31 December 2009

Timor Leste Government Personal Protection and Security of Government Officials

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste Agio Pereira November 19, 2009 Dili, Timor-Leste - Personal Protection and Security of Government Officials

The Close Protection Unit personnel attached to members of the Government have always conducted their duties with professionalism and integrity.

Security is assigned as per international practice to those who may require basic protection. This includes the Secretary-General of the Fretilin party Mari Alkatiri and the President of the Fretilin party Lu-Olo; who have endorsed the quality and dedication of the trained protection units.

Security officers usually carry a hand pistol which is partially if not completely concealed. The issue of allowing protection units into National Parliament is debated each year, with the general consensus to allow the units to carry out their duties and functions as per protocol and defined job description. The protection officers have never interfered, intervened or interrupted the proceedings of National Parliament.

Agio Pereira noted “The international statement made by Jose Teixeira is offensive to the brave men and women who serve Timor-Leste, its sovereign pillars and those who are charged to their care. Teixeira has yet to devolutionize the concept that Timor-Leste now has a non-partisan and depoliticized security force. Some of the officers in the public gallery were also reminded by Fretilin MPs to not be there when they were exercising their right to listen to the debate, as every citizen deserves the right to do so.

These statements only degrade our nation in the eyes of the international community and bring nothing of value to our people. It does typify excessively unproductive behavior during the budget period, more of which unfortunately, we will see in coming weeks.’ ENDS

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

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Response to AMP de facto government Release of 19 November 2009: I refer to the media release by the de facto Secretary of State for Council of Ministers of the AMP de facto government, Mr. Agio Pereira, titled "Personal Protection and Security of Government Officials" dated 19 November 2009.

Mr. Pereira misrepresented my statement in the parliament, and or media flash statement, because it was not an objection to any individuals or police or anyone else being present inside the chamber of the national parliament, but "weapons" or "armed persons".

It is the expression of a common democratic principle to not allow weapons in a democratic arena as demonstrated by the CNE (National Elections Commission) and STAE's (Technical Secretariat for Support of Elections) rigorous application that no individual with weapons, even PNTL (national Police) when exercising their democratic right to vote, are permitted to carry weapons in a polling station. This is not to malign the individual PNTL officers but is a standard of democracy. Not permitting weapons in a particular location in no way excludes the individual from exercising his or her democratic rights be it to vote or access to information.

I have worked in parliament's in other countries and it is unprecedented in a democracy to permit firearms, of whatever description, inside its legislative chamber and or national assembly. I repeat unprecedented. It is not justified in any circumstances, as Mr. Pereira is endeavoring to justify in his release.

This is not the first occasion on which I have raised my dissatisfaction and will persist because I aspire for a nation and community which is free of these destructive human inventions. I will applaud any efforts to control these weapons in our midst and did so when the de facto government undertook the amnesty on firearms.

As to my statements allegedly "only degrade our nation in the eyes of the international community and bring nothing of value to our people.

It does typify excessively unproductive behavior during the budget period, more of which unfortunately, we will see in coming weeks."

I reject this outright. The AMP de facto government would prefer to have a docile opposition that shies away from transparency and robust public debate. FRETILIN will use every legal and constitutional means (never resorting to violence) to air wherever we deem necessary that the AMP de facto government is taking Timor-Leste down a path that is detrimental to the aspirations of the people of Timor-Leste.

The international media who receive the FRETILIN.Media alerts and releases are those who write regularly about Timor-Leste and who report on it, including the self adulation of the de facto government. The de facto AMP government today controls the national television broadcaster and uses it to great effect. It has a number of highly paid advisors and consultants paid from the state budget. FRETILIN has its own lawful and legitimate resources to assist it in its media work.

As the member of government responsible for media development it is Mr. Pereira who is demonstrating a gross and slanted misunderstanding of media freedom.

FRETILIN will never act detrimentally to Timor-Leste's national interests or that of our people. We begun the struggle for our national independence and are not about to destroy it or denigrate, but will not allow its ill-governance and misadministration.

I am encouraged by the support I received from family and friends who serve in the National Police regarding the position I and Mr. Ximenes took. I only took my position also seconding FRETILIN MP David Ximenes, who raised the issue first. Mr. Ximenes was imprisoned arbitrarily by the Indonesian Military for 12 years and was tortured and pursued and persecuted. He expressed his trauma about weapons in the parliament, again not the individuals.

Jose Teixeira
FRETILIN MP

Timor-Leste: UN helping to investigate deadly police shooting

30 December 2009 – The United Nations today confirmed its participation in the criminal investigation of a deadly shooting allegedly committed by the police in the capital of Timor-Leste, and has called on the people of the nation to respect the law.

Late in the evening of 28 December, members of the Timorese National Police (PNTL) and UN Police (UNPOL) arrived at a scene in the Comoro area of Dili and called for backup.

A PNTL detachment responded to the situation, which saw one person killed and another injured by gunshots, allegedly fired by an officer in the national police force.

Addressing reporters today, Acting UN Police Commissioner Idris Ibrahim and Acting PNTL chief Afonso de Jesus said the deadly incident was very regrettable and offered their condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

The police officials also confirmed that a joint internal inquiry into the shootings is under way.

Mr. Ibrahim noted that excessive use of force by the police is prohibited by both Timorese and international law, and stressed that it will not be tolerated.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the country, known as UNMIT, called on all people to remain calm as the police complete their investigation.

For their part, UNMIT’s Human Rights and Transitional Justice Unit will carry out a separate inquiry into the incident.

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 – 15 per cent of the population – were driven from their homes in an eruption of violence in the newly independent country.

Earlier this month, the PNTL resumed responsibility over the Police Intelligence Service, the seventh police entity that UNMIT has handed back.

PNTL has already resumed responsibility in four districts – Lautem, Oecusse, Manatuto and Viqueque – as well as for the Police Training Centre and the Maritime Unit.

UNMIT, set up in 2006 to replace several earlier missions in the small South-East Asian country that the UN shepherded to independence in 2002 after it voted to separate from Indonesia, currently has some 1,550 police and 30 military liaison officers on the ground.

24 December 2009

AMP DE FACTO GOVERNMENT FORCED LABOUR CLEAN UP DAY BREACHES CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

24/12/2009 Yet again the Gusmao de facto government has shown its willingness to act against the constitution. This week an "executive decree" was issued prohibiting all circulation by citizens between 0700 hours until 1200 hours today (23.12.2009) and compelling them to participate in a general clean up.

The right of every citizen to freedom of circulation or movement is constitutionally guaranteed in article 44 of the Constitution. That cannot be curtailed in any way by a mere government decree. Even legislation by the parliament would contravene the constitution and be struck down on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

The use of the Timor-Leste National Police to compel citizens to alight from their vehicles and motorcycles and come out of their homes, under threat of physical police enforcement is illegal. The use of force has been widely reported throughout Dili with the police assaulting citizens refusing to follow these illegal orders given by them.

It is unfortunate that the national police are being used in this fashion to cover up the shortcomings of the de facto Gusmao government in utilizing the very large and wasteful budget they have to provide basic services such as sanitation. Resorting to forcing persons to undertake unpaid/involuntary (in essence forced) labour also breaches the human rights of citizens.

We do not condemn the police officers purely following orders of their superiors, but the PNTL Commander General has been notified that the use of the police in this fashion is improper and illegal. FRETILIN intends to hold those in the PNTL command giving orders in this matter legally responsible.

FRETILIN intends to file a petition to the Constitutional court regarding this further unconstitutional act of governance, as well as seek that the Prosecutor General of the Republic investigate all physical action taking by the national police resulting in the unlawful deprivation of the liberty of persons or that resulting in assault to their persons or property.

The de facto government will undoubtedly publicize widely that the cleanup was successful because of the extensive participation of citizens. It is very clear that this has occurred mainly if not only because of the impending threat of police action for refusal to participate. This is inappropriate in our society, which we aspire to be one based on the rule of law and democracy.

