29 October 2017

Xanana Gusmão wants to "gain experience" as opposition in East Timor

WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION OF ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT Xanana Gusmão wants to "gain experience" as opposition in East Timor 16 Oct 2017 15:32 MotherMedia / Lusa

The former president of East Timor and leader of the CNRT, the party that came second in the July elections, said in Funchal that he intends to "gain experience" as an opposition, refusing to reveal whether he supports the government program.

After the election results, we held a national conference [CNRT - National Congress of Timorese Reconstruction] and decided what action we would take. And we decided that we would be an opposition party so that we also had enough time to implement a program to train party cadres, to prepare for and gain experience as an opposition, "said Xanana Gusmão on a visit to the island of Madeira.

28 October 2017

JSMP Sumáriu Tribunál Distritál Suai Periódu Setembru 2017

Totál kazu sira ne’ebé sei kontinua tuir JSMP nia monitorizasaun : 4

 Deskripsaun sumáriu ba desizaun kazu sira

1. Krime maus tratus ba kónjuje
Prosesu: 0013/16.MF
Kompozisaun Tribunál: Koletivu
Juis                                                  : Dr. Samuel da Costa Pacheco, Dr. Benjamin Barros no Dr. Argentino Luisa Nunes
Prokuradór                                      : Dr. Matias Soares
Defeza                                             : Dr. Albino de Jesus Pereira
Tipu pena                                       : Pena prizaun tinan 2 fulan 6 suspende ba tinan 4                                                   
Iha 28 Setembru 2017, Tribunál Distritál Suai liuhosi Tribunál Movél iha Distritu Manufahi, prezide julgamentu leitura akordaun ba krime maus tratus ba kónjuje ne’ebé envolve arguidu MdC hasoru nia feen, iha Distritu Manufahi.

Akuzasaun Prokuradór

Timorese opposition groups refer leaders to eventual coalition decision

WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT FROM LUSA October 24, 2017, 5:24 p.m. http://noticias.sapo.tl/portugues/lusa/artigo/23155314.html Dili, Oct. 24 (Prensa Latina) Leaders of the three opposition factions in the Timorese parliament today handed over to their party leaders a decision on whether to hold a pre-election coalition in the event of early elections in Timor-Leste.

"This decision is up to the leaders of the parties," said Aaron Noé Amaral, the head of the party. "We stand on the bench to implement the party's policy and we do not want to advance scenarios. the largest opposition party, the National Congress of Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT).

Fidelis Magalhães, leader of the People's Liberation Party (PLP), also said that no coalition acts "without the guidance of leaders" and that they determine the political guidelines to follow.

"I, the House and the other deputies, have a duty, a responsibility to respond politically to the leaders, structures and organs of the party. We have to follow the laws, the constitution and the political orientation of the party," he said.

27 October 2017

Australian Government Loses Majority in Parliament

The High Court of Australia has disqualified 5 MPs
ETLJB - In view of recent events in East Timor, it is worth noting current events in Australia's Parliament.

The High Court of Australia today disaqualified the following Members of Parliament because they did not comply with section 44 (Citizenship) of the Australian Constitution:

Barnaby Joyce (Nationals), [Government MP]
Malcolm Roberts (One Nation),
Larissa Waters (Greens),
Fiona Nash (Nationals) [Government MP], and
Scott Ludlam (Greens) are disqualified

Nick Xenophon (NXT) and Matthew Canavan (Nationals) are safe

There will now be a by-election in Barnaby Joyce's seat of New England

The Government loses its one-seat majority until after that by-election and will be unable to assure passage of legislation through the Parliament.

The government must now go into caretaker mode pending the by-election compelled by the judges of the High Court.

JSMP Sumáriu Kazu Tribunál Distritál Baucau Edisaun Setembru 2017

East Timor Judicial System Monitoring Program
JSMP Afirmasaun: Sumáriu Kazu tuir mai ne’e deskreve faktu sira no prosesu iha Tribunál tuir JSMP nia monitorizasaun independente, no deklarasaun ne’ebé parte sira fó iha Tribunál nia laran. Informasaun ne’e la reprezenta JSMP nia hanoin hanesan instituisaun ida.

JSMP kondena maka’as forma violénsia hotu-hotu, liuliu hasoru feto no ema vulneravel. JSMP afirma la iha justifikasaun ba violénsia hasoru feto.
Totál kazu ne’ebé sei kontinua prosesu tuir JSMP nia monitorizasaun: 2
Deskripsaun sumáriu ba desizaun kazu sira ne’ebé JSMP monitoriza:

1.      Krime ofensa ba integridade fizika simples  ho natureza violénsia doméstika

26 October 2017

List of known Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Secretaries of State in the Alkatiri minority government.


  1. Minister of State and Counselor for National Security, José Ramos-Horta 
  2. Minister of Health, Rui Maria de Araújo, 
  3. Minister of State and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Estanislau da Silva, 
  4. Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Adriano do Nascimento, 
  5. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Aurélio Guterres, 
  6. Minister of State Administration, Valentim Ximenes, 
  7. Minister of Planning and Finance, Rui Gomes, 
  8. Minister of Defence and Security, Augustine Somotxo, 
  9. Minister of Commerce and Industry, António Conceição,
  10. Minister of Social Solidarity, Florentina Smith, and 

Tara bandu - The adat concept of the environment

Uma lulik timor-leste
Copyright wwright2008
Original Citation: 2004 ETLJ 12 TARA BANDU : THE ADAT CONCEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A translation of an article by Rogerio Soares in Direito pages 8-9, Edition 22, February 2003 published by Perkumpulan HAK, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Tara bandu is a good tradition that needs to be conserved for the development of the life of the community. The environment can be guarded and the agricultural community can sustain the support of the lives of the village population.

After Timor is No Longer Indonesia - An Indonesian Perspective

Exhumation of victims of the Indonesian genocide in East Timor
Exhumation of victims of the Indonesian genocide in East Timor
WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION OF INDONESIAN TEXT Image added by ETLJB Minggu 02 April 2017, 08:56 WIB Detik News Jakarta - 1999 It's far behind. Since then, east of Atambua, Belu regency, is no longer Indonesia. There is no more East Timor because it has changed with Timor Leste as an independent country.

Two countries take a different path, developing individually. Boundary on the border, observing cross-border country, about how the comparison of Indonesia and Timor Leste at a glance now.

December 20, 2014, President Jokowi stood on the bridge, his eyes staring at this border area. Her white shirt arm is rolled up. I do not know what was in his mind when it looked at the leading condition.

The contents of Jokowi's mind in Belu District was only revealed two years later. On August 26, 2016, Jokowi admitted embarrassed to see the condition of Indonesia-East Timor border.

"When I went there for example in Motaain (Belu Regency), the office just like the village, on the other side of his office is like a mall," said Jokowi when giving a speech at the National Dialogue HIPMI Senior Association of Indonesia (ISHI) in 2016 at Raffless Hotel, Kuningan , South Jakarta, Friday (8/26/2016).

