ADB And JICA Team Up To Help Timor-leste Prepare For Asean Membership

ADB News Release 

                                                                                                             

DILI, TIMOR-LESTE (17 October, 2013) – Government ministers and officials, Asian Development Bank  (ADB) staff, and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met today to prioritize actions to get Timor-Leste ready for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) membership. 

 

Timor-Leste applied for membership in ASEAN in March 2011. 

 

“ADB is pleased to work with JICA in supporting the Government of Timor-Leste as it pursues closer economic ties with Asia,” said Shane Rosenthal, Resident representative of ADB’s Timor-Leste Resident Mission.

 

ADB and the Government of Timor-Leste are cooperating to get the country ready to benefit from closer economic ties with Southeast Asia through a technical assistance initiative. The ADB support will help Timor-Leste to create or amend legislation to comply with ASEAN requirements, forecast and plan for economic opportunities and challenges created by ASEAN membership, and strengthen government officials’ skills in areas needed to fulfill the commitments of ASEAN membership. 

 

Today’s workshop was organized by the Timor-Leste Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation with the support of ADB. 

 

During the workshop, stakeholders planned priority action steps to address Timor-Leste’s capacity challenges related to ASEAN membership and integration. 

 

ADB's long-term strategic framework, Strategy 2020, makes regional cooperation and integration one of the five core areas for achieving its mission to reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific. ADB is integrating regional cooperation and integration into all operations to help developing member countries address regional challenges and opportunities through collective action.

 

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2012, ADB assistance totaled $21.6 billion, including cofinancing of $8.3 billion.

  

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Martial arts club ban prompts growing concern in East Timor | Asia Pacific | ABC Radio Australia

Martial arts club ban prompts growing concern in East Timor | Asia Pacific | ABC Radio Australia

Photo: news.com.au 

Updated 11 October 2013, 13:06 AEST

There's concern in East Timor that a recent ban on martial arts clubs could be pushing young people into the grip of organised crime.
Martial arts club ban prompts growing concern in East Timor (Credit: ABC) 

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao outlawed the popular clubs in July after a spate of attacks prompted widespread unease about gang violence.

The ban has divided people in East Timor but all agree it's not band aid solution to the country's problem with violent crime.

Presenter:Sam Bolitho

Speakers: James Scambary, Australian researcher; Nelson Belo, Fundasaun Mahein

 

BOLITHO: Martial arts clubs have a long history in East Timor. Introduced during the Indonesian occupation, they have become an entrenched part of Timorese society.

But, as Australian researcher James Scambary explains, it's the clubs' association with organised crime that has many concerned.

SCAMBARY: "They use martial arts groups in the way that say we might use bikie groups in Australia, like a franchise. They provide security for the brothels, for the gambling operations and some of the worst battles have been over control of these sometimes quite lucrative rackets.

BOLITHO:Mr Scambary is currently studying communal violence as part of his PhD at the Australian National University, and he's been keeping a close eye on the situation in East Timor.

SCAMBARY: There was a series of really high profile conflicts. One was in the Cova Lima District, another one in Ainaro and each resulted in loss of life and up to I think 100 houses, 60 to 100 houses burnt down in each incident. It seemed to be quiet for a while and then itramped up again. Most recently there was spate of murders and fighting in Dili itself.

 

BOLITHO:It prompted Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in July to ban all martial arts clubs, saying the violence was intolerable and he'd run out of patience.

Mr Scambary supports the ban and says in the past, moves to regulate martial arts clubs have been effective.

SCAMBARY: A lot of the fighting was provoked by groups parading in their uniforms, walking through the village, so you know they either provoked the fight or the sight of them provokes reaction. So once they stopped that it stopped the source of conflict.

BOLITHO:But he warns the ban won't get to the root cause of the fighting: things like urban migration and access to water supplies.

SCAMBARY: You can stop the martial arts groups but you can't stop the communal fighting if you don' t remove the source of it. So a lot of it is family stuff. It's just on the surface it appears to be martial arts groups because people align themselves with a group to protect themselves.

BOLITHO:Fundasaun Mahein is a Timorese NGO that specialises in security and defence issues.

Its director, Nelson Belo, is worried the ban on martial arts clubs might push more people into organised crime.

BELO: I think because of these martial arts bans, and then there is no more organisations and then some of the members of the martial arts, ex- martial arts members been recruited to this action.

