TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAVR REPORT

* Hope lives on to get to the bottom of 1999
mayhem
* Timor, Indonesia agree to look forward
* SBY, Xanana reach understanding
* Timor rules out compensation from Indonesia
* Babies of war cruelly spirited away
* ’We were put in crates’
* Gusmao sends CAVR report to embassies,
international bodies
* Dili protests NGO’s publishing CAVR report
* UN East Timor report slams Australia
* Rape a weapon of war in Timor occupation
* Federal government sidesteps Timor accusations
* Downer told Indonesia to delay Timor
independence

WEST TIMOR/REFUGEES

* Sarah Lery Mboeik: Fighting against state
hegemony
* Family will not give up hunt for daughter

HUMAN RIGHTS/LAW

* Crimes will go to trial, Timor prosecutor says
* ’Criminalise defamation and see democracy die’
* Concern over defamation law

NEWS & ISSUES

* Political post for East Timor accused
* Dili’s stray pigs must go: East Timor’s FM
* Pro-Integration supporters ask Fretilin to
disclose crimes
* Coders bare invasion death count
* ’No cover-up over journalist’s death’
* Timor demands Indonesia inquiry into rape case

MILITARY/DEFENSE

* More East Timorese soldiers desert: officer
* East Timor army strike sparks security fears
* Mass mutiny hits East Timor army
* Mutinous troops will be punished, says Alkatiri
* Timor defense force crisis still to be resolved
* Commission opens hearings on soldiers’
grievances
* Protesting soldiers leave after Gusmao defuses
crisis
* Troops demand sacking of CO in presidential
palace protest

DAILY MEDIA REVIEWS

East Timor daily media review - February 1-28

OPINION & ANALYSIS

* Shouldn’t this convicted thug be in jail?
* Xanana, SBY let shame file slide
* Making amends in Timor Leste

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CAVR REPORT

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Hope lives on to get to the bottom of 1999 mayhem

Jakarta Post - February 24, 2006

The relationship between Indonesia and Timor Leste
has again been put to the test with recent border
incidents and the submission to the UN Secretary-
General of a report on atrocities during Jakarta’s
rule. Timor Leste Foreign Minister Jose Ramos
Horta discussed efforts to improve ties between
the two neighbors with The Jakarta Post’s Tiarma
Siboro, who is visiting Dili.

Question: What is your opinion about the border
incidents recently and how did Timor Leste handle
those cases to prevent them from recurring?

Answer: The two governments, in a mature fashion,
and in the spirit of friendship and based on our
very positive and solid relationship, handled this
incident effectively as we had handled other
incidents in the past with the equal serenity and
based on our good relations. For instance, last
year, in the month of September, there were
several cross-border incidents in Oecussi where
hundreds of villagers from western Timor entered
East Timor, burned crops and houses, attacked our
police and destroyed our police posts. We
discussed it with Indonesian authorities and the
situation has calmed down. The dispute in Oecussi
had to do with some misinformation about the
border demarcation process. So, in the case of the
shooting incident on Jan. 6, we deeply regret the
death of three former East Timorese militiamen.
Again, we handled it effectively and we will
always preserve the trust and goodwill between the
two governments.

We have to work with the Indonesian side.
Indonesia has to more effectively prevent armed
elements, like former militiamen, from entering
East Timor, and from our side, our police need to
have a better information exchange and
coordination with the Indonesian police. Working
with the Indonesian side, we can prevent cross-
border violence or robberies. Ties between the two
neighbors look to depend on settlement of human
rights violations against East Timorese during
Jakarta’s rule.

What do you think about the way leaders of both
nations deal with the past, particularly through
the joint truth and friendship commission?

I am very pleased with the state of our relations
and I am very impressed with the pragmatism shown
by the Indonesian side since the time of Gus Dur
(President Abdurrahman Wahid) and during the
administration of (president) Megawati. Now the
relations have been enhanced due to the leadership
of our two current presidents, Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono and Xanana Gusmao. I am also happy with
the establishment of the commission of truth and
friendship, because we believe that this is the
best mechanism to address the issues in the past,
particularly the 1999 violence, which left many
thousands of people displaced, many others killed
and between 70 and 80 percent of the towns
destroyed. Someone has to take responsibility.
Under the 1999 agreement signed with the UN,
Indonesia was in charge of security, but then law
and order broke down.

Well, I hope the truth and friendship commission
will help establish the truth, answering this
question: who is responsible? Therefore the
victims will know who is responsible, but more
importantly, those responsible will apologize to
the victims in the interest of the two countries.

Will the commission’s decisions affect the ongoing
legal process in Dili against several Indonesian
senior military officers?

Well, we have to wait and see about the result of
the work of the truth and friendship commission.
If the process is transparent and credible, then I
am sure it will be accepted by the people here,
the people of Indonesia and the international
community. And then, yes we can really put the
past behind us. So, before they conclude their
work, I cannot say whether it will have an impact
or not into the ongoing trials in East Timor.

Do you believe that decisions of the truth and
friendship commission will give rise to border
problems?

We have been doing a lot since 1999 to promote
national unity and reconciliation. Many thousands
of former supporters of autonomy with Indonesia
are now in East Timor. Many are serving in
positions in the government. Many are in the
Parliament, and in our civil administration. Maybe
more than 50 percent of former police, who had
served with the Indonesians are on our national
police force. This is part of our national
reconciliation. We have been working for it very
successfully since 1999. There are even many
former militiamen — hundreds of them — who were
less responsible for the 1999 violence, who have
returned to our land, and only the hard-liners are
still in (Indonesian west Timor), or elsewhere in
Indonesia. But most of them (the militiamen) have
returned and nothing happened to them. Not one
single case of revenge since 1999. And we must
remember that there are almost 300,000 people who
left East Timor to West Timor, many were forced to
go, now there are less than 20,000 people left in
west Timor and half of them are children who were
born after 1999. So, when we are talking about
former militiamen, there are not that many left in
west Timor.

How has the Timor Leste government reacted to the
submission of the report to the UN about the
atrocities that occurred during Indonesia’s rule?

The handing over of the Timor Leste Commission for
Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) to the
Secretary-General of the UN was an obligation
imposed by our law to our President. But no action
is expected from the Secretary-General of the UN
to follow up on the CAVR report. The commissioners
who produced the report made some recommendations,
some of which are acceptable to the East Timorese
government, but others are not, like the
recommendation for compensation, demanded from
Indonesia, Australia and the United States. Well,
our government rejected that part because we do
not think it is realistic or fair. But the report
is very important, not so much in its conclusions
that almost 200,000 people died. The important
thing is not the data, because the number could be
more or less, but the fact that we learn from the
past. We, East Timorese and our Indonesian
brothers, need to work together to build a far
more peaceful and better society for Indonesia and
East Timor. This should be a pedagogical process
and exercise for us to look into the past. Yes, we
are reminded about the horror of the past as a
warning and a lesson, so that the two sides can
work together to prevent violence in the future.

---

Timor, Indonesia agree to look forward

Associated Press - February 17, 2006

Bali — Indonesia’s president embraced his East
Timorese counterpart Friday, and said a report
detailing atrocities committed by Indonesia during
its occupation of the tiny nation would not affect
ties.

East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao did not
address the report, which was submitted to the
United Nations last month, but said he was looking
forward to “living in peace” with his giant
neighbor.

The report says at least 102,000 East Timorese
were killed, abducted, starved or died of
illnesses under Indonesia’s occupation from 1975-
1999. It also describes sexual violence, and the
use of napalm and torture by Indonesian forces,
among other abuses.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said
the report, which was prepared by local and
international experts working for East Timor’s
truth and reconciliation committee, was "an
internal matter between the United Nations and
East Timor.“”In the future, it will become a piece of history
in the relationship between the two countries," he
said after talks with Gusmao on the resort island
of Bali.

The report’s findings were in line with other
published accounts of the decades-long occupation,
but it put a fresh spotlight on Indonesia’s
history there, triggering anger in Jakarta, which
accused East Timor of trying to “open old wounds.”

East Timor’s leaders have repeatedly said that
building good ties with Indonesia was more
important than supporting efforts to prosecute
military officers implicated in the violence.

But East Timorese and international rights groups
are still calling for justice. "Indonesia bears
primary responsibility for the illegal invasion
and occupation of East Timor," said John M.
Miller, from the East Timor and Indonesia Action
Network. "Instead of seeking to bury the past,
Indonesia should ensure that those responsible for
crimes against humanity are brought to justice."

Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and ruled the
former Portuguese colony until 1999, when a UN-
organized plebiscite resulted in an overwhelming
vote for independence. A final orgy of violence by
retreating Indonesian troops left more than 1,500
dead. No Indonesian official has been punished for
crimes committed during the occupation.

In response to international pressure, Indonesia
and East Timor established a joint Truth and
Friendship Commission in August last year to probe
the 1999 bloodshed. The body cannot recommend
prosecution for officers implicated in the
violence Yudhoyono said the commission’s mandate
would be extended by a year from its original
deadline of August 2006.

---

SBY, Xanana reach understanding

Jakarta Post - February 18, 2006

Tiarma Siboro and I Wayan Juniartha, Tampak
Siring, Bali — President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
said Friday that Timor Leste President Xanana
Gusmao’s decision to submit a report — detailing
alleged human rights abuses by the Indonesian
Military in the former Indonesian province — to
the UN was a domestic matter.

"President Xanana has briefed me on the submission
of the document," Yudhoyono said of the report by
the UN-sanctioned Commission for Reception, Truth
and Reconciliation (CAVR).

"Of course, I can understand because, in fact,
(the report) is a domestic issue and internal
process of Timor Leste, and a matter between Timor
Leste and the UN." Xanana provided the report to
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in January.

Yudhoyono and Xanana conducted a joint press
conference at the conclusion of one-day bilateral
talks held at Tampak Siring Presidential Palace in
a hill resort about 50 kilometers from Denpasar.

The meeting was attended by dozens of high-ranking
civil and military officials from both countries,
including newly installed Indonesian Military
chief Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto and Timor Leste
Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta.

The CAVR report provides a chronological detailing
of the alleged abuses from 1975, when Indonesia
invaded the former Portuguese colony, through
1999, when the Timorese voted for independence.

The report alleges that the military used
starvation and sexual violence as weapons to
control the territory. It also accuses soldiers of
using napalm and chemical weapons to poison food
and drinking water.

Jakarta has rejected the findings, and legislators
have said Indonesia should sever ties with Timor
Leste, regardless of Xanana’s speech at the UN
that all parties — including Portuguese,
Indonesia and some East Timorese groups — "were
responsible for the abusive acts".

Yudhoyono said he carefully reviewed the speech,
and it convinced him that Xanana was deeply
committed to continue the process of dealing in a
constructive framework based on reconciliation.

"The important thing for me is that we keep
holding on to our understanding and commitment
that the issues must be resolved in a fair,
truthful and reconciliatory way, and without
sacrificing the need and hope of the two nations
for a better relationship in the future,"
Yudhoyono stated.

During Friday’s meeting, the two countries also
received a progress report filed by the Commission
of Truth and Friendship (CTF), a team which was
established by the two countries to investigate
the alleged human rights violation after
Indonesia’s occupation in 1999.

CTF chairman Benjamin Mangkoedilaga, who is
Indonesian, said the team has so far interviewed
members of the judicial panel and prosecutors
involved in trying alleged human rights violators
held by the military authority in Timor Leste
before, during and after the UN-sanctioned 1999
ballot.

Benjamin previously said the commission also
planned to interview several military figures,
including former military chief Gen. (ret)
Wiranto, about the alleged rights abuses.

However, he dodged a question on whether the
commission would treat the CAVR report as a key
source document in its ongoing investigation. "We
just received the CAVR report last night and we
have to study it carefully before making any
judgment," he said.

Ministers from both countries also discussed
various border-related issues, including on
traditional border crossings and traditional
markets.

---

Timor rules out compensation from Indonesia

Agence France Presse - February 13, 2006

Lisbon — East Timor will not seek compensation
from Indonesia after the publication of a report
blaming Jakarta for over 100,000 deaths during its
occupation, East Timor’s Prime Minister Mari
Alkatiri said in an interview Monday.

"Collective justice should prevail over individual
justice. We can’t now find among the people victim
A, B or C," he said in an interview published in
daily Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias. "If
the entire people suffered to gain independence,
the compensation for this suffering was
independence," he added.