He requested the post office of State Boundary Cross (PLBN) Motaain in Belu torn down. The road at that location should be widened, not to be outdone by the width of the road opposite it, in Timor Leste.

Budget Rp 82 billion digelontorkan to build PLBN Motaain. In November 2016, AFP had the opportunity to see the construction of PLBN Motaain. This border postal building was built with the architecture that affected the traditional house of NTT, Mbaru Niang.

Finally at the end of 2016, PLBN Motaain has become 100 percent. The main building is a center of integrated immigration services. All services will be conducted in the same building and done with a more regular flow with enough one-time reporting.

Not the same as it used to be contrasted with Timor Leste's State Border Post, now this window of Indonesia is proud to be passed by East Timorese and Indonesians passing through this area.

So grand, now it turns proud East Timorese citizens photographed in front of PLBN Motaain owned by Indonesia.

"Now the people there (Timor Leste) are in our place (PLBN Motaain) .This is a matter of pride and pride and dignity," said Jokowi at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Tuesday (10/1/2017) ) then.

3,500 Portuguese request extradition of Portuguese couple convicted of embezzlement in Timor-Leste

WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION OF ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT Jornal de Noticias Portugal - Almost 3,500 people signed a petition that has already reached the Portuguese parliament asking the government to extradite the Portuguese couple Tiago and Fong Fong Guerra to Portugal, sentenced to eight years' imprisonment in Timor-Leste for embezzlement.

The couple, convicted last August, appealed against the sentence, considering that it "suffers from insanitary nullities" more common in "undemocratic regimes", based on manipulated evidence and even prohibited.

The petition, with more than 3,450 signatures, claims that "the Government of Portugal would urge the Government of Timor-Leste to have this case transferred to Portugal, since the Timorese judicial system has proven incapable of dealing with a case like this ".

"All the human rights of these Portuguese citizens have been violated in Timor-Leste, where they have been separated for three years, separated from the [two] minor children," said the petition, which is being presented today by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees of the Portuguese parliament.

Government ensures normality at Portuguese Embassy in Dili

Poutuguese embassy reopens after violence closes the facility
!warning machine translation of original Portuguese text October 24, 2017 at 15:08 The head of Portuguese diplomacy told Lusa that the Portuguese embassy in Dili worked normally today, after being forced to close on Monday because of "a moment of tension" caused by "a small group of people."

Violent actions by a group of youths who attempted to force entry into the Portuguese embassy in Dili, for alleged dissatisfaction with the delay in processing their applications for nationality, forced the diplomatic mission to close on Monday.

Today, the situation has returned to normal, according to the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Augusto Santos Silva, who devalued what he called an "attempt to provoke disrespect, which was frowned upon," saying he believed it was no more than an "episode" caused for "a small group, which is far away" from representing all the people who turn to that Portuguese embassy.

25 October 2017

LUSA Report on Appointment of Mari Alkatiri Prime Minister 14 September 2017

WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT  LUSA 14 de Setembro de 2017 The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo, signed the official decree of Mari Alkatiri as prime minister of the 7th Constitutional Government for the period between 2017 and 2022.

"Today I tell the people that the President of the Republic has fulfilled their constitutional powers by appointing Mari Alkatiri as prime minister of the 7th Constitutional Government," he told reporters at the Presidential Palace.

Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo recalled that the appointment of Mari Alkatiri comes after receiving from the coalition between the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin) ​​and the Democratic Party (PD) the candidacy of Mari Alkatiri for the position.

Although Mari Alkatiri is formally supported by a minority coalition - 23 MPs from Fretilin plus seven from the DP in the 65-seat parliament - Lu-Olo was convinced that the executive will be able to govern with the benefit of parliamentary support from other forces. [emphasis added]

Meeting of the Council of Ministers of October 25, 2017

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Seventh Constitutional Government

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers of October 25, 2017

The Government met on October 25, at the Government Palace in Dili, to review the amendments to the Seventh Constitutional Government Program, taking into account the concerns raised by Parliament Members during the document’s appraisal in the National Parliament, which took place between October 16 and 19.

The restructuring of the document is coordinated by the Ministers in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Adriano do Nascimento, and of Planning and Finance, Rui Gomes.

At this meeting, the State Rectification Budget was also analysed, presented by the Ministry of Planning and Finance. The Rectification Budget for 2017 takes into account the new structure of Government, previous commitments and the concern for expenditure restraint of the Executive.

The Program and the Rectification Budget will be presented simultaneously to the National Parliament, by the end of the year. ENDS

Commission for the Legislative Reform and Justice Sector presents diagnostic conclusions

Commission for the Legislative Reform and Justice Sector presents diagnostic conclusions Mon. July 3, 2017, 3:25 a.m. - After the investigation and consultations with institutions of the justice sector and local, community and traditional administrative entities, the results of the diagnoses on commercial law and conflict resolution through formal and informal justice were presented. To this end, a series of discussions was organized by the Commission for Legislative Reform and the Justice Sector (CRL) in the last week of June, where the main conclusions and recommendations were presented.

"For a proposal to reform the Commercial Law in Timor-Leste" was the theme of the first session, held on June 22. The main conclusions and recommendations of the research were presented by the President of CRL, Jorge Graça, and Legal Adviser Georgie McArthur, who defended the need to be clearer, simpler, more complete and coherent and, consequently, more practical for the use of commercial-2 entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste. Highlights included matters such as company and business registration, general obligations of traders, commercial contracts, duties of directors and commercial companies in Timor-Leste. Professor Mary Keyes, Deputy Director of Griffith University in Australia, addressed trade agreements from a comparative perspective.

On the 27th, the theme was "For a policy of conflict resolution centered on society - informal justice". In this session, researchers from the Center for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra (CES) and CRL technicians presented the empirical data resulting from the CRL investigation. The first panel discussion was attended by university professors and discussed "Conflict resolution within Timorese society: socio-anthropological, informal-historical and political perspectives". In the second panel, with representatives of Civil Society and communities, the theme "Justice of cultural, economic and geographical proximity - what challenges and opportunities?" Was discussed. The third and final panel of the day discussed the theme "The role of the Timorese State in resolving and mediating conflicts: present and future", with the participation of representatives of government institutions and the judicial sector.


PM and the 11 Ministers appointed on 15 September 2017

The Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri, and eleven members of the 7th Constitutional Government were sworn in by the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, on September 15 at the Presidential Palace in Lahane, Dili.

The Prime Minister also assumes the leadership of the Ministry of Development and Institutional Reform.

Inauguration of 20 members of the VII Constitutional Government on 3 October 2017

The President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, inaugurated 20 members of the 7th Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, at a ceremony held on 3 October at President Nicolau Lobato's Palace in Dili.