BOLITHO:But he says the ban isn't the only factor.

BELO: No no. It's not the only one but it's part of the every single year they increase of our state budget and also there is a question of the budget also not benefiting the ordinary Timorese so then the unemployment numbers also getting increased.

BOLITHO: Fundasaun Mahein recently released a report documenting what it sees as "new types" of organised crime in East Timor.

BELO: They way of their attack is very uniform. They use vehicles, motorbikes, and then target any place where we identified before.

BOLITHO:Mr Belo's group has made four recommendations to combat this "new form" of crime.

They're calling for intelligence agencies to be better resourced, a co-ordinated approach from government ministries, village chiefs to be given the power to monitor citizens and an increased police presence.

James Scambary welcomes the recommendations but questions whether East Timor has the resources to carry them out.

SCAMBARY: It's all good but I just don't think it's really going to happen. But finding ways of empowering communities to take control of crime prevention in their own communities would I think be more effective.

B/A: Radio Australia was unsuccessful in its attempts to contact the East Timor Police Force for comment.

Timor Plaza to transform 'Dolok Oan' landscape to be like Bali

Dolok Oan - Cristo Rei. Photo: google.com

Renova Timor - Timor Plaza Group. (TP Grp.) is reported to have been granted the license to develop 'dolok oan', the white beach area behind the statue of Cristo Rei, to be a modern tourist spot like Bali. According to timoroman.com, the Jape family, who also owns Timor Plaza - the shopping and recreational complex at the center of Dili - is ready to invest US$30-50 million to the area and is ready to be inaugurated in three years time. TP Grp. is already granted the license from the land and property office as well as license from environmental office to kick off the project. 

If ever the project is pushed through, TPGrp. is the first Timorese family who is serious and believe in the economic development of the country. The family is the first Timorese who have invested about US$27 million in the construction of Timor Plaza and is continuously building the country's private sector development around its complex. It is an initiative that other private sectors should follow, rather than focusing solely on government projects as Consorcio Nacional Timorense (CNT) does. 

The country's strategic development plan (PEDN) outlines private sector as the key to future sustainable economic growth. Probably, the Jape family is just doing that. 

Timor Plaza Sei Fila Panorama Dolok Oan Sai Bali

TIMOROMAN,DILI – Manager Kompanha Timor Plaza, Quintiliano Moniz Carvalho, informa atu halo panorama Dolok Oan, (area nebe partense iha Estatua Kristu Rei nia sorin hateke husi Dili), sai hanesan Bali, Indonezia iha tempu tinan 3 nia laran. Estadu no Governu bele ona inagura fatin nee Turista nee tuir tempu neebe termina, nee tanki mai husi servisu hamutuk ema hotu nian, no kompania prontu atu investe 30 – 50 Miloens.

“Nebe ami promete ba orgaun sira tomak, povu sira tomak katak,  tinan tolu tan ita sei ba tesi fita iha Dolok Oan no timor sei iha tan buat foun ida. Avo Jape nee iha hanoin diak tebes mesmu nia katuas ona, nia sempre hateten la kleur tan hau mate, maibe nia (Jape) hakarak nia osan nee tenki rai iha nee hodi Dezemvolve ba nasaun ida nee. dehan Quintiliano, ba timoroman.com liu husi entrevista ho timoroman.com, iha Timor Plaza rasik.

Nia akresenta prosesu tratamentu ba fatin konstrusaun erejolvidu, ila iha problema tanba iha ona lisensa Ambiental husi Meiu Ambiente, Ministeriu Justisa, hetan ona rekonhesementu husi Rede ba Rai, inklui komunidade rasik nebe ho laran haksolok fo fatin nee, maski antes nee iha kritikas husi parte balun.

“Horbain hirak Rede ba Rai rasik sira protesta ami loke fatin turismu nee. Maibe ami rekonhese katak nee ami nia failansus, iha buat ruma nebe maka ami la dun hatene. Ami so hanoin deit katak Terra proridade fo ona mak nee ona, maibe too ikus prsija mos arpvasaun husi parte balun, Ejemplu hanesan Meiu Ambiente no diresaun sira nebe trata asuntu kona ba rai nian, maibe kritikas sira nee ami simu para hadia ami nia aan, tanba se lae, sala mos ami ba deit, hatutan Manager nee.

