalists to cover the news freely as it helped the Government to appear transparent and combat corruption.

Parliament will discus the report of the Committee of Enquiry into Ricegate

Timor Post, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Parliamentary President Fernando Lasama de Araujo has said that the Parliament will thoroughtly discus the report of the Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry into indications of corruptionin the process of purchasing rice.

Lasama said it was important to discus the report deeply as he did not want corruption to appear in the country.

“Corruption, collusion and nepotism should not appear in the country. All things that breached the law should be processed legally based on the rule of law,” Lasama said.

Meanwhile, MP Maria de Carvalho from Democratic Party (PD) who is a member of the Committee, has said that they were late to submit report as the time for them to make the report was too limited.

HAK calls on Government to capacitate National Police officers

Radio Timor-Leste, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Human Rights Association (HAK) Vice Director, Edio Saldanha, has called on the Government to better professionalise the Timorese National Police (PNTL) officers.

Saldanha made the comment after some national police officers had carried out their task unprofessionally, particularly in responding to a case.

Saldanha added that the National Police officers had sometimes breached the law in responding to cases such as the recent operation on ninja gangs in Bobonaro and Kovalima districts, the Delta Nova shooting death and the brutal assault by police officers of Mr. Leo Chomacose, a resident of Atauro Island.

Saldanha also said that it was important that the police officers know the ethics code use to approach or respond to incidents.

Pension law is not seriously debated by the Parliamentarians: MP Noe

Radio Timor-Leste, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - MP Arao Noe from the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) has said that the Parliamentarians have not seriously debate the proposed law presented by the Alliance benches to amend the pension law for ex-Government officials.

MP Noe said that the content of the proposed law is about the amendment to the monthly pension payment for retired Government officials.

MP Noe added that actually the ex-Government officials should not be paid as the actual Government’s officials. And therefore the Alliance party present proposal to the Parliament to amend the law as it has no much benefit and will effect to the country’s economic growth.

First defence attache appointed to Indonesia

Televizaun Timor-Leste, March 24, 2010 language source: Tetun - Timor-Leste has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Alberto dos Santos as its defense attache to be posted at the Embassy of Timor-Leste to Indonesia Monday, hoping to establish better defence cooperation with the Indonesian Armed Forces, its former occupying force.

Timor-Leste’s Defence Force Commander Major General Taur Matan Ruak said that despite past bitterness, Timor-Leste and Indonesia agreed last year to have cooperation in the areas of maritime security, border security and military training.

“Despite of our past bitterness, we agreed to have cooperation in the areas of maritime security, border security and military training,” said General Matan Ruak.

Secretary of State for Defense Julio Tomas Pinto said that with the appointment of the first defense attache to Indonesia there will be better defence cooperation with Indonesia to develop the Timorese defence force.

“We think that we have important relationship with Australia and Indonesia and particularly with Indonesia with whom we share a land border so it is important to have a defence attache to help coordinating the border problems,” said Secretary Pinto.

He also added that in the future Timor-Leste will send more defense attaches to other countries that play important roles in developing the country’s defence force.

The farewell party was also attended by Special Representative of the Secretary General to Timor-Leste Ms. Ameerah Haq and state dignitaries.

Government declares Timor free from terrorist threats while US declares Timor presents risk of introducing instruments of terror

ETLJB Editorial Note: With terrorist attacks occurring in neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines and recent court convictions of Islamist fundamentalist criminals in Australia, the government of East Timor has chosen to bury its head in the sand and deny the terrorist threat. The United States government recently declared East Timor as presenting a risk of permitting the introduction of instruments of terror into maritime commerce. The following propaganda from the East Timor government was published in the Timor Post on 23 March 2010:

Timor Post, March 23, 2010 language source: Tetun - The State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres has said that Timor-Leste is free from terrorist threats.

“The space for terrorists is too narrow to expand their activities in the country and there is no such problem related to terrorism,” Guterres said.

Guterres said the Government would not consider terrorism as the priority case of the country since there is no terrorist in the country to date.

“Terrorist issue is a serious case that concerns international people but nowadays the most important case to be concerned of is problems facing the country,” Guterres said.

But see also United States declares Timor-Leste presents risk of introducing instruments of terror into international maritime commerce

The Tasi Tolu Exhumations

Pat Walsh, 22 March 2010 - The case for a CAVR/CTF follow-up mechanism has been given new urgency by the recent find of more remains of human rights victims on the outskirts of Dili and the equally startling discovery that Timor-Leste has no regulations to govern construction on sites of significance. As Dili is in the grip of an unprecedented building boom, with some 1400 companies registered in the construction sector, legislation and the establishment of an oversight mechanism are urgently needed.

This month, 9 sets of human remains were exhumed at the Tasi Tolu site of the future Pelican Paradise hotel west of Dili. The discovery follows exhumations of 16 Santa Cruz victims last year. Initial forensic reports confirm that the Tasi Tolu remains were the victims of extra-judicial executions, possibly from the late 70s-early 80s. The bodies were trussed hand and foot and buried in pits prepared by mechanical ditch-diggers. Bullets were found at the scene, indicating that the victims were executed at the site. The burial site is therefore also a crime site. This also means that, like Tasi Tolu area itself, the site is a place of emotional and historical significance in Timor’s costly struggle for independence.

The discovery has already yielded some positive lessons. The most important of these has been the goodwill and respective contributions of the key stakeholders. The company has cooperated with the exhumations, an important precedent for other developers, although it is not known what, if any, steps will be taken to commemorate the site. Prime Minister Gusmao and his government have provided funding. Members of parliament and the community have taken a close interest and visited the site. Forensic experts have been engaged to ensure that the process is professionally managed, a welcome advance on damaging efforts some years ago when well-intentioned amateurs handled remains from 1999. Finally, it is said that the location of the site is due to a tip-off some years ago by Indonesian military sources. Each of these elements, not least –if true – the information from Indonesian sources, has been critical to the outcome and will be vital to future work of this kind which is only just beginning.