  1. the Minister of State and Minister of Mineral Resources, Mariano Assanami Sabino; 
  2. the Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister for the Delimitation of Borders, Hermenegildo Augusto Cabral Pereira; 
  3. the Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister for Governance Affairs, José Maria dos Reis; 
  4. the Minister of Education and Culture, Fernando Hanjam
  5. the Minister of Petroleum, Hernani Filomena Coelho da Silva; 
  6. the Deputy Minister of Development for Public Works, Mariano Renato Monteiro da Cruz; 
  7. the Deputy Minister of Development for Housing, Planning and Environment, Abram Gabriel Santos Oliveira; 
  8. the Deputy Minister of Development for Transport and Communications, Inácio Freitas Moreira; 
  9. the Deputy Minister of State Administration, José Anuno; 
  10. the Deputy Minister of Education and Culture, José António de Jesus das Neves; 
  11. the Deputy Minister of Health, Luís Maria Ribeiro Freitas Lobato; 
  12. the Deputy Minister of Justice, Sebastião Dias Ximenes; 
  13. the Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jacinto Gusmão; 
  14. the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Deolindo Silva; 
  15. the Secretary of State for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Laura Menezes Lopes; 
  16. the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Fisheries, Cipriano Esteves Doutel Ferreira; 
  17. the Secretary of State of the Council of Ministers and of the Social Communication, Matias Freitas Boavida; 
  18. the Secretary of State for Sport and Promotion of High Competition, Osório Florindo da Conceição Costa; 
  19. the Secretary of State for Youth and Labor, Nivio Leite Magalhães; and 
  20. the Secretary of State for Veterans, André da Costa Belo.


These 21 members will join Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and the other 11 members of the Government who had taken office on 15 September at the Presidential Palace in Lahane, Dili.

Authorities report a higher than normal move to the districts in Timor-Leste

!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION! ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT Lusa 23 Oct, 2017, 07:26 | World Uncertainty about Timor-Leste's political future and the scenarios at stake in the case of the fall of the government, after the program's parliamentary lead, are marking the country's political debates.

A situation that is particularly evident in social networks, especially Facebook, which in recent months have been one of the main stages of political debate, with many party and political leaders, public and private institutions and citizens using profiles to defend their positions .

This trend has increased significantly during the campaigns for this year's presidential and parliamentary elections and has again become "lit" over the weekend, after the opposition passed a first lead in the government's program.

To dominate the debate in the last days is the question of the scenarios that are put to the country in case the opposition rejoins the government program, which the executive said he is reviewing to present again to the deputies.

In the case of the second lead, the Government falls and it is up to the Timorese President, Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo, to decide whether to invite another party to form a Government, whether to advance to an Executive of presidential initiative or to opt for early elections.

The opposition has been insisting on the first scenario, arguing that the three forces that have hammered the government's program - National Congress of East Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT), People's Liberation Party (PLP) and Kmanek Haburas National Unity Timor Oan (KHUNTO) Alliance of Parliamentary Majority (MPA) capable of ensuring government stability, which accuse the current minority Government of not having.

Leaders of the CNRT and PLP have come in recent days to share an excerpt from a video of a statement by Lu-Olo in which the head of state seems to defend that the option of inviting a new party to form a government would precede the option. [EMPHASIS ADDED]

Violence temporarily closes Portuguese embassy in Dili

!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION! OF ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT 24.10.2017 07:45 A group of young people attempted to force entry into the Portuguese embassy in Dili for alleged dissatisfaction with the delay in processing their applications for nationality and forced the diplomatic mission to close in Timor-Leste's capital.

A diplomatic source told Lusa last week that a group of young people had tried to force their entry into the embassy and that in recent days they had circulated messages on social networks against the diplomatic mission.

"There were groups trying to encourage others so that during the hours of service they did something. We informed the Timorese authorities of the situation," the source said.

"People have to understand that with disrespects, kicks, shouts and insults they do not get anything and that the embassy is closed so that they perceive that possible offenders are punishing and harming the care of all other people," he said. He also explained that there were "complicated and serious cases last week," that employees "are trying their best," and that "there are no ideal solutions, so everyone has to have some understanding."

The tension surrounding the embassy is due to the high volume of requests for Portuguese nationality, something that is accessible to any Timorese born until May 19, 2002, the eve of Timor-Leste's restoration of independence.

CNRT, PLP & KHUNTO form Parliamentary Majority Alliance

Xanana Gusmao, CNRT Leader forms Parliamentary Majority Alliance with PLP and KHUNTO
Xanana Gusmao, CNRT Leader
ETLJB 24 Oct 2017 Lusa has reported that Xanana Gusmao's CNRT, former President and East Timor Defence Force Commander, Taur Matan Ruak's PLP (Peoples' Liberation Party) and KHUNTO have formed a Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP).

The CNRT Media Facebook page post confirms this. 


If that is so, then it raises additional complexities in the interpretation and application of the Constitution. Now an alliance comprised of CNRT (22 Deputies)PLP (8 Deputies) and KHUNTO (5 Deputies) being 35 seats in the National Parliament, has a clear majority compared to the Fretilin-PD alliance of Fretilin (23 Deputies) and PD (7 Deputies) being a total of only 30 of the 65 seats.


It seems that the differences between CNRT, PLP and KHUNTO have now been put aside and they are unified in the face of the Fretilin-PD government's existence. It is unfortunate that they did not do so before the minority government was appointed.


The Parliamentary Majority Alliance may now control the Parliament, the legislative process, and the consideration of the Government's Program again, the rejection of which would trigger a transitional constitutional process. Unless Alkatiri can do some quick footwork, it seems that his government's program will be rejected again.


Prima facie, AMP now fulfills the requirements of Article 106 of the Constitution and may have a better claim on the State apparatus. 


On that basis, could the AMP approach the President and request that he appoint the AMP as the Government? The first hurdle to this is that there is already an incumbent minority Government sworn in that has already had its policy and legislative program rejected by the Parliament. 


If it is rejected again, there appear to be two options. First, call an election or, secondly, appoint a new government without the need for an election now that there is an AMP with majority rule in the Parliament. 


In either case, the existing Government would have to be decommissioned. How this process develops will be worth observing. 


WLW

Leaders of the National Convention of the Assemblies of God Meet with the President of the Republic

From the President's Facebook Page Oct 20, 2017  - Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, Bairro Pité, 20 October – The leaders of the National Convention of the Assemblies of God on Friday paid a visit to the President of the Republic Francisco Guterres Lú Olo to, through prayer, offer him moral support for the performance of his political duties.

Still on this occasion, those in attendance expressed the commitment of the Evangelical Church Assembly of God to supporting the State institutions, in particular the President of the Republic.

About the Assemblies of God

24 October 2017

Timorese opposition expects Government to present new version of the program in 30 days

WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION OF ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT 24 DE OUTUBRO DE 2017 09:08 Lusa  The Timorese opposition said today that it expects the government to present its new program "in 30 days", rejecting that the document be presented with the rectifying budget, as the executive announced he intends to do.

