Former Thai foreign minister, ASEAN chief Surin Pitsuwan dies at 68

  

KYODO NEWS - Nov 30, 2017 - 21:52 | All, World

Former Thai Foreign Minister and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, who was one of his country's most charismatic and dynamic diplomats, died of a heart attack on Thursday, according to a fellow Democrat Party member. He was 68.

According to Thepthai Senpong, Surin collapsed in the morning and was rushed to the city's Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Another source said he suffered cardiac arrest at home and could not be revived in ambulance.

A religious ceremony for Surin -- a Harvard-educated professor, ex-parliamentarian and Muslim who served as foreign minister of the predominantly Buddhist country from 1997 to 2001 -- will take place Friday at the mosque in Nonthaburi Province.



Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called his death a great loss for Thailand.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, under whose premiership Surin headed up the Foreign Ministry, called his passing a great loss not only for the party but also for the nation and the world.

Surin, the son of an Islamic teacher, hailed from the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

After studying political science at prestigious Thammasat University in Bangkok, he spent many years engaged in studies and research in the United States, receiving his M.A. in 1974 and a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1982.

Surin began his academic career as a professor at Thammasat, where he taught for over a decade, while also working as a columnist for the Bangkok Post and The Nation, Thailand's two leading English-language dailies.

He entered the political arena in 1986 when he was elected as a Democrat member of the House of Representatives.

Moving to government, he served during the 1990s as Thailand's deputy foreign minister and foreign minister, initiating the policy of "flexible engagement" to deal with Myanmar after ASEAN accepted Myanmar into the group in 1997 amid condemnation from many countries about its abysmal human rights situation and military rule.

In 2008, he took the helm of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for a four-year term, during which he was widely recognized for his competence in spearheading ASEAN's humanitarian efforts after Myanmar was devastated by Cyclone Nargis that same year and in engaging in international efforts to restore law and order in East Timor.

An official ASEAN statement distributed via social media expressed "sincere condolences" on the loss of Surin. "We are deeply saddened to know that Dr. Surin Pitsuwan passed away today. It is a big loss to Thailand and the ASEAN community," it said.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Busadee Santipitaks also mourned his loss, while praising him for having "played a key role in the conduct of Thailand's foreign policy."

Since then, Surin had continued to be engaged in the promotion of regional integration, educational and political reform efforts in Thailand, and was a frequent speaker at various international conferences.

He was president of the Future Innovative Thailand Institute, which is connected to the Democratic Party.

Surin had long advocated ASEAN taking a role in containing or resolving regional conflicts, such as it did in Cambodia in the early and late 1990s, and East Timor in 1999, and in Aceh, Indonesia, in the early and late 2000s, to prevent them from escalating further.

In recent months, he had called on ASEAN to exercise "effective leadership" in dealing with the humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar's Rakhine State and just across the border in Bangladesh to which more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees have fled violence since late August.

In an opinion piece published in the Bangkok Post on Sept. 6, he urged ASEAN to "act fast" to prevent the carnage from deteriorating and escalating into regional tensions. "The world is watching. ASEAN'S credibility and profile are hanging in the balance," he said.

Nov 30, 2017 | KYODO NEWS

HIV - a silent killer at Timor-Leste's front door

Timor-Leste does not Promote Condoms to the General Public

Published: 27 November 2017

Written by Paulina Quintão, TDW

The government through the Ministry of Health (MH) made a decision to promote the International method of A and B (Abstinence and Be faithful) in its HIV/AIDS campaign activities to increase community awareness on the prevention of infections with the virus HIV, but not to promote method C (use of condom) to the general public.
Government through the Ministry of Health (MH) made a decision to promote the International method of A and B.

MH HIV/AIDS Focal Point Frederico Bosco of the ministry’s HIV/AIDS program, said the decision to change promoting condoms to self-control took place after several discussions with the National Council Combating HIV/AIDS, with religious organisations, government, agencies and relevant institutions that work in this area.

Although he said the National Policy of the Ministry of Health is clear about promoting and distributing condoms as an alternative amongst at risk groups such as men-sex-men (MSM) and prostitutes, in the prevention of HIV, but not for the community in general.