Maibe, ami rekonhese nafatin sira  ami haruka karta ba husu sira nia autorijasaun, ho sira nia koperasaun. Ba ami nia parte maka nee, ami prontu atu simu kritika hotu nebe iha, ho kritika nee maka hodi hadia ami nia aan wainhira ami sala, se ami ema la kritika no protesta,  sala mos ami ba deit tanba la iha ema ida hase ami. Tanba nee maka ami la iha problema ho kritika sira nee ami simu ho liman rua. maibe, importante ba ami maka nee, ami hanoin atu desemvolve nasaun ida nee ba oin, e atu realiza nia promesa sira nebe maka promete ona ba estadu Timor Leste, dehan Manager.

Nia hatutan mos, rai nee alende halo arendamentu ho Estadu, maibe iha rai privadu rasik nebe sosa iha komunidade sira ho luan 80.000 kuadradus, sei investe osan husi 30 – 50 Milioens de Dolares amerikanu, no promete sei konvida Governu Estadu, no povu Timor Leste tomak atu ba koa fita/resmi iha tinan tolu mai tan. (pol)

http://timoroman.com/timor-plaza-sei-fila-panorama-dolok-oan-sai-bali/ 

F-FDTL initiates handing over their Martial Arts atributes

F-FDTL hand over their martial arts attributes to the State. Photo: Lirio Fonseca

Renova Timor - The Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) has initiated the handing over of martial arts attributes to the state as a sign of its seriousness in banning martial arts activities in the country. The handover takes place at the F-FDTL headquarter in Fatuhada, Dili today (4 October 2013). This handover took place after strong pressures from the Military's leader, Major General Lere Anan Timor, to his members to detest martial arts and violent activities in the country. The General who is known for single minded and straight-forward person, warned the military members either to leave martial arts group or leave the Defence Force. The military commander also urged the National Policy (PNTL) to handover their martial arts attributes to their leaders to show their neutrality in serving as the defender of the State. 

Martial arts groups such as PST, SH, KORK and Kera have been accused of sporadic violence in the country's capital, Dili. Prior to the elections last year, the then AMP government issued a resolution banning martial arts activities in the country. The resolution was extended in July this year but it did not take effect because allegedly some Military and the Police members are involved or behind the martial arts groups. 

Despite the government's heavy hand on martial arts activities, violence continues to take place in several suburbs of Dili. Last month, 3 people were wounded and one died of youth attacks. The Police have been heavily criticised for being slow to respond to the situation but nevertheless the criminals were captured the situation is under control.

This F-FDTL initiative is a sign of stability and seriousness of the government to provide peace, development and prosperity to its people. 

Timor-Leste denied vote buying by Russia for the Organisation of Expo 2020

Timor-Leste rejeita compra de voto pela Rússia para organização da Expo 2020

José Luis Guterres

O Governo de Timor-Leste rejeitou hoje a informação veiculada na imprensa russa da compra do voto timorense para a organização da Expo 2020 e admitiu recusar o apoio à Rússia caso a notícia seja verdade.

“Nós rejeitamos completamente a informação que vem veiculada na imprensa”, afirmou à agência Lusa o ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros timorense, José Luís Guterres.

O trissemanário russo Novaya Gazeta noticiou na sua última edição que a Rússia comprou votos de apoio de Estados minúsculos do Pacífico, incluindo Timor-Leste, para a organização da Exposição Mundial de 2020, citando documentos diplomáticos russos.

Segundo o chefe da diplomacia timorense, as autoridades do país receberam uma delegação da Rússia, onde estavam vários diretores do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros russo, mas “em nenhuma ocasião se falou nem da troca de votos, nem de condicionar o nosso apoio a algum apoio financeiro”.

“Nunca isso esteve em cima da mesa. Tive oportunidade de reiterar à delegação que apoiávamos por decisão do primeiro-ministro, mas, ao nível do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros, o que eu disse aos membros da delegação foi que sendo a Rússia um membro do Conselho de Segurança e depois de nos ter apoiado tantos anos tínhamos decidido que podíamos retribuir esse apoio, dando esse voto à Rússia para a organização da Expo”, explicou José Luís Guterres.

O ministro timorense disse também que a delegação teve um encontro com o Presidente da República, Taur Matan Ruak, e com o primeiro-ministro, Xanana Gusmão, que falou da necessidade da comunidade internacional, incluindo a Rússia, como país desenvolvido, olhar mais para os “assuntos dos pequenos países do Pacífico”, nomeadamente para os problemas relacionados com as alterações climáticas.