The process, however, has also revealed some serious policy shortcomings and the urgent need for regulations. Timor-Leste has no building regulations to protect or preserve sites of historic, political or cultural significance and to govern building on such sites. UNTAET Regulation 2000/19 (Section 6) on Protected Places provided that the Transitional Administrator, under a directive, may designate monuments, buildings and other sites as property of cultural, artistic or historic significance to the people of Timor-Leste, but this provision has not been translated into contemporary legislation. Such legislation would be clearly in the spirit of the Constitution which, although it does not mention sites, devotes four Articles to the Valorisation of Resistance (Section 11).

The CAVR Report Chega! contains some 14 recommendations that deal directly or indirectly with memorialisation. The most relevant can be found at 3.2.1-3.3.1; 3.7.7 and 12.12. In summary, these call for families to be assisted to locate and re-bury relatives and for significant sites to be registered and memorialised in some way. CAVR took a broad view of memorialisation. In this sense, the concept should be comprehensive enough to cover both sites of human rights violations like the ex-Balide Comarca and Hotel Flamboyan in Baucau (development of its notorious back section is on hold) as well as sites that are historically significant in other respects such the site of the new Palacio Presidencial and Hotel Turismo (currently undergoing renovation).

To this point, however, these timely recommendations have not been acted on. No register of sites or authority exist which companies should consult prior to development or if a discovery is made. The Parliament’s Committee A is currently preparing legislation to establish a CAVR/CTF follow-up mechanism whose terms of reference will most likely include a national memorialisation program. It is to be hoped that this important initiative is speedily enacted and that the Gusmao government uses this legislative and institutional framework to respond to the important issues raised by the Tasi Tolu case.

Timor security 'close' to taking over

Australian Broadcasting Corporation News 24/03/2010 - The Australian Defence Force Chief says he believes East Timorese forces will be able to take full responsibility for the country's security in the near future.

The number of Australian troops in East Timor has been recently reduced to 400.

Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston says the East Timorese military are continuing to improve their professionalism.

He has told Australia Network that he is confident they will be able to take care of their own security.

"I think as we look forward they'll reach that stage in the not too distant future," he said.

"What we're seeing at the moment is the United Nations transition a lot of the police stations around Timor Leste to the Timorese police service."

24 March 2010

Student movement calls for country’s leaders to trust in Timorese lawyers

Radio Timor-Leste, March 23, 2010 language source: Tetun - University students' movement has called for the country’s leaders to give a chance to Timorese lawyers to manage their task well in order to dignify the significance of independence.

They also called for the politicians not to put hands into the judicial system in the country.

Spokesperson for the student movement, Januario Beki, has said that the time has come for people to enjoy independence.

The movement also called for the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) not to support any political party; otherwise it will split the unity of the people in the country.

They stressed that the UNMIT officers should carry out their work independently.

Ex-guerillas who saved TL during the 2006 crisis should be appreciated: MP Florindo

Timor Post 23/03/2010 language source: Tetun - MP Osorio Florindo from Fretilin said yesterday that it is important to value former guerilla fighters who had voluntarily contributed and risked their lives to save the country during 2006 crises.

MP Florindo made the comment regarding to recent statement from some MPs questioning the payment to Frederico Oan Kiak Florindo and Alberto da Costa Belo which totals US$ 1,600 by the Government.

“They are eligible to get the subsidy from the Government,” Florindo said.

MP Florindo added that many people have got secure job this time criticized a lot of things but never realize that country got its independence because of former guerillas’ contribution during 24-year fight for liberation.

Meanwhile, MP Cornelio L-7 Gama from UNDERTIM has said that there should be a balance when it is about 2006 crisis case and it is important to know why the crisis happened.

Gama added that they will never let their fellows be locked up in the prison since there are no corroborating evidences to put them behind bars.

“We will not let our fellows to be imprisoned because they are innocent,” Gama said.

Belo: “Reservist force exists to defend State”

Diario Nacional, March 23, 2010 language source: Tetun - Director for the Mahein Foundation, Nelson Belo, has said that all cxountries worldwide have established a reservist force in order to support the National Army when the state is under siege.

“Reservist force exists in every country and they are ready to support or help the National Army when the National Army is unable to control security for the country,” Belo said.

Belo said that the Timorese Constitution has not guarantee the establishment of a reservist force in the country, but he said that the former Government authorised the distribution of weapons to civilians such as Frederico Florindo and Alberto da Costa Belo and others to ensure security in the country during the 2006 crisis.

Belo also said that the Timorese Constitution along with the organic law of the F-FDTL and PNTL does not allow the Timorese National Army and Police to distribute weapons to civilians.

Meanwhile, lawyer for Kiak and Alberto Belo have considered their clients as reservist force as they say their reason was based on the UNTAET regulation No 2/2001 Article 16 reservist force establishment.

Railos calls for Fretilin leaders to acknowledge weapon distribution to civilians

Suara Timor Lorosae 23/03/2010 language source: Tetun - Former Fretilin hit squad commander, Vicente Railos da Conceicao has called for the Fretilin’s leaders not to forget the case of weapons distribution to the civilians where it had damaged Fretilin's image.

“I received the weapon from the Fretilin leader. The former internal minister Rogerio Tiago Lobato and I were sent to prison due to weapon distribution case,” Railos said.

Railos also called for the Fretilin followers not to threaten the Fretilin Movement as the Parliamentary Majority Alliance is now making efforts to implement a strong democracy in the country.

“People fought one another in the 2006 crisis because the Government failed to control the people, but the actual Government led by PM Gusmao will never let the people to do similar things,” Railos said.

Railos called for the Fretilin President Francisco Lu-Olo Guterres and Secretary General of the Fretilin, Mari Alkatiri to give their support to the democracy which is growing freshly in the country.