This has nothing to do with public health or sanitation as purported by the government, but the use of excessive power to divert attention form their own failings. In a city of so many unemployed it would be a much more positive and constructive approach to take to pay members of the community from the state budget to undertake regularly cleaning and road maintenance. The latter is a proven effective way of public transfers being made to those without employment or other forms of household income.

Similarly, there is nothing wrong with engendering a spirit of civic/community voluntary participation. Those citizens wishing to so participate naturally are free to participate and we do not object. We do however object to the curtailment of constitutional rights of others in the process.

FHI East Timor HIV-AIDS Support Project

FHI East Timor HIV-AIDS Support Project
HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in East Timor

In East-Timor, before September 1999, there was no proper surveillance system and laboratory facilities for HIV testing. In the absence of these facilities, it is difficult to retrospectively conclude as to when the infection was introduced in East Timor. High incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as gonococcal infection and syphilis cases among East-Timor population were reported during 1996-1998 (East Timor Health Profiles published during 1996-1999 by the Indonesian health authorities). Prevalence of high rates of STI during the period would possibly enhance the risk for spread of HIV infection among East-Timor population. Trends could be similar to other parts of Indonesia. No official data is available about screening for HIV infection and AIDS cases in East Timor. However, pre-independence Indonesian data reported at least one suspected death in East Timor due to AIDS. With the establishment of an epidemiological surveillance system by WHO in East Timor, the reports received from different clinics from all the districts indicated STI are not uncommon among sexually active age group.

Since September 1999, East-Timor receives properly screened blood supplies from Australia to meet its requirements. At the same time, to meet emergency requirements for blood supply, “replacement donors” are being used. Persons who donate under this scheme, prior to acceptance of blood donation, are screened for HIV and Hepatitis-B Virus (HBV) using rapid tests. Available data from Baucau and Dili Central Hospitals indicated that since February 2000, 531 blood donors were screened for HIV infection. Of those screened, five males and two females in the age group of 26-35 and 18-35 respectively, were found to be positive for HIV infection. High incidence of STI before the crisis period and rumour about one suspected death in East Timor due to AIDS, gives indirect evidence that HIV infection existed in East Timor before the 1999 crisis.

In East Timor today factors are present which can contribute to an epidemic developing. This includes, the disruption to society which occurred in 1999, a lack of information as to what constitutes risky sexual behaviour and on sexually transmitted infections, low level of HIV/AIDS/STI awareness, poverty, and large groups of young men and women who are unemployed/not in school or involved in other rehabilitation activities.

Presence of large number of young, predominantly male expatriates and their possible sexual interaction in the territory may also attribute to the increased risk for HIV transmission.

Realizing the urgent need for initiating timely steps to prevent the spread of infection in East Timor, the Division of Health Services, together with WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP (core group of UNAIDS), has evolved prevention and control measures focussing on health education, dissemination of information, promotion of safe sexual behaviour among the population, counselling HIV positive persons, establishment of facilities for early identification and treatment of STI and provision of safe blood transfusion services.

An Interagency HIV/AIDS/STI Mission to East Timor was undertaken during 12-24 November 2000. The Mission consisted of representatives from UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, Family Health International, USAID and UNAIDS. The work programme of each UN Agency was clearly identified. Under the responsibility of WHO, strengthening of HIV surveillance, support for the establishment of safe blood transfusion services, laboratory diagnosis for HIV/STI, training for treatment and establishment of other curative services for STI have been identified. As a follow-up, WHO is in the process of recruitment of experts in the field of STI Syndromic Management, HIV Testing Policies and Guidelines and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control.

23 December 2009

Timor-Leste Legal News 23 - 24 November 2009

Corruption case in Ministry of Education is now in court Timor Post 23 November 2009 Minister of Education, Joao Cancio Freitas said allegation of corruption appeared within his Ministry was now in the court to be processed legally.

Carrascalao holds inspection into roads projects in Kintal-boot and Manleuana Timor Post 23 November 2009 Deputy Prime Minister for Management and Public Administration, Mario Viegas Carrascalao has held an urgent inspection into the referendum package project for road reparation in Kintal-boot and Manleuana of Dili district on Saturday 21/11.

Brigadier Ruak: Generation in the F-FDTL institution should be replaced Timor Post 23 November 2009 Timorese Defense Force (F-FDTL) Commander, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said the old generation of Falintil in the F-FDTL institution should be replaced by the new generation in order to better develop and give a new spirit to the F-FDTL.

Gusmao recognises mistakes found in Government’s financial report Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 24 November 2009 Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has recognised mistakes found in the Government’s financial report on the country’s general state budget for 2009.

General state budget will not benefit people: Fretilin Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 24 November 2009 Fretilin leader in the Parliament, Aniceto Guterres said the country’s general state budget for 2010 would not benefit the Timorese people, as it was baseless.

Lasama calls on MPs to honestly discuss state budget Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 24 November 2009 Parliamentary President Fernando “Lasama” Araujo has called for the MPs to be honest for discussing profoundly about the general state budget of the country for 2010.

Timor-Leste to control foreign nationals Diario Nacional 24 November 2009 Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said the Government through the Council of Ministers had discussed about producing immigration law to control the foreign nationals who wanted to visit Timor-Leste.

SEPI to conduct campaign of violence against woman Diario Nacional 24 November 2009 The State Secretariat for Promotion and Gender Equality known as SEPI has planned to conduct campaign of violence against woman in the country.

PNTL to strengthen security on November 28, 2009 Timor Post 24 November 2009 Timorese Police Commander, Commissary Longuinhos Monteiro said the Timorese National Police (PNTL) would strengthen security in the commemoration day of the Timorese unilateral Independence Day, falling on November 28.

Government will bestow accolade to ex-Indonesian President Habibie next year Timor Post 24 November 2009 The Timorese Government has planned to bestow medal to the ex-Indonesian President BJ Habibie on November 28, as who had contributed to the country’s independence, but it was postponed to next year.

Persidangan Kasus Penyerangan Seksual Ditunda

(Proceedings in Sexual Assault Case Adjounred - ETLJB: If anyone can do an English tranlsation of this, please send it to easttimorlegalnews@gmail.com

Judicial System Monitoring Program PERSIDANGAN KASUS PENYERANGAN SEKSUAL DITUNDA Novembro 2009 - Persidangan terhadap kasus penyerangan seksual yang sesuai dengan jadwal akan disidangkan pada tanggal 24 November 2009 di Pengadilan Distrik Dili di tunda. Penundaan dilakukan karena terdakwa yang sudah diberikan surat pangilan tidak menghadiri persidangan tanpa pemberitahuan atau justifikasi apapun. Dengan demikian, persidangan ini ditunda hingga tanggal 30 Maret 2010 tahun depan.

JSMP mencatat bahwa situasi semacam ini sudah sering kali terjadi. Oleha karena itu, JSMP menduga bahwa situasi semacam ini menjadi salah satu faktor yang berkontribusi untuk menumpuknya kasus di pengadilan., Sebab ketidakhadiran terdakwa tanpa justifikasi, persidangan terhadap suatu kasus akan ditunda atau tidak disidangkan (Pasal 256 ayat 1 KUHAP).

Seharusnya para aktor terkait harus hadir agar proses persidangan dapat berjalan dengan baik, sesuai dengan prinsip peradilan cepat sesuai dengan hukum dan prosedur formal yang berlaku.

Berdasarkan pada ayat 2 dari pasal ini bahwa dalam waktu 5 hari terdakwa yang tidak hadir dalam proses persidangan harus memberikan penjelasan mengenai ketidakhadirannya, kalau dalam hari yang ditetunkan terdakwa tidak memberikan justifikasi, maka ia akan dikenakan denda atau pengadilan mengeluarkan surat perintah penahanan agar terdakwa dapat menghadiri lagi persidangan (256 ayat 2KUHAP) ).