“Não se falou de maneira nenhuma de eles terem de publicar poemas ou livros de quem quer que seja. Nunca isso foi discutido. Eu tive em todas as reuniões”, insistiu José Luís Guterres.

Segundo os documentos citados pelo jornal russo, Timor-Leste vendeu o seu voto “pela tradução e edição em língua russa da coletânea de poemas “Meu Mar”, do primeiro-ministro de Timor Leste, X. Gusmão”.

O jornal cita uma carta escrita por A. Tatarinov, diretor da terceira secção do Departamento da Ásia do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros russo.

A delegação russa, liderada por Arkady Chernetskiy, que pertence ao grupo que está a organizar a candidatura da Rússia à Expo 2020, esteve em Timor-Leste a 24 de abril.

Nas declarações à Lusa, o chefe da diplomacia timorense admitiu também a possibilidade de Timor-Leste recuar no seu apoio à Rússia caso se confirme a veracidade das declarações do diretor do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros russo.

“Nós vamos averiguar, porque aparentemente citam declarações de um diretor do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros russo. No caso daquelas declarações terem sido do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros russo obviamente que Timor-Leste não vai apoiar a Rússia”, afirmou.

“Não vamos apoiar a Rússia porque é uma especulação e desacredita a diplomacia timorense e por isso mesmo não vamos de maneira nenhuma, se isso for verdade, dar o nosso apoio à Rússia e queremos uma explicação”, salientou.

Neste momento, a Rússia já está a organizar os Jogos Olímpicos de inverno de 2014 e o Campeonato do Mundo de Futebol de 2018.

Na corrida à organização da Expo-2020, Moscovo tem como concorrentes a Turquia, o Brasil e os Emiratos Árabes Unidos.

A Rússia não tem embaixada em Timor-Leste.

MSE (JM) // MLL

Lusa/Fim

PNTL identifies Kibata’s links

Radio Timor-Leste October 1, 2013 language source: Tetun

The Timorese National Police (PNTL) has identified two groups which cooperate with Kibata, such as Monster [life should suffer] and Dewa Mabuk [drunken monk] which are working with Kibata to create instability in the capital of Dili. 

The police Operational Commander, Superintendent Armando Monteiro called for the contribution of the people by informing the police if found some illegal groups within the community. Monteiro said based on the result of investigation these groups were paid by certain people in the capital of Dili. 

”PNTL has identified three groups such as Kibata, Monster and Dewa Mabuk, we are calling on the people’s contribution by informing the police when identifying some illegal groups in the country,” Monteiro said.

Blogger's note:
It would be interesting to hear names of the people or corporations that financed this youth-led instability. It will not be surprising if it involves  foreign Multinational Corporations, as a friend told me. Bear in mind that the small country is now enjoying a little bit of peace after the 2006 foreign-backed military crisis and civil war. The same groups could still be the ones that do not want the maritime boundaries  be drawn and the exploration of the greater sunrise be piped to Timor's shore. Once the country is insecure, they have the reason to say that it is economically not viable to have the LNG plants on Timorese soil. Atencao e vigilancia maxima!

US supports Timor-Leste to join ASEAN

*Suara Timor-Lorosae, September 24, 2013 Language source: Tetun

The United States of America (USA) Government through its Embassy in Dili strongly supports Timor-Leste to become Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member in the future. 

“we support Timor-Leste’s application to join ASEAN and we cooperate with the Government to assure that we provide the supports that needs to help Timor-Leste to become good candidate to join ASEAN, for instance, we provide an English expert to Public Service Academy in INAP to work on curriculum and help people in the Government learning English because English is important to ASEAN,” US Ambassador Judith Fergin said at her residence in Pantai Kelapa of Dili recently. 

She added when Timor-Leste joined ASEAN, Timor-Leste would get a lot of benefits from it such as low price in business and with ASEAN good reputation could give good reputation to Timor-Leste too politically and economically.

Timorese Court of Appeal upholds request of suspicion against its President

Claudio Ximenes - The President of the Court of Appeal

Translation of LUSA via SAPO News

September 24, 2013, 08:31

The full Court of Appeal for East Timor granted a request for suspicion against Judge Claudio Ximenes following a complaint filed by prosecutors on the proceedings involving the former Justice Minister Lucia Lobato.