Last month East Timor’s President Xanana Gusmao
submitted an independent report to the United
Nations which concluded Indonesia killed up to
180,000 East Timorese through massacres, torture
and starvation during its 24-year military
occupation.

The report of more than 2,000 pages was the fruit
of over three years of work during which more than
7,000 victims testified on human rights violations
committed in East Timor between April 1974 and
October 1999.

Some human rights campaigners have urged the
government of East Timor to draw greater attention
to the report’s accusations of human rights
violations by Indonesia but Alkatiri said the East
Timorese people had to avoid dwelling on the past.

"What would be the goal of this? Create new
conflicts with Indonesia? What would be the point
of that?," he asked.

Indonesia annexed East Timor with the tacit
approval of major powers in 1975, shortly after
former colonial master Portugal abandoned the
territory amid worsening civil war.

But the brutality of the occupation eventually
turned world opinion against Jakarta and led to a
UN-backed vote for independence in 1999. East
Timor gained full independence in May 2002,
becoming the world’s newest nation, after more
than two years of UN stewardship.

---

Babies of war cruelly spirited away

Sydney Morning Herald - February 12, 2006

Tom Hyland — The struggle for East Timor was
played out in the battle for its children, a
landmark report has found.

Some were abducted by departing soldiers, smuggled
out in crates. Others were taken from orphanages.
Some parents were forced or tricked into handing
their children over. Other parents voluntarily
sent them away, hoping they would be cared for,
educated and returned home.

Some never came back and grew up not knowing their
families, their language, religion or culture.
They are East Timor’s lost, stolen generation.

Aidia is the mother of one of them. Thirty years
on, she clings to hope. She’s middle-aged now, old
by East Timor standards. Her child, if she is
still alive, would be in her 30s, maybe with
children of her own. Aidia last saw her daughter
Kustantina in an Indonesian army office some time
after 1975. The child was three at the time.

With his tour of duty at an end, an Indonesian
soldier told Aidia, a widow living in a forced-
resettlement camp, that he had no children of his
own. "I would like to take her home (to
Indonesia),“the soldier said.”I want to give her
an education and after that she can come back."
She never did.

Aidia is illiterate. It was at the height of
Indonesia’s invasion, savage war was raging and
she feared soldiers. In the army office, she
pressed a thumbprint onto documents she didn’t
understand. When the paperwork was done, the
soldier, his bags already packed, left with
Kustantina, and a family was torn apart.

"I only gave away my child because I was afraid.
They had guns and I felt like I didn’t have a
choice," Aidia says. She doesn’t say what she has
endured in the years since. It is a gap that
speaks of an aching, anxious longing.

"I live now with the hope of that man’s promise
that one day my child will come back to me ... I
often go to the edge of the sea, breathe in the
fresh air and remember my child taken from me
across those waters."

Aidia’s story is told in a landmark report on East
Timor’s ordeal under Indonesian occupation. The
2500-page report by the Commission for Reception,
Truth and Reconciliation — entitled Chega!
(Enough! in Portuguese) — documents in harrowing
detail a quarter-century of war, massacre,
torture, forced relocations, starvation and
systematic rape.

Children were not spared. They were forced to
serve on the battlefield and died in massacres, as
well as from bombardment and famine. They were
tortured in detention. Girls as young as 14 were
raped and forced into sexual slavery as "comfort
wives" during a time when soldiers could rape at
will. And then there were those who were simply
taken away.

The commission finds both sides in the conflict
failed to protect children "but the most
reprehensible violations of all kinds were
committed by Indonesia".

A unique dimension to the children’s suffering is
now revealed for the first time. An unknown number
— the commission estimates thousands — were
taken to Indonesia. They may have escaped the
ordeal of those left behind but they and their
parents paid a different price.

Some were taken from combat areas after their
parents were killed or they became separated from
their families, the report says. The commission
heard evidence of hospital staff hiding children
to prevent their removal.

It heard of an eight-month-old girl called
Veronica, taken by a soldier who said he had no
daughters of his own. In payment he gave the
mother a bag of rice.

Some mothers resisted. One girl identified only as
QN was abducted from Ermera by an army officer and
taken to Dili in a box. Her frantic mother traced
her to an army office in Dili, where, despite
being kicked by soldiers she rescued the child.

But the story has no happy ending. Back in Ermera,
the officer raped two of QN’s older sisters, one
of whom subsequently gave birth to a girl. He
subsequently "took this baby girl with him back to
Indonesia. No news of the child’s fate has ever
been received by the family."

Nobody knows how many were taken, but the
commission is confident “several thousand”
children were involved. The removals "took place
along a spectrum from unregulated transfers ...
without consent being sought, to coercion ... to
informed consent". An unknown number of the
children — many of them adults by now — have yet
to be identified.

The commission finds “insufficient evidence” to
say if the removals were official policy. There is
evidence some officers tried to stop lower-ranking
soldiers smuggling out children. But at the same
time, it says officials at the highest levels,
extending to former president Soeharto and his
family, were involved in unregulated removals.

The worst stories come from the harshest early
years of the occupation, between 1976 and 1979,
when a “climate of chaos, coercion and impunity”
created conditions for widespread removals.

Maria Legge Mesquita was taken by soldiers after
her father was killed. She told the commission:
"When the army was ready to leave, after their
tour was over, they took five children, including
me, and put us in crates. We were put in crates,
one per crate, like chickens." She was lucky. A
local family, fearing its children were being
taken, freed Mesquita and the other children.

Soldiers also took children from orphanages at a
time when East Timor had an estimated 40,000
orphans. They preferred light-skinned children,
according to former governor Mario Viegas
Carrascalao. "They liked children with mixed
blood. They were the ones that they took to
Indonesia."

Many of those taken were young boys pressed into
army service as “TBOs” — the Indonesian acronym
for “operations assistants” who carried ammunition
and supplies.

One TBO, Alfredo Alves, told how, at the end of
his unit’s tour, he was placed in a box so
officers wouldn’t see him being loaded on the
departing ship.

"After half an hour we were allowed to get out of
our boxes and I saw Dili fade into the distance. I
felt very sad because I had not seen my mother
since I was taken from the schoolyard in Maubisse.
This happened in February 1980, when I was 13
years old."

By the 1980s, officials sought to regulate
removals to ensure there was parental approval,
but the report concludes that, "in the prevailing
climate of coercion", there was no guarantee
parental permission would be freely given as
“there was almost always an element of duress”.

It was not only soldiers; government officials and
charities took part. While these removals were
better organised, with the stated intention of
caring for children, many were taken without
parental permission. Nor could parents maintain
contact with children once they were taken.

Soeharto family foundations played a prominent
role. In one notorious incident in 1977, 20
children were taken without their parents’
knowledge to Indonesia. Before being sent to an
orphanage, they attended a presidential welcome
where Soeharto declared: "You are our children,
owned by the state, and we will be responsible for
your welfare from now on."

By the 1990s, when Jakarta faced a growing revolt
by East Timorese youth, the government started
programs to transfer children to Indonesia. While
officially aimed at increasing education and job
opportunities, the program had "underlying
political and social motivations" of encouraging a
commitment to integration with Indonesia and
removing potential trouble-makers from East Timor.
It was part of the battle for the hearts and minds
of the young.

The entire struggle for East Timor "was partly
played out in the battle for its children", the
report says. "The widespread practice of removing
children displayed a mindset that, by taking
control of (East Timor’s) territory, Indonesia
also gained unfettered control over its children."

Even where transfers had a humanitarian motive
with parental consent, little effort was made to
ensure children could maintain contact with their
families or return home. Some never saw their
families again. Some of the children prospered in
Indonesia, adopted by families that loved, cared
for and educated them.

But such cases shine feebly in the unremitting
gloom of the commission’s report. A common thread
runs through the children’s experience: the loss
of cultural identity, their language, their names.
Some, taken as babies, were never told they were
East Timorese.

For some this loss and alienation is a wound that
never heals, even when they try to re-connect with
their homeland.

One boy, taken from a Dili orphanage when he was
five years old, was one of 10 children sent to a
state orphanage in Bandung, Java, in 1979.

“I was living in a foreign environment,” he says.
"We never spoke about Timor, we couldn’t speak
(the Timorese language) Tetum, and we didn’t send
letters to Timor. We were brought up as
(Indonesian) children in Java. I didn’t know why I
was there, just that there had been a war in
Timor.

"I was happy to get an education in Bandung but I
felt in my heart that I would always be someone
wondering who he really was. I actually felt like
I had been brainwashed. Eventually I made friends
from Timor but I felt backwards and embarrassed
around them because I couldn’t speak Tetum. I
often had to leave the room or more often I was
silent. I tried to study my own language and
culture.

"Living without my family was also very bitter for
me. Very bitter. Even now if I see a picture of a
mother holding her child, tears well up in my
eyes. It is so sad that I cannot ever feel close
to my family."

[The full CAVR report is at http://www.ictj.org.]

---

’We were put in crates’

Sunday Age - February 12, 2006

Tom Hyland and Lindsay Murdoch, Dili — Thousands
of East Timorese children were shipped to
Indonesia during Jakarta’s occupation and the fate
of many is unknown, says a report that echoes
Australia’s experience with the indigenous "stolen
generation".

In some cases children were abducted by Indonesian
soldiers and smuggled out in boxes, the report by
an independent commission of inquiry has found.

"We were put in crates, one per crate, like
chickens," one woman told the Commission for
Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, known by the
Portuguese acronym CAVR.

The massive report poses a dilemma for Canberra,
which received a copy last week and has already
disputed its findings about Australia’s role in
events leading to independence in 1999. It has
also sparked tensions between East Timor and its
former rulers.

While not publicly released, sections of the
report exposing atrocities during the occupation
from 1975-99 have leaked. East Timor’s Government
was embarrassed when the report was posted on the
website of the US-based International Centre for
Transitional Justice.

The Sunday Age today reveals a previously ignored
section of the report, which alleges children were
taken in uncontrolled removals. An unknown number
remain in Indonesia, some unaware of their true
identities and their families ignorant of their
fate.

Melbourne Catholic auxiliary bishop Hilton Deakin,
a veteran campaigner for East Timorese rights,
predicted a popular outcry in East Timor and
overseas when the report is circulated. "The
little children were the most defenceless of them
all,“Bishop Deakin told The Sunday Age.”Some who were taken away were treated in comfort
and education beyond their wildest dreams. But so
many other ones were abused as sexual objects and
as economic digits in the household."

Predicting the issue would emerge as a major cause
for church and non-government groups, he said: "It
won’t be swept under the carpet when all this is
revealed."

Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s most senior
Catholic bishop, was briefed on the commission’s
work when he met CAVR chairman Aniceto Guterres
Lopes on a visit to Dili last month. He also
inspected the commission’s archives, now stored in
a former Indonesian prison. Cardinal Pell’s office
said he was too busy to be interviewed about his
visit.

A spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer
said human rights issues raised in the report were
"essentially issues for East Timor to work
through". He said references in the report to
Australia’s diplomatic role leading to
independence in 1999 were inaccurate and
undermined the report’s credibility.

He said sections of the report had been questioned
by East Timor’s President Xanana Gusmao and
Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta, referring to
their rejection of calls for Indonesia to pay
reparations and for new war crimes trials.

But in an interview with The Sunday Age in Dili,
Mr Ramos Horta backed the report’s findings on the
“stolen” children. "The findings in the report on
this question do not surprise me,“he said.”The
Indonesians often used the term adoption but most
of the children were stolen, taken without the
approval of the parents."

The removals are revealed in a 2500-page report
alleging horrendous human rights abuses during
Indonesia’s rule, with up to 180,000 civilian
deaths.

The report — titled Chega! ( Enough! in
Portuguese) — alleges children were not spared
during the occupation. Compiled over three years
and drawing on thousands of testimonies, it
alleges children were victims of massacre,
torture, detention and rape. While broad details
of those atrocities are widely known, the report
reveals for the first time the previously taboo
issue of the removal of children.

It alleges some were abducted by soldiers, while
others were taken from orphanages by officials,
charities and religious groups. It alleges some
parents were forced or tricked into handing over
their children.

Others voluntarily sent them thinking they would
be cared for. The report finds "although some
maintained contact with their families and were
eventually able to return, others never came
back ... and their fate or whereabouts are not
known to their families".