Railos added that the Fretilin Movement was set up due to different political ideology appeared during a Fretilin national congress in 2006.

President Horta Meets TMR and Longinhos Monteiro

Televizaun Timor-Leste March 23, 2010 language source: Tetun - President Horta called a meeting with Defence Force’s Commander Major General Taur Matan Ruak and National Police Commissioner Longinhos Monteiro after his return from abroad.

After the meeting, PNTL Commissioner Longinhos Monteiro said that it was a regular meeting to brief the president on the security and defence situation in the country.

He said that among the issues presented was the ‘successful’ operation against Ninjas in Bobonaro and Kovalima districts.

Monteiro also said that in the meeting he invited the president to attend the tenth anniversary of the national police to be held on March 27.

“I personally asked for his availability for the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the PNTL and ask him to preside the ceremony,” said Monteiro.

TLGov: Fighting corruption should be a multi-partisan endeavor

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste Agio Pereira - March 19, 2010 Dili, Timor-Leste

Fighting corruption should be a multi-partisan endeavor

The use of the word ‘corruption’ has become a political weapon” said the Secretary of State Agio Pereira, “so while fighting corruption should be a multi-party and national endeavor; it has instead become a political vice volleyed carelessly without supporting facts or due diligence to ensure the integrity of claims.

Meanwhile the reputations of many have been damaged without any judicial due process as guaranteed by the Constitution and so the reputation of the nation, not to mention the some 24,000 members of the Government and civil service, has been tarnished both domestically and internationally.

The time has come to collectively identify the weaknesses in our nascent institutions and to systematically address the deficiencies. We need to allow the reform and education processes implemented by the Xanana Gusmao Government to manifest. Building confidence in our state will not happen as long as accusations of corruption are used as a politically motivated device of self interest.”

Pereira deemed the recent statements made in the press labeling ‘The Xanana Government as corrupt’ as irresponsible and opportunistic, a very poor and inept approach to governance. It seems it is much easier to make blanket statements than to do the due diligence to explore the facts,” added Pereira, “this level of irresponsibility needs to cease.”

Pereira used the example of recent allegations against the Ministry of Finance, accused of losing’ money. “The Ministry of Finance does not make cash payments for projects. Treasury is responsible for processing payment requests received from line ministries that are based on appropriations approved by the Parliament. On the approval of the payment request, the Banking and Payment Authority (BPA) is advised to credit the payee' account in a commercial bank. The BPA, Treasury and the concerned line ministries would have a record of transactions.

There are several layers of checks and balances for payments to be received, processed and executed all of which can be investigated if the need arises.”

Pereira also noted that whether corruption can be a bi-product of weaknesses within relatively nascent institutions, simple negligence in systems, or a purposeful act by a person or group for monetary gain are all issues that are being addressed with a vigilant level of established reforms and mechanisms by the Xanana Gusmão Government.

New measures for greater accountability have been taken by creating two new oversight entities for procurement; a Technical Secretariat charged with oversight and a Commission to be established with members of the civil society to directly oversee procurement processes.

Additionally new technology to be implemented by FreeBalance will produce two information portals for the public, Transparency Portal where the public can access real time information on how the state funds are being executed and a Procurement Portal which also can be monitored by the public; disclosing how the procurement process was implemented, which procurement method was utilized according to the procurement laws of Timor-Leste, the process of evaluation, the names of companies and bidders and the amount allocated to the successful bidder in the tender process.

The Anti Corruption Commission has begun its’ mandate and The Civil Service Commission is fully operational; all important measures to safeguard the state against corruption. Reforms to improve operations, systems, procedures and logistics have continued across Government.

Pereira closed by saying, “Corruption allegations based on speculation, perception, hearsay, rumour, sensationalism and untested information is poor politicking, to say the least; and the promotion of such allegations, motivated by political self interest, is a damaging and deliberate misuse of national trust. It can amount to abuse of power in itself. Political maturity is the first step in fighting corruption; let Timor-Leste be the example of best practice in a developing nation to stop acts of corruption through national participation but let’s not destroy our own prospects for national development for short term political gains.” ENDS

For More Information Please Contact: Agio Pereira +670 723 0011 E-mail: agiopereira@cdm.gov.tl

Position Vacant: JSMP Vicitm Support Service

JSMP : Lowongan Kerja "Staff Pendamping Hukum Untuk Victim Support Service" Maret 2010

The Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP) didirikan sebagai NGO nasional pada awal tahun 2001. JSMP memfokuskan progarmnya melalui proses pemantauan di pengadilan dengan metode analisa hukum, pubilikasi laporan-laporan tematik demi membangun system yudisial, termasuk desiminasi dan distribusi informasi tentang isu-isu peradilan formal bagi masyarakat. JSMP akan terus berkomitmen untuk membangun system keadilan di Timor Leste. Staff-staff JSMP terdiri dari staf nasional dan internasional yang secara bersama-sama mendirikan sebuah NGO kecil namum kehadirannya sangat penting di TL. Untuk itu JSMP sekarang sedang berusaha untuk menambah staff untuk bergabung dengan tim yang ada di JSMP.

Victim Support Service(VSS)membutuhkan satu (1) orang Pendamping Hukum Nasional untuk mendampingi perempuan korban yang mengalami korban yang berbasis jender yang meliputi kekerasaan domestik (KDRT) dan kekerasan sexual mulai dari tingkat laporan/pengaduan di VPU hingga tingkat Kejaksaan Distrik dan putusan di Pengadilan.

VSS adalah sebuah Unit Bantuan Hukum yang didirikan pada bulan April 2005 untuk memberikan bantuan hukum dan pendampingan hukum kepada perempuan korban kekerasan seksual dan kekerasan domestik. Di bawah manajemen dan adminitrasi JSMP, VSS memfokuskan pelayanan dan pendampingan hukum kepada perempuan korban kekerasan seksual dan kekerasan domestik.