Claudio Ximenes , President of the Court of Appeal was thus unable to participate in processes related to former Justice Minister Timorese arrested in January this year by participating in private business, according to the judgment , dated August, and recently obtained by Lusa.

The decision of the full Court of Appeal referred to above was taken following statements made to the press by the President of that judicial body, Claudio Ximenes .

"From the point of view of the average citizen, given the express public demonstration revealing a judgment in favor of the defendant , referring to the process that ran against her in the Court of Appeal, is susceptible to generate public opinion in this country (certainly with some foundation ) of feelings of personal favoritism, as well as recognition of regular contact with the defendant during the course of the Habeas Corpus, it is to admit the susceptibility of suspicion about the fairness of Mr. Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal ", stresses the document.
The judgment states that the plenary Claudio Ximenes told reporters that the Court of Appeal should have given "reason to Lucia Lobato on Habeas Corpus."

The application for Habeas Corpus filed by the defense of Lucia Lobato was rejected by two judges of the Court of Appeal with the dissenting opinion of Claudio Ximenes, who explained why he was in favor of the immediate release of Lucia Lobato, especially considering there are procedural errors.

The judges who signed the judgment that accepts the request of suspicion against Claudio Ximenes were also the target of accusations of bias by the former Justice Minister of East Timor� defense lawyers, who previously brought to the prosecutor requests of suspicion against them.

The Court of Appeal, rejected those requests of suspicion against the judges.

Yesterday, in a statement to the press, the Timorese non-governmental organization, The Justice System Monitoring Program, warned that "the public can understand that the decisions were not neutral or fair because decisions on extraordinary appeals were taken by the same judges" in the first appeal.

For the organization, that they are the same judges to consider appeals from the decisions can have a "negative impact on the principle of a fair and impartial trial."

Committee A to prioritize Anti-Corruption Law

The National Parliament of Timor Leste

*Suara Timor Loro Sa’e, September 18, 2013 language source: Tetun

The Parliamentary Committee A has pledged to put Anti-Corruption Law as its top priority in order to better facilitate the commission’s work. 

“We set up the Anti-Corruption Commission (KAK), the National Parliament has not yet drafted the anti-corruption law. The second parliament drafted it, but it has yet not been approved,” MP Paulino Moteiro said. 

Monteiro affirmed that KAK was currently cooperating with the Parliamentary Committee A to draft the anticorruption law. 

MP Franciso Branco from Fretilin Party said so far there had been no discussion on the anti-corruption law, although it was very important for the country.

East Timor’s central bank issues coin with US$1 face value

Timor Leste's 100 cent coin

SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2013    NEWS

The Timor-Leste (East Timor) Central Bank Friday issued a 100 centavo denominated coin with an equivalent face value of US$1, which is the currency that circulates in the country, the bank said in a statement.

The governor of the BCTL, Abraão de Vasconcelos, cited in the statement, said that the coin had been minted because US$1 notes have been “in circulation in Timor-Leste for a long time,” and they deteriorate very quickly.

“Even taking into consideration that minting coins is expensive, they can circulate for a number of years before having to be removed from the market whereas US$1 notes, usually need to be replaced after one year,” the Central Bank said in its statement.

The 100 centavos coin is minted with a picture of Dom Boaventura de Manufahi and is made up of two metals – golden in colour around its edge and silver on the inside.

The new coin, which was minted by the Bank of Portugal, will circulate alongside US$1 notes. (macauhub)

Acting Prime Minister: Education and health important for the country

Acting Prime Minister Agio Pereira. Photo: www.foreignpolicy.com

*Televizaun Timor-Leste, September 16, 2013 language source: Tetun

Acting Prime Minister Hermenegildo Pereira said education and health were important sectors for Timor-Leste. The acting prime minister made the comments after meeting President of the Republic, talking about the activities of Government’s institutions last Friday. 

Pereira affirmed that, these two sectors were very important for the country’s development; therefore two ministers for these sectors would go with the president of the republic for overseas visit. 

“President of the republic is going to visit New York and Portugal; therefore the two ministers can accompany the president to see education and health progresses in those countries,” he said.