Even when children were removed for humanitarian
reasons with parental consent, it says there was
little effort to ensure they could maintain
contact or return home. The report says "several
thousand" were sent to Indonesia.

It finds “insufficient evidence” to say if the
removals were government policy, but alleges
officials including former president Soeharto were
involved. It claims the removals had an underlying
political and strategic motive to ensure young
Timorese became Indonesian.

Joao Goncalves, a leading opposition MP in Dili
who had a relative taken in the late 1970s,
appealed to Jakarta to help reunite parents with
their children. "These Timorese children have a
right to know their identity. And it’s important
for the parents and families to find out if their
children are still alive and well," he said.

Mr Ramos Horta said since independence in 1999
many parents had asked the Government to help
trace their children, many of whom were now
adults.

Dino Kusnadi, spokesman for the Indonesian embassy
in Canberra, said Indonesia rejected the report,
even though Jakarta had yet to officially receive
a copy.

Mr Kusnadi told The Sunday Age: "The report is
only one-sided, based on reports from East Timor.
It’s not endorsed by the East Timorese Government,
let alone verified by the Indonesian Government."

But he said measures to trace children could be
considered by the new Truth and Friendship
Commission, set up by the two governments. "This
will reveal a more balanced report, more forward-
looking. Perhaps that question (of the fate of the
children) may also be discussed within this
commission of friendship."

The Catholic Church in East Timor is set to demand
more be done to reunite families when it formally
receives the report this week. Father Martinho
Gusmao, director of the church’s Peace Commission,
told The Sunday Age a committee would study issues
raised in the report and then list what the church
believes to be the priorities for immediate
action.

A Foreign Affairs spokesman said Australia would
be guided by the preferences of the East Timor
Government.

---

Gusmao sends CAVR report to embassies,
international bodies

Lusa - February 8, 2006

Dili — President Xanana Gusmao sent copies
Wednesday of the East Timorese Truth Commission’s
report on a quarter century of human rights
violations and crimes against humanity, mostly
committed under Indonesian occupation, to foreign
embassies, international institutions and human
rights groups.

In a communique, the technical secretariat of the
CAVR Truth Commission said the embassies,
including the Indonesian and Portuguese missions,
were instructed by GusmC#o to relay the reports to
senior officials in their respective countries.

Extracts of the more than 2,000-page report, which
blames Indonesia for direct or indirect
responsibility in the death of more than 100,000
Timorese, have been widely leaked since Gusmao
first delivered the document to Dili’s parliament
in November.

The President personally delivered a copy to UN
Secretary- General Kofi Annan in New York last
month.

While the report attributes about 10 percent of
the human rights abuses and crimes against
humanity to pro-independence Timorese forces,
especially during the brief 1975 civil war, it
underscores that, in contrast to Indonesia,
Timorese nationalist leaders assumed their
responsibilities and cooperated with the 18-month
inquiry.

---

Dili protests NGO’s publishing CAVR report

Lusa - February 2, 2006

Dili — East Timorese officials strongly
criticized a New York-based human rights group
Thursday for publishing on the Internet without
authorization an official Timorese report on
crimes against humanity that has embarrassed
Indonesia.

President Xanana Gusmao "is very disappointed with
what has happened", a presidential aide told Lusa,
referring to the Jan. 30 action by the
International Center for Transnational Justice
(ICTJ).

The coordinator of the technical secretariat of
the Timorese body that drafted the report, Rev.
Agustinho de Vasconcelos, denounced the ICTJ move
as “unilateral and wrong”.

Prepared by Dili’s CAVR “truth commission”, the
report holds Indonesia primarily responsible for
the death of some 180,000 East Timorese during
Jakarta’s 24-year occupation of the former
Portuguese territory.

The ICTJ "are not authorized to divulge an
official Timorese document without prior consent
or approval", de Vasconcelos said in a communiqui
issued in Dili.

He charged the New York City-based organization
had “not corresponded to the courtesy” shown it
and other NGOs when Gusmao altered his schedule at
the United Nations last month to meet with them
and ask for their “cooperation and understanding”.

Vasconcelos noted that Gusmao, after delivering a
copy of the report to UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan, announced that he would also present copies
to "certain heads of government and donor
countries" before making the document public
sometime before June.

Coinciding with Gusmao’s delivery of the document
to Annan, Jakarta announced it was postponing a
scheduled meeting between President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono and Gusmao for reasons of agenda
conflict.

International media speculated that the
postponement was an indication of Indonesian
displeasure over the Timorese report.

---

UN East Timor report slams Australia

Radio Australia - February 3, 2006

A report to the United Nations has accused
Australia of violating its international duties by
lobbying Jakarta to delay East Timor’s
independence ballot in 1999. The report by East
Timor’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission says
the Foreign Minister Alexander Downer actively
tried to delay the act of self determination by a
number of years, arguing instead that East Timor
should remain an Indonesian province.

Presenter/Interviewer: Anne Barker

Speakers: Kevin Rudd, Labor Party spokesperson for
Foreign Affairs

Barker: East Timor’s Truth and Reconciliation
Commission has spent three years collating
evidence about human rights abuses under
Indonesia’s 25-year occupation.

The massive report runs to 2,500 pages and
documents thousands of witness accounts of
killings, rape, torture and detention from 1974
right up to the independence ballot in 1999.

The report was handed to the United Nations two
weeks ago, but the East Timorese Government is yet
to release it publicly. Much of the blame and
accountability is sheeted home to the Indonesian
Government and militia groups, but Australia too
comes in for some criticism.

In Chapter Eight, the Commission finds that
Australia contributed significantly to denying the
people of East Timor their right to self-
determination both before and during the
Indonesian occupation.

In the early years, it says Australia was well
placed to influence the course of events in East
Timor, but rather than playing the role of honest
broker, it tilted sharply in favour of Indonesia.

It says "Had Australia given greater weight to the
right of the East Timorese to self-determination
and to the inviolability of its sovereign
territory in its dealings with Indonesia, it may
have been able to avert the Indonesian use of
force.

"The Commission finds that during the Indonesian
occupation, successive Australian governments not
only failed to respect the right of the East
Timorese people to self-determination, but
actively contributed to the violation of that
right."

Barker: The report acknowledges the leading role
Australia played in the international force that
ultimately ended the violence and bloodshed of
1999, and notes that Australia has consequently
tended to portray itself as a liberator of East
Timor.

But it contrasts this with the actions of Foreign
Minister Alexander Downer, who it says in fact
tried to stop East Timor from attaining
independence.

It says:

"Even when President Habibie was moving towards
his decision to offer the East Timorese a choice
between remaining part of Indonesia and
independence, the Australian Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer made it clear that his Government
believed that it should be several years before
the east Timorese exercised their right to make
that choice.“”The actions of the Government of Australia in
supporting Indonesia’s attempted forcible
integration of East Timor was in violation of its
duties under the general principles of
international law to support and refrain from
undermining the legitimate right of East Timorese
people to self determination."

Barker: Mr Downer is travelling overseas and
unavailable for comment, but his office today said
Australia’s position on East Timor was clearly
articulated at the time, that the Government
supported the act of self-determination, but the
timing of the independence vote was something to
be negotiated between Dili and Jakarta.

The Opposition’s Foreign Spokesman Kevin Rudd says
he’ll be raising the matter in Federal Parliament.

Kevin Rudd: Alexander Downer over the last five
years has always tried to depict himself as the
hero of East Timor’s independence. It would be
remarkable if the same hero of East Timor’s
independence was found to have argued actively
against East Timor’s independence in his private
diplomatic dealings with the Indonesian Government
at the time. That’s why when Parliament resumes I
will be placing a number of questions to Mr Downer
precisely about his communications with Jakarta at
that time.

---

Rape a weapon of war in Timor occupation

The Australian - January 30, 2006

Sian Powell — In September 1999, a young East
Timorese woman was brought to a militia post in
Gleno. In the days immediately after the
independence ballot, she was at the mercy of men
who had lost the fight to keep East Timor within
Indonesia.

A former militia gangster, Francisco Martins, told
the independent Commission for Reception, Truth
and Reconciliation that he had seen the young
woman in Gleno after she had been abused so
violently she could hardly walk.

The militia commander had brought her in, and that
evening Martins saw four militia gangsters from
his Darah Merah Integrasi gang (Red Blood for
Integration) take her away to rape her.

The next morning he saw her again, covered in
blood. "She cried and asked our help to take her
to the church,“he said.”It was only then I knew
they had raped her because she couldn’t walk, she
was stumbling." After the rapes, the woman was
returned to the militia post, tied up and finally
killed.

The cycle of rape and sexual violence, entrenched
in East Timor since the Indonesian invasion,
accelerated in 1999, according to the commission,
which found rape had been used as a weapon of war.

The commission’s 2500-page report on Indonesia’s
24-year occupation of East Timor carefully
documents the tragic history of the executions,
the massacres, the torture and the deliberate
starvation of the East Timorese. Still to be
publicly released, it has already soured relations
between Indonesia and its one-time territory. A
visit by East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao to
Jakarta to present the report to Indonesian
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was cancelled
last week.

The report, obtained by The Australian, makes it
clear that in many ways the women of East Timor
were the real victims of the occupation. Rape, it
found, was used by the Indonesian military to
splinter the resistance, and the sexual violence
sharply accelerated in the months before and after
the independence ballot in August 1999.

"Rape, sexual slavery and sexual violence were
tools used as part of the campaign designed to
inflict a deep experience of terror, powerlessness
and hopelessness upon pro-independence
supporters," the commission found, noting that
93per cent of sexual violations during the
occupation were committed by the Indonesian armed
forces and their militia proxies.

Women who supported the resistance were
particularly at risk. One wife of a Falantil
resistance fighter told the commission she was
kept captive in Manufahi in 1981. "We were
continually raped for seven months, although I was
already old and my daughter-in-law was pregnant,"
she said.

Based on interviews with nearly 8000 witnesses
from East Timor’s 13 districts and 65 sub-
districts, the report concludes the rapes
constituted a war crime, and those responsible
were guilty of crimes against humanity.

Although it only heard testimony concerning 853
sexual violations, the true number was in the
thousands, the report says.

Unlike the East Timorese men, whose war wounds
were honoured by their compatriots, raped and
violated East Timorese women were often shunned by
their husbands, families and communities, as well
as by the Catholic Church.

In a society which values virginity and chastity
and abhors any form of adultery, rape victims have
tried to keep their shame silent. Yet many,
including those who were impregnated by Indonesian
soldiers, police officers or militia gang members,
have had their lives blighted.

The commission documents the cases of women who
were forced to become “military wives”, women who
were raped in front of their children, and the
rapes of pregnant women, the sexual torture of
women — including the use of cigarettes to burn
their nipples and genitals.

"The purpose was also to humiliate and dehumanise
the East Timorese people,“the commission found.”It was an attempt to destroy their will to
resist, to reinforce the reality that they were
utterly powerless and subject to the cruel and
inhuman whims of those who controlled the
situation with guns."

One young woman told the commission she saw her
relatives murdered in the Suai church massacre in
late 1999. She was then forced into a nearby
school building, repeatedly raped by militia
members, and forcibly transported over the border
to West Timor.

One militia man found her in the West Timor camp.
“He said he had been looking for me for two days,”
she said. "He hit me with his handmade weapon
right in the mouth, kicked me in the chest and hit
my back in front of several people. That night he
moved me to his house and raped me again.

"I was with this man for three months and sixteen
days. During the day he would go out and keep me
locked inside a room and when he returned he would
open the door and do it again."

One young woman was abducted when she was two
months’ pregnant and detained in a notorious
torture centre, the Flamboyan Hotel in Baucau, for
six months. "She was stripped naked, electrocuted
and raped in a standing position," the commission
found. "The torture and rape she endured were so
brutal that in the end she agreed to become the
’wife’ of a member of Battalion 744 in order to
secure her release."

Documenting the sexual slavery, the commission
found the "ownership in these cases was either
individual or collective," and women were often
passed on when troops were rotated out of East
Timor. The military kept lists of women who could
be used for sex, and handed the lists to their
successors.