Pengadilan seharusnya memberlakukan pasal ini secara tegas agar pihak yang terkait dalam proses persidangan dapat menghadiri persidangan yang telah terjadwalkan sebagaimana ditentukan dalam undang-undang.. Dengan demikian, tidak menghambat proses persidangan, yang telah terjadwal, sehingga dapat mencegah dan meminimalisir penumpukan kasus di pengadilan.

Sekalipun JSMP menyadari bahwa banyak kasus yang menumpuk juga disebabkan oleh faktor lain yang meliputi keterbatasan para aktor pengadilan seperti hakim, jaksa dan pengacara. Namun JSMP juga mencatat bahwa terdapat kecenderungan bahwa situasi sebagaimana dijelaskan di atas juga merupakan faktor halangan administrative yang mempengaruhi menumpuknya kasus di pengadilan.

Dengan demikian, JSMP merekomendasikan agar situasi semacam ini perlu mendapatkan perhatian yang serius dan dapat dikoreksi di masa mendatang, agar tidak mempengaruhi efektifitas persidangan, dan terutama menodai prinsip-prinsip persidangan yang cepat, murah dan kredibel. Hanya dengan komitmen dan cara-cara tersebutlah, keadilan yang diharapkan dapat diwujudkan.

Atu hetan informasaun kle’an favor kontaktu: Luis de Oliveira Sampaio Direitor Ezekutivu JSMP E-mail: luis@jsmp.minihub.org

Timor Leste Legal News 26 November 2009

Police commander apologises for shooting a young man Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 26 November 2009 The Timorese Police Commander Commissioner Longinhos Monteiro has expressed apologies to the family of a young man who was shot by a police officer last Saturday in Vila Verde of Dili.

Guterres: “SES yet to receive report” Diario Nacional 26 November 2009 State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres said he was yet to receive report about the case of a police officer shooting a young man in Vila Verde in Dili last Saturday.

Government waiting for a fair decision from Parliament Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 26 November 2009 Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao recognised that so far the Government had not set up the approved anti-corruption commission (KAK) because it was still waiting for a fair decision from the Parliament.

F-FDTL’s two ships will start operating in next year: Ruak Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 26 November 2009 The Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) Commander Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak said the F-FDTL’s two ships which were purchased from China would start doing operations in March next year.

Horta: “International adviser should control referendum package project” Diario Nacional 26 November 2009 President Jose Ramos Horta is concerned about mechanism of implementing the referendum package project in the field; therefore he [Horta] called for the international advisers to control the project; otherwise the project could not appear a good result.

Timor Leste Legal News 2 December 2009

Opposition calls for Government to pay attention to HIV/AIDS Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 2 December 2009 Fretilin MP Francisco Branco has called for the Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP) Government to pay attention to the Timorese people who have been positively infected by HIV/AIDS.

STAE and CNE hold voters education for electorates in Zumalai Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 2 December 2009 Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (CNE) and National Electoral Commission (CNE) have held a voters education for the electorates Raimea village, Zumalai sub district of Kovalima on Tuesday (1/12).

Violent conflict between East Timorese refugees and local Indonesians in Nusa Tenggara Timur

The Jakarta Globe

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Indonesia Police Move to Quell Trouble in Kupang

Eras Poke

Kupang. Police in the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang on Monday set up checkpoints and searched vehicles for weapons a day after two groups clashed in the village of Oebelo.

Dozens of police officers stopped and conducted checks on passing vehicles and passersby in Tarus, located on the outskirts of Kupang.

Kupang Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Heri Sulistianto said officers were also patrolling Oebelo and the surrounding area, as well as Noelbaki village, following the violence, which pitted former East Timorese refugees against local residents.

We are still on alert to prevent anything undesirable happening," Heri said.

He said that at the behest of leaders of the former East Timorese refugees, police had organized a meeting between the two sides in the clash. He added, however, that he had yet to receive a report on the results of the meeting.

The violence reportedly started when a businessman slapped an employee of the Oebelo village chief. As word of the incident spread, the unrest grew, resulting in injuries to several people but no fatalities.

Police have questioned several people over the violence but have yet to make any arrests.

Timor Leste National Parliament and UNDP Sign Agreement for Continued Technical Assistance

Dili, Timor-Leste: 21 December 2009 - On 21 December 2009, the National Parliament RDTL and UNDP signed a new project document, providing for continued technical assistance towards strengthening parliamentary democracy over the next four years (2010-2013). The project document marks the beginning of new cycle for the UNDP Parliament Project, which has been supporting Parliament since 2003.

The new project document recognizes that seven years after its establishment, Parliament is approaching a new phase of development, moving from a period of establishing core institutional processes to period of systematic capacity development and consolidation of its role within the democratic governance systems. While institutional foundations are largely in place allowing Parliament to exercise its legislative and oversight functions in accordance with its Constitutional mandate, significant capacity challenges remain.

The objective of the new Parliament project is three-fold: (1) to support the consolidation of parliamentary processes by continuing to provide technical expertise and advisory assistance; (2) to expand and integrate existing capacity building initiatives into a comprehensive capacity- development strategy; and (3) on the basis of this capacity-development strategy and in close coordination with the Parliament, to lay the groundwork for a capacity transfer and eventual exit strategy.

President Fernando La Sama de Araujo said he was very pleased with the process of developing the strategy for the new project and emphasized the important role UNDP advisers play in supporting parliamentary operations. UNDP Resident Representative and Acting Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Finn Reske-Nielsen, thanked the President for his leadership and highlighted the Parliament Project as flagship example of cooperation and partnership between UNDP and Timorese institutions.

http://www.tl.undp.org/undp/Parliament%20and%20UNDP%20Sign%20Agreement%20for%20Continued%20Technical%20Assistance%20over%20the%20Next%20Four%20Years%20%282010-2014%29.htm

22 December 2009

East Timor Budget Execution Third Quarter 2009

East Timor Budget Execution Third Quarter 2009

Atór Krime Omisidio Tentativa Hetan Pena Sentensa Tinan “6”

If anyone can do an English translation of this, please send it me at easttimorlegalnews@gmail.com

JSMP 21/12/2009 Atór Krime Omisidio Tentativa Hetan Pena Sentensa Tinan “6” - Juiz Dr.Diogo Ravara nu’udar Juiz substitui ba Juiz koletiva ne’ebe maka kaer prosesu No. [189/Crm.C/2009/TDB] ida ne’e lee akordaun ba arguidu Francisco Pascoela iha dia 03 de Dezembro. Leitura de akordaun hakerek iha lian Portugues maibe hetan asistensia husi durubasa hodi halo tradusaun ba iha lian Tetum hodi nune’e arguidu bele komprende saida los maka ninia sala no saida maka la aprovado iha arguidu nia kazu ida ne’e.

Iha akuzasaun konfirma katak, arguidu lori katana ida ba tá iha vítima AL nia liman karuk ne’ebe nia kanek too sentimu 10. Hodi fo testemuña ba Akontesementu ida ne’e tribunal konsegue notifika testemuña nain tolu, Adriano Soares, Teresa Soares, Felismino Soares hodi fo sira nia depoimentus ba tribunal tanba sira mak direitamente hare no hakilar wainhira akontesimentu ne’e akontese hela. Depois de akontesementu, arguidu halai sees-aan husi fatin akontesementu.

Tribunal konsideira katak, arguidu halo aksaun krime ho nia konsiente, livre ho voluntaria rasik. No tribunal konsegue hare faktus ne’ebe mak la provados mak hanesan tuir mai ne’e, katak vítima la ba trata iha hospital Viqueque, katak vítima ho osan U$ 30 hodi ba konsulta, katak vítima husik deit ninia karau ba estraga arguidu ninia sasan, katak arguidu defende nia aan. Iha parte seluk tribunal mos konsegue hare faktus ne’ebe mak provados hanesan tuir mai arguidu rekuñese ninia sala ka konfesa ba ninia hahalok krime sira ne’ebe mak nia halo tiha ona, prova mos depoimentus husi testemuña sira (Felismina, Adriana), prova mos fotografia no relatorio médiku.