MKIA does not tolerate graft at Dili Sea Port

Unloading at Dili Port. Photo: UNHCR 

*Timor-Leste, September 16, 2013 language source: Tetun

The Ministry of Commerce and Environment (MKIA) will not tolerate acts of graft which is committed at Dili Sea Port and pledges to better improve bureaucracy of the Port. Speaking to journalists, State Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Ricardo Nheu said so far bureaucracy at Dili Sea Port had been very restrict and that had appeared graft at the port. 

Mr. Nheu affirmed that, such bureaucracy had made the importers to increase prices which impacted the Timorese people’s lives economically. 

“From now on, we will not tolerate any illegal money collection here at the port. We will continue controlling to halt such activity,” he said.

Portuguese Industrial Association on Timor trade mission

AIP logo - Photo: google

IN GENERAL NEWS · 05-09-2013 11:33:00

The Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP) began a business mission to East Timor this week with a meeting with Timor’s deputy prime minister, Fernando La Sama de Araújo, who spoke about investment opportunities in the country.

La Sama de Araújo had told the AIP members the country was interested in developing the industrial sector and in setting up Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to build new ports and the airport. The AIP mission, which ends on Saturday, includes business leaders from the building, public works, food, ornamental rock and office equipment areas.

http://theportugalnews.com/news/portuguese-industrial-association-on-timor-trade-mission/29306

The Portugal News

US group General Electric plans to invest in East Timor

U.S. General Electric Co.

SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2013 

US group General Electric plans to invest in East Timor (Timor-Leste), the country’s minister for Public Works, Gastão de Sousa said Tuesday as he welcomed a delegation headed up by the head of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kristin Paulson.

According to a statement, Paulson reminded Gastão de Sousa of the US group’s presence in ASEAN nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Minister de Sousa noted the importance of the US group wanting to be involved in the development of East Timor and mentioned the Tasi Mane project, which is intended to develop the country’s south coast via the oil industry and includes construction of three industrial groups, which will be the backbone of the sector in the country.

Tasi Mane includes the Suai supply base, the refinery and a group of petrochemical industries in Betano as well as a gas unit (supplied by the gas pipeline that the Timorese authorities want to build from the Greater Sunrise field) in Viqueque/Beasu.

The special economic zones, which will be established in areas close to ports and airports, parts of the south coast and the city of Dili, are intended to attract the financial sector including banks, insurance companies and professional services companies. 
(macauhub)

One-year Anniversary of the Fifth Constitutional Government

Timor Leste Logo

MEDIA
RELEASE
August 16, 2013
Díli, Timor-Leste

The passing of the 8th of August has marked the one-year anniversary of the Fifth Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste.

On the 7th of July 2012 the Timorese people, voting in free and democratic elections, supported three parties to govern the nation from 2012 to 2017. Just over a month later, in the Solemn Hall in Lahane, at the Official Presidential Residence, the members of the Fifth Constitutional Government gathered to be sworn in by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak.

The Prime Minister, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, declared that the Government’s five-year mandate was a mandate for action and consequently the Council of Ministers met the following day and began what has indeed been a very active year since.

The Five Year Program of the Fifth Constitutional Government, fully aligned with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan, was presented to National Parliament on the 12th of September 2012. Annual Action Plans for the State Budget, based on the five-year plan, were prepared by each Ministry. A supplementary Budget to accommodate the new structures in the Government was presented and passed.

The Government then turned to the detailed planning required for the 2013 Annual Budget with the Council of Ministers approving the Final Draft Budget on November the 20th and the official Budget approval given with a unanimous vote the National Parliament on the 18th of February 2013.

In the first twelve months of the Fifth Constitutional Government the Council of Ministers has approved the Organic Law of the Fifth Constitutional Government, the Five Year Program, 14 Decree Laws, 6 Proposed Laws, 17 Government Resolutions, 2 Proposed Resolutions as well as appointing 3 Electoral Commissioners and two members of the Superior Council of Magistracy. More than 15 other laws have been considered by the Council of Ministers with outcomes still pending.

Other activities undertaken by the CoM have included the oversight of national celebrations such as the 38th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence and National Celebrations 25-30th of November 2012, and analysis and response to commissioned reports including those on Education, Natural Disasters, the Special Social Market Economy Zone Oe-Cusse Project Pilot, Coordination Mechanisms for the SDP and Budget Execution.