Untuk itu, VSS membuka kesempatan kepada semua pihak untuk mengajukan permohonan dengan syarat sebagaimana disebutkan di bawah ini. Bagi yang memenuhi syarat sebagai pendamping hukum di VSS, bertanggung jawab untuk kasus kekerasaan terhadap perempuan, di sektor peradilan di Timor Leste, bekerja sama dengan staff Nasional dan staff Internasional di bawah pengawasan Director JSMP.

Bagi yang menempati posisi ini satu akan bertanggung jawab untuk memberikan bantuan hukum dan pendampingan hukum kepada perempuan (termasuk anak perempuan) korban kekerasan domestik dan seksual pada juridiksi Pengadilan Distrik Dili yang meliputi distrik Ermera,Aileu,Liquica. Namun dapat dimungkinkan untuk diberikan tanggung jawab adisional untuk dilalankan jika kebutuhan kerja mendesak untuk itu.

Sebagai bagian dari tanggung jawabnya adalah mengadakan kujungan secara regular ke Unit Kepolisian VPU di masing-masing distrik di juridiksi Pengadilan sesuai dengan wilayah jurisdisional yang menjadi tanggunjawabnya.

Kualifikasi:

* Lulusan Sarjana Hukum (S¹);
* Berpengalaman di bidang hukum atau Lembaga Bantuan Hukum (LBH);
* Diharap tertarik dengan masalah-masalah seputar perempuan dan hukum international tentang perempun dan terutama berbakat dan berkemauan keras dalam menghadapi persolan hukum yang rumit dan komplex;
* Cakap dalam berkomunikasi (tertulis dan lisan);
* Bisa mengoperasikan computer;
* Berkemampuan untuk bekerja fleksible, dalam tim dan dalam situasi apapun;
* Menguasai bahasa: Tetum dan Bahasa Indonesia, jika(berkemampuan dalam bahasa Portuguese atau Inggris akan lebih ideal);
* Mengerti hak persamaan antara laki-laki dan perempuan
* Dibuka peluang untuk perempuan dan laki-laki ( tetapi lebih diutamakan perempuan);
* Berkemampuan dalam hal analisa hukum, persoalan hukum atas kasus yang ditangani dan rancangn undang-undang yang berkaiatan dengan hak-hak perempuan;
* Berkemampuan menulis, baik untuk kepentingan internal dan kepentingan advokasi dan publikasi lainnya;
* Berpengalaman dalam pelatihan dan kegiatan sejenis lainnya.

Surat lamaran/CV, diajukan dengan disertai komitmen anda tentang ketertarikan terhadap posisi ini dan Izasah serta transkip nilai. Jangan lupa nama lengkap anda alamat /nomor kontak anda. Surat lamaran/ CV untuk lowongan kerja tersebut akan berakhir pada tanggal 27 Maret 2010. Untuk mendapat informasi lebih lanjut silahkan hubungi: Merita Correia selaku kordinator VSS, Mobile 7233711/7244304 (email : merita@jsmp.minihub.org atau bisa ditujukan kepada Manuel Amaral/ Mobile;7332734 ka ba liga ba email: manuel@jsmp.minihub.org;

JSMP : TRIBUNAL DISTRITAL DILI HALA'O JULGAMENTU BA KAZU VIOLENSIA SEKSUAL HASORU LABARIK MINORIDADE

TRIBUNAL DISTRITAL DILI HALA’O JULGAMENTU BA KAZU VIOLENSIA SEKSUAL HASORU LABARIK MINORIDADE Marsu 2010 - Iha loron 17 Marsu 2010, Tribunal Distrital Dili hala`o julgamentu ba kazu violensia seksual ba labarik minoridade ho inisial MJS. Kazu ne’e akontese iha fulan Fevereiru tinan 2007. Julgamentu ba kazu refere, dirije husi Juiz Koletivu ne’ebé kompostu husi Juiz Deolindo dos Santos, Antoninho Gonsalves no João Felgar (Juiz Internasional ).

Bazea ba monitorizasaun husi JSMP katak iha audensia julgamentu ida ne’e Tribunal rona deklarasaun husi arguidu, vítima no mos atu rona depoimentu husi testemuña. Maibe tanba testemuña ne’ebé mak aprezenta husi Defensoria Públika, hanesan mos arguidu nia kaben, nune’e testemuña ne’e hili hodi la fo depoimentu iha tribunal bazea ba artigu 125 Kódigu Prosesu Penál.

Iha julgamentu ne’e, arguidu hetan asistensia legal husi Dr. Manuel Sarmento husi Defensor Públiku no husi parte Ministériu Públiku, reprezenta husi Dr. Baltazar Ramos.

Bazea ba depoimentus husi vítima katak kazu refere akontese iha Dare, Distritu Dili, wainhira arguidu bolu vítima atu ba to’os hodi ta’a hudi, maibe to’o iha to’os, arguido ho ameasa, obriga vítima, no halo relasaun seksual ho vítima no rezulta moras no ran fakar sai. Depois akontesimentu iha to’os laran, arguidu kontinua nafatin obriga vítima hodi halo relasaun seksual ho maneira violensia no ameasa ne’ebé mak to’o ikus rezulta vítima isin rua no hahoris oan mane ida, ne’ebé mak agora dau-dauk besik tinan rua ona.

Iha alegasaun, Ministériu Públiku akuza arguidu ho artigu 285 Kódigu Pénal Indonesia (KUHP) kona ba violensia seksual ho nia pena abstrata to’o tinan 12 prizaun.

JSMP konsiente katak hahalok ne’ebé mak arguidu halo, hanesan krime ida tamba halo relasaun seksual ho violensia no ameasa ba labarik minoridade hanesan krime ida no kontra vítima nia vontade seksual nomos abuzu labarik nia situasaun vulneravel hodi satisfas arguidu nia interese deit.Atu fo lisaun ba arguido no ba komunidade en-jeral, tanba ne’e tenke hetan pena ida ne’ebé mak balansu ho hahalok ne’ebe mak nia komete.