Ba forma krime Omisidio tentativa ida ne’e tuir Artigu 53 KUHP Indonesia hetan ameasa pena sentensa ka moldura abstrata too tinan 15 iha prizaun. Maibe quandu uza Kodigu Penal Timor Leste maka ameasa pena sentensa ka moldura abstrata hetan deit pena sentensa tinan 7 fulan 6 deit.

Hare ba Lei rua ne’e nia moldura abstrata ka ameasa pena ne’ebe mak boot hotu tribunal forma pena sentensa ida ne’ebe favoravel liu ba arguidu hodi fo pena únika ba arguidu hodi nune’e tribunal deside atu fo pena sentensa ba arguidu durante tinan 6 iha prizaun, tribunal mos husu ba arguidu atu fo ka selu kusta judisial ho montante U$10, konaba indeminizasaun ba vítima nian tribunal husu ba vítima rasik mak tenki husu no sei separa ninia prosesu ba assuntu ne’e ho ketak.

Atu hetan informasaun kle’an favor kontaktu: Luis de Oliveira Sampaio Direitor Ezekutivu JSMP Diresaun e-mail: luis@jsmp.minihub.org

JULGAMENTU ADIA TANBA JUIZ NIA KONDISAUN SAUDE LA PERMITE

East Timor Judicial System Monitoring Program 21/12/2009 - JULGAMENTU ADIA TANBA JUIZ NIA KONDISAUN SAUDE LA PERMITE - Iha mediu de fulan Dezembru tinan ida ne’e, Juiz iha Tribunal Distrital de Oe-Cusse la hala’o ninia aktividade hanesan bai-bain halo Julgamentu ba kazu balun ne’ebe maka notifikadu tiha ona antes atu prosesa. Aktividade julgamentu la konsegue hala’o tanba Juiz iha tribunal refere nia kondisaun la permite (Moras) nune’e sei trata nia kondisaun iha Dili. Nune’e mos Ministeriu Publiku (MP) ne’ebe maka reprezentante estadu halo akuzasaun ba ema ne’ebe maka komete krime ne’e mos sei iha Dili tanba nia familia hetan aksidente trafiku.

Iha dia 15 de Dezembru 2009 liu husi Ofisial da Justisa informa ba lezado katak aksidente trafiku ho Numeru Prosesu 47/PCO/2009/TDO la bele realiza tanba razaun Juiz moras. Nune’e julgamentu sei adia ba loron seluk iha tinan foun 2010. Konaba prosesu ida ne’e tribunal sei hato’o notifikasaun foun ba partes sira atu hahu sira nia kazu.

Tuir JSMP nia observasaun iha dia 14-15 de Dezembru 2009, aktividade julgamentu iha Tribunal Oe-Cusse provizoriamente la iha tanba Juiz nia kondisaun la permite(moras). Nune’e mos la iha kazu ne’ebe maka urjente atu julga. Tuir informasaun ne’ebe maka JSMP hetan husi Ofisial Justisa iha tribunal refere hateten katak, durante fulan Dezembru julgamentu oituan deit tanba kazu ne’ebe to’o iha tribunal oituan. Nune’e mos iha kazu balun ne’ebe maka adiadu tanba arguidu muda fatin sem fo informasaun ba tribunal.

Tuir estatistika ne’ebe maka JSMP hetan iha nia observasaun hatudu katak kazu foun ne’ebe maka regista iha tinan ida ne’e 48 no kazu tuan ne’ebe maka pendente iha 18. la iha informasaun konaba kazu desididu, maibe ida ne’e hatudu katak sei iha impedementus barak ne’ebe maka tribunal refere hasoru, nune’e presiza esforsu barak liu tan atu hamenus kazu krime sira ne’ebe maka sei pendente iha tinan foun oin mai.

Atu hetan informasaun kle’an favor kontaktu: Luis de Oliveira Sampaio Diretor Ezekutivu JSMP
Diresaun e-mail: luis@jsmp.minihub.org Landline: 3323883

Tracking Violence in Timor-Leste - Emergency Room Data 2006 - 2008

Tracking Violence in Timor-Leste - Emergency Room Data 2006 - 2008

After the guns fall silent: sexual and gender-based violence in Timor-Leste

After the guns fall silent: sexual and gender-based violence in Timor-Leste

Timor Leste Legal News 4 December 2009

General budget of state approved Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 4 December 2009 The General Budget of the State for 2010 worth more than US $ 650 million has passed with 39 of votes in favor, 19 of votes against and four abstentions.

Audit Court to be established in 2010 Minister for Justice, Lucia Lobato said the Court of Appeal would produce a law for the establishment of accounting court and said it would be presented to the Parliament for approval.

Parliament to vote for KAK commissary Diario Nacional 4 December 2009 Parliament will hold an extraordinary plenary session today (4/12) voting for a credible and qualified person to take up the post of the approved anti-corruption commission (KAK) commissary.

Guterres condemns assault on police officers in Uatulari Diario Nacional 4 December 2009 State Secretary for Security, Francisco da Costa Guterres has strongly condemned the recent assault by irresponsible people to the police officers in Uatulari of Vikeke.

SES calls for the youths to be subject to law Diario Nacional 4 December 2009 State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres has called for all people mainly the youths to be subject to the existing law. Guterres is referring to the assault committed to the police officers Uatulari of Vikeke District.

Deputy PM Guterres launches campaign of violence against woman Diario Nacional 4 December 2009 Deputy Prime Minister Jose Luis Guterres has officially launched campaign about violence against woman with entitled “Kampanye 16 dias ativismu violencia kontra feto ho komitmentu asaun forte hakotu violensia domestika kontra feto”.

20 December 2009

Report on 2010 Draft Budget Law by Timor-Leste Parliamentary Committee C

East Timor Parliamentary Committee C Recommendations on 2010 State Budget Law

Goodbye Conflict, Welcome Development, says East Timor's PM Gusmao as nation struggles with overwhelming poverty

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER KAY RALA XANANA GUSMAO ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE DRAFT 2010 STATE GENERAL BUDGET LAW NATIONAL PARLIAMENT 18 NOVEMBER 2009

Your Excellency the President of the National Parliament
Illustrious Members of Parliament Illustrious Members of Government Ladies and Gentlemen

On the occasion of the new budget year, which will be upon us soon, the Government has come to this Great House to present the Annual Plan and the 2010 State General Budget.
With the international financial and economic crisis that has been affecting the countries of the world, in particular during the second half of 2008 and 2009, the State General Budget for Timor-Leste is a budget that seeks to continue strengthening trust and hope in the Country.

It is a Budget directed to the future and founded on the strategic vision of this Government – a Government that is committed to setting the Nation on a new course. The challenges that lie before our young Country are great, but the results that this Government has already achieved in two years and three months give us the confidence to say that we are on the right path. Goodbye conflict, welcome Development! This is our motto, particularly in a year when we celebrate one of the most important dates in our recent history – the moment when we, with a spirit of cohesion, solidarity and courage, voted for our Nation to become Independent. Independence brings with it many responsibilities, the most urgent of which is to free our People – who fought against the odds for so many years – from Poverty, Injustice and Instability.

The only thing that we, the leaders of this Nation, are expected to do is to not let our People down!
Therefore, the Budget we present here today is a Budget that seeks to make the most of this ongoing period of stability, growth and promise that Timor-Leste is currently enjoying. We are ready to walk the road towards prosperity and development! However, this is a challenge that requires the active participation of all Timorese citizens and a display of political maturity from our leaders.