The Council of Ministers has also over the one-year period considered over 50 Presentations given by various Ministries and State Institutions. These range from the presentation of plans such as the Dili Master Plan for Sanitation and Drainage, updates on key projects such as road rehabilitation, techniques proposed for the improvement Government systems and international issues such as Timor-Leste’s Accession to ASEAN, to name but a few.

To mark the anniversary Government members gathered for a three-day retreat to debate future plans, improve inter-ministerial coordination and consider the best ways to overcome obstacles.

Minister of State and Presidency of the Council of Ministers, His Excellency Agio Pereira, noted “while there is always more to do the one-year anniversary offers a moment to reflect on our achievements to date. The Council of Ministers of the Fifth Constitutional Government, spurred on by the call to action of the Prime Minister, began its mandate enthusiastically and has continued with a high pace and heavy workload. We continue to pledge ourselves to the overarching commitment of this Government as articulated by our Prime Minister: ‘to support and promote the development of Timor-Leste and strive to improve the living conditions of our people’”.
ENDS

Ágio Pereira+670 77045002agio.pereira@cdm.gov.tl
govtlmedia@gmail.com
www.timor-leste.gov.tl

Happy 38th Anniversary of FALINTIL

Graphic Photo: Ricardo Tilman

Happy Anniversary, FALINTIL and congratulation to the People of Timor Leste for the opening of another Electric Power Centre

Thank you, FALINTIL. Because of your sacrifices we now have freedom. You will always be remembered throughout this country's generation. Lest we Forget!

Former British PM Tony Blair Visited Timor Leste

Tony Blair meets Mari Alkatiri in Dili. Photo: Leonia Monteiro

Renova Timor - One of Timor Leste' diplomatic highlights for the month is the visit of Former British Prime Minister to Dili last Thursday, 15 August 2013. According to the Timorese counterpart, former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, Mr. Blair's visit was intended to provide cooperation and assistance to the ongoing national project of Special economic zone in Oecusse (ZEESM).

"The former PM Tony Blair also heard about ZEESM and he wanted to know more about it. He offered a team that would work closely with my team to speed up this economic plan and bring it up to international standard so as to attract more international investors" said Mr. Alkatiri to Jornal Nacional Diario (JND, 15/8).

Mr. Blair's visit is the first high British figure who have ever visited the 11 years old country. Last year, the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton paid a short visit to Dili which she described it as a visit to fulfil her promise she made during the then President Ramos Horta's visit to US in the year before. But there are more things that can be said about the visit. With regards to Mrs. Clinton's visit, speculation continues in the media saying whether her visit was indeed a warning sign to Dili over its open door to China's growing influence in the country or just a mere promise fulfilment. Mr. Blair's visit also can be questioned whether it was purely incidental or only wanting to support the present government's economic development plan or something else. For instance, one could question who financed his private jet to Dili and what is Mr. Blair's connection with British Procurement company Charles Kendall and Partners (CK&P) which plays important role in Timor Leste's procurement office. 

Nonetheless, the former British PM's 5-hour visit to the young country could also be a sign of support to Mr. Gusmao's government (in spite of the pressure for changing its cabinet) that it is doing fine. It is also a positive sign to foreign investors that Timor Leste is a safe country and investment friendly now which they should invest their money in. Investors are, as usual, always worried about country risk as it would affect their long term investment and return. But Timor is nonetheless working on its weakness by providing public security, minimising political risk seen in the political convergence between the government and the opposition and increasing general population's purchasing power through public expenses and social welfares. The financial sector is organising itself and is decentralising its services to the districts as well.

In short, Mr. Blair's visit is a sign to the investors that if the Britain is there than why are not you be there too. 

Learning together in Timor-Leste - News and Events - University of Sydney

Learning together in Timor-Leste - News and Events - University of Sydney

University of Sydney Students in Timor Leste

Staff and students from the faculties of Agriculture and Environment, Education and Social Work, and Sydney Medical School have experienced first-hand how interdisciplinary collaboration is critical in tackling global challenges such as food security, thanks to a pilot program in Timor-Leste coordinated by the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC).

The nine students, three from each faculty, spent a week rotating through placements in a clinic, primary school and farm in the community of Maubisse. They took part in activities such as measuring children's arms to see if they were underweight, instructing children on healthy eating and assessing food production and distribution systems. In the evenings the group came together with academic supervisors to reflect on what they had learned - and the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration.