JSMP espera katak juiz koletivu ne’ebé mak deriji julgametu ida ne’e ho nia kompeténsia tomak, bele foti desizaun ne’ebé justu ba kazu ida ne’e, hodi nune’e bele hatudu ba ita nia komunidade sira katak prosesu justisa formal bele fo vantajen diak ba vítima sira, liu-liu labarik minoridade ne’ebé mak nu’udar mos grupu ne’ebé mak vulneravel liu ba hahalok krime.

Atu hetan informasaun kle’an, favor kontaktu: Luis de Oliveira Sampaio Diretur Exekutivu JSMP Email: luis@jsmp.minihub.org Landline: +670 3323883

Position Vacant: Project Assistant for Facility Grants Mechanism & Gender Justice Policy

EAST TIMOR JUSTICE SECTOR SUPPORT FACILITY – ETJSSF
(JUSTICE FACILITY)

Project Assistant for Facility Grants Mechanism & Gender Justice Policy Development and Implementation
(1 Position)

GRM is the Managing Contractor for the Australian Government assistance provided to Timor-Leste via the East Timor Justice Sector Support Facility (ETJSSF) - The Justice Facility

We are seeking a Project Assistant for Facility Grants Mechanism & Gender Justice Policy Development and Implementation

Instructions for Applicants

All applications are screened for compliance upon receipt. Only those applications that comply with all instructions and include a completed Application Cover Sheet (see below) will be forwarded to the staff responsible for technical evaluation.

Please contact Lidia Santos via email on: Lidia.santos@grm.tl or +670 331 2207 if you have any questions.

Please submit with your application by April 16th, 2010 to: Lidia.santos@grm.tl or Justice Facility Office Bairro De Villa Verde.

Please provide the following document:
· A completed application coversheet, available below at the last page of this document.
· Your current Curriculum Vitae.

Applications can be in English and should not contain any additional material. Applications via email are preferred.

Assessment

A panel will assess applications on the basis of technical merit.

Note that only those applications from candidates who are able to fulfil all the requirements of the position will be considered and assessed.

Only short-listed candidate will be notified for interview

A. TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position Title
Project Assistant for Facility Grants Mechanism & Gender Justice Policy Development and Implementation
Reports to
Senior Management Advisor Grants Mechanism and Civil Society & Adviser, Access to Justice, Policies and Programs
Primary counterparts
NGOs and other Civil Society Organizations engaged in the Justice Sector supporting information provision and service delivery to members of the public and special groups; and Faith Based Organizations.
Some liaison will also be necessary with Justice Sector Agencies including: The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Courts and the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the Ombudsmen/Provedoria.
Duration
1 year fixed term (3 month probationary period)
Location
Based in the Office of Justice Facility in Dili, but also working out to other targeted Civil Society Organization and Government Institutions. Some travel to the all Districts required.
Language
Ability to speak and write fluent Tetum and good knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia as working languages.


Subcontractor Responsibilities or Tasks
The main task of the Project Assistant is to provide support to the development and implementation of the Ministry of Justice’s gender justice policy, and to provide support to CSOs funded by the Justice Facility to improve access to justice for women. The Project Assistant will also support the development of proposals generated from CSOs and provide secretariat support to the organization of training for CSOs.

This will involve but is not restricted to:

Support the development and implementation of the gender justice policy

· Participate in meetings/consultations with government departments, CSOs, UN Agencies involved in the implementation of the gender justice policy

· Assist with organizing workshops and communications for dissemination of the policy

Support the Facility Grants Mechanism (FGM)

· Support partner CSO organizations to develop proposals for the FGM
· Do a basic costing of activities for appraisal of the budget in proposal received
· Review and summarize proposals submitted by partner CSOs
· Provide secretariat support to grants selection panel as follows:
­ Draft agreed recommendations and prepare all necessary documentation for the Facility Management Group (FMG)
· Liaise with the Facility Pilot District office for receipt of proposals generated from Covalima district and provide support where necessary on the development of these proposals
· Assist with the upkeep of an updated archive and registry of all proposals received, decision taken and where a grant has been awarded keep track and update implementation status of the project
· Receive and collate all progress reports on projects and draft quarterly and yearly reports as appropriate for review of relevant Facility lead advisor of project
· Support relevant Facility lead advisor of project to monitor project implementation
· Supervise the preparation of activity completion reports including the acquittal of project funds

Support organization of training from the Facility
· Make logistic arrangements as necessary (book venues, purchase training materials needed etc.)
· Prepare all materials needed for training
· Compile training evaluation questionnaires and draft report on training including participants comments. Provide Tetun translation when needed.

General duties
· Participate in team meetings
· Undertake any other duty as assigned by the Senior Management Advisor Grants and Civil Society or Adviser, Access to Justice, Policies and Programs or Facility Team Leader

B. SELECTION CRITERIA
Qualifications and Experience
· Tertiary qualification in Business and Management or equivalent;
· Experience working in a Project and Training Management area, with a focus on implementation of project and training;
· Recognized relevant qualification or practical experience in activity planning and project management and development with government or with CSOs
· Understanding of organizational development issues in Timor-Leste, preferably in the context of the Justice Sector;
· Understanding of the legal system and access to justice issues in Timor-Leste is an advantage;
· Previous work experience and strong understanding on civil society sector is an advantage.
· Good communication, writing and computing skills

Other Qualities/Competencies
· Ability to speak and write fluent Tetum and good knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia as working languages.
· Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate well with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds;
· Ability to be flexible and to identify a variety of solutions to issues that may arise;
· Ability to work sensitively and in a culturally appropriate manner with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds;
· Ability to work as part of a team with a commitment and skills to resolve conflict in the workplace;
· Prepared to work flexible hours if required;
· Good character, honest, punctual and work with integrity;
· Prepared to travel to all district;
· Ability to maintain confidentiality in difficult working environments

EAST TIMOR (TIMOR-LESTE) JUSTICE SECTOR SUPPORT FACILITY (ETJSSF)
Applications must reach GRM International by 5.00pm on the closing date. Applications may be submitted in English. Email: Lidia.santos@grm.tl or Justice Facility Office Barrio De Villa Verde

ETAN: Letter to Ramos-Horta on Justice, Accountability and an International Tribunal

ETAN has written to Timor-Leste 's President Ramos-Horta in response to his recent remarks on justice and accountability for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Indonesian occupation (1975-1999), and his attack on Amnesty International.