One woman, forced into years of sexual slavery,
had five children from five different military
fathers. "The father of my first child, who died,
was from the Komando Unit," she told the
commission. "The father of the second child was
from Unit 412. The third was from Unit 413. I
forgot the name and unit of the fourth child’s
father.“These”military wives" told the commission they
felt soiled and shamed. The report notes that one
woman had been referred to as a “war prize”,
another said she “felt like an animal”. Many said
they felt like whores, and there are cases of
mental instability, as well as cases of women who
never recovered to marry and live a normal life.

"The victims’ testimonies clearly show there was a
widely accepted practice for members of the
security forces to rape and sexually torture women
while on official duty, in military installations
and other official buildings," the commission
found. "These practices were covered by almost
total impunity."

One woman from Mauchiga told the commission she
was raped by four soldiers in 1982, when she was
heavily pregnant.

"When they finished I was crying. But what did
they say? ’Why are you crying? Our penis is the
same as your husband’s. We did it so your baby
will come out quickly’. After saying that they
left me. I managed to stand up by holding on to
the trees around me and walked back to our place."
She gave birth the next morning.

---

Federal government sidesteps Timor accusations

Australian Associated Press - February 2, 2006

The federal government has sidestepped accusations
it wanted East Timor to remain a province of
Indonesia and delay its bid for independence.

The final report of East Timor’s truth and
reconciliation commission says Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer wanted to delay the 1999 poll by
several years.

The commission, known by its Portuguese acronym
CAVR, has been collecting evidence from thousands
of witnesses for the past three years about
Indonesia’s annexing of the former Portuguese
colony in 1975.

Its 2,500-page report, which shows that up to
183,000 East Timorese died as a result of the 24-
year occupation, was handed to the United Nations
two weeks ago.

The commission found that Australia "contributed
significantly to denying the people of Timor-Leste
their right to self-determination before and
during the Indonesian occupation".

It also says it was in Australia’s interests for
East Timor to remain part of Indonesia. Mr Downer
wanted to delay the vote, CAVR says.

"The commission finds that, even when (former
president BJ) Habibie was moving towards his
decision to offer the East Timorese a choice
between remaining part of Indonesia and
independence, the Australian Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer made it clear that his government
believed that it should be several years before
the East Timorese exercised their right to make
that choice and that it would be preferable from
an Australian point of view if Timor-Leste
remained legally part of Indonesia."

But the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(DFAT) has now said Australia made it clear at the
time it supported self-determination for East
Timor.

"Australia’s policy position at the time was
clearly articulated that reconciliation in East
Timor be would best served by the holding of an
act of self-determination and the issue was
essentially a matter for the parties involved to
resolve,“a DFAT spokesman said.”Australia consistently urged that the East
Timorese be directly involved in the consideration
of their future and made it clear that Australia
would accept an outcome negotiated between East
Timor and Jakarta." The East Timor government had
not yet officially released the CAVR report, the
spokesman said.

Australia accepted the result of the result of the
referendum held in 1999, in which the East
Timorese voted overwhelmingly to break free from
Indonesia.

But the Commission for Reception, Truth and
Reconciliation said Australia violated its
obligations under international law by backing the
bigger neighbour’s push to take over East Timor in
1975.

Australia was influenced by a desire to get the
most it could out of maritime boundary
negotiations affecting oil and gas reserves in the
Timor Sea, it found.

"The commission finds that during the Indonesian
occupation successive Australian governments not
only failed to respect the right of the East
Timorese people to self-determination, but
actively contributed to the violation of that
right."

Labor says it will be raising the matter in
parliament when it resumes next week.

---

Downer told Indonesia to delay Timor independence

Australian Associated Press - February 1, 2006

Canberra — Australia wanted East Timor to remain
an Indonesian province and Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer lobbied Jakarta to delay a vote
for independence, a report to the UN has found.

East Timor’s truth and reconciliation commission
has been collecting evidence from thousands of
witnesses for the past three years about
Indonesia’s annexing of the former Portuguese
colony in 1975.

Its final report, which shows that up to 183,000
East Timorese died as a result of the occupation,
was handed to the United Nations two weeks ago.

The 2,500-page report was published this week on
the website of the United States-based
International Centre for Transitional Justice.

In it, the commission says that Australia
"contributed significantly to denying the people
of Timor-Leste their right to self-determination
before and during the Indonesian occupation".

In order to maintain a good relationship with
Indonesia, Australia violated its obligations
under international law and backed the bigger
neighbour’s push to take over East Timor in 1975,
the commission said.

Australia also was influenced by a desire to get
the most it could out of maritime boundary
negotiations affecting oil and gas reserves.

"The commission finds that Australian policy
towards Indonesia and Timor-Leste (in the lead-up
to the invasion) was influenced... by an
assessment that it would achieve a more favourable
outcome to the negotiations on the maritime
boundary in the Timor (Sea) if it was dealing with
Indonesia, rather than with Portugal or an
independent Timor-Leste on the issue."

In addition, Australia gave Indonesia economic and
military assistance throughout the 24-year
occupation and advocated on its behalf in the
international community, the commission said.

But it also made special mention of the more
recent role of Mr Downer prior to the vote for
independence in 1999. Mr Downer lobbied Indonesia
to delay the poll because it was in Australia’s
interests for it to remain part of the
archipelago, the commission said.

"The commission finds that, even when (former
president BJ) Habibie was moving towards his
decision to offer the East Timorese a choice
between remaining part of Indonesia and
independence, the Australian Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer made it clear that his government
believed that it should be several years before
the East Timorese exercised their right to make
that choice and that it would be preferable from
an Australian point of view if Timor-Leste
remained legally part of Indonesia.

"The actions of the government of Australia in
supporting Indonesia’s attempted forcible
integration of Timor-Leste was in violation of its
duties, under the general principles of
international law, to support and refrain from
undermining the legitimate right of the East
Timorese people to self-determination and to take
positive action to facilitate the realisation of
this right," it said.

Mr Downer was travelling in London and could not
be contacted for comment. The Commission for
Reception, Truth and Reconciliation found that up
to 183,000 East Timorese were killed, disappeared,
starved or died of illnesses linked to Indonesia’s
actions.

==================

WEST TIMOR/REFUGEES

==================

Sarah Lery Mboeik: Fighting against state hegemony

Jakarta Post - February 22, 2006

Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta — The woman, dressed
somewhat provocatively, was conversing with some
East Timorese militiamen.

She was there not for a pleasure, but to speak on
behalf of dozens of East Timorese children and
women hopelessly cramped into massive refugee
camps near the border town of Atambua, West Nusa
Tenggara.

The woman, Sarah Lery Mboeik, had never thought
how thankful people would be until she was given
the Yap Thiam Hiem award in 1999 for her
dedication to the cause of human rights in this
country. The award is granted in conjunction with
commemoration of World Human Rights Day, which
falls on Dec. 10.

"After the 1999 ballot for independence in East
Timor, many East Timorese men changed their mind,
from initially joining the Indonesian Military, to
supporting the independence of their own land,"
said the dark-skinned woman, known as Lery to her
friends.

"Joining the guerrillas, East Timorese men hid in
mountainous areas shortly after the UN announced
victory for the proindependence group. Their wives
and children, however, were forced to take refuge
when massive destruction was visited upon the
towns," she said.

In the refugee camps, the women and children were
held “hostage” as they were placed in camps
controlled by pro-Jakarta groups and were not
allowed to go anywhere unless their husbands or
fathers showed up from their hideouts.

Male activists would find it difficult to
infiltrate the camps to save the women and
children, and Lery found herself volunteering to
help. "I don’t smoke, I don’t wear short pants.
But if that was the only way out, I was prepared
to do it," she recalled.

She began to “traffic” children and women from the
camps, while her activist colleagues waited not
too far away to take the refugees to places of
safety.

It was never easy, though. Some of the children
cried bitterly as she tried to take them out,
while Lery tried her best to make them believe
that she would not harm them.

"Only after the militiamen realized that I was an
activist did they try to hunt me down. I faced all
kinds of terror since that time," she said,
smiling.

Tough origins

Born on the small island of Rote in East Nusa
Tenggara province, on Feb. 20, 1965, Lery had a
tough family upbringing. Her parents were teachers
at local schools who had to support seven
children, including her. She struggled against the
economic hardship by becoming a hired hand, even
though she was still a high school student.

Lery, a mother of three, continued her studies at
Nusa Cendana University school of agriculture from
1983 through 1988, and became a part-time worker
at a local commodities warehouse for a paltry
wage. At other times, she helped friends with
their research, to supplement her income.

Only after leaders of a local church, Gereja
Masehi Injili di Timur (GMIT), asked her to join
the Alpha Omega foundation in 1988 did she begin
to see that many others suffered even more than
her. Worse still, they could do little to defend
themselves because they were powerless against an
abusive administration.

This was during the authoritarian regime of former
president Soeharto. The New Order ruler granted
his cronies the right to exploit millions of
hectares of forest across Indonesia, including
those supporting indigenous and tribal groups.

As a student with an agriculture background, Lery
was concerned at the increase in what she called
“land defilement”, which occurred in her hometown
as well as in southern Central Timor, Amarasi and
Amfoang — all in West Nusa Tenggara.

In the 1990s, the government established an
Industrial Plantation Forest (HTI), which caused
degradation and deforestation. For Lery, HTI
became a hot issue.

One particular perfidious case occurred in the
early 1990s when a local authority granted rights
to a 300-hectare plot of land, belonging to
villagers in southern Central Timor, to timber
tycoon Muhammad “Bob” Hasan, who ran plantation
company PT Fendi Hutani Lestari.

Backed by the military, Bob’s men instructed the
villagers to relinquish their land. Those who
stood against the order were detained by the local
military, physically abused and intimidated.

"I staged a rally asking the military to free
local leaders," she said. Instead of listening to
her demands, the military put her in a cell, only
releasing her after days of interrogation.

Some military officers even branded her with the
tried and true label “communist sympathizer”, a
traumatic way the New Order regime used to
stigmatize its opponents. That incident occurred
when she was six months pregnant.

Lery later joined the Alpha-Omega foundation and
was with them for about four years.

Networking overseas

Together with friends, she established the
Institute of Information and Advocacy for the
People (PIAR) in 1997. PIAR is a non-governmental
organization that provides legal advocacy for
local people struggling with land ownership
problems.

The NGO also provides assistance to the locals in
defending their traditions and cultures, and in
the sustainable exploitation of natural resources.
Under the PIAR banner, Lery also mediated a
peaceful settlement for villagers involved in
tribal conflict.

Lery has also been regularly networking with other
human rights activists abroad. She has
participated in international forums and been
involved with comparative studies on social and
environment issues in several countries, including
the Philippines, Australia, Thailand and Brazil.

In cooperation with the environmental organization
Yayasan Kehati, Lery once published a local paper
that ran stories on the environment. She had hoped
that people could get free information and share
knowledge by reading it.

"I want them to have the courage to improve
themselves for I may not always be there to assist
them," Lery said.

Her long, extraparliamentary journey has made her
realize that local people need sincere political
representatives to fight for their rights against
state hegemony.

Lery made her political debut when she joined the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in
1999, but shortly afterward realized that her
political stance could not be reconciled with the
party’s vested interests. "I quit the party due to
a difference of ideas," she said.

During the 2004 legislative elections, she
contested a seat to represent Rote, Kupang city
and Kupang regency, West Manggarai and Belu —
where all of her real support base existed.

Lery won more than 100,000 votes. But she failed
to win a seat on the local council after another
politician from a major party got more votes than
her.

"I lost the race because I may not have had much
money to buy the necessary number of votes. That
is the political reality here: Money really does
buy power, but I believe that such a situation
will cease to exist someday," she said.

---

Family will not give up hunt for daughter

Sydney Morning Herald - February 12, 2006

Lindsay Murdoch, Dili — Siti Bariah buys bananas
and sells them in Dili’s crowded markets, barely
making enough money to feed eight of her children
and her ailing husband.

But seven times now she has borrowed money for the
bus fare across East Timor’s rugged mountains to
Indonesian West Timor, where she has angrily
confronted a man she accuses of holding her 21-
year-old daughter, Modesta Sofian, against her
will.

“I will not give up,” Mrs Siti says. "I know that
Modesta would return to her family in East Timor
if she could."

For more than five years, non-government
organisations and the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees have tried to return
Modesta to her parents.

She is one of an unknown number — possibly
thousands, according to East Timor’s Commission
for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation — who
were taken from their parents during Indonesia’s
25-year occupation of East Timor. Some have not
been returned.