"This experience has equipped me with tools that'll enable me to teach in communities all around the world," said primary education student Paris Esposito. "The opportunity to work alongside medicine and agriculture students enabled inter-professional conversations that were rich, but also at times confronting."


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East Timor’s central bank wants to expand country’s financial services

Photo: A.M. de Almeida Serra

AUGUST 5TH, 2013    NEWS

The Timor-Leste (East Timor) Central Bank Friday announced a project to develop a strategic plan to expand the country’s financial services with a view to reaching more of its citizens.

“The aim of the project is to develop, together with stakeholders, a strategic plan for East Timor’s financial system, taking into account that the country is moving towards an economy that encourages national and international investment and provide a greater number of citizens access to financial services,” said the statement.

According to the Central Bank’s statement, the project will take 10 years to implement and will include “concrete actions that allow the financial system to be a catalyst for economic growth.” (macauhub)

Australia expands Seasonal Workers Program for Pacific, East Timor

Updated Fri Aug 2, 2013 8:21pm AEST

PHOTO: About 1,500 seasonal workers were recruited by participating employers since the commencement of the Seasonal Worker Program in July 2012.

MAP: Pacific

Accommodation businesses across Western Australia will be able to employ seasonal labour from Pacific nations and East Timor under an extended initiative by the Australian Government.

The Australian Government has announced plans to expand part of its Seasonal Workers Program with the trial already underway in Broome, the Northern Territory, tropical Queensland, the Whitsundays Coast and Kangaroo Island.

Employment Minister Brendan O'Connor says the extension of the trial will allow accommodation businesses in Western Australia's tourism industry to hire seasonal workers from eight Pacific nations and East Timor at times of local labour shortages.

"Accommodation providers will benefit from being able to have the seasonal workers they need when they need them," Mr O'Connor said.

"Workers from some of our closest neighbours will benefit from the ability to earn good money to help their family and community back home."

Under the extended program, Australian employers with an unmet demand for low-skilled labour can recruit seasonal workers to work in positions including cafe workers, bar staff, kitchen hands and house keepers in the accommodation sector for a period of between 14 weeks and six months.

Minister for Tourism Gary Gray says the expansion of the program to Western Australia is a win for the state's tourism industry.

"A win for anyone wanting to visit the West and enjoy the fantastic tourism experiences we have because this program will ensure Western Australia's accommodation businesses can offer their very best service at peak season," Mr Gray said.

About 1,500 seasonal workers were recruited by participating employers since the commencement of the Seasonal Worker Program in July 2012.

The program also includes a trial in the Australian accommodation, aquaculture, cotton and cane sectors in selected regions.

Topics: travel-and-tourism, community-and-society, work, economic-trends, government-and-politics, small-business,business-economics-and-finance, tourism, pacific, australia

First posted Fri Aug 2, 2013 7:43pm AEST

NEW TIMOR- LESTE CONSULATE TO OPEN IN DARWIN

Media release
11 July 2013

The President of Timor-Leste has cemented his country’s relationship with the Northern Territory by personally announcing to Chief Minister Adam Giles that he will open an official Consulate in Darwin for the first time.

This week in Darwin, Mr Giles and President Taur Matan Ruak held their second round of talks to discuss strengthening trade and diplomatic ties.

“Having a Timor-Leste Consulate in Darwin is evidence of the Territory’s growing relationship with our near neighbour,” Mr Giles said.
“It cements our friendship and recognises the importance of the Territory to the Timor-Leste economy.”

Since his visit to Dili in May, Mr Giles has been working closely with the Timor-Leste Government to build stronger regional relations and economic opportunities.
“The new Consulate will give the two governments a direct line of communication as we work to build stronger economic, cultural, social and environmental ties,” Mr Giles said
“We are also keen to build a tri-lateral relationship between the NT, Timor-Leste and eastern Indonesia and have agreed to sponsor a business forum in Bali in November, in which we will seek to involve all three jurisdictions.”

Getting seasonal workers into the Territory from Timor-Leste was also on the agenda for this week’s Darwin talks, as well as crocodile management.

“We have a lot of expert knowledge about crocodiles to share with Timor-Leste and we are keen to help the country manage its growing crocodile population,” Mr Giles said.

“Timor-Leste has been a close friend of the Northern Territory for many years and the announcement of a Consulate in Darwin is evidence that the relationship continues to go from strength to strength.”
Media Contact: Danielle Parry 0413 081 801