"Time is limited to 30 days and it is up to the Government to resubmit the program to parliament," said Arão Amaral, head of the National Congress of East Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT).

Fidelis Magalhães, a leader of the People's Liberation Party (PLP), insisted that at all times "one should respect the constitution".

"Regarding the 30 days we have our interpretation, we understand very well what the constitution says and we are sure that the constitution is clear and gives the way according to our interpretation," said Magalhães, in a statement echoed by Luis Roberto da Silva , head of the Kmanek Haburas National Unit Timor Oan (KHUNTO).

The three forces, which control 35 of the 65 MPs, have formed a Parliamentary Majority Alliance (AMP) that wants to be a government alternative.

President of the Republic Appoints Members of the Council of State

President of the Republic English PRESS RELEASE Dili, 23 October 2017 President of the Republic Appoints Members of the Council of State Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, Bairro Pité, 17 October – The President of the Republic Francisco Guterres Lú Olo on Monday appointed by Presidential decree five Timorese citizens – two women and three men – to the Council of State:

1. Faustino Godinho Gonçalves - Presidential decree no.73/2017

2. Laura Soares Abrantes - Presidential decree no.74/2017

3. Maria Dadi Soares Magno - Presidential decree no.75/2017

4. Oscar Lima - Presidential decree no.76/2017

5. Alcino de Araújo Baris - Presidential decree no.77/2017

The five members were designated for a period of five years, equal to the term of office of the Head of State.

According to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, article 86, n), and article 2 of Law no. 1/2005 of 9 September, it is incumbent upon the President of the Republic to appoint five members to the Council of State.End

10 Years Ago: Legal opinion on the appointment of the Prime Minister and the formation of the Government in Timor-Leste

Legal opinion on the appointment of the Prime Minister and the formation of the Government in Timor-Leste

2007 ETLJ 4 Legal opinion on the appointment of the Prime Minister and the formation of the Government in Timor-Leste

Sahe Da Silva LLB (Hons) BBus & José Teixeira LLB BA

There appears to be some confusion amongst East Timorese politicians and international observers as to which political party can appoint the Prime Minister and form government.   Some of this confusion arises from the inaccurate translation into English of the Portuguese text of the Constitution.

Here is our analysis of the Constitution (Portuguese version).

10 Years Ago: The Unconstitutional, Irrational and Damaging Decision by President Jose Ramos Horta: A legal opinion on the Formation of an Unconstitutional Government in Timor-Leste

The Unconstitutional, Irrational and Damaging Decision by President Jose Ramos Horta: A legal opinion on the Formation of an Unconstitutional Government in Timor-Leste

Original Citation: 2007 ETLJ 5 The Unconstitutional, Irrational and Damaging Decision by President Jose Ramos Horta: A legal opinion on the Formation of an Unconstitutional Government in Timor-Leste

Sahe Da Silva LLB (Hons) BBus & José Teixeira LLB BA

This opinion builds on an earlier opinion “Legal opinion on the appointment of the Prime Minister and the formation of the Government in Timor-Leste”[1] published by the East Timor Law Journal on 11 July 2007. It examines the unconstitutional decision of President Jose Ramos Horta to invite the second most voted party to form government (as opposed to the most voted party). Set out below is our analysis of President Ramos Horta’s decision:

1. The decision to invite the second most voted party to form government is unconstitutional. As stated in the previous opinion, the mandate to form government is given to the party or a pre-election alliance which receives the most votes in the parliamentary elections (please see previous opinion for our analysis on this point). This is because the electorate votes for the policies and programs of a political party or a distinct and separate alliance. In the last election there were only two distinct and separate alliances, that of PSD/ASDT and KOTA/PPT.

Timor-Leste still very dependent on Indonesia

WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION Tribune Manado Timor-Leste's country is still very dependent on Indonesia September 24, 2017

DILI - Timor Leste needs Indonesia to build the nation.

As much as 80 per cent of the country's (known as Bumi Lorosae) needs is supplied from Indonesia.

These needs range from education, health, to infrastructure development.

This was conveyed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Timor Leste, Sahat Sitorus.

Sahat explained, Indonesia plays more role than other countries, because of historical factor. For decades, East Timor had become one of the provinces in Indonesia. The closeness of the relationship is still intertwined to date.

Students from Nino Konis Santana Secondary School in Ermera were given training for the first time by JSMP on the Rights of the Child and Access to Formal Justice

Programa Monitorizasaun ba Sistema Judisiariu Timor-Leste

Press Release 11 October 2017

Students from Nino Konis Santana Secondary School in Ermera were given training for the first time by JSMP on the Rights of the Child and Access to Formal Justice

Tribunais de Timor-Leste (East Timor's Courts)

Tribunal de Recurso
Caicoli
Dili
Tel: (+670) 333 1149
E-mail: tribunal.recurso@tribunais.tl

Tribunais Distritais

23 October 2017

U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste List of Lawyers & Legal Service Providers in Timor-Leste 2015

Last updated: 23 July 2015

List of Legal Service Providers in Timor-Leste

Abreu e C&C Advogados Timor-Leste
Tel: +670 7817-3587
Email: emp@abreuccadvogados.com
Website: www.abreuadvogados.com
Areas of Expertise: commercial law, tax law,
labour law, oil & gas, civil and criminal law
Languages: Portuguese, Tetum, Indonesian,
English, Chinese, Spanish, French
Fees: Fees vary based on case.

ALFELA (Legal Aid for Women and Children –
Asisténsia Legál ba Feto no Labarik)
Ms. Merita Correia
Tel: +670 7724-4304
Web: http://www.alfela.tl/
Areas of Expertise: criminal and civil legal
assistance for victims of domestic violence,
sexual violence, and adolescent sexual
offenders
Languages: Tetum, Indonesian, English
Fees: No fees.

Asosiasaun HAK

Ministra da Justiça, Maria Ângela Guterres Viegas Carrascalão

ETLJB 23/10/2017 The present East Timor Minister for Justice is Ângela Guterres Viegas Carrascalão.

Ângela is the daughter of Manuel Viegas Carrascalão, a Portuguese exile who married a Timorese. 13 children emerged from the marriage, several of which occupied high political positions.

Carrascalão visited the Liceu Dr. Francisco Machado . From 1978 to 1981, she has worked for the Portuguese news agencies Notícias de Portugal , the Association of Noticiosa (ANOP) and Lusa, as well as for the television channel Sociedade Independente de Comunicação (SIC) and the magazine Jornal Expresso . Then she switched to the Portuguese newspaper Público until 2002 .