Mahmud Alkatiri, a senior Indonesian Government
official, took Modesta, then 15, and her then 13-
year-old sister, Daumali, into his home in the
West Timor capital, Kupang, after the two girls
fled the violence that erupted in East Timor after
the 1999 vote for independence.

Mr Alkatiri, a former government official in East
Timor, had owned a house opposite the shack where
the girls grew up in the Dili suburb of Comoro. He
told them that Indonesian-backed militia,
rampaging in protest at the vote, would rape and
kill them if they did not come to live with him.

But Mr Alkatiri reneged on a promise he made in
2000 to allow Modesta to return home and has since
variously claimed she has run away, has already
been sent back to East Timor or does not want to
return because she is living with a wealthy family
in Jakarta.

Daumali, now 19, shakes with anger as she tells
how Modesta wanted desperately to return to Dili
in March 2000, the last time she saw her. "We were
crying. My parents had come to Kupang to collect
us from Mahmud," she said.

Mr Alkatiri brought the girls to a ship in Kupang
harbour. He allowed Daumali to be reunited with
Mrs Siti and her husband, Fernando Morais, who
were told the security situation in Kupang was too
dangerous for them to leave the ship.

But after ordering Modesta to return to his car,
he convinced her parents that he would bring her
back to Dili with him in a few months, after she
had finished her school term. The family has not
seen or heard from her since.

Daumali said that when she and Modesta were living
in Mr Alkatiri’s house they cooked, cleaned and
washed for him. He did not pay them and often
became angry when they did not work hard enough.

Daumali said that Mr Alkatiri, who is one of the
officers running the department in West Timor that
is responsible for refugees, told her and Modesta
in early 2000 that it was too dangerous for them
to return to East Timor.

"He told us that all the girls in East Timor are
forced to sleep with United Nations soldiers," she
said. "We had no way of finding out if it was
true. I miss my sister very much. I know she
misses me."

Mrs Siti has repeatedly confronted Mr Alkatiri at
his home. "If you have killed Modesta, please tell
us so that we know,“she said she told him.”If
you have sent her to be a prostitute, please tell
us."

East Timor President Xanana Gusmao has raised
Modesta’s case, as well as others, with Indonesian
authorities. It is one of 49 active cases being
pursued by Dili’s Social Securities Department.
Twelve cases relate to children whose whereabouts
are unknown.

The department wants to review 1156 cases in which
guardianship has been transferred from East
Timorese parents.

Indonesian officials have told East Timorese
officials that Modesta’s case is difficult to
solve because she is now an adult and can decide
for herself where she wants to live.

But East Timor claims Indonesia is obliged to act
under a Memorandum of Understanding between the
two countries because Modesta was only 15 when she
was taken by Mr Alkatiri. "Progress in these cases
is painfully slow," an official in Dili said.

Police in Kupang have demanded that Modesta’s
family produce witnesses to prove who Modesta is
and that the matter then be settled by an
Indonesian court.

Mrs Siti hopes to scrape together enough money so
that Daumali can travel to Kupang to testify. "We
don’t have much but she belongs here with her
family," Mrs Siti said.

===================

HUMAN RIGHTS/LAW

===================

Crimes will go to trial, Timor prosecutor says

Jakarta Post - February 22, 2006

Tiarma Siboro, Timor-Leste — Prosecutions of
crimes against humanity in Timor Leste will not be
affected by the diplomatic approach taken by the
country and Indonesia, Timor Leste’s general
prosecutor says.

Longinos Monteiro’s remarks followed a closed-door
meeting with the Commission for Truth and
Friendship. The team was established by Indonesia
and Timor Leste to investigate alleged human
rights abuses that took place around the 1999 UN-
backed referendum for independence in Indonesia’s
former province.

"Monteiro told us that the commission and the
prosecutors in Timor Leste are playing different
roles in dealing with alleged rights abuses. We
believe that he (Monteiro) is right because the
commission has been mandated not to interfere into
the ongoing legal process here," Timorese
commission member Cirilo J. Cristovao told The
Jakarta Post soon after the meeting Monday.

The commission is on its first visit to the new
nation after it was created Aug. 11, 2005.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Timor Leste
President Xanana Gusmao have said they will work
toward reconciliation rather than prosecute those
believed to be the masterminds of the gross human
rights violations.

Any prosecutions could involve bringing high-
ranking Indonesian Military officers to an
international tribunal, as activists have
suggested.

Monteiro leads the prosecution team of the UN-
sanctioned Serious Crimes Unit, which deals with
alleged crimes against humanity.

Cristovao said the general prosecutor had so far
handed more than 86 cases involving pro-Jakarta
militiamen to Timor Leste’s special panel for
serious crimes. Eighty-three of the 86 cases have
been legally processed.

The prosecutors, however, did not submit cases
against several Indonesian Military figures
because “they reside outside of our jurisdiction”.

Cristovao said the commission would review all the
legal documents issued by Timor Leste’s serious
crime unit. "Similarly, we have already reviewed
all the legal documents issued by Indonesia’s
prosecutors and ad hoc human rights tribunals," he
said.

He said the commission’s mandate only enabled it
to give recommendations to both administrations,
"and let them deal with the cases with regards to
their own national legal systems".

In 2002, Monteiro indicted and issued arrest
warrants for several Indonesian generals,
including former Indonesian armed forces chief
Gen. (ret) Wiranto and former martial law
commander Maj. Gen. (ret) Kiki Syahnakrie.

Syahnakrie was assigned to stop the widespread
violence, looting and destruction of buildings by
pro-Indonesian militias shortly after the
independence supporters won the referendum.
However, there is evidence TNI troops took part in
the violence.

---

’Criminalise defamation and see democracy die’

Interpress News - February 13, 2006

Sonny Inbaraj, Dili — Jose Ximenes, news editor
of the popular ’Timor Post’ daily, shook his head
in disgust. "East Timor’s independence and peace
were achieved at great cost. We cannot remain
silent while some of our leaders endanger our
press freedom and undermine our hard-won
democratic accomplishments," he told IPS
emphatically.

What irks Ximenes and the whole media community in
the world’s newest nation is a three-year jail
sentence that journalists will face for defamation
in the recently amended penal code, as a result of
an executive decree signed by Prime Minister Mari
Alkatiri.

On Dec. 6, Alkatiri approved a decree revising the
penal code, which had been passed by national
parliament. The revisions allow for up to three
years of imprisonment and unlimited fines for
publishing statements deemed defamatory of public
officials.

"This decree-law threatens the fearless nature of
a free press,“said news editor Ximenes.”It has
the frightening effect of silencing not only
individual journalists charged but the media
community as a whole," he added.

Ximenes is worried that his reporters will be
restrained in their efforts to criticise those in
power. "My reporters, in particular the ones new
to the profession, could be practicing self-
censorship motivated by fear."

International press freedom groups point out that
criminal defamation laws are unnecessary in a
democracy and that prison penalties for such
charges undercut the fundamental democratic
principle of free expression.

"Criminal defamation is an affront to free speech
in East Timor," said the Brussels-based
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in a
Feb. 10 statement. "The steps to building a
democracy are not paved with draconian laws which
punish journalists for doing their work," added
IFJ’s president Christopher Warren.

In a letter to East Timor’s President Xanana
Gusmao, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
in New York, said the bill threatens journalists
whose reports on public officials or government
institutions might be considered defamatory, even
if the facts are fairly and accurately represented
and are reported in good faith.

"Your nation’s stated commitment to a free press
and to democracy is undermined by measures that
provide special protection to public officials,"
added Ann Cooper, CPJ’s executive director, in the
Jan. 13 letter to Xanana.

"We believe criminal defamation laws are
unnecessary in a democracy and that prison
penalties for such charges undercut the
fundamental democratic principle of free
expression.“Cooper appealed to Xanana”not to
sign this legislation, and to challenge the
political process that allowed such a bill to get
to this stage without a full public debate."

East Timor’s road to independence — achieved on
May 20, 2002 — was long and traumatic. The people
of the first new nation of the century suffered
some of the worst atrocities of modern times. A
quarter of the population is thought to have died
during Indonesia’s 25-year occupation that ended
in 1999.

Indonesia finally agreed in August 1999 to let the
East Timorese choose between independence and
local autonomy. Militia loyal to Indonesia,
apparently assisted by the military, tried in vain
to use terror to discourage a vote for
independence.

When the referendum showed overwhelming support
for independence, the loyalists went on the
rampage, murdering hundreds and reducing towns to
ruins. Even the media was not spared; the
territory’s only newspaper office was burnt to the
ground and all printing machines in the capital,
Dili, were destroyed.

An international peacekeeping force eventually
halted the mayhem and paved the way for a United
Nations mission that helped this nation of a
million people Timor to get back on its feet.

The rebuilding of East Timor has been one of the
UN’s success stories. Working with donor agencies,
the UN also helped revive independent media
outlets in the militia-destroyed territory.

Today, reconstructed media in East Timor grapples
with the challenges of rebuilding a nation and
have an increasingly important role in developing
democracy.

As the campaign to stop criminal defamation in
East Timor gathers momentum both in the country
and overseas, the ball now lies in President
Xanana’s court. He has yet to use his
constitutional right to veto this decree-law and
is awaiting a legal opinion from the appellate
court.

"The president has not yet promulgated the penal
code as he is awaiting the appellate court’s
recommendations, and is also considering public
opinion on the (defamation) articles," Lusitania
Cornelia Lopes, the president’s chief spokeswoman
told IPS.

But signals from the court have not been
encouraging. Court president, Claudio Ximenes,
told reporters on Feb. 3 that in his opinion as a
lawyer, the defamation articles in the penal code
“are not dangerous to democracy” in East Timor.
"The situation in East Timor is different from
other countries and this article will ensure
social stability and democracy in the nation," he
also said.

He added that several European countries, such as
Spain, Germany and Italy, also have similar laws
criminalising defamation. "And these countries are
advanced democracies,“he pointed out.”So we do
not have grounds to say these defamation articles
will endanger democracy."

But president of the Timor Lorosae Journalists
Association, Virgilio da Silva Guterres,
disagrees. Guterres said the law favours public
officials and government leaders and protects them
from criticism. In his opinion, it offers little
protection for reporting facts that may be
construed as defamation.

"The chilling effect of this law will be to
prevent people, particularly journalists, to
pursue the truth because of the three- year
imprisonment as stipulated in this decree law,"
Guterres said.

Local legal experts also point out that this
decree law goes against the country’s constitution
and certain international laws signed by East
Timor.

"This decree law violates the East Timor
constitution," said Tiago Sarmento, director of
the Judicial System Monitoring Programme, a Dili-
based legal watchdog.

"It violates article 6, which speaks about the
goals of the state, article 40 about freedom of
expression and information and also article 41
about freedom of the press and other
communications media,“Sarmento pointed out.”It also goes against the International Convention
on Civil and Political Rights, which has also been
ratified by the East Timor government."

---

Concern over defamation law

Green Left Weekly - February 8, 2006

Jon Lamb — Journalists and human-rights
organisations within East Timor and
internationally are increasingly concerned about
the consequences of a new penal code on
defamation, which includes the penalty of up to
three years’ imprisonment for defaming a public
figure. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri signed an
executive decree approving the proposed law in
December. It is now waiting to be signed into law
by President Xanana Gusmao.

Journalists and legal experts within East Timor
are dismayed that the defamation law has got this
far without any parliamentary debate or public
consultation. According to the South East Asian
Press Alliance (SEAPA), "The new laws will
dissuade journalists from speaking up on good
governance and transparency in the conduct of the
state affairs“and”It will also stifle the
freedom of expression the East Timorese need to
participate in and advance their hard-won
democracy".

Under Article 176 of the law, the term of
imprisonment for defamation has been doubled from
one to two years. In instances where the
defamation is both through the media and is deemed
to have been committed against individuals
performing "public, religious or political
duties", the term of imprisonment is increased to
three years. There is no limit on the level of
fines that can be imposed.

In the context of East Timor’s relatively new and
poorly resourced judiciary and presidential and
with national assembly elections due in 2007,
SEAPA warned that "Criminal defamation provisions
could be misapplied or broadly interpreted, to the
detriment of freedom of expression".