The letter is online - http://www.etan.org/news/2010/03jrh.htm. A Tetum translation will be available soon at the same link.

March 23, 2010

H.E. Jose Ramos-Horta
President, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Dili, Timor-Leste

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing to express our sadness and deep dismay on reading your speech to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 11, 2010. In your address, you refer to having been "unfairly criticized by some fringe elements in this amorphous international community” for decisions made by you and the Government of Timor-Leste concerning justice and accountability.

While you did not mention Amnesty International by name, the target of your anger was clear as it directly followed a public dispute with them regarding your stance on an international tribunal. It is ironic that one whose heart is as forgiving as yours would issue such a strong attack on another Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Amnesty International has stood strongly for peace, and collaborated closely with you throughout the Indonesian occupation during the long campaign for human rights in Timor-Leste. To refer to them as “fringe” and accuse them of “regurgitating ready-made clichés or academic jargon on justice” is both disrespectful and engages in the same rhetorical excess you decry.

ETAN shares a number of positions with Amnesty International concerning justice and accountability for crimes committed in Timor-Leste during the Indonesian occupation and the state of justice in independent Timor-Leste. Over the years, we have debated these positions with you, both publicly and privately, and respectfully. We share your frustration that the members of the UN Security Council have not acted to implement the UN’s promise that impunity must never be tolerated. We agree that it is unfair for the burden of achieving justice to be placed entirely on the shoulders of Timor-Leste.

We proudly stand with Amnesty International and many other organizations in Timor-Leste, Indonesia and elsewhere in continuing to support an international tribunal for Timor-Leste as the best way to achieve justice and accountability for crimes committed from 1975-1999. While we are aware of the difficulties and roadblocks to achieving meaningful justice and accountability, we believe that prosecutions of those most responsible for human rights and war crimes through a tribunal would offer tremendous support to democracy and human rights in both Timor and Indonesia. This would certainly help the people of both countries recover from their traumatic and oppressive experiences and move forward to peaceful, less-troubled lives under the rule of law.

You have often said that the East Timorese people do not want an international tribunal. We must strongly contest this assertion. When we ask East Timorese what ETAN should work on, nearly everyone urges us to continue to struggle for justice and accountability. As you are aware, there is a coalition of Timorese organizations called ANTI (National Alliance for the International Tribunal) with whom we work closely. In 2005, the Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation recommended a tribunal, as have Timorese, Indonesian, and UN commissions since 2000.

In August 2009, you opened a Solidarity Conference in Dili titled “The Struggle for Justice Continues,” which ETAN co-sponsored. The conference was attended by more than 200 people, at least three-quarters of them from Timor-Leste. The conference declaration, which grew out of the various panels and discussions, was approved by acclamation. It "urged the government of Timor-Leste, the international community and the UN to take principled action against impunity, and demanded an international tribunal for Timor-Leste” for crimes from 1975-1999.

You told the UN Human Rights Council that "The victims demand acknowledgement of the truth, recognition of their suffering and a measure of individual or collective assistance." But their demands are deeper. In September 2009, victims and families of victims from all 13 districts of Timor-Leste met in Dili to form a national victims’ association. Participants cried out for justice, and called for an international tribunal.

We also stand with Amnesty International, the United Nations, the President of Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals, as well as many Timorese citizens, attorneys, and civil society organizations in questioning the unconstitutional release of Maternus Bere. We believe that it undermines the rule of law in Timor-Leste and international law. When leaders decide that the “national interest” requires the violation of the separation of powers and legal rules to satisfy the request of a foreign government, they endanger Timor-Leste’s hard-won sovereignty and Constitutional democracy.

You informed the Human Rights Council that “there was not a single soul lighting a candle in protest at the gates of the said embassy where the alleged mass murderer had been sheltered while awaiting medical evacuation.” This is clearly not untrue. Several of our members witnessed more than a hundred Timorese, many women dressed in black for mourning, participate in a candle-light vigil in front of the Indonesian embassy which was hosting Bere was at the time and for nearly two months afterwards (see photos at http://www.laohamutuk.org/Justice/99/bere/09MaternusBere.htm)).

In closing, we respectfully ask you to acknowledge and listen to the many organizations and individuals, both Timorese and non-Timorese, who continue to believe that an international tribunal is the best legal, moral and practical way for the people of Timor-Leste to move beyond conflict, trauma and injustice toward a peaceful future.

'We write this letter to express our desire for continuing dialogue. Whether or not we eventually reach the same conclusions, we believe that our debates can be conducted without casting aspersions, questioning motives, or engaging in insults or personal attacks. In Timor-Leste, you are well-known for supporting honest dialogue conducted with mutual respect as a method to resolve differences. These principles should also apply internationally, and we encourage you to return to them.

Sincerely,

/s/

John M. Miller, National Coordinator
for the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN)

cc: Amnesty International
UN Human Rights Council Members

Image added by ETLJB: The protest outside the Indonesian embassy in Dili when Bere was illegally released by the Government of Xanana Gusmao.