He added, distribution of condoms is made weekly to public facilities where sexual transition may take place, however this depends on the existing stocks.

“This is an International Method, the implementation depends on the situation of each country and consultations by the Timor-Leste’s council with religious organisations, government and agency decisions,” he said by telephone.

He acknowledged that there were pro’s and con’s about the change of decision to change ‘C’ from condoms to self-control, but that the main point is the decision was made by Timor-Leste.

In relation to the stocks of condoms, currently the warehouse is out of stock and in the process of purchasing.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission Combating HIV/AIDS- Timor-Leste (KNKS-TL), Daniel Marçal said behavior change education is the solution to combating HIV in Timor-Leste, not condoms, because condoms are not 100% protection from the virus.

"It can protect, although not 100%, this can be dangerous therefore, as a Timorese, I do not want to teach my people to use condoms when it is not a 100% protection from the virus," he said.

He added from the start of 2010, Timor-Leste began to distribute and promote the usage of condoms but the reality shows the situation has increased, which indicated that condoms are not the only solution.

He went on to say the commission does not ignore condoms and will still continue to talk about the use of condoms.

The numbers of HIV cases are on the rise even after the decision was made to stop the promotion of condoms to the general community, however many people now have the knowledge though community awareness initiatives to go and have a HIV test.

From the registered data, he said some 700 people are infected with the HIV virus through sexual relations, however the commission continues to provide education to everyone and about self-control in order to avoid the virus.

On the other hand, a mother Georgina Ximenes said she received information about this virus through the national media, and still does not understand and feels the information is not clear, in particular the background and ways to implement prevention.

"Information should be clear so we can understand and be clear to share with our children who are growing up," she said.

She also urged the commission to use simple language when raising community awareness, so parents can understand the information, as the communities have different backgrounds in terms of education and knowledge.

http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/14934-timor-leste-does-not-promote-condoms-to-the-general-public 

Samoan Insurance Company to operate in Timor-Leste

Governor hails expansion by Samoa companies

31 December 2016

The Governor of the Central Bank, Maiava Atalina Ainu’u-Enari, has praised the overseas expansion of two Samoan-backed companies in Timor Leste.

The Governor of the Central Bank, Maiava Atalina Ainu’u-Enari, has praised the overseas expansion of two Samoan-backed companies in Timor Leste.

Speaking at the celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of Pacific Holdings (Timor) operating the Western Union in Timor Leste and the official launch of a new General Insurance venture, Maiava said it was an “encouraging sign” for Samoa.

“That a Samoan-backed Company can foster partnership with Timor Leste, and help another Pacific neighbour rise to its potential is something that I am proud of,” she said.

“Pacific Holdings is this month celebrating 15 years. The company commenced service in 2001 with a single agent in Dili… that agency has grown into five locations in the capital and Districts.

 “The possibilities for Federal Insurance Timor to contribute to developing the financial services sector in Timor Leste was important,” she said.

 “The benefits are numerous as we have seen in Samoa in the last few years where recovery and rehabilitation following a tsunami and cyclones have been possible due to proper risk management measures taken by businesses or individuals before the event – in other words, when disaster struck, many people were able to get back to business and back to normal life because they were adequately insured.”

Maiava was in Timor Leste for the annual Pacific Island Reserve Bank Governors Conference.

TLGov: 2016, a year of action

2016, a Year of Action

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Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Dili, December 30th, 2016

2016 a Year of Action

As 2016 draws to a close the Government reflects on a year of action and looks forward to 2017 with commitment and confidence.

This year the Sixth Constitutional Government has remained focused on delivering the services, policy and legislation needed to fulfill its Program and continue Timor-Leste’s development journey set out in theStrategic Development Plan 2011-2030.

The Government Program recognizes that “the true wealth of any nation is in the strength of its people” and that “maximizing the overall health, education and quality of life of the Timorese people is central to building a fair and progressive society.”