Political Parties and List of Deputies of the 2017 East Timor National Parliament

East Timor National Parliament Chambers, Dili
Source: JORNAL do Parlamento Nacional IV LEGISLATURA 1.ª SESSÃO LEGISLATIVA (2017-2018)

REUNIÃO PLENÁRIA DE 05 DE SETEMBRO DE 2017


FRETILIN – Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente
1. Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri

National Parliament Debate on VII Government Program ends with approval of rejection motion

East Timor National Parliament
East Timor National Parliament
East Timor National Parliament !WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION ORIGINAL TEXT AT EAST TIMOR NATIONAL PARLIAMENT! The debate on the Evaluation of the Program of the 7th Constitutional Government, by the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, ended this Thursday, October 19, 2017.

On this fourth day, the debate continued with various interventions and questions asked by the honorable Members and with the answers and explanations by the Prime Minister and members of the Government. At the end of the day, when the interventions were exhausted, a Motion for Rejection of the Government Program was presented, which was voted and approved.

At the start of this day of debate, the President of Parliament announced the times each bank still had for its interventions. Since the PLP and KHUNTO benches were already in short supply, the CNRT counterpart reported that, according to the established rules, they gave 20 minutes of their time to each of these benches.

Indonesian Police capture East Timor police fugitive Frederico Loca

Photo: Buronan Ka
!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION! Report of Pos Kupang.com Journalist, Teni Jehanas TRIBUNNEWS.COM, KUPANG - Nusa Tenggara Timor Police succeeded in capturing East Timor police fugitive Frederico Loca (31) at kilometer 7 Sasi village, Kefamenanu city, TTU regency.

From the Indonesian Press - Losing Votes in Parliament, Government of Timor Leste Facing Uncertainty

!warning machine translation! Metrotvnews.com Marcheilla Ariesta Friday, 20 Oct 2017 14:04 WIB  Dili: Timor-Leste's new government suffered a setback after the opposition's victory in parliament. As a result of their position, the opposition parties vetoed the government's policy program.

The Fretilin party, which won elections in July by a narrow margin, did not get enough votes to govern itself. The vote defeat in the parliament made their situation a mess.

Therefore, this party formed a minority coalition with its ally party, the Democratic Party.

Quoted from the AFP page, Friday, October 20, 2017, with only 30 seats, the government relies on trust and offers from other parties in parliament.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri says defeat in parliament becomes 'poison' for his government. "I ask everyone to stay calm, I will come to you and talk to you," Alkatiri said, crying after voting.

Totally tranquil in East TImor, says PNTL Commander

!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION ORIGINAL TEXT!  Totally "quiet" situation in Timor-Leste after lead by government program

The situation in East Timor is "completely quiet", with no reports of incidents or problems anywhere in the country since the opposition passed a motion to reject the government program, police said.

"Everything is totally quiet and we have no reports of any problems in the territory," Julio Hornay, the PNTL commander of the National Police of Timor-Leste, told Lusa.

Military's intervention in political situation in Timor-Leste anomalous

ETLJB 23/10/2017 - In advanced democracies, the role of the military is clearly defined. It has no role nor right to intervene in any domestic political matters.

If the Chief of the Australian Defence Forces had taken to the public arena and made the sorts of comments reported to have been made by the East Timor Defence Force Chief, Anan Lere Timor, regarding the political situation in Dili, there would be astonishment and anger that the military had dared state its view on any political matter.

Our democracy would be in great jeopardy.

It is also worth noting that we would be equally astonished if our government did not have a majority in the House of Representatives and able to govern by passing policy and legislation. We have seen minority governments here but at least the loosest of coalitions was able to control a majority in the Legislature.

The current government of East Timor, a coalition between FRETILIN and PD, does not control a majority in the East Timor National Parliament.

UN Recommended East Timor Defence Chief Lere Anan Timur be prosecuted for role in 2006 illegal weapons transfer

On October 6, 2011 the President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta swore in Brigadier General Lere Anan Timur as Major-General of the F-FDTL and General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, replacing Major-General Taur Matan Ruak...

Following the collapse of the rule of law in East Timor in 2006, the Report of the United Nations Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste contains the following:

134. F-FDTL weapons. 

The evidence relating to the unlawful movement, possession and use of F-FDTL weapons is described in paragraphs 95 and 96 and demonstrates that those weapons were distributed by and/or with the knowledge and approval of the following persons:


  • Roque Rodrigues, 
  • Taur Matan Ruak, 
  • Tito da Costa Cristovão, aka Lere Anan Timor
  • Manuel Freitas, aka Mau Buti, and 
  • Domingos Raul, aka Rate Laek Falur. 
The Commission recommends that these persons be prosecuted for illegal weapons transfer.

22 October 2017

Timorese government reassures foreign investors and diplomatic corps

Mari Alkatiri, Prime Minister of East Timor
Mari Alkatiri, Prime Minister of East Timor 
Observador 10/20/2017, 11:25 !WARNING! MACHINE TRANSLATION The East Timorese government has assured the diplomatic corps in Dili that it will fulfill all its commitments, noting that despite the moment of political tension, "it will continue to merit international trust."

"The country remains stable, peaceful, with all activities going smoothly," Aurelio Guterres, Foreign and Cooperation Minister, told a meeting with diplomats a day after the opposition approved a motion of rejection to the National Parliament. government program.

"All the programs are running smoothly and the state administration will fulfill all its commitments. Timor-Leste will continue to be an example of State building and to be trusted by all, "he said during the short meeting.

Calling on "international investors and companies to continue to place their trust in East Timor," the head of diplomacy said that the ongoing political process will ultimately benefit the people and the country.

He also confirmed that the government will make a second presentation of the executive's program in the coming weeks even though it is not the prime minister, Mari Alkatiri, to defend the text in parliament.



Partido Democrático (Democratic Party) of Timor-Leste

The Democratic Party (Portuguese: Partido Democrático) or the Democratic Party In Timor-Leste is a centre-left political party in East Timor, established on 10 June 2001.

Currently, most of the members of the party are of the young generation who are studying abroad, and those who have completed their studies in Indonesia, Norway, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

In the 2001 parliamentary election held on 30 August, the party won 8.7% of the popular vote and seven out of 88 seats, the second-highest representation in parliament, after Fretilin.

In the April 2007 presidential election, the party's leader, Fernando de Araújo, took third place with 19.18% of the vote.

In provisional results of the June 2007 parliamentary election, the party won 11.30% of the vote, placing fourth.

In the 2017 election, the Democratic Party gained 7 seats in the National Parliament.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_(East_Timor)

Military intervenes in political instability, calls on population to stay calm

East Timor Defence Force Commander Lere Anan Timur
Lere Anan Timur
!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION! ORIGINAL TEXT LINK 20/10/17 POR LUSA MUNDO TIMOR-LESTE -  The commander of the Timorese defence forces called on the people today to "continue their lives normally" in the current moment of political tension, ensuring that the authorities will not allow any violation of law or order.