Therefore, I call upon you all in the following days to conduct debate in a manner that is constructive and truly democratic.
This is not a Budget by the Government and for the Government. It is not a Budget by AMP for AMP. It is a budget for all Timorese citizens, it is a budget for Timor-Leste, it is a budget confronting the difficult challenges we face as a Nation and making a sound investment in our future and that of our children.

I say it again: this is a Budget that seeks to support our Country’s transformation from a post-conflict environment to a situation of long term sustainable development with a strong and growing economy.
Your Excellency the President of the National Parliament Illustrious Members of Parliament Ladies and Gentlemen, Currently the world is experiencing a situation of trouble and uncertainty – with almost all of the economies of the developed world having fallen into recession. In 2009 the world economy went through deeply troubled times; with developing countries and their people suffered greatly with the impact of the Global Economic Crisis and widespread fear of a worldwide depression.

Of course, Timor-Leste could not be immune from the damage caused by this economic storm.
Asset and commodities prices fell dramatically, the price of oil dropped from a peak of $145 per barrel in July 2008 to $30 per barrel in December 2008. This massive drop in the price of oil has impacted on our petroleum revenues in 2009. In addition, the struggling American economy with the weakening value of the U.S. dollar, has affected the value of our petroleum fund, which is held primarily in US Treasury bonds.

In 2008 the Government acted with courage and determination to protect our People against the rising prices of commodities – and in particular rice – with the Economic Stabilization Fund. This Fund prevented civil disturbance and demonstrations which were experienced in other countries. It prevented food insecurity and stabilised the prices of rice and other goods. Most importantly, it addressed exploitative practises in our markets. In 2009 we successfully managed the impact of the worst global economic crisis in almost 100 years. Timor-Leste successfully overcame these two years of economic turmoil while achieving an unprecedented level of economic growth as a result of the sound economic management of the Government and confidence and trust of the People.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Obviously, Timor-Leste cannot be fully protected from the events, policies and difficulties that currently affect the whole world. Timor-Leste should and must monitor the economic responses of other countries, and it must absolutely take precautions to prevent crises that, given Timor-Leste’s still fragile state, may prove dangerous. Some countries, especially the emerging economies in Asia, are slowly recovering from the economic and financial crisis; however, the forecasts for worldwide economic recovery are mixed. As such, we are living in times of uncertainty, which will continue until the world financial system recovers.

While we have large budget deficits and growing debt in America and a number of European countries, we cannot assume that the world economy has stabilised.
What does this mean to Timor-Leste? As you know, Timor-Leste is a Country that remains extremely dependent on the import of foreign goods. While fluctuations in prices may be moderating, it is not yet possible to guarantee that Timor-Leste will be completely unaffected. Indeed, the changing price of the American dollar and its worldwide repercussions is in its self destabilizing. And it also encourages a second destabilising effect: market price speculation.

While the crisis began with events that took place in the US housing market, it has spread around the entire globe with serious consequences for world trade, investment and growth. Poorer countries were left in an even more fragile situation, jeopardizing the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
As an exact result of this, Timor-Leste is already reviewing and resetting goals and targets, reflecting on what can actually be achieved by 2015. And so, Timor-Leste has established a Secretariat under the Ministry of Finance dedicated to this task. Given this, we must regret that the Economic Stabilization Fund was held to be unconstitutional, because it is in times of crisis that States must seek solutions and develop policies to respond – rather than simply wait for the worst to occur.

And therefore, so-called “stimulus packages” were adopted in many countries to prevent the worst that could happen: social instability.
Timor-Leste cannot afford irresponsible economic policy. It is the development of policies, reviews and annual forecasting models that give us a level of macroeconomic stability, as was proved during 2009.

In order to overcome the difficulties inherent in our young Nation, so that we may truly have stable and sustainable development, we must have the humility to acknowledge changes and trends caused by internal and external factors, and most of all the need to apply corrective measures in good time.
It is regrettable when, due to political or partisan interests, the intrinsic frailties of our Country are used for populist propaganda that in no way benefits our People.

Illustrious Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen, The State General Budget that we have presented here today remains faithful to our commitment when we came to office in 2007. We continue working to make Peace and Prosperity a reality in our Country. This Government is proud of the fact that our Country today is very different from the one in 2007. Unfortunately, the first few years of the history of an Independent Timor-Leste will be remembered as years of a declining economy and increasing poverty and instability. Between 2002 and 2006 we had poor economic performance and negative growth rates. Extreme poverty in Timor-Leste increased from 38% of the population in 2001 to 49% in 2007. I will not describe once more the enormous challenges we had to deal with when we entered into office, but I do recall that during a certain period there were many references to Timor- Leste as a failed State, in which it was said that the Timorese dream – dreamt by us as well as the international community – was becoming a nightmare. But this Government’s spirit is strong and determined.

Our determination in August 2007 was to set a new course for the Country.
Under our leadership, we have begun recovery and transformation:

• We have restored stability and security in the Country – streets are no longer deserted at dark, with whole families enjoying a true feeling of freedom and security, both in Díli and in the districts.
This stability and public trust provides a security environment that allows a staged transfer of the policing responsibilities from UNPOL to our PNTL. And it also allows the staged withdrawal of soldiers from the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste.

• We have made the people trust State Institutions again – we have improved the living conditions of our heroes, widows and orphans, as well as of the IDPs, and we have improved the purchasing power of our population in a way that while small is already very significant.
The Government is providing dignity to our People through the provision of pensions to our veterans, as well as to our elderly and vulnerable citizens. In 2009 the Government spent $38 million on pensions, and in 2010 it will spend $52 million to support even more Timorese.

• We have established a framework for good governance in the public sector, in order to ensure that public funds are spent in a manner that is effective and that benefits the People, as well as to change the mindsets in our Public Administration. We never intended to replace people, but rather to change the way civil servants think and act, so that they may become good Public Servants, good Servants of the People.
The resetting of the systems used in the past has been most effective, as well as the legislative and technical reforms that we are implementing.

The establishment of the Civil Service Commission will depoliticise the civil service and instil a culture of professionalism and merit-based promotion, which will result in better service provision to our communities.
And the Anti-Corruption Commission will be an independent body reporting to the National Parliament, with strong powers to fight corruption. The Anti-Corruption Commission has been allocated $1.045 million, because investing in this area is investing in good governance.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Sometimes words are not enough, so please allow me to provide some figures. In 2008 our economic growth was the second highest in the world, with a rate over 12%. This positive record continued in 2009, with a forecast growth rate of between 7 and 8%. And we know that we need to maintain an annual growth rate of at least 8% in order to lift our People from poverty. As a strong indication of private development, the business tax revenue increased by 50% between 2007 and 2008 – despite the tax reductions implemented in mid 2008.

These figures represent actual and substantial improvement in the quality of life of our People. These figures represent growth in our villages and districts; employment creation and the improvement of agricultural productivity; the emergence of our tourism industry; the construction of houses, roads, schools and health clinics and the opening of shops and small businesses.
In 2009 we began an ambitious but urgent examination of our infrastructure needs. Infrastructure projects are demanding and are long term tasks carried out by Governments throughout the world.

No Timorese Government has yet been courageous enough to present such an ambitious plan, or had the courage to adopt bold measures to develop our Country’s infrastructure needs.
These figures also represent the emergence of our private sector, which is the future of the Country’s economic development. To support the development of the private sector, the Government implemented important reforms to lighten the tax burden and stream line business compliance procedures.