The International Press Institute has written to
Gusmao stating its concerns over the law, noting
that "in seeking to replace the Indonesian Penal
Code, the East Timorese government is merely
replacing one repressive law with another".

=====================

NEWS & ISSUES

=====================

Political post for East Timor accused

The Australian - February 23, 2006

Sian Powell, Jakarta — Indicted for crimes
against humanity by Indonesia and East Timor,
feared militia leader Eurico Guterres has now been
elected regional chairman of one of Indonesia’s
larger political parties.

Guterres, previously associated with Indonesia’s
two main parties — Golkar and the Democratic
Party of Struggle — will head the National
Mandate Party’s (PAN) East Nusa Tenggara chapter,
which takes in West Timor.

A nationalist hero to some prominent Indonesians,
the 34-year-old, who has so far evaded jail, said
his conviction for war crimes was “no problem”.
"There’s no connection with me becoming the leader
of the party," he told The Australian yesterday,
adding that he had always supported PAN.

Guterres led the Aitarak militia based in Dili,
East Timor, in 1999 and publicly incited his
followers to kill independence supporters.

His orders were followed with relish, and
immediately after his speech at a pro-autonomy
rally, he led his gang to attack the house of
pro-independence leader Manuel Carrascalao. Twelve
people were killed, including Carrascalao’s 17-
year-old son.

Convicted by the ad hoc tribunal Indonesia
established after intense international pressure,
Guterres was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

On appeal, this was reduced to five years. A
second appeal to Indonesia’s Supreme Court has
been pending for 20 months, while Guterres has
been free in Indonesia. The native East Timorese
was also indicted for crimes against humanity by
the UN-backed Serious Crimes Unit in East Timor.

As chief of one of the most savage militias in
East Timor, Guterres was directly involved in the
carnage before and after the independence ballot.
More than 1500 East Timorese died in the violence,
towns were razed and as many as 250,000 people
were forcibly transported to Indonesia.

The militia leaders fled across the border. None
of them have been punished for the crimes of 1999,
and many, like Guterres, have forged new lives.

In 2001, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said
Indonesia should move "quickly and decisively
against Guterres“.”As I have made clear previously, Guterres is one
of the most prominent and notorious of the militia
leaders,“he said.”We are deeply disappointed that he has not been
brought to justice for his involvement in the
human rights abuses that occurred in East Timor."

Nearly six years after the carnage, Guterres has
not served a prison term, and he has the support
of leading Indonesian politicians, especially
those in PAN.

One of Indonesia’s larger political parties, with
10 per cent of the seats in the House of
Representatives, PAN was for a long time led by
the highly respected politician Amien Rais, once
the speaker of the national parliament and a
former presidential contender. Guterres has said
that Mr Rais personally invited him to join PAN.

PAN executive Muhammad Najib said Guterres’s
conviction was irrelevant. "That case is outside
our authority, it’s the business of the
Government,“he said.”If later he is found guilty
(by the Supreme Court) we will study the case, and
there are concrete rules for that."

---

Dili’s stray pigs must go: East Timor’s FM

Agence France Presse - February 20, 2006

Dili — Stray pigs roaming free in East Timor’s
capital are a disgrace and must be dealt with
before they affect foreign investment, Foreign
Minister Jose Ramos Horta said Monday.

"I have never found another place in this world,
especially beaches, crowded by pigs that roam
freely and foul public spaces like the beaches" in
Dili, Horta told a press conference on a new hotel
investment here.

If nothing was done to rid the coastal capital of
the beasts, "it could possibly discourage interest
of enterpreneurs to invest in East Timor," Horta
said as he called on the city’s mayor to take
action.

"Dili is a capital. Dili is a barometer of the
economy of Timor Leste because about 80 percent of
economic activity takes place here," the minister
said.

East Timor became the world’s youngest nation in
2002 and is one of Asia’s poorest countries.

---

Pro-Integration supporters ask Fretilin to
disclose crimes

Tempo Interactive - February 17, 2006

Timor Leste — Indonesia residents asked that
Fretilin’s crimes against humanity in the 70’s be
divulged. "It is what is fair, after Timor Leste
reported human rights violation by the Indonesian
Army (TNI) from the 1970’s," said Mateus Maya,
Chief of the Timor Union Aswain in Denpasar, Bali,
yesterday, 16 February.

The former Dili mayor (1986-1999) explained, that
Fretilin (the Timor separation group, one of its
leaders is now president of Timor Leste, Xanana
Gusmao) killed about 100 thousand of Timor Leste’s
people in 1970’s. But, in January, Timor Leste
President Xanana Gusmao submitted the CAVR
(Commission for Reception, Truth and
Reconciliation ) report to the UN without asking
for opinions from pro-integration people. The
report contains TNI’s human rights violations in
the 1970’s.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will meet
Xanana today in the Tapak Siring State Palace in
Bali. Xanana plans to submit and explain about the
report to him. — Rofiqi Hasan

---

Coders bare invasion death count

Wired News - February 9, 2006

Ann Harrison — The citizens of East Timor who
perished during Indonesia’s brutal 24-year
occupation of their tiny island nation might have
died unaccounted for — as many civilians do in
military conflicts around the world. But a group
of determined programmers and statisticians
refused to let that happen.

On Thursday, the Human Rights Data Analysis Group
released a report documenting over 102,000
civilian deaths in the former Portuguese colony,
which occurred from a year prior to the Indonesian
army’s invasion in 1975, to the country’s 1999
independence referendum that formally ended the
occupation.

Group director Patrick Ball says the data included
an estimated 18,600 people who were murdered or
disappeared, and approximately 84,200 citizens who
died due to hunger and illness in excess of what
would be expected during peacetime.

"If people can’t be remembered by name because
they are lost to social memory, the least we can
do is remember how many people died as a result of
the conflict,“said Ball.”By having an accurate
statistical picture of the suffering, we can draw
conclusions about what the causes of the violence
might have been and identify likely perpetrators
with a claim based on thousands of witnesses."

Ball, 40, has spent the last 15 years building
systems and conducting qualitative analysis for
large-scale human rights data projects around the
world. Constantly on the move, he’s worked for
truth commissions, non-government organizations,
tribunals and United Nations missions in El
Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, South
Africa, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Peru and
Columbia. In March 2002, he appeared as an expert
witness in the trial of Serbian strongman Slobodan
Milosevic in the Hague — coolly confronting the
former leader with statistical evidence of his
alleged war crimes against ethnic Albanians.

Ball also helped to design Martus and Analyzer,
two open-source software tools that provide secure
storage and rigorous statistical analysis of human
rights violations data.

To generate the East Timor report, HRDAG
researchers spent three years in the country —
now called Timor-Leste — collecting and analyzing
mountains of raw data. The group marshaled 8,000
testimonies and developed innovative sources of
information, including the first human rights
retrospective mortality survey to determine how
many people died and why.

They surveyed 319,000 graves and used hundreds of
Python, Java and bash shell scripts to build a
huge database of mortality data that contained an
80,000-file directory tree.

While prior information about East Timor focused
on anecdotal accounts, the HRGAD researchers used
comparative analysis of the datasets to uncover
patterns of deaths and build objective evidence of
abuses. The team also developed an array of
descriptive statistical analysis profiling the
scale, pattern and structure of torture, ill-
treatment, arbitrary detention and sexual
violations.

In order to estimate what was missing from the
data, the HRDAG developed software to link
multiple reports of the same death in a technique
called record linkage. They then used multiple
systems estimation to calculate the deaths no one
remembered.

"The Indonesian military has persistently argued
that excess mortality in Timor due to its
occupation of Timor was zero," said Romesh Silva,
a HRDAG field statistician who led the design and
implementation of the project’s data collection.
"This claim can now be tested empirically and
transparently with the tools of science instead of
merely being debated with the tools of political
rhetoric."

The information generated by the HRDAG was
originally requested by the Commission for
Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) in East
Timor, created by the United Nations in 2002 and
now disbanded. The Truth Commission’s East Timor
office was housed in the sweltering cells of a
former political prison. When the tropical heat
threatened to cook his hard drives, Silva
developed a technique of balancing his computers
on the caps of water bottles so he could direct
air from fans underneath the machines.

The Truth Commission completed a report titled
“Chega!” (Portuguese for “Enough!”) in October of
last year and handed it over to Xanana Gusmao,
president of the Democratic Republic of Timor-
Leste who has not yet released it to the public. A
draft version of the report posted by the
International Center for Transitional Justice
charges that the Indonesian armed forces carried
out a systematic plan of murder and destruction
during East Timor’s independence vote in 1999,
which was not the work of rogue military elements
as Indonesia claimed.

The Commission recommended that the UN renew its
special crimes unit to investigate and try human
rights violations. It also said Indonesia should
provide reparations to East Timor and called on
the UN Security Council to set up an international
tribunal to investigate human rights violations
"should other methods be deemed to have failed to
deliver a sufficient measure of justice."

Indonesian government officials declined to
comment on either the HRDAG data or the Truth
Commission report. But Indonesian Defense Minister
Juwono Sudarsono told the Associated Press last
month that "this is a war of numbers and data
about things that never happened."

Mathew Easton, a senior associate at Human Rights
First, a New York-based human rights group, says
President Gusmao has delayed the report’s release
partly because the Timorese government is afraid
it will disrupt its relationship with Indonesia,
its largest economic partner. "The Timorese
leadership has been so vocal about the need to let
sleeping dogs lie that it makes it hard for the
Timorese community and activists to speak out and
advocate for the truth," said Easton.

Supported by the Palo Alto, California-based
Benentech Initiative, HRDAG has provided technical
assistance to official truth commissions in seven
countries.

In an issue as controversial as deaths in East
Timor, Ball says it’s essential that HRDAG release
their own complete research findings so the debate
can take place on factual, scientific grounds.

---

’No cover-up over journalist’s death’

Bristol Evening Post - February 2, 2006

A Foreign Office minister yesterday denied that
the Government misled the relatives of a Bristol
cameraman killed in East Timor. Douglas Alexander
also rejected calls to meet senior politicians in
Indonesia to discuss the death of Brian Peters and
four other journalists in 1975.

His remarks provoked a scathing response from Bath
MP Don Foster, who is fighting a campaign to bring
Mr Peters’ killers to justice.

The 26-year-old was killed by Indonesian troops
while filming a clandestine attack on East
Timorese soldiers.

Documents released in November revealed Sir John
Ford, Britain’s ambassador in Jakarta at the time,
asked the Australian embassy to refrain from
pressing the Indonesians for details on the
deaths.

Speaking yesterday during a parliamentary debate,
Mr Foster said the then Labour government’s
reluctance to discover more about the deaths was
due to "Britain’s sorry role in Indonesia’s war on
East Timor".

The Liberal Democrat MP said the present
Government "has a responsibility to come clean...
and to help the relatives find answers and obtain
justice".

Mr Alexander replied: "I do not accept that the
relatives of the deceased have been mislead and
clearly not deliberately. Indonesia continues to
maintain that the journalists were killed in
crossfire.“He said it was”unlikely" high-level discussions
with Indonesia would reveal anything new. But he
did admit that it “would have been better” if the
Foreign Office had made its own inquiries in the
weeks following the deaths — instead of relying
on the Australian authorities.

The New South Wales coroner in Australia is due to
open the inquest into Mr Peters’ death in July. It
is expected to take three months.

Mr Alexander said the Foreign Office would be
“happy to consider” any appeal for information
from the coroner. He also promised to release
documents about the case to Mr Foster.

But the MP was not impressed, saying: "I thought
it was very disappointing. He did not tell us
anything we didn’t already know. We have an
absolute right for the Government to find out what
happened."

---

Timor demands Indonesia inquiry into rape case

Kyodo News - February 3, 2006

East Timor’s Interior Ministry on Friday summoned
Indonesia’s ambassador in Dili to express concern
over the alleged rape of an East Timorese woman
last month by Indonesian soldiers in the border
area.

Meanwhile, about 70 people representing civic
organizations demonstrated outside the Indonesian
Embassy in the East Timor capital, demanding the
Indonesian government and military take
responsibility for the incident.

Speaking to Kyodo News via telephone, Interior
Minister Rogerio Lobato said he demanded an
immediate inquiry into the rape case.

"After the incident we received a medical report
from Kupang (in Indonesian West Timor) but also a
medical report issued by our side that both
indicated she was raped," he said after also
meeting with the 27-year-old victim to clarify the
incident.