In 2016 the roll out of the Family Health Program has been an outstanding success with families interviewed across the nation and registration already fully completed in the municipality of Aileu. The Tobacco Control Regime, promulgated in Juneand lauded by the World Health Organization as “a path-breaking example for developing countries”, is now being implemented. In the field of education, 2016 saw the expansion of Secondary Technical-Vocational Education to enable more students gain technical skills that prepare them for the labor market.

The Government has continued to deliver on its program to encourage economic diversification by focusing on productive areas of the economy, building and improving essential economic infrastructure, and addressing industry, financing and trade constraints.

This year the Mining Code and General Forestry Regime were approved and the Draft Tourism Policy released for comment. Tourism came ‘online’, literally, with the launch of the Government’s websitewww.timorleste.tland the development of an international marketing campaign.

In December Timor-Leste progressed in its candidature for membership of the World Trade Organization when it was granted observer status, prompting ASEAN to applaud “Timor-Leste’s commitment to the WTO accession process, and its efforts to undertake social and economic reforms to this end.”

In October the World Bank, who along with the Government stress theimportance of developing our domestic economy and supporting economic diversification, reported that the Government’s “reform efforts are beginning to show results, with a pipeline of Foreign Direct Investment emerging” and said that  “In 2016 and 2017, domestic growth is expected to continue in a similar range as the last two years, with growth forecast at 5.0 and 5.5 percent, respectively.”

Regarding this Foreign Direct Investment, the Heineken beverage plant based in Hera was completed on time with the first brew placed in fermentation tanks on the 20^th of November and the TL Cement facility based in Baucau, which will produce cement clinker base for export and cement for domestic supply, is moving toward the construction phase.

In terms of international relations and foreign policy 2016 has been a milestone year. In October Timor-Leste transferred the Presidency of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries [CPLP] to Brazil after a successful role leading the organization since July 2014. The first ever Global Economic Forum of the CPLP was held in Díli in February bringing delegations from over 20 countries and presenting opportunities for CPLP countries to develop business in the Asia Pacific region. The process of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN continued with the consolidation of national readiness and participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum and other regional and global meetings. In August Timor-Leste also hosted the ASEAN Civil Society Conference / ASEAN People’s Forum 2016.

This year the Government of Timor-Leste made important progress in its work to establish maritime boundaries with our neighbours Indonesia and Australia. During his official visit to Timor-Leste in January, the President of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to “accelerate the completion of border negotiations” with maritime boundary negotiations to initially focus on waters to the north of Timor-Leste and then move to the south.

In April the Government of Timor-Leste initiated a United Nations Compulsory Conciliation process with Australia to assist the resolution of maritime boundaries, and after overcoming jurisdictional challenges the process is now well underway with meetings in October being described as “very productive” and signaling that both parties “should aim to reach agreement within the timeframe of the conciliation process” to be concluded in September 2017.

Whilst many challenges remain for Timor-Leste, 2016 gave rise to a number of long-term reports that showed how far we have come and what we can be proud of achieving.

In September the World Economic Forum reported that our country had been ranked in the top ten countries to have made the most progress converting economic growth into wellbeing over the period 2006 to 2014. In October a major study published in the medical journal the Lancet and launched at the United Nations rated Timor-Leste as the most improved of 188 nations in the health-related Sustainable Development Goals index for the period 2000-2015.

Other reports are confirming that our people are healthier and living longer. The World Health Organization in 2014 rated Timor-Leste as one of the top six countries in the world for making the greatest progress in improving life expectancy between 1990 and 2012. The 1990 figure of 50 years had risen to 66 years by 2012 and according to the WHO, is now approaching 70 years in 2016.

These are significant achievements!

As 2017 approaches we are confident that with the General State Budget unanimously approved and promulgated, the recent experience of orderly local elections conducted across the nation, and our consistent and sustained environment of peace and stability, the upcoming 2017 Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be an overwhelming success.

Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “the Government, ever conscious of its responsibilities to the people of Timor-Leste, has worked hard to deliver results based on its Program. This year has been marked by achievements which position the country well going into 2017. Whilst acknowledging there is always more to do, the Government takes this opportunity to congratulate all for their efforts to develop and build the nation and to reaffirm our confidence in the people of Timor-Leste and the future of our nation.” ENDS

Seasonal Worker Program increases by 33 per cent across Northern Territory

By Daniel Fitzgerald

RELATED STORY: Seasonal workers fill backpacker void on NT mango farm

RELATED STORY: Seasonal workers swap East Timor for East Kimberley

RELATED STORY: Growers look to Pacific Seasonal Worker Program because of backpacker tax

MAP: Katherine 0850

Northern Territory farmers are increasingly turning to workers from the Pacific Islands and East Timor to fill their labour demands.

Horticulture farms across the Northern Territory have this year employed 33 per cent more workers through the Seasonal Worker Program than last year.

Around 398 workers from 10 countries have been employed to pick fruit across 12 farms.

The NT Farmers Association said the increase was partly due to the uncertainty created by the debate around the backpacker tax.

Farmers in the Katherine region told ABC Rural earlier this year they saw workers from the Pacific Islands and East Timor as a more reliable source of labour.

For mango and citrus grower Sevenfields, labour from the Pacific Islands are preferred over backpackers.

Harvest supervisor at the company's Katherine farm, Emma Harrison said having previous staff return for subsequent harvests was an advantage.

"We want people that can come back for the next five years, that are going to be experienced, they are going to know what to do year in, year out," Ms Harrison said.

"We try not to use backpackers as much as we can, for the fact that they are not as reliable as [the Solomon Islanders]; they are here for six months, they do the mangoes and follow through with the citrus later on.

"Backpackers aren't willing to hang around for that time, and they will never come back the year after."

Growers come to terms with backpacker tax debate

The backpacker tax debate has had a huge effect on the horticulture industry, with much of Australia's fruit and vegetables brought to customers by teams of seasonal workers.

Sevenfields is now employing 29 Solomon Islanders directly, instead of through a labour-hire company.

Ms Harrison said the arrangement was better for both the company and the workers.

"We can manage where they stay, what they are getting paid, it reduces the cost on us because with a contractor you have to pay [more]," she said.

Ms Harrison said the men from the Solomon Islanders were quick to learn about mango harvesting.

"They are all really passionate about learning how and why we do things on the farm," she said.

"It is great that they put some care and passion into the fruit. They understand it takes 11 months to grow mangoes, and then for them to pick it in a four-week period is quite quick, and they take the care, which brings out better mangoes."

Wage a drawcard for Pacific Islanders

One of the Solomon Islander's working at Sevenfield's farm for five months is Brian Steward.

He said the $1,000 he can earn in a week in Australia would take him around seven months to earn in the Solomon Islands.

With the money he earns in Australia, he planned to help his family.

"We are going to start a little [business] for ourselves, that is what I am here for, to earn money and go back to do something for my family," Mr Steward said.

He was keen to return to Katherine for the next mango harvest.

"If Sevenfields ask me to come back I would love to come back," he said.

Fellow worker Alex Aubela, said there were many people in the Solomon Islands who wanted to come pick fruit in Australia.

"It is pretty hard to find jobs back at home, here it is much easier to earn a lot of money than back home," he said.

2017 Timor-Leste State Budget approved unanimously

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Dili, December 9th, 2016

2017 General State Budget Approved Unanimously in Final Vote

On the 9^th of December National Parliament voted unanimously to give final approval to the 2017 General State Budget with 60 votes in favor, none against and no abstentions. The approved Budget has an estimated total expenditure of $1,386.8 million, with the main categories of expenses as Salaries and Wages $209.7 million, Goods and Services $395 million, Public Transfers $421 million, Minor Capital $12.1 million and Capital Development [including the Infrastructure Fund and loans] $349 million.

Speaking after the final vote Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo, thanked all members of National Parliament for “the democratic and constructive way in which the 2017 General State Budget was debated” and noted that for the Government the unanimous vote “represents a vote of confidence which the Sixth Constitutional Government, until the last day of its work, will want to honor, working with even more commitment to the People and the Nation."