As commander of the forces that guarantee state security, law, order and peace, I appeal to everyone in Timor-Leste to remain calm. The situation is under control. The nation is safe, "said Lere Anan Timur, commander of the Timor-Leste Defence Forces (F-FDTL).

"If there is a problem, the armed forces and the police will take the necessary measures," he told journalists, along with the commander of the National Police. Timor-Leste (PNTL), Júlio Hornay.

The two officials responsible for the country's security forces were speaking after a meeting with the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo, a day after the opposition approved a motion to reject the government program.

Explaining that the situation is completely peaceful, Lere Anan Timur addressed the "people, youth, illustrious MPs, leaders, intellectuals" of the country to ask for calm at a time when "MEPs meeting in the National Parliament are deciding the future of Timor-Leste ".

"In the current situation the population feels some fear, I fear that the leaders can spoil the situation. There is less movement on the streets, in the municipalities they are all watching the situation," he said.

"But it's all under control Leave the rumors Who's studying, studying, who's in your business Stay in your business Keep your life in normality We, from the state apparatus, are here to ensure normality and safety ", said.

The F-FDTL commander said that democracy has rules that have to be respected and recalled the "maturity and responsibility" that the population showed in this year's presidential, March and legislative elections in July and that it should be built on this success.

Lere Anan Timur said that the goal of the older generation is to show the younger generation what they have learned from their mistakes, since "as long as leaders are not mature, they are not coherent, the nation will mark a step."

"In this current situation, which speaks of the lack of political maturity of these young leaders, we, of the older generation, our main objective is national stability, to be able to produce the progress and development of the nation," he said.

In a final warning, Lere Anan Timur said that the armed forces and the police will not "tolerate any anarchism in East Timor, from anybody, from the type to the base" and that security will always act "on anyone who violates the principles and the laws".

On Thursday, after the vote on the motion, East Timorese political leaders including the prime minister appealed to the people to remain calm.

The motion was approved with the support of the National Congress of East Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) and the Popular Liberation Party (PLP) - led respectively by former Timorese presidents and historical leaders Xanana Gusmão and Taur Matan Ruak - and the deputies of Kmanek Haburas Timor Oan National Unit (KHUNTO), which debuts in parliament in the current legislature.ENDS

Original Portuguese text here: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/883798/timor-leste-vive-tranquilidade-antes-do-debate-do-programa-do-governo

See also on ETLJB
UN Recommended East Timor Defence Chief Lere Anan Timur be prosecuted for role in 2006 illegal weapons transfer
Government prepares to resubmit the Program to the National Parliament, respecting democracy and stability
Government faces uncertainty after Parliamentary Defeat
Timorese Security Sector CSO Fundasaun Mahein says Dili exodus begins in fear of conflict as citizens and foreigners flee
Police Commander maintains Timor-Leste tranquil during the Government program debate
Politicians call for calm after rejection of government program
Constitutional Crisis Possible as East Timor's Government strengthens security after Parliament rejects Government Program
Timorese executive reinforces security measures after rejection of the Government Program

Who is KHUNTO? Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan

ETLJB 22/10/2017 Brief Backgrounder on KHUNTO. Will it be the kingmaker in Timor-Leste?

KHUNTO was officially registered on 22 June 2011 and is affiliated with the martial arts group Korka.

In the 2012 parliamentary elections it received 2.97% of the vote, narrowly failing to cross the electoral threshold of 3%.

However, in the 2017 parliamentary elections the party's vote share increased to 6.43% and it won five seats in the National Parliament.

The party has strong links to martial arts groups, which date back to the Indonesian era.


Gusmao exonerated by UN in 2006 Crisis

East Timor CNRT Xanana Gusmao
Xanana Gusmao CNRT Leader
The only comments by the UN Commission of Inquiry on the role of then President Xanana Gusmao in the 2006 Crisis:

"The Commission is satisfied that this contact was no more than an attempt by the President to contain and control Major Reinado. There is no evidence that an armed group of men under the command of Major Reinado carried out criminal actions on the orders or with the authority of the President."

UN Recommended prosecution of PLP Leader (former Commander F-FDTL) Taur Matan Ruak in 2006

East Timor Taur Matan Ruak PLP
PLP Leader, Taur Matan Ruak
ETLJB 05 October 2008 Dili - In the wake of the collapse of the rule of law in East Timor in 2006, the United Nations constituted a special commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the violence and made recommendations for the prosecution of numerous persons, including the Chief of the Falintil-East Timor Defence Force, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, Chief of Staff Tito da Costa Cristovao, aka Lere Anan Timor and Domingos Raul, aka Rate Laek Falur.

The UN COI Report is dated 2 October 2006.

The following are extracts from the Report of the United Nations Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste. Numbers are paragraph numbers of the report.

134. F-FDTL weapons. The evidence relating to the unlawful movement, possession and use of F-FDTL weapons is described in paragraphs 95 and 96 and demonstrates that those weapons were distributed by and/or with the knowledge and approval of the following persons: Roque Rodrigues, Taur Matan Ruak, Tito da Costa Cristovao, aka Lere Anan Timor, Manuel Freitas, aka Mau Buti, and Domingos Raul, aka Rate Laek Falur. The Commission recommends that these persons be prosecuted for illegal weapons transfer.

147. The transfer of F-FDTL weapons is described in paragraphs 95 to 96 above. The Commission concludes that in arming civilians, the Minister and the Chief of the Defence Force acted without lawful authority and created a situation of significant potential danger. This danger was realized in the Mercado Lama incident described in paragraph 87.

Armed confrontation of 25 May between F-FDTL and PNTL

148. By 25 May the F-FDTL command considered that F-FDTL was subject to a campaign of attack by PNTL. They responded militarily. The armed confrontation on 25 May must be viewed against the background of a lack of coordination and communication between PNTL and F-FDTL. However, it is apparent also that limited steps were taken by the F-FDTL command to verify the extent of the threat posed or to use non-military channels to resolve the perceived threat. On 25 May the F-FDTL High Command did not attempt in the event to contact those in operational command of PNTL or to engage the Prime Minister or President in resolving the situation. The Commission is of the view that it was the duty of the Chief of the Defence Force to exhaust all avenues either to prevent or stop the confrontation with PNTL.

http://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2008/10/un-recommended-prosecution-of-east.html

See also on ETLJB - PM Alkatiri's Role in 2006 Crisis According to Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor Leste

PM Alkatiri's Role in 2006 Crisis According to Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor Leste

ETLJB In view of the tensions in Dili at the present time, it is timely to re-examine the aftermath of the 2006 Crisis; particularly the role that incumbent Prime Minister, Mari Alkatiri, was found to have played in that crisis.

Extract from UNITED NATIONS Press Release Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor Leste 17 October 2006

"With regard to the former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, that he failed to use his firm authority to denounce the transfer of security sector weapons to civilians in the face of credible information that such transfer was ongoing and involved members of the Government.