The victim was among several people from Oecussi,
an East Timorese enclave located some 70
kilometers inside Indonesian West Timor, detained
by Indonesian soldiers on Jan. 21 for illegally
crossing into Indonesia to engage in illegal
trading.

One day later, according to the allegations, the
captives were separated for questioning and the
woman was raped by five Indonesian soldiers. They
were deported to East Timor the following day.

=====================

MILITARY/DEFENSE

=====================

More East Timorese soldiers desert: officer

Agence France Presse - February 23, 2006

Nearly 600 East Timorese soldiers have deserted
their barracks this month in protest against
alleged discrimination and over-zealous
surveillance, an officer in the group says.

The officer, who declines to be named, says a
batch of 177 soldiers last weekend joined an
earlier 404 who initially left their barracks in
Metinaro and Baucau on February 8.

The fledgling East Timorese Army has about 1,500
regular soldiers and 1,500 reservists.

The first batch took their grievances to President
Xanana Gusmao, a former guerrilla leader. They
returned to their barracks but then deserted again
shortly afterwards.

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has threatened
punishment for the deserters. He has been quoted
as saying many of soldiers are former resistance
fighters unused to the discipline of a regular
military force.

East Timorese guerrilla forces fought against
Indonesia during their almost 24 years of
occupation of the former Portuguese colony. The
country became the world’s youngest nation in May
2002.

The officer says the action is not politically
motivated. "There was no political pressure from
anyone,“he said.”It was purely because of the
discrimination and the treatment we received from
several of our commanders while we were in
Metinaro." He did not specify on what grounds they
had been discriminated against.

The officer says the men will not return to their
respective bases until their grievances are
addressed. "There (at the base) we are being
treated like dangerous prisoners,“he said.”We
are under constant observation from the armed
security section." He adds that even when they are
eating or showering they are under watch.

Military commander Brigadier General Taur Matan
Ruak was last week quoted by the Suara Timor
Lorosae newspaper as saying that the 404 deserters
should consider themselves as discharged for
disobeying orders to return to work. Military
officials are not immediately available for
comment.

---

East Timor army strike sparks security fears

Radio Australia - February 27, 2006

Reporter: Karen Percy

Eleanor Hall: The Federal Labor Party says it
fears there’s a security risk right on our
doorstep, with reports that hundreds of soldiers
from the East Timorese army have left their posts.

In recent weeks the soldiers have been protesting
against working conditions and promotion rules
within the newly formed army.

But the Defence Minister Brendan Nelson says
there’s no risk to Australians in East Timor, and
no threat to Australia either, as Karen Percy
reports.

Karen Percy: Over the past several weeks, tensions
have been rising with the 1,500 strong East Timor
Army — so much so that 400 soldiers have left the
main base of Metinaro, west of Dili.

The Federal Defence Minister Brendan Nelson.

Brendan Nelson: It’s a kind of a strike, as we
understand it, that relates to grievances about
conditions of service and the nature of promotion
selections, and a little bit of tension, as we
understand it, between those who come from the
west and then of course the east of the country.
The security situation, I understand, is peaceful
and stable, and the East Timorese Government has
set up a commission of inquiry.

Karen Percy: The Federal Opposition says with such
a large percentage of the army off the job,
there’s a risk that law and order will break down.

Labor’s Defence Spokesman, Robert McClelland.

Robert McClelland: Increasingly the issue of
failing states, and we’ve all got to work to make
sure that doesn’t happen in Timor Leste, is a
very, very significant security issue, both from
the point of view of any narcotics trades that can
develop in countries where there’s poor security,
or at worst case scenario, potential terrorist
bases.

Karen Percy: Labor says this is particularly
embarrassing for Australia, because many of the
soldiers who were former freedom fighters were
trained by the Australian Defence Force. Robert
McClelland says the ADF needs to do more to ensure
that the proper processes are in place for the
smooth running of the military.

Robert McClelland: That’s clearly an imperative,
just in terms of the management structures, the
payment structures, and indeed the general
systems, the appeal review structures within the
military.

I mean, we’ve seen military justice here being a
controversial issue, but we’re not a developing
country. Obviously it’s far more profound in its
impact if the system’s not right in the developing
country.

Karen Percy: But the Government says it will only
intervene if it’s asked.

Defence Minister Brendan Nelson.

Brendan Nelson: At the moment I’m advised that
things are peaceful. The discontent amongst some
elements of the East Timorese soldiery has been
expressed in a peaceful and lawful manner, and the
East Timorese Government has established its
commission of inquiry to investigate the
grievances that the soldiers may have, and as far
as we’re concerned, we will only provide any
assistance if we are asked to do so.

Karen Percy: Is it embarrassing though, for the
ADF program that some of their trainees, as such,
have gone off in this way?

Brendan Nelson: Well, I certainly wouldn’t
describe the East Timorese Army as, if you like,
trainees of the Australian Defence Force. I think
the East Timorese Government itself would be quite
rightly offended by that.

We need to understand that many of those who have
joined the East Timorese Army fought over a long
period of time to secure the independence of their
country. There are cultural differences, between
one side of East Timor from that of the other, and
not surprisingly, some of those issues permeate to
the development of its new army.

And we would expect, with sensible management of
these issues, that in the medium to long term
they’ll be successfully managed.

Karen Percy: A spokesman for the Department of
Defence says the nine ADF personnel based at
Metinaro were temporarily moved from the site, but
have since returned to the base.

Eleanor Hall: Karen Percy reporting.

---

Mass mutiny hits East Timor army

Sydney Morning Herald - February 27, 2006

Mark Dodd — More than 400 mutinous East Timorese
soldiers — a quarter of the country’s army —
will be dismissed for deserting after protesting
over poor conditions and selective promotions.

The mass sacking is a great blow to the strength
of East Timor’s fledgling defence force and poses
a potential security risk.

At large is a volatile, undisciplined group with
military training who were previously seasoned
guerilla fighters against the Indonesian
occupiers.

Their dismissal is also an embarrassment for
Canberra because most of the rebel troops received
training from the Australian Defence Force as part
of the Howard Government’s $26million defence co-
operation program with East Timor.

Defence Minister Brendan Nelson last night
declined to comment, with a spokesman saying the
minister needed more information.

But a Defence Department spokesman told The
Australian: "The situation has disrupted
Australia’s training and infrastructure
development activities at Metinaro base (west of
the capital Dili). "We have moved ADF advisers
normally based at the Metinaro facility to Dili,
until the situation is further resolved."

East Timor Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has
threatened further punishment for the mutineers,
including civil and military justice. Dr Alkatiri
said many were former resistance fighters "not
used to the discipline of a regular military
force".

Most of the 400 are former Falintil guerilla
veterans of the bloody 24-year struggle for
independence against Indonesia.

Ambiguity remained yesterday over the timing of
the dismissals. According to one senior Western
military source, the rebel troops had been given
until tomorrow to end their “strike”, while other
reports suggested the sackings had already
occurred.

East Timor’s army commander, Brigadier-General
Taur Matan Ruak, was quoted in one of Dili’s
mainstream newspapers, Suara Timor Lefte, as
having “thanked” the rebels for their service and
considered them dismissed for refusing to meet a
deadline to return to base.

The standoff began on February 8 when the soldiers
deserted their barracks and arrived in Dili to
present a petition to their commander-in-chief,
President Xanana Gusmao, asking for their
complaints to be investigated.

Mr Gusmao accepted the petition and ordered the
troops to return to base. The order was refused
despite the rebels winning a government inquiry
into their grievances.

East Timor human rights group Yayasan-HAK said the
army lacked a “transparent” code of military
conduct, and disciplinary problems within the
ranks of the 1500-strong force were increasingly
widespread.

"We found there was no regulation or disciplinary
code and no regulations concerning promotion,"
Yayasan-HAK spokesman Jose Oliveira said. The ADF
has played a key role in training the F-FDTL.

---

Mutinous troops will be punished, says Alkatiri

Lusa - February 22, 2006

Dili — A group of about 350 troops in East Timor
who remain AWOL in a dispute with military and
civil authorities will be disciplined for their
actions, which do not constitute a threat to
national stability, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri
said Wednesday.

Many of the rebel soldiers in the East Timor
Defense Force (FDTL) are ex-members of the
Fretilin resistance who "are not used to the
discipline of a regular military force", noted
Alkatiri.

"We have to acknowledge some neglect on the part
of the government and the FDTL high command in
their training and the creation of conditions to
make them feel useful in peacetime".

Alaktiri added that the Dili authorities would
have to review and possibly alter the structure
and objectives of the new nation’s fledgling Armed
Forces.

The mutinous troops had mounted their protest
against alleged discrimination and other
grievances over working conditions Feb. 8 when
they assembled next to the presidential palace in
Dili.

About 25% of a total 1,800 FDTL troops were
involved in the initial revolt and the force’s
commander, Gen. Taur Matan Ruak, told Lusa this
week that 350 troops were still “self-excluded”
from active service.

Timor’s military still lacks a full disciplinary
code, permanent barracks and bases and a national
defense policy remains to be defined in the
world’s newest nation.

Prime Minister Alaktiri said last week that it was
crucial to find a peacetime role for Timor’s Armed
Forces, other than training exercises, and said he
would seek assistance from Portugal to make the
force “more professional”.

---

Timor defense force crisis still to be resolved

Lusa - February 14, 2006

Dili — A crisis among East Timor’s Armed Forces
that erupted last week after hundreds of
disgruntled troops left their barracks is still a
long way from being resolved, military sources
said Tuesday.

Just over half a group of 400-odd unarmed troops
who went AWOL Feb. 8 to protest alleged
discrimination and ill-treatment by officers have
heeded calls from military and civil authorities
to end their action and return to barracks.

These members of the East Timor Defense Force
(FDTL), numbering about 220, are presently
quartered at an Army instruction center at
Metinaro, about 40 kms from the capital, the
military sources told Lusa.

An inquiry commission of senior officers and
lawmakers had been due to begin taking evidence
from the mutinous troops at the Metinaro base last
week, however, military sources told Lusa that
these hearings have yet to get underway.

A visit to the Metinaro military base is of the
agenda of Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio on an
official Timor visit beginning Feb. 21, his last
overseas trip before standing down. After twice
meeting with the 404 protestors last week,
President Xanana Gusmco said he believed he had
defused the crisis by promising no reprisals if
the troops returned to barracks and by promising
an official inquiry into their grievances.

The protest, which involved about one-quarter of
the new nations defense force, came in the wake of
a written petition sent to the president several
weeks ago.

As supreme commander of the defense force, Gusmco
had been expected to deal with the simmering
unrest and related military issues on March 9 at a
scheduled meeting on the Superior Council of
Defense and Security.

Timor’s fledgling Armed Forces still lack a
disciplinary code and strategic defense concept,
as well as permanent bases and equipment.

---

Commission opens hearings on soldiers’ grievances

Lusa - February 10, 2006

Dili — An inquiry commission began hearings
Friday on the complaints of hundreds of East
Timorese soldiers who went AWOL to protest alleged
discrimination and ill-treatment by commanders.

A military source told Lusa the hearings were
taking place at the army instruction center at
Metinaro, located some 40 kilometers outside,
Dili, where they held their unauthorized, day-long
protests Wednesday at the presidential palace.

President Xanana Gusmao, who twice met with the
400 unarmed demonstrators, defused the crises by
promising no reprisals if the troops returned to
barracks and pledging an inquiry into their
grievances by a commission of army officers and
lawmakers.

The demonstrators alleged discrimination in
promotions and ill- treatment by commanders.

The protest, which involved about one-quarter of
East Timor’s fledgling Self-Defense Force, came in
the wake of a written petition sent to the
president several weeks ago.

As supreme commander of the defense force, Gusmao
had been expected to deal with the simmering
unrest and related military issues on March 9 at a
scheduled meeting on the Superior Council of
Defense and Security.

The newly independent country’s fledgling military
still lacks a disciplinary code and strategic
defense concept, as well as definitive
installations and equipment.

---

Protesting soldiers leave after Gusmao defuses
crisis

Lusa - February 9, 2006

Dili — Most of the 400 East Timorese soldiers
protesting against alleged discrimination bowed to
President Xanana Gusmao’s ultimatum to return to
barracks and dispersed early Thursday from around
the presidential palace.