The World Bank’s Doing Business Better Report 2010 recognized Timor-Leste as the World’s top performer in the area of “Paying Taxes” with our global ranking moving from 75th to 19th place over 12 months. And we also moved up 9 positions in the overall doing business better ranking.
Lastly, Illustrious Members of Parliament, this Government’s spirit is evident in great achievements regarding budget execution rates. The Government’s capability to execute the Budget has been increasing steadily since 2007, as is shown by the payments made up until now. Comparing 2007 with 2008, budget execution has tripled, reflecting stronger financial management and strategic planning systems in the Ministry of Finance and in other Ministries. In 2008 the Government executed a total of $439.9 million in cash. And by 17 November this year, the Government has already executed a total of $478.1 million in cash.

This shows the growing professionalism and the increasing capability of our staff to ensure that the funding allocated in the Budget is translated into effective service delivery to the People.
Ladies and Gentlemen, In anticipation of one of the primary issues of this coming debate, which will be regarding the National Strategic Plan, I can inform you that it is currently being currently finalised before its release for public consultation. As I have said several times, building a prosperous Nation is not achieved through words in a document. A medium to long term sustainable development plan must be considered within an integrated approach, assessing both the interdependency of the parties and their relationship with the whole. This is the only way we can ensure harmonious development for our Country.

Therefore, we have been presenting Annual Action Plans that are compatible with the national circumstances and our most pressing needs.
I must say that we can consider ourselves to be living in a transitional stage. We are moving from past Governments that produced a raft of documents but that could not improve the quality of life of the Timorese People, to a Government that is truly committed to national development. We have “cleaned our house”, we have implemented crucial reforms, we have ensured stability and security in the Country and, starting next year, we will be ready to present a strategic vision with five-year development plans.

The Census in 2010 will also contribute significantly to discussions regarding the Plan. This is because we are still relying on 2004 data, which hinders our ability to determine with exactness the current reality of our Country, particularly in regard to the precise characteristics of the Timorese People and their primary needs.
There are no shortcuts in the road to prosperity and development. It is necessary to walk the longest and hardest path to be able to respond to our People’s needs: the reduction of poverty, economic growth and sustainable development.

Your Excellency the Speaker of the National Parliament
Illustrious Members of Parliament Ladies and Gentlemen, What I can say with confidence is that the People believe that we are moving in the right direction. Clear evidence of this was the Suco elections which were successfully conducting without problems or incidents. Our People not only demonstrated their well developed political maturity, they also provided a lesson in civic duty and democracy. The 2010 Budget will consolidate the successes already achieved and make the most of our current opportunities. In a time of world crisis, containing public expenses, strengthening the economy, promoting productive sectors that create employment and reducing our dependence on imports and from our petroleum sector are the goals that guide our policies and our action. As such, this Budget is focused on the most important aspects of our future – good governance, infrastructural development, public and food safety, human resource development and decentralized access to justice, health and education, particularly in rural areas. Above all, this is a financially responsible Budget.

The Budget forecasts total expenditure by the State of Timor-Leste of $637 million in 2010.
This is a decrease of $44 million, or 6.9%, from the 2009 Budget. This can be attributed to one-off costs in the 2009 Budget for the F-FDTL patrol boats, which will ensure surveillance of our territorial waters and fight illegal fishing, as well as the costs of the successful return of IDPs. During this year’s Budget process, Ministers were also asked to critically review their expenditure to make sure that Government funds are being used effectively for the benefit of the people. This process resulted in savings and efficiencies. The 2010 Budget estimates that total revenue will be $1.48 billion, which is below last year. This is due to reductions in oil revenues. While domestic revenue is projected to increase in the future, as a result of our economic growth, it will drop from $90 million in 2009 to $83 million in 2010, as a consequence of the Government’s successful tax reforms.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 2010 the spending on public sector wages will remain stable, moving from $94 million in 2009 to $98 million in 2010. This small change results from an 8% salary increase in the education sector, with the introduction of a new career regime to improve the quality of teaching. Expenditure on goods and services will also drop from $247 million in 2009 to $208 million in 2010 with a $23 million reduction in the cost of importing rice. Minor capital will decrease from $38.1 million in 2009 to $29 million in 2010. This is largely because of and a reduction in car purchases and a reduction in the purchase of tractors for agricultural use, as the government shifts its focus to improving and expanding cultivation techniques and productivity. An additional $10 million will, however, be provided for heavy equipment to assist with the Government’s infrastructure projects. Importantly, the Government is continuing its investment in infrastructure with $216.8 million allocated for capital development.

This will support a broad program of public works including roads, bridges, power, water, education and health projects.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The 2010 Budget will be funded by the Estimated Sustainable Income, Domestic Revenues and Reserves. The Estimated Sustainable Income, which is 3% of our petroleum wealth, is presently forecast as $502 million in 2010. By the end of the year, the petroleum fund is expected to be $5.27 billion and by the end of 2010 it is expected to have a value of $6.16 billion. These calculations for the wealth of the petroleum fund are conservative. They are based upon a low production scenario for the Bayu-Undan field and an oil price of $60 per barrel. The calculations do not include expected future revenue from the Kitan field from 2011 to 2016 and they not include the Greater Sunrise field.

This Government and the Timorese People are also fully and firmly committed to the pipeline from the Greater Sunrise field coming to the south coast of Timor-Leste. This development would promote economic activity, increase State revenue and provide jobs and opportunities for Timorese citizens.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The 2010 Budget prioritises investing in infrastructure . The future of our country depends upon the building of basic infrastructure. We need basic infrastructure to develop a modern and prosperous Timor-Leste and to achieve the dreams we have for our country. The 2010 Budget provides $217 million for capital development that will include:

• $73 million for road and bridge projects;

• $68 million for electricity and power;
• $11 million for clean water projects;

• $10 million for school construction and rehabilitation;

• $10 million for health facilities;

• $7.7 million to support tourism projects and cooperative facilities;

• $2.2 million for law and justice facilities, primarily in the districts;

• $2.9 million for projects to improve agricultural productivity.


Roads are central to our economic development and for connecting our People and our communities. They allow for the delivery of education and health services and are essential for district agricultural and industrial development.
The building and rehabilitation of road and bridges will also create jobs for our People. The plan in this sector will involve the construction, within the next few years, of 190 kilometres of national roads and 100 kilometres of urban roads, as well as the rehabilitation of a further 3,000 kilometres of rural roads, connecting the Sub-Districts to the Sucos. It will also include the construction of 14 bridges throughout the Country.

This Government will also continue to invest in electricity and power generation to ensure that all the districts of Timor-Leste have power all day, every day.
This investment is critical for our economic development and is necessary to attract business investment. As such, in 2010 we will be investing $50 million in the “Project for Constructing Power Plants” under the contract already established and reviewed for the Country’s electrification. This is not just based on the needs of the existing population, but also takes into account the long term sustainable development plan. Pursuing this goal does not exempt the Government from having to invest in alternative energies.

Consequently, the Government has doubled the funds allocated to alternative and renewable energies in 2010.
This Budget also allocates $11 million for clean water projects. Sickness, ill health and poor child development caused by lack of clean water and sanitation result in incalculable social and economic costs for our People and for our Country. Less the 50% of the Nation’s urban population have access to safe water supplies. The majority of people living in district centres only have access to water for a few hours per week. Half our Nation’s schools and a third of our health clinics do not have running water for sanitation. Less than 10% of our rural population have access to adequate sanitation. Water is a basic human need, which is why we cannot allow this situation to continue.

Therefore, the Government is embarking on a program of clean water projects throughout Timor-Leste.
Together with our spending on roads and bridges, electricity and power and clean water, this Budget will also improve Dili’s port and airport, build schools and health facilities and invest in our justice system and our tourism industry. Today, in this place, we must all agree that our People deserve that we provide them with better lives! We will not address all our country’s needs in one year or even in a few years, but unlike others we are determined to meet them, and for that we must start now.