That there is no evidence before the Commission which could lead to a recommendation that the former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri be prosecuted for being personally involved in the illegal movement, possession or use of weapons.

Nevertheless, there is information before the Commission giving rise to a suspicion that he knew about the illegal arming of civilians with PNTL weapons by Rogerio Lobato.

Accordingly, the Commission has recommended further investigation to determine whether the former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri bears any criminal responsibility with respect to weapons offences."

See also on ETLJB:
UN Recommended prosecution of PLP Leader (former Commander F-FDTL) Taur Matan Ruak in 2006
Third day of the debate of the VII Government Program
Government faces uncertainty after Parliamentary Defeat
Timorese Security Sector CSO Fundasaun Mahein says Dili exodus begins in fear of conflict as citizens and foreigners flee
Police Commander maintains Timor-Leste tranquil during the Government program debate
Timorese executive reinforces security measures after rejection of the Government Program
Constitutional Crisis Possible as East Timor's Government strengthens security after Parliament rejects Government Program
Politicians call for calm after rejection of government program
Timor opens third inquiry into the 2006 illegal weapons transfer case

Politicians call for calm after rejection of government program

!WARNING! MACHINE TRANSLATION 19/10/17 POR LUSA Noticias ao Minuto Timorese political leaders, including the Prime Minister, today called for the population to remain calm following approval by the opposition majority in the National Parliament of a motion to reject the government's program.

I urged everyone to come home calmly. I'm calm, too. We will do everything so that there is no violence, but we can not, with that sense of state being eternally meaningful and giving the state to others, "Mari Alkatiri told Lusa after the vote on the motion.

The text was approved with the support of the National Congress of Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) and the Popular Liberation Party (PLP) - led respectively by former Timorese presidents and historical leaders Xanana Gusmão and Taur Matan Ruak - and by the deputies of Kmanek Haburas Timor Oan National Unit (KHUNTO), which debuts in parliament in the current legislature.

"Voted in favor 35, voted against 30, abstention 0. Motion of rejection approved," said Aniceto Guterres, president of the National Parliament.

In their latest speeches before the vote, MPs from the CNRT and PLP have appealed to the population to maintain the tranquility that has been lived in the country, while also appealing to the national leaders - namely, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and leaders of those parties, Xanana Gusmão and Taur Matan Ruak, to dialogue.

Arão Amaral, head of the CNRT bench, also recalled that he was the first to use the rejection motion in Timor but that this was "normal in the rest of the world", saying that his party "does not seek power" and that it always respected the Constitution.

"To the people of Timor-Leste, to the youth, I appeal to them to understand that this is the democratic game, that there are differences, there is discussion but always respecting constitutional rules and laws," he said.

Fidelis Magalhães, head of the PLP, acknowledged that this is a "difficult stage of a process" that occurs for the first time - no government program since the restoration of independence has been subject to a rejection motion and only one has been targeted. vote of confidence.

"I do not have a single interest other than defending the welfare of the people, the national interest." "Be careful how they use the terms or what they make of the terms," ​​he said.

"I take this opportunity to call on all the people and all the militants to leave the polity in the parliament so that they continue in an environment of friendship, of tranquility in Timor-Leste, to defend the peace and the stability," he said.

Angelita Sarmento, another MP of the PLP, also defended the normality of the rejection motion, saying that the "rules of democracy" are fulfilled and appealing to all to collaborate to maintain "peace, unity, social cohesion and democracy."

"The program has not but appealed to national leaders to seek political consultation, permanent dialogue. I appeal to the historic leaders to create conditions for achieving governmental sustainability, peace and national unity," he said.

https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/884928/politicos-apelam-a-calma-apos-mocao-de-rejeicao-ao-programa-do-governo

Military intervenes in political instability, calls on population to stay calm

Constitutional Crisis Possible as East Timor's Government strengthens security after Parliament rejects Government Program

Tribunal de Recurso, Timor-Leste
East Timor Court of Appeal
ETLJB 22 Oct 2017 Amidst shouts of "Traitors!" against the opposition parties, the FRETILIN-led minority government headed by FRETILIN founder, Mari Alkatiri, has had its program rejected by the National Parliament. The minority FRETILIN-PD government controls only 30 of the 65 seats in the Legislature. CNRT, KHUNTO and PLP hold the remaining 35 and have declared a Parliamentary Majority Alliance.

Meanwhile, Lusa reports that the Defence and Security Minister of Timor-Leste announced today that he has instructed the authorities to reinforce preventive measures in the country, particularly in the capital Dili, after the opposition rejected the Government Program.

Civil society organisation Fundasaun Mahein (FM) has issued a press release stating that the movement of people out of the capital city, Dili, has already begun with foreigners fleeing the country as well amidst fears of the country collapsing into violent conflict reminiscent of the 2006 Crisis.

FM says that "Anxiety is growing among the people of Timor-Leste. Conflicting interpretations of the Constitution mean that the main political parties do not agree about what will happen in the event that the Government falls."

Under the Constitution, the minority FRETILIN Government, headed by Mari Alkatiri, will fall if the National Parliament rejects the government's program again. It has already been rejected once.

Accordingly, a constitutional question arises about which there is some dispute. There are two possible interpretations of the Constitution which remains quiet on this question. The question is what happens if the Alkatiri government's program is rejected a second times. Firstly, regard must be had to section 112(2) of the Constitution. It raises the first problem of construction of the constitutional text. Section 112(2) seems to confer a discretion on the President not to dismiss the Prime Minister even if section 112(1)(d) is enlivened because of the additional words in that provision "when it is deemed necessary to ensure the regular functioning of the democratic institutions and after consultation with the Council of State."

If the political leaders and parties are unable to reach a political compromise and, if necessary, take the issue to the Court of Appeal for a lawful peaceful resolution, then there remains the potential for political and social conflict. The government clearly does not have a democratic mandate. The opposition parties seem intransigent in relation to the Government Program. Until the constitutional debate is settled, the potential for unrest will remain.

Then there is a second issue as articulated by FM that, "according to the FRETILIN-PD coalition, the Constitution states that in this situation the President of the Republic must call early elections. In contrast, the opposition parties—namely the CNRT, PLP, and KHUNTO—argue that after the fall of the Government, the President of the Republic must offer the opposition parties the chance to form a governing coalition. In preparation for this contingency, the three opposition parties declared themselves a “Parliamentary Majority Alliance” last Thursday."

FM posits that the "contradictory interpretations make many Timorese people recall the 2006 Crisis, in which competition between different political actors led to chaos in Dili" and that, recalling the chaos of 2006,  many East Timorese "fear that the ongoing political tensions could lead to the return of foreign military forces to Timor-Leste."

According to FM, the exodus has already begun such is the fear of the threat of conflict. "Every day, increasing numbers of people board buses bound for the rural districts, indicating a desire to escape the political tensions in Dili. Even more disturbingly, more and more people are exiting Timor-Leste altogether, either by airplane or across the land frontier with Indonesia. These trends reflect concerns that, as in 2006, political power struggles will disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens. In the absence of constructive political action, this panic will persist."