During its passage through National Parliament the Budget was considered in generality and approved unanimously on the 25^th of November. After presenting questions and debating issues, Members tabled approximately 80 proposed amendments that were considered by the ‘Eventual Commission for the Collection and Analysis of Proposals for Amendments to the Draft Law’. The Prime Minister observed that National Parliament’s decision to set up the Commission lead to “frank and democratic” discussion and the accommodation of many proposed amendments “without compromising the tax ceiling initially established and without distorting the Government’s commitments regarding the implementation of projects, programs and activities proposed for 2017.”

Prior to the final unanimous vote on the 9^th of December, the Budget was discussed in the Plenary and voted on in detail, with analysis of each article of the proposed draft law. The 2017 General State Budget Law will now be presented to the President of the Republic, H.E. Taur Matan Ruak, for promulgation.

Closing the National Parliament’s final session concerning the 2017 General State Budget, the Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s “commitment to carry out the program of its mandate” with its focus on measures “to make the non-oil economy more dynamic and to increase the sustainability of national development.” ENDS

Timor-Leste’s economic outlook positive as reforms begin to show results

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Dili, November 17th, 2016

Timor-Leste’s economic outlook positive as reforms begin to show results

Recent reports by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, along with analysis contained within the Draft 2017 State Budget Overview, have identified positive trends in Timor-Leste’s short-term economic outlook. Low inflation, the positive impact of infrastructure development and benefits beginning to flow from the Government’s reform efforts are cited as contributing factors.

The World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Economic Update published on the 4^th of October 2016 observes “Timor-Leste is facing an outlook starkly different to its recent past. Previously one of the most oil-dependent countries in the world, it could become a post-oil country in as little as five years’ time”. While emphasizing the importance of developing the domestic economy and supporting economic diversification, the report notes that the Government’s “reform efforts are beginning to show results, with a pipeline of Foreign Direct Investment emerging” and says “In 2016 and 2017, domestic growth is expected to continue in a similar range as the last two years, with growth forecast at 5.0 and 5.5 percent, respectively.”

The International Monetary Fund’s Press Release IMF Concludes Staff Visit to Timor-Leste of the 7^th of November 2016 said that “Economic “activity in Timor-Leste is expanding at a satisfactory pace, and is likely to maintain the momentum into next year” and goes on to say that “the near-term outlook remains generally favorable with a continuing non-oil growth recovery accompanied by low inflation.” The team lead by the IMF’s Ms. Yu Ching Wong also said that financial soundness indicators had improved within the banking system and welcomed “the steady progress in implementing the Financial Sector Master Plan aimed at raising financial inclusion and safeguarding financial stability.”

The Government’s Program recognizes that “it is urgent we diversify our economy” which is why it focuses on “expanding and modernizing the agriculture sector, building a thriving tourism sector, encouraging much higher levels of private sector activity and activating industries, including the growth and expansion of small and micro businesses.” It is also why the Government is working to improve economic infrastructure and to address industry, financing and trade constraints.

The draft 2017 State Budget Overview analyses Timor-Leste’s economic performance over recent years and quotes final figures from 2014 which show that the non-petroleum sector accounted for 39% of Timor-Leste’s real Gross Domestic Product [GDP] and that real non-oil GDP grew by 5.9%. It says there was an increase in household consumption of 9.8% and private sector investment growth of 17.3%. The Overview also highlights the improvement of domestic revenue receipts from tax revenues, fees and charges, interest and revenues from autonomous agencies. Domestic revenues are forecast to increase by 4.3% in 2017 due to improvements in Government Services and collection.

Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted that “the Government welcomes the report of the World Bank and the Press Release of the IMF team which present a favorable short-term economic outlook for Timor-Leste and recognize the positive results of Government policy. It continues to be a top priority of Government to do all it can to encourage conditions for private sector growth and economic diversification through the provision of basic economic infrastructure, the removal of constraints and the implementation of reforms that are supporting enhanced economic activity.”ENDS

Timor-Leste Welcomes WTO Accession Delegation Visit

"Timor-Leste Welcomes WTO Accession Delegation Visit"

8 Nov, Dili— The Government of Timor-Leste has concluded the first day of a two-day visit between the Government and delegates from the World Trade Organisation Accession team. 