Illustrious Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen, Rural development is a key priority of this Government. All Timorese citizens deserve access to quality services and infrastructure in all Districts and Sub-Districts. Therefore, we will also give priority to broader service delivery and to administrative decentralization. Timor-Leste is a diverse nation and it is important that budget expenditure is allocated across the Country in a fair manner. Our Government is committed to improving our schools, our health facilities, our roads and our agricultural sector throughout the Country. This is the second State Budget in which this Government has provided a district by district breakdown of proposed budget expenditure.

The capital budget for 2010 is $216.8 million, with $90.7 million of this allocated for projects that benefit the whole nation, and the remaining $125.8 million provided for projects at a district level.
Public investments in capital development include:
• $1.5 million in Aileu , for the rehabilitation of four primary schools and the construction of one pre-secondary school and one maternity clinic.

• $2 million in Ainaro , including the rehabilitation of five schools and the construction
of a new health post.
• $7 million in Baucau , including the construction of four maternity clinics and one primary school, as well as the rehabilitation of two primary schools.

• $7 million in Bobonaro , including the construction of eight schools and three maternity clinics.

• $18 million in Cova-Lima , including the construction of eight schools and four maternity clinics.

• $7 million in Ermera , including the construction of five primary schools and two maternity clinics.
• $10 million in Lautem , including the construction of eight primary schools and two maternity clinics.
• $8 million in Liquica , including the construction of five primary schools and one maternity clinic.

• $1.6 million in Manatuto , including the construction of seven primary schools and three maternity clinics.

• $2.6 million in Manufahi , including the construction of six primary schools and three maternity clinics.

• $11 million in Oecussi , including the construction of five primary schools and three maternity clinics.

• $7.6 million in Viqueque , including the construction of eight schools and three maternity clinics.
Ladies and Gentlemen, This Budget also invests strongly in education and training, which are vital for the development of our Country.

We are implementing a new special career structure for teachers. This new structure will be the cornerstone in ensuring that our teachers possess the necessary skills to provide our students with good education. We will be expanding our Literacy Campaign to eliminate illiteracy all over the Country, and we will be focusing on providing training and school books to teachers. This year His Excellency the President of the Republic launched pilot programs of intensive literacy courses in Oecussi and Atauro. These programs will enable us to declare Atauro an illiteracy-free zone by the end of the year, and we expect to be able to do the same in Oecussi by March 2010. If we want to eliminate illiteracy in the short term, we will need a total of $8 million, to be spent in two years.

I sincerely hope that the National Parliament adopts the Literacy campaign as a National Cause!
This budget also extends our ambitious school rehabilitation and building program with a further $10.4 million for capital expenditure. And we are just as committed to higher education, with the Budget providing $3.793 million for the National University of Timor-Leste. And we will also be constructing two polytechnics - one in Suai and one in Los Palos – as well as building an Engineering Faculty at Hera.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are also investing heavily in our health system. This Budget provides $10.3 million in capital expenditure to the Ministry of Health, towards the construction and refurbishing of hospitals and health clinics throughout Timor-Leste. We are also providing $6 million to purchase medical drugs for our health system, $1.8 million to cover expenses related to the Cuban Medical Brigade and approximately $3 million to provide cleaning services, sanitation, meals and security to all hospitals and health centres. We will also be employing more staff in critical areas to cover the expertise gaps that we currently face in our health services. We are funding programs to increase our immunization rates against measles, polio, tuberculosis and other diseases. And we will be improving our mental health and our dental health care services.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Government is committed to responsible economic management, building on our economic growth and grasping the opportunities that our Country and our People offer, while actively promoting the development of the private sector. The Private Sector should become a Strategic Partner of the Government in the creation of employment, the increase of national productivity and revenue, the strengthening of the Country’s business capability, and the creation of industries that will enable us to sell our products in local and international markets. Until now public investment by the State has been the primary driving force for economic growth, however, in the current world economic environment this is not sustainable.

The strategy of the past, where companies were dependent on Government projects, has proved not to be the best way to develop a strong economy.
Therefore, with awareness of the vital role that the private sector must play in the Country’s development, the Government has been in discussions with business, with particular focus over the last few months, to support the development of a modern private sector, with the capacity to become involved in future investment projects. I must underline that the goal here is to enable the training and consolidation of businesses or business groups that are prepared to organise and improve their management capacity, to have proper accounts and to provide quality services.

Taking into consideration the difficulty of accessing credit in Timor-Leste, particularly long term credit, the Government will be investing $8 million to establish a National Development Bank.
This financial instrument will support the Country’s sustainable development model and enable Timorese businesses to compete on an equal footing with foreign businesses. The establishment of the National Development Bank will prove to be a milestone in the economic development of Timor-Leste.

And so, we are already working on the model and the structure of the future Bank, taking into consideration the requisite legal requirements for its creation and its operation.
Details will be duly provided to the Illustrious Members of Parliament when the process is better consolidated and the institution is in a position to make an application to the Banking and Payments Authority. However, I can already say that it will be:

• A Bank that is proud to be Timorese, and that as soon as possible will seek to have representation in all district capitals, starting with branches in Dili, Baucau, Maubisse, Bobonaro and Oecussi;

• A Bank that meets the demands of the Timorese private sector, granting credit and guarantees to feasible Timorese projects, according to prudent technical and legal criteria;

• A Bank that is managed in a manner that is prudent and sustainable, complying with the most rigorous bank practises, as set by the Banking and Payments Authority.


The Government is also responding to the commitment and leadership shown by our private sector, supporting the initiative to establish a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the leaders of which will be elected democratically.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will represent the Timorese private sector and advocate for its interests, working alongside the Government so as to overcome obstacles to development. Importantly, it will provide support, services and advice to our businesses, in order to allow them to become more productive and to grow.

Lastly, it will allow for a greater decentralisation of the procurement system, through assisting businesses meet the necessary formal, technical and legal requirements and prepare the Country for the establishment of Municipalities.
This initiative is also based on the need to speed up procurement processes so that we can have more effective delivery throughout the Country. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will, therefore, work directly with a specific procurement Committee established to achieve this aim. This Committee will also include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure and other Ministries relevant to the projects in question. Procurement for Major projects will, however, be undertaken at central level, as they are most likely to involve international participation.

Illustrious Members of Parliament
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ten years after the liberation of our Country, and after much struggle and recurrent trouble, Timor-Leste is emerging as a nation of hope and of promise. We have also had signs of confidence in our economic growth potential from foreign countries, such as Portugal, which is willing to open an aid credit line to Timor-Leste of up to 500 million euros. The United States Government also signed a Bilateral Assistance agreement with our Government on 30 October 2009, to the value of $103.1 million over six years, so as to support investment in people, good governance, democracy and economic growth. These are votes of confidence in this Government by foreign States that believe we are truly capable of maintaining Peace. And today we present to you a Budget that acts on this hope and seeks to deliver on the potential provided by our Country and our People. With this Budget we invest in our future and continue along the path to becoming a peaceful and prosperous Nation enjoying true freedom. With this Budget we will work to make the Timorese dream a reality for our People.

Your Excellency the Speaker of the National Parliament
Illustrious Members of Parliament, The 2010 State General Budget is the entrance gate to the path towards prosperity and development. All Timorese citizens are called upon to walk through this gate, and in the first stages of our walk we will rely on the observations and criticisms from the Illustrious Members of Parliament, to ensure that all Timorese join this national journey towards Development. Thank you very much! Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão 18 November 2009

Timor-Leste Legal News 17 November 2009

Vikeke police to receive security responsibility from UN Police Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 17 November 2009 Timorese Operational Police Commander Inspector Mateus Fernandes said Vikeke district police would receive security responsibility from the UN Police shortly.

PNTL’s Command will not tolerate its officers who engage in politics Timor Post 17 November 2009 Acting General Commander for the Timorese National Police (PNTL), Inspector Mateus Fernandes said police officers who were suspected of being engaged in politics would not be tolerated.