23 March 2010

Ita Nia Rai (Our Land) Project Information Brochure

Ita Nia Rai (Our Land) Project Information Brochure

New East Timor "Our Land" Project Website

The Ita Nia Rai (Our Land) Project English Tetum (Tetum language: Ita: collective inclusive pronoun; nia: possessive case; rai: land)

This 5-year, US$10 million Project will support the Government of Timor-Leste and build on past USAID Land Law Programs. Its objectives include: Strengthening land policy, law and regulations; Assisting with survey, registration and titling of land; Implementing land administration and information systems; Developing dispute resolution mechanisms; and Increasing public awareness of land issues.

The Project comprises 5 tasks in the pursuit of the project objectives noted above:

1. Public Information and Awareness / Increased Transparency;
2. Land Policy Laws and Implementing Regula­tions;
3. Support to a National Land Commission (NLC);
4. Land Administration (Cadastral, Registration and Land Titling System); and,
5. Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Processes for Competing Claims to Land.

IDPs accuse Portuguese Republican National Guard of physical assault

Timor Post March 19, 2010 language source: Tetun - Lourenca Lelan and Antonio Varrela from Komoro Sub-district in Dili have accused the United Nations Police from the GNR unit of physical assault against them during a protest by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in front of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Dili, Thursday.

“The Portuguese police pulled me from behind and told me to go home but I declined …. So he twisted my arms,” said Lelan. Lelan is pregnant.

Antonio Varrela Belo, who saw the event, decided to use his mobile phone to record it. However, he was suddenly beaten and his mobile was confiscated.

“As they started to beat the lady I decided to record the event with my hand-phone but they beat me, twisted my hand and then dragged me to the main road,” he said.

He said that he was deeply sad to be treated as a foreigner in his own country.

MP Inacio Morreira from Fretilin said that since there are a lot of problems facing the IDP dating back to 2006 until now, the UN Police should have not overacted against the IDPs, let alone against a pregnant woman.

He called on the UN to launch an investigation into the case.

Proposed law for judicial support will benefit vulnerable people

Proposed law for judicial support will benefit vulnerable people to get access legal assistance Radio Timor-Leste, March 19, 2010 language source: Tetun - Legal advisor at the Asia Foundation, Timotio de Deus, has said that the proposed law for judicial support will benefit vulnerable people by assisting them to acces legal aid from the public defenders.

“Those vulnerable people in the rural areas who are unable to pay a lawyer will get access to judicial support from public defender as guaranteed in the proposed law for judicial support,” de Deus said.

De Deus made comment in the meeting room of the the Canosian Nuns when officials of the Justice Minstry held public consultaions on the draft law yesterday.

Publict consultation on the law were organized by the Asian Foundation and was participated in by the Timorese lawyers, United Nation Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) including national NGOs.

Jeca is killed by unknown people

Suara Timor Lorosa’e 18/03/2010 language source: Tetun - Uatucarbau Sub district Police Commander, Agent Cornelio Martins, has confirmed that Jeca da Costa Freitas was found dead in the area of Ira Bin Leteira.

Martins said that it was believed that he was killed by unknown people, adding that the police had not identified the perpetrator.

Martins said that the police are conducting an investigation into this case in order to find out what the motive was.

Meanwhile, the late man's wife, Fonsega, has said she believed that her husband was killed by unoknown people becasue her husband had been threatened by some people many times.

Internal Security law regulate national police in responding to any cases

Timor Post, March 17, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese State Secretary for Security, Francisco Guterres, has confirmed that the internal security law approved by the Parliament is helpful as it will assist the Government to regulate when interventions will be made by the Timorese National Police in responding any cases in the future.

Guterres also said that law has also regulats when force may be used by the police in responding to incidents.

“The law has many advantages as it will regulate the PNTL officers when they use force to respondto incidents and any operations should be based on the law" Guterres said.

Guterres said that the law ensures that the national police must consult with the parliament before conducting operation for any cases in the future.

Guterres explained that the law has also guarantee the Government, State, National Parliament and the Court to control the country’s security force, particularly the National Police institution.

Justice Minister calls on Parliament to create pardon law

Timor Post, March 17, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Justice Minister Lucia Lobato has called on the Parliament to create a law to regulate presidential pardons of criminals.

Minister Lobato stressed that the parliament should create the law and should not wait for the Government to create it and than merely approved it.

“MPs in the Parliament should take the initiative to produce law as they are elected by the people as their representatives in the Parliament to do so. They do not have not to wait for the Government to propose a draft law and than they just approve it,” Minister Lobato said.

Minister Lobato said that it is important to create a law about penal sentences that would allow the granting of pardons to the prisoners.

Justice Minister Lobato: Amend constitution first before using Tetun only in the court

Timor Post, March 17, 2010 language source: Tetun - The Timorese Justice Minister Lucia Lobato has said that it is important to amend the Timorese Constitution first if people want to use Tetun in the trial process.

“It is better to amend the Constitution and approve Tetun as official language so that it can be used in the court,” Minister Lobato said.

Minister Lobato made the comment following the Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) Commander Major General Taur Matan Ruak call to the court to use Tetun in the court.

Minister Lobato has also confirmed that Tetun has also been used in the court including in the trial process.

“Tetun has been used in trial process in the court, because the lawyers speak Tetun, adding that the prosecutors also make accusations using Tetun,” Minister Lobato said.

Mass grave at luxury hotel development is a sacred site, says former Justice Minister Domingos Sarmento

Fretilin MP calls on Government to stop construction of luxury hotel in Tasi-Tolu Radio Timor Leste, march 17, 2010 language source: Tetun - MP Domingos Sarmento from Fretilin has called on the Government to stop the construction project of a five-star hotel in Tasi-Tolu.

Mr. Sarmento made the call for the Government to stop the project after workers on the Pelican Paradise Company site found some human remains in the area recently.

Mr. Sarmento stressed that the project should be stopped in order to give chance to the Twelfth of November Committee and the international forensic team collect the skeletons which are believed to be some victims of the twelfth of November massacre in the 1991.

Mr. Sarmento added that the Government should consider the place as a sacred place, because those people buried in the area had sacrificed themselves for the country's liberation.