But the Commander of the East Timor National Police is reported to have said publicly that the situation on the territory of Timor-Leste is of "total tranquility", without reports of serious incidents during the week in which the Government's program is being discussed.

"The situation is totally quiet throughout the territory. There are rumors and rumors that spread in the community but that later our information services confirm not to be true. It's all calm, "said Julio Hornay, speaking to Lusa in Dili."

Warren L. Wright BA LLB

Legal opinion on the appointment of the Prime Minister and the formation of the Government in Timor-Leste

Timorese executive reinforces security measures after rejection of the Government Program

Graffiti in Dili - City of Peace
!WARNING! MACHINE TRANSLATION LINK TO ORIGINAL BELOW Lusa 19 Oct, 2017, 12:45 | World The Defence and Security Minister of Timor-Leste announced today that he has instructed the authorities to reinforce preventive measures in the country, particularly in the capital Dili, after the opposition rejects the Government Program.

"It is a normal situation," said Jose Somotxo, adding that instructions had been given to the police and the military.

Jose Somotxo was speaking to Lusa ahead of parliamentary halls reserved for the National Congress for the Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT), the largest opposition party, to which opposition MPs converged after approving a motion to reject the government's program .

The vote that ended four days of debate in the National Parliament was marked by tension, with at least one Democratic Party (DP) deputy and several members of the public shouting "traitors" against opposition deputies.

MEPs from the three opposition parties eventually escorted security personnel to their counter space, and an hour after the debate ended, they were escorted by police to their cars, having left parliament.

Minister Somotxo, who remained in parliament until his departure, reiterated calls by opposition party leaders and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri to keep the population calm.

The parliament complex is currently closed to the public.

No case of physical violence has been recorded so far.

The three opposition groups, majority in the National Parliament, today approved a motion to reject the government's program, against the votes of the two forces that support the executive.

If there is a second rejection motion and if it is approved, the Government may fall.

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/mundo/executivo-timorense-reforca-medidas-de-seguranca-apos-rejeicao-do-programa-de-governo_n1034895

Laloran Justisa: Waves of Justice: The TV show teaching viewers in Timor-Leste about human rights

East Timorese custom
Image wwright2008 (c)
SBS 01/10/2017 Australia -By Gary Cox Broadcast nationally in Timor-Leste, Waves of Justice is a Tetum-language series that combines family tensions, football and music with issues of democracy and human rights.

In wealthy countries, free-to-air broadcast television may be giving way to marathon binge sessions on your favourite streaming service.

But in Timor-Leste, viewers are getting something extra in their terrestrial TV programming and it's proving a hit.

A new locally-produced law and order drama is taking the fledgling nation by storm.

Laloran Justisa, or Waves of Justice, is a Tetum-language series that presents family tensions, football, music and love stories in combination with important human rights and democracy themes.

Full text here: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/10/01/waves-justice-tv-show-teaching-viewers-timor-leste-about-human-rights

21 October 2017

The Timor-Leste International Investment Conference

A key international forum that connects business and investment and Timor-Leste.

14-15 November 2017 | Timor Plaza Hotel, Dili

OVERVIEW

After the successful event in 2016, the 2nd Timor-Leste International Investment Conference will return on 14-15 November at the Timor Plaza Hotel in Dili.

The Timor-Leste International Investment Conference is a landmark event for this growing nation to showcase its investment potential across a range of industries – petroleum/gas, mineral exploration, quarrying, civil construction, coffee and agriculture, tourism, transport and logistics and much more.

Visit page: https://www.informa.com.au/event/timor-leste-international-investment-conference/

Australian sentenced in Timor-Leste to three and a half years in jail for drug possession

!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION! ORIGINAL PORTUGUESE TEXT LINK FOLLOWS -  Lusa20 Out, 2017, 10:31 | Mundo An Australian citizen has today been sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment by the Dili District Court for possession of narcotics, in this case some marijuana plants, absolving him of the crime of consumption.

Tony Crean, who has been held in custody since Jan. 31 and for whom the Public Prosecutor has asked for 10 years for trafficking and four for consumption, is the first foreigner to be tried on the basis of the country's new drug law.

Although the defendant admitted consumption and rejected trafficking, the judge eventually acquitted him of consumption (urine tests gave negative), but condemn for possession and trafficking.

Two police officers, the only two witnesses presented by the Public Prosecutor's Office - who in the original indictment used the term "flagrante delicto" for the crimes of consumption and trafficking - confirmed during the trial that there was no evidence of trafficking.

Crean, who has lived in East Timor for 17 years, said the plants found by police in pots in the compound where he lived and worked had been transplanted from the backyard where they grew wild.

In reading the ruling, Judge Duarte Tilman said that the facts presented by the Public Ministry were only "partially proven", determining, in addition to the actual arrest, the payment of 200 dollars in costs.

Crean's defense said it will appeal.

Crean, who has served nearly nine months in prison, can apply for parole when he has served half the sentence.

Original Portuguese text here: https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/mundo/australiano-condenado-em-timor-leste-a-tres-anos-e-meio-de-cadeia-por-posse-de-droga_n1035081

Police Commander maintains Timor-Leste tranquil during the Government program debate

!WARNING MACHINE TRANSLATION! From Noticias ao Minuto  01:19 - 18/10/17 POR LUSA The commander of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) said today that the situation on the territory of Timor-Leste is of "total tranquility", without reports of serious incidents during the week in which the Government's program is being discussed.

The situation is totally quiet throughout the territory. There are rumors and rumors that spread in the community but that later our information services confirm not to be true. It's all calm, "said Julio Hornay, speaking to Lusa in Dili.


Since Monday that the Government is presenting in the National Parliament the executive's program that may be the subject of motions for rejection of the opposition, which is majority, which, if it occurs, would entail the fall of the Government.

Despite concerns of some citizens, including foreigners, about the possible impact that this political debate may have on security, Júlio Hornay assures that the two forces, PNTL and Timor-Leste Defense Forces (F-FDTL) are monitoring the situation.

"The FDTL and the PNTL are two united forces to ensure stability and peace. Our message to the community and people of Timor-Leste is to be calm, at ease, at ease," he said.

"Each one does his work, his normal life, that the two forces, the PNTL and the FDTL, in coordination of work, are ready to guarantee security," he said.

One of the places where security is above normal is in the enclosure of the National Parliament, where there is more police presence. One of the access gates that is normally open has been closed and there are people and luggage checked.

Original Portuguese text here: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/883798/timor-leste-vive-tranquilidade-antes-do-debate-do-programa-do-governo

See also on ETLJB Timorese Security Sector CSO Fundasaun Mahein says Dili exodus begins in fear of conflict as citizens and foreigners flee