Training for 20 officers of BOP based on NATO standard Timor Post 17 November 2009 Acting General Commander for the Timorese National Police (PNTL) Inspector Mateus Fernandes said the training was attended by the 20 officers of the Timorese police of BOP (Public Order Battalion) was based on the international and NATO’s standard; therefore he [Fernandes] called for the trainees to seriously participate in the training.

Police guarantee situation in the country is normal Timor Post 17 November 2009 Acting General Commander for the Timorese National Police (PNTL) Inspector Mateus Fernandes said CPD-RDTL [a Timorese Resistance Organization] had held peace rally in Baucau district and said the police guaranteed that the rally went well.

Government discusses new law for Timorese labor Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 17 November 2009 The State Secretary for the Council of Ministers has discussed a new labor law for Timor-Leste. The law more reflects the Timorese labors needs as it contained the ideas of Timorese labors and other related sides.

MP recognises corruption appears because of bureaucracy Timor Post 17 November 2009 MP Rui Menezes from the Democratic Party (PD) recognises that the corruption appearing in the country is caused by bureaucracy in the Finance Ministry.

Transformation from old generation to new generation is important Timor Post 17 November 2009 Bishop for Baucau Diocese Monsignor Basilio do Nascimento has called for the Timorese youth not only giving their hope to the leaders who had formed this country, such as President Jose Ramos Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Mari Alkatiri.


Political parties should not divide people: Lasama Diario Nacional 17 November 2009 arliamentary President Fernando Lasama de Araujo said political parties should not divide the country’s people, but try to embrace and lead them [the people] for moving forward with peace and stability.

19 December 2009

Catholic propaganda obscures the true toll of HIV in East Timor

ETLJB Editorial 19 December 2009 The following article from Catholic Relief Services gives the impression that all is well for people with HIV-AIDS in East Timor.

But that is far from the truth.

As ETLJB has noted before*, there are fundamental defects in the HIV-AIDS transmission reduction policy in East Timor. It is fragmented and discriminatory.

The principle international NGO (The Red Cross) that runs the main HIV-AIDS transmission reduction program excludes homosexuals from its program.

The policy makers are ignorant of the necessary fine distinctions between men who have sex with men, homosexuals and bisexuals - none of which gets a mention in the policy.

There are no laws guaranteeing confidentiality of test results or HIV-status.

There are no laws prohibiting discrimination or vilification against high risk groups such as homosexuals. In fact, there is fierce and hatred-inciting public criticism of homosexuals in East Timor

There are no condomn distribution programs.

The abstinence and faithulness doctrines put about by the Catholic Church as strategies for combating this disease are antihuman and immoral - bereft of scientific justification - and bound to contribute to the continuing expansion of HIV into the Timorese community.

The theocracy in East Timor wields far too much influence over the determination of policy and laws which ought to be primarily informed by rational intellectual reason and experience and not be perverted from their social purposes by the invocation of the supernatural - by men who would rather witness the destruction of generations than retract their erroneous ideologies.

HIV is a virus. Only condoms, anti-viral drugs and the right policies and laws can save human lives that it continues to threaten across the globe.

* HIV-AIDS and Homophobia in Timor-Leste

Timor Leste Red Cross excludes homosexuals from HIV-AIDS Reduction Program

Four patients infected by HIV/AIDS in Baukau Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 3 December 2009 The man in charge of HIV/AIDS in Baukau hospital, Marcelino da Cruz said four patients in that hospital were infected by HIV/AIDS.

Opposition calls for Government to pay attention to HIV/AIDS Radio Televisaun Timor Leste 2 December 2009 Fretilin MP Francisco Branco has called for the Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP) Government to pay attention to the Timorese people who have been positively infected by HIV/AIDS.

East Timor: Leading by Example in the Fight Against HIV

“I don’t want to set a bad example for the people in my community and to know your [HIV] status is only good! Testing is the only way to know for sure,” says Antonio Guterres, a district administrator in the small Asian country of East Timor (Timor Leste). On World AIDS Day, Guterres put his words into action by becoming his country’s highest-ranking official to take an HIV test publicly.

For two years, Catholic Relief Services in East Timor has been working with local partners, including Catholic sisters, to prevent HIV transmission or to care for those who have the virus. In the country’s capital, Dili, CRS helped build a rest house called Uma Nazarete (“House of Nazareth”) that is run by the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit. The home provides shelter, food and other assistance for HIV-positive people who travel to the capital from outlying districts for their monthly check ups and anti-retroviral treatment.
East Timor

District Administrator Antonio Guterres stands with CRS staffer Regina Amaral after taking a public HIV test during World AIDS Day celebrations in Baucau, East Timor. Photo by CRS staff

With money from the Global Fund, CRS began the Smart & Safe HIV prevention project, which targets at-risk men and strives to make education and counseling “male-friendly.” The program emphasizes partner reduction, with tailored ‘Be Faithful’ messages for older and married men, and a strong focus on abstinence for young single men.

“Our approach has really been successful,” says Michael Johansson, CRS Technical Advisor for HIV/AIDS in East Timor. “It’s given many beneficiaries the strength to make important, life-changing decisions and lead healthier lives.”

However, prevention messages weren’t always reaching people, especially those who didn’t know that they were at risk. For example, many wives and partners of at-risk men don’t always understand that they too might contract HIV; many are unaware of their partner’s unsafe behaviors.

So for World AIDS Day, CRS mobilized the Timorese community to learn more about the disease and how to prevent it. Government officials took an HIV awareness motorcade through the country’s second-largest city, Baucau, and attended a special Catholic Mass. The officials also took part in an HIV quiz show held by the city’s diocese.

The day’s final event took place at a local hospital, where a number of participants—including government officials and journalists—were publicly tested for HIV.

“We wanted to fight the stigma some people saw in going to testing clinics,” says Johansson. “The general public made assumptions about who was going to be tested. We wanted to change that, which is why the turnout on World AIDS Day was so good.”

Guterres says he’s very glad he got tested, and encourages his constituents to follow his example. “I am thankful that I tested negative and that encourages me to take care of myself and my family,” he says. “But I also want to make sure that we take care of each other in this community. Know your status because that’s how we can care for each other.” Source: http://crs-blog.org/east-timor-leading-by-example-in-the-fight-against-hiv/
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See also: East Timor HIV Spills Over To Australia (AAP/19/06/01)
DARWIN -- The HIV virus had taken hold in East Timor and spread into Australia, a Dili-based doctor said today.

As many as 15 foreign workers, mostly Africans, evacuated from East Timor for treatment at the Royal Darwin Hospital, have tested positive to HIV, Dr Dan Murphy said.

A Darwin woman contracted the virus that leads to AIDS from having sex with an East Timor -based expatriate.

"There was a case of transmission from an expatriate in East Timor to a woman in Darwin," the American volunteer general practitioner said. Territory Health Service confirmed one of the five cases of HIV reported among Darwin residents since the United Nations moved into East Timor in 1999 was contracted through heterosexual contract with a foreigner based there. That woman then infected another local.

Darwin has become a popular recreation destination for East Timor workers. Darwin sex workers report African clients refusing to use condoms. Dr Murphy said the HIV-positive expatriates detected in Darwin had probably been infected before they reached East Timor.

But these same UN and non-government organisation workers were also patronising a clandestine sex industry flourishing in East Timor.

"It's (HIV) a problem but no-one knows how extensive because we don't do testing," Dr Murphy said.

While the extent of HIV remained invisible, Dr Murphy said his Bairo Pite Clinic frequently treated men suffering the more obvious sexually transmitted diseases from prostitution such as gonorrhoea.

Unchecked, Dr Murphy feared a major blow out in HIV among the conservative Catholic population resistant to condom use and sexual discussion. AIDS would prove devastating with the high rate of tuberculosis among the East Timorese, he said.

"TB will become more active and it'll attack more strongly because with AIDS, you don't have any resistance," Dr Murphy said.