“We have to consider the place where the skeletons are found as a sacred place, because those victims who were buried in that place, they had sacrificed themselves for the country’s independence,” Mr. Sarmento said.

Meanwhile, The Parliamentary President Fernando Lasama de Araujo has said that the Government has sent equipments to the area in order to help support the process of digging and collecting the skeletons.

Ricegate 2

Fretilin MP demands resignation of Minister for Tourism, Commerce and Industry Televizaun Timor-Leste 17/02/2010 language source: Tetun - MP Estanislau Aleixo da Silva from the Fretilin parliamentary bench has said that the Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Industry should tender his resignation as he is incompetent to resolve the problem of subsidised rice

“Gil Alves should resign now as he has made a big mistake in defying the decision of the Prime Minister and it is embarrassing for the whole country,” said Mr. da Silva.

The former Prime Minister also said that Minister Alves denied that the rice was rotten but the facts now stand against him.

“I called him a businessman minister but he denied it and right now he is doing exactly the same thing: selling the rice to the people,” the MP added.

MP Arao Noe of the Prime Minister’s CNRT said that the price of the subsidised rice is now beyond belief and that it is unacceptable.

He called for an urgent investigation into the case in order to clear up the issue surrounding the problem of rice.

For the effective distribution of the rice, recently Prime Minister Gusmão instructed the Ministry to sell rice to the population through existing local structures.

However, Minister Alves had reversed the decision to allow his staff to directly sell the rice to the population.

Minister Gil also blamed village leaders in the country for manipulating the price of rice, an act which backfired him with more severe criticisms from the community leaders.

Meanwhile, the Minister has declared that he will not resign (Diario Nacional, March 18, 2010 language source: Tetun) The Minister for Tourism, Commerce and Industry, Gil da Costa Alves, has said that he will not resign from his post because there is no one had died due to huger or famine.

“I have not seen people dead due to hunger or famine and I will not consider myself as an incapable person,” Minister Alves said.

Minister Alves made the comment to hit back at the recent statement made by the Fretilin MP's saying that he was incapable of resolving the Government’s subsidised rice problem in his Ministry.

Minister Alves said that he will not care about the accusation made against him, adding the Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao knew whether he [Alves] undertakes his work well or not.

New Internal Security Act in Timor-Leste

Despite tardiness, Internal Security Act passes the Parliament Televizaun Timor-Leste March 17, 2010 language source: Tetun - Timor-Leste’s internal security act ws approved by the National Parliament on Tuesday with 36 votes in favor though almost half of the deputies were late to get back to the plenary after their lunch-break.

The act will define the traditional separation of defence and security areas of intervention with its existing structures to deal with internal security issues in the country.

Seeing the tardiness of the deputies, the Speaker of the National Parliament, Fernando Lasama de Araujo said that the MPs are not disciplined enough and therefore he asked the media to help identify those irresponsible deputies.

After the quorum was met, the discussion went on and then proceeded to voting in which 36 voted in favor of the law with no vote against or abstain.

Defence Secretary attacks jurist's critique of illegal secret military force in Timor-Leste

Julio: PUN is manipulating the people Televizaun Timor-Leste March 17, 2010 language source: Tetun - Timor-Leste’s Secretary of State for Defence Julio Tomas Pinto has labelled the statement made by MP Fernanda Borges of PUN in relation to the existence of 20-20 force as manipulative and unfounded.

“I urge MP Fernanda Borges to do an investigation before making political statements so that it is not interpreted as manipulative by others,” said Mr. Pinto.

He added that when his team presented the bill on the national defence law to the National Parliament, he mentioned that right now there is no official document about the existence of the reservists of the defence force.

He recalled that that the existence of reservists will be made clear through a decree law by the Secretary of State for Defence.

He also said that he briefed the deputies that the future reservists may come from former guerrillas or those who had served 18 months in the defence force and left it.

He said that the money mentioned by Ms. Borges was actually paid to them by the Ministry of Social Solidarity as victims of the 2006 crises. He denied that the money was from the secretariat of state for defense.

He said that what exists is the 2020 development plan for the defense force to be professional. .

He admits that the development plan is a bit ambitious but it was the fruit of studies done by Timorese in order to develop the country’s defence force.

22 March 2010

Lawyer for Susar and Cateno file appeal to the court

Diario Nacional, March 16, 2010 language source: Tetun - Jose Pedro Camoes, lawyer for Amaro Susar da Costa, Marcelo Caetano and 11 other rebels who were convicted of engage in the attempted assassination of President Jose Ramos Horta has filed an appeal to the court of appeal to annul the decision of the Dili District Court.

Mr. Camoes said that the appeal is made because the decision of the court was very general and that if failed to consider statements from witnesses about intellectual actors behind the attack.

He also mentioned that he will present new corroborating evidence to clear the defendants from all accusations made against them.

“We have enough evidences now and we will make appeal to the court before 19th of this month,” Mr. Cam0es, said.

He also said that the decision made by the court against the former rebel group members was unfair.

He also urged that there should be ballistic test made to the bullets found on the bodies of Reinado and Leopoldinho.

Timorese lawyers agree to use Tetum in Court

AATL agrees to use Tetun in the Court Diario Nacional, March 16, 2010 language source: Tetun - Jose Pedro Camoes, the President of the Timorese Lawyers Association (AATL) has said that the use of Portuguese in the courts has impacted on Timorese lawyers and their clients; therefore he said his association has agreed to use Tetun all trial proceedings.

“We do not have to force ourselves to use Portuguese in the court as it will make simple things complicated because international lawyers use Portuguese whereas the Timorese lawyers and their clients use Tetun and other dialects of Timor-Leste,” Mr. Camoes said.

In regard to the recent call of the Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) Commander, Major General Taur Matan Ruak to the court to use Tetun, Mr. Camoes has said he supports the call.

Mr. Camoes has also said that the National Parliament should amend the Constitution about official languages.