The WTO delegation has come to Timor-Leste to discuss Timor-Leste’s application to be member of WTO. 

According to the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, “Accession to WTO is in line with the Government’s plans to strengthen and grow the economy through strategic investments in potential sectors. WTO membership is also another important step to cementing our sovereignty.”  

The Minister of State, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Eng. Estanislau da Silva, said “Joining the WTO is critical to ensuring that Timor-Leste can diversify its economy in commerce, industry and agriculture for exports and access to markets. This is important to create jobs and improve the well being of the population. We need investments to increase exports in all sectors and WTO membership will greatly facilitate export of Timorese goods and services as well as trade with other countries.”

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment, Constâncio da Conceição Pinto, said “I am happy to receive the mission and concretely work towards the accession process.”

For further information, please contact Mr. Oscar Salsinha on 77273161.

_____________________


"Timor-Leste Hato Benvindu ba Visita Delegasaun Adesaun OMC"

8  Novembru, Díli – Guvernu Timor-Leste ramata ona atividade loron primeiru relasiona ho visita delegasaun Organizasaun Mundial Komersiu (OMC) mai Timor-Leste duranti loron rua nia laran. 

Delegasaun ne’e mai Timor-Leste atu koalia konaba pedidu Timor-Leste sai membru OMC. 

Tuir Ministru Planeamentu no Investimentu Estratéjiku, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão katak “Adesaun ba OMC alinha ho Guvernu nia planu atu haforsa no haburas ekonomia liu hosi investimentu estratéjiku iha setor potensial sira. Nudar membru OMC mos hanesan hakat importante ida atu haforsa ita nia soberania”.

Ministru Estadu, Koordenador ba Asuntu Ekonomiku, no Ministru Agrikultura no Peska, Eng. Estanislau da Silva hateten mos katak: “Sai nudar membru OMC importante tebes atu fo serteza katak Timor-Leste bele mos diversifika nia ekonomia iha komersiu, industria no agrikultura ba exportasaun no asesu ba merkadu. Ne’e importante atu kria empregu no hadi’a ema nia moris. Ita persiza investimentu atu aumenta esportasaun iha setor hotu-hotu no nudar membru OMC sei fasilita tebtebes esportasaun produtu no serbisu Timor nian inklui mos komersiu ho nasaun seluk”.

Ministru Komersiu, Industria no Meiu Ambienti, Constâncio da Conceição Pinto, hateten: “Hau kontenti simu delegasaun ida ne’e no sei esforsa atu suporta prosesu adesaun”.

Karik persiza informasaun klaru liutan, favour kontaktu Sr. Oscar Salsinha, 77273161.

____________


"Timor-Leste acolhe a delegação técnica de Adesão à OMC"

8 de Novembro, Díli – O Governo de Timor-Leste concluiu o primeiro dia de uma visita de dois dias entre o Governo e os delegados da Equipa Técnica de Adesão da Organização Mundial do Comércio.

A delegação da OMC chegou a Timor-Leste para discutir a candidatura de Timor-Leste à OMC.

De acordo com o Ministro do Planeamento e Investimentos Estratégico, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, "a adesão à OMC está em linha com os planos do governo de fortalecer e crescer a economia através de investimentos estratégicos em setores potenciais. A adesão à OMC é também outro passo importante para consolidar nossa soberania ".

O Ministro de Estado, Coordenador dos Assuntos Económicos e Ministro da Agricultura e Pescas, Eng. Estanislau da Silva, disse: "A adesão à OMC é fundamental para assegurar que Timor-Leste possa diversificar a sua economia no comércio, na indústria e na agricultura para as exportações e acesso aos mercados. Isso é importante para criar empregos e melhorar o bem-estar da população. Precisamos de investimentos para aumentar as exportações em todos os setores e a adesão à OMC facilitará muito a exportação de bens e serviços timorenses, bem como o comércio com outros países ".

O ministro do Comércio, Indústria e Ambiente, Dr. Constâncio da Conceição Pinto, disse: "Expresso a minha satisfação em receber a missão e trabalhar concretamente no processo de adesão".

Para mais informações, queira p.f. entrar em contato com o Sr. Oscar Salsinha, pelo Telemóvel 77.273.161.



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After court ruling, Australia and East Timor discuss maritime boundary

Australia and East Timor aim for an agreement over the disputed maritime boundary in resource-rich waters between their countries, a court said on Thursday, signaling a deal could be reached by next September.

Confidential meetings between the two countries have been "very productive" and would continue next year, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said in a statement.

The court ordered compulsory arbitration in the case last month after East Timor requested the process against objections from Australia, which negotiated a revenue sharing agreement that gave it until 2056 to settle the boundary issue.

Australia played a critical role in East Timor's independence from Indonesia in 2002 and shortly after that negotiated the revenue sharing deal for the large Greater Sunrise oil and gas field. East Timor calls the deal unfair.

"All agreed we should aim to reach agreement within the timeframe of the conciliation process," the court said, referring to the compulsory arbitration. That process has a deadline of Sept. 19, 2017.

"I was very pleased to see a sincere willingness on both sides to come together in a spirit of cooperation," said Peter Taksoe-Jensen, who headed the arbitration talks.

"Both sides are to be commended for being willing to move beyond past differences and work hard to create conditions conducive to achieving an agreement."

East Timor appealed to the court for the arbitration that could determine the border through the Greater Sunrise oil and gas field. It has said that Australian espionage on its diplomats rendered recent agreements on it flawed.

East Timor says the boundary should fall halfway between it and Australia, which had argued that defining the border that way could prompt Indonesia to also seek to shift its sea border and gain ownership of disputed oil fields.

Greater Sunrise contains an estimated 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and 226 million barrels of condensate, although the border dispute and low gas prices mean its development is on hold.

(Reporting By Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Tom Heneghan)

Investel head confirms bid for Timor Telecom stake

Thursday 6 October 2016 | 17:28 CET | News

Timorese businessman Abilio Araujo confirmed to Lusa that the Investel group he heads presented a "firm and binding" bid for the purchase of Oi's stake in Timor Telecom. "As CEO of Investel I believe in the success of our proposal, the amount offered, strongly supported by equity and bank guarantee," he added. The Investel group is one of three candidates to purchase Oi's stake in Timor Telecom, alongside the ETO Group, Timorese businessman Nilton Gusmao, and a Fiji-based pension fund, according to the latest reports.

http://www.telecompaper.com/news/investel-head-confirms-bid-for-timor-telecom-stake--1165943 

Government Congratulates António Guterres

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Dili, October 8th, 2016

Timor-Leste congratulates H.E. António Guterres and Portugal on the announcement of his acceptance of the unanimous nomination of the United Nations Security Council to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.

Mr. Guterres was the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. He is held in great esteem by the Timorese people as a champion of our struggle for self-determination and a constant advocate for our Nation’s democracy, peace, stability and progress. He visited Timor-Leste for the first time in 2000, and subsequently in 2002 to be part of the ceremony of the Restoration of Independence.

The United Nations Security Council is recommending that the 193 Member States appoint him for a five-year term beginning 1 January 2017. A meeting of the General Assembly expected to take place next week to approve the appointment.

Over the years Mr. Guterres has expressed that the cause of the Timorese people has been “one of the most important causes in my political life” and has advocated for all to “work together to help this small country to be able to face its future with hope and with success.”

The appointment of Mr. Guterres will see him take over the leadership of the UN from Mr. Ban Ki-moon who has served two terms as the Secretary-General. Prime Minister Araújo recently expressed at the General Assembly “our deepest appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for all the support that Timor-Leste has received during his 10 years in office.”

Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted that “the people of Timor-Leste have great affection for António Guterres and warmly congratulate him on his nomination. We also congratulate Portugal. Mr. Guterres is a uniquely qualified individual for what will be a demanding time as Secretary–General when the organization is facing unprecedented global challenges. Timor-Leste is delighted to hear of his nomination and reassured that this important leadership role is to be taken on by a person with such intellect, experience and integrity.”ENDS