A column of army and police trucks ferried some
200 military demonstrators to the army instruction
center at Metinaro, 40 kms outside the capital, in
mid-morning.

Officers told Lusa most other protesters had
dispersed of their own accord overnight Wednesday,
complying with an ultimatum given by Gusmao in a
meeting with them.

Defense Force sources estimated “only 10 to 15” of
the total 404 soldiers remained AWOL, but said a
final tally would only be possible once the
unarmed protesters reported back to their
respective barracks.

As the truck convoy departed Dili, it drove past
the president’s Cinzas Palace without stopping in
a sign of respect and thanks for Gusmao’s role in
resolving the affair.

After a second meeting with the AWOL soldiers
Wednesday night, Gusmao promised an inquiry into
their grievances and no reprisals if they returned
to barracks by Thursday morning.

The soldiers, who spent most of Wednesday in and
around the presidential complex, were protesting
alleged discrimination in promotions and ill-
treatment in the Defense Force.

Much of the anger centered on the commander of
Baucau’s 1 Battalion, Colonel Falur, whose
replacement the protesters demanded.

A five-member inquiry commission, comprised of
officers and lawmakers, has been set up to
investigate the soldiers’ accusations.

---

Troops demand sacking of CO in presidential palace
protest

Lusa - February 8, 2006

Dili — Hundreds of East Timorese troops who
gathered outside Dili’s presidential palace
Wednesday to demand the dismissal of a senior
commander have left the complex and will meet
President Xanana Gusmao later today to discuss
their grievances, officials said.

Some 404 unarmed members of the East Timor Defense
Force (FDTL) had assembled next to the
presidential palace Wednesday morning to demand
the replacement of Colonel Falur, commander of 1
Battalion FDTL, based in Baucau, a presidential
source told Lusa.

The troops were invited to a patio inside the
palace for talks with President Gusmao, who
promised that a special committee would be set up
to investigate their complaints and solve them if
they returned to barracks.

However, these discussions with the Timorese
leader did not satisfy the dissident troops who
remained inside the presidential palace until
Wednesday afternoon before leaving after a promise
of a second meeting with Gusmao later in the day.

In comments to Lusa, Gusmao said his initial
encounter with the soldiers “had gone badly”,
declining to give more details of the meeting.

====================

DAILY MEDIA REVIEWS

====================

East Timor daily media review

UNOTIL - February 1-28, 2006

Alkatiri declaration not something new

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri’s comment last week
that the Democratic Party and the Social
Democratic Party are like frogs is not new,
according to PSD MP Lucia Lobato. She said that
PSD has become “immune” to such statements, though
she believes that a leader should not say such
things. She said that Alkatiri should try to lose
that attitude, but her party will not become
preoccupied with the remark and will focus on
their preparations for the 2007 General Elections.
PD MP Jose Nominando or “Buras” also expressed
similar sentiments, remarking that he regrets that
such statements do not contribute to educating the
people. He said that as “frogs”, the opposition
will continue to crawl forward to compete with the
“buffalo” in the upcoming elections. (STL) UNDP
donates US$1.25 million to support president’s
office

Head of UNDP Sukehiro Hasegawa signed a project
document budgeted at $1.3 million to support the
President’s office After the signing, Hasegawa
stated that as the leader of a new nation,
President Xanana has an important role in
encouraging a viable democracy here. For this
reason, the assistance from UNDP will play an
important role in the democratisation process
here. He said that the funds will be used to,
among other things, improve on the policy analysis
skills and the capacity of the President’s
advisors, and enhance communication capabilities
and managerial performance in the Office of the
President. (STL)

Australian police donates speed readers to PNTL

The Australian Federal Police led by Coordinator
Mick Duthte on Monday officially donated six speed
readers to the Transit Section of the PNTL.

The handover ceremony for the new equipment began
with speeches from the Police Transit Commander
Sub-Inspector Antonio Soares, Coordinator of the
Timor-Leste Police Development Program Mick
Duthte, and Vice-Minister of Interior Alcino
Barris. The equipment was handed over to the
interim PNTL General Commander Inspector Ismael da
Costa Babo. Speaking after the ceremony, Barris
said that the new speed readers would benefit the
transit police in detecting vehicles travelling
over maximum speed. (STL)

Lack of subsidy would not affect parties

The leaders of the opposition parties, PSD, PD and
ASDT are of the opinion that if there are no
subsidies for the 2007 elections it will not
affect them. On the contrary, they feel that they
will be stronger and have the trust of the
population to vote for them. According to Timor
Post, leaders of the three parties stated on
Monday that political parties that emerged during
the UNTAET period without a subsidy are now
represented in the National Parliament. Joao
Gongalves of PSD cited as an example the general
campaign elections in 2001 when PSD managed to get
six seats in the Parliament without any subsidy
from UNTAET. ASDT President Francisco do Amaral
agrees that the lack of subsidy will not affect
his party. PD representative in the Parliament,
Rui Menezes, said that his party came in second
with seven seats in 2001 elections and that
political party legislation made no mention of
subsidies. He is, however, of the opinion that
parties with representatives in the National
Parliament should be entitled to an annual subsidy
as well as one granted for general election
campaigns.

In a separate article, the head of Fretilin in
Parliament, Francisco Branco, reportedly said that
the use of state-owned equipment such as cars to
carry out political party activities at grass
roots level is not a mortal sin. In response to
public concerns regarding this issue, Branco said
that the political party in power must use state
assets to better their activities.

He added that these activities draw on plans that
work for the nation and the people. Fretilin’s
President, Francisco Guterres said that some
people are using the state-owned equipment for
political activities because they have been
invited by the party.

The media also reported that the chefe suco/head
of head of village in Fatubessi does not want the
flag of the political party KOTA hoisted in that
area because he considers it to be illegal. The
head of the village reportedly threatened to smash
the car, take the flag pole and chop it into
pieces because only Fretilin members are entitled
to go there. Those who are not Fretilin should get
a machete and clear the grass, he said. Regarding
this issue, the majority of the MPs suggested a
team look into this case but Parliament’s
President disagreed saying it was up to each
political party to educate their militants. (TP)

F-FDTL case

According to media reports, some of the F-FDTL
members involved in the protest against
discrimination within the institution have left
the headquarters without taking part in the
investigation process. On Monday, Lieutenant
Colonel Salsinha reportedly said that the
investigation process is not transparent because
those officials that condemned the petition are
also part of the investigation team. Salsinha said
the number of the protesters had increased from
404 to 581. He added that they would only take
part in the process if three F-FDTL officials, one
lieutenant-colonel and two majors, are removed
from the investigation team. He claims that the
investigation must follow the demands of the
petition, pointing out that the team is not
focusing on the actual problem that led the
soldiers to abandon their headquarters and that it
does not involve military police. In the meantime,
members of the Superior Council for Defence and
Security met with President Gusmco to try and find
a solution to the problem. (TP, STL)

---

February 25-27, 2006

Recommendation for dialogue between CVA and 1999
Victims

Dili Diocese Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva has
recommended that the joint Timor-Leste-Indonesia
Truth and Friendship Commission open an intensive
dialogue with the 1999 victims, in order to
uncover the truth and achieve justice in
accordance with the hopes of both the people of
Timor-Leste and the international community.

During a visit to Timor-Leste on which commenced
on 20 February, the Commission has met with
President Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister Mari
Alkatiri, head of the National Parliament
Francisco Guterres, Prosecutor General Longuinhos
Monteiro, Dili Diocese Bishop Alberto Ricardo, and
SRSG Hasegawa, among other government and
community figures, NGOs, the diplomatic corps and
academia. The Commission also made a visit to
Liquica District to meet with representatives of
the victims and witnesses of crimes against
humanity. According to its Terms of Reference, the
Commission will not lead to indictments or the
creation of a new court, however one of the
Commissioners Agus Widjojo stated that although
differences of opinion are natural, via the
Commission the two sides will better understand
each other and forgive. (STL)

CVA requests parliamentary support for amnesty

Members of the Truth and Friendship Commission
have requested the support of the National
Parliament in recommending amnesty for the
perpetrators of the 1999 violence, if the
Commission recommends such in its final report.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the
Commissioners, President of the Parliament
Francisco Guterres (Lu-Olo) said that he cannot at
this stage commit to such a request, but that it
is important that the Commissioners first complete
their task. He said that during the meeting he
affirmed to the Commissioners that the Parliament
supports the work of the Commission. (TP)

PD and PSD are like frogs: Alkatiri

Speaking at the opening of the congress at the
district level in Gleno on Saturday, Fretilin’s
Secretary General Mari Alkatiri reportedly
compared both PD and PSD to frogs and said that
they are trying to destroy Fretilin in order to
win the elections in 2007.

Alkatiri told members that it is not worth being
scared of both parties. "The opposition knows that
to win Fretilin they must divide it, to win, they
must get Fretilin to fight against Fretilin,
that’s because they don’t have another way out,"
Alkatiri said. Alkatiri said the purpose of the
congress is to make changes and that’s the way to
become a member of CCF (Comite Central da
Fretilin/Fretilin Central Committee), and if it
does not serve that purpose, then one must quit.
He said that there are indications of some trying
to bring him and the Government down, citing as an
example a petition signed during a meeting within
the party to bring down the Government and the
Secretary-General. " I’m still here and waiting
for people to remove me. But, despite the various
demonstrations, the Government is still strong."
In another report, PD’s Vice-Coordinator, Ernesto
Fernandes, alias “Dudu” reportedly said the
statement of Fretilin’s Secretary-General, Mari
Alkatiri, is like that of a dictator. Dudu pointed
out that as a democratic country, the leaders
should measure what they say rather than criticize
people or parties and that this is a new era.

In a separate articles, Mari Alkatiri was
reporting as saying that the current political
situation in Timor-Leste in one in which the
opposition parties are not respecting the majority
party (Fretilin). Alkatiri made such statements in
relation to President’s Sampaio speech in the
Parliament during his official visit last week
where he said that the majority party must respect
the oppositions. Timor Post reported Alkatiri as
saying that it is not true that Fretilin is not
respecting the opposition and that stating the
contrary is as good as lying. (STL, TP, DN)

Security council debates new mission

SRSG Sukehiro Hasegawa reportedly said the
Security Council of the United Nations is
discussing the possibility of establishing a new
mission in Timor-Leste in order to provide
assistance to the 2007 elections. According to
Timor Post, SRSG Hasegawa said what will be
implemented in Timor-Leste when UNOTIL concludes
the work in Timor-Leste is currently under
discussion by the Security Council. He added that
many nations support the new mission as requested
by Dr. Mari Alkatiri to establish a political
stability mission, pointing out that countries
such as Brazil and Portugal fully support a new
mission. On the issue of F-FDTL, SRSG said he
trusts the President and Brigadier General Taur
Matan to resolve the problem in good faith so that
the soldiers who have presented the petition to
President Xanana Gusmao will feel that they are
part of the transparency and accountability
process. (TP)

---

February 24, 2006

Reactions to F-FDTL problem

PSD MP Riak Leman has said that the Commission
currently investigating the F-FDTL case is not
following the instructions that they were
assigned.

Speaking to TP at the National Parliament
yesterday, Leman said that the Commission failed
to meet with the F-FDTL Commanders before the
investigation began, to request them to maintain a
peaceful situation, and that this is why some of
the protesting soldiers feel threatened.
Meanwhile, President Xanana has asked the
population not to blow the issue out of proportion
because the more than 400 soldiers involved
continue to maintain excellent discipline. He said
that when the case first occurred, he handed it to
the Ministry of Defense and the F-FDTL institution
to deal with, as he believes that it will be best
resolved by the concerned institutions.

Chief of Staff of the F-FDTL Colonel Lere Anan
Timor has countered claims that the soldiers
involved in the protest action are experiencing
intimidation at the Metinaro Academy while
undergoing the investigation, stating also that he
is disappointed with the attitude of the majority
of soldiers who refuse to cooperate with the
investigation. A member of the investigation team
Paul Azis has confirmed that the team has
suspended its investigation for now, as the
concerned soldiers are not available. He said that
it is practically not possible for the team to
carry out their investigation tasks while the
soldiers are not in the barracks.

Ex-Falintil Commander for Region IV Ernesto
Fernando alias “Dudu” has commented that the
Timorese are one people, and should not be divided
into “East” and “West”, and that the struggle for
independence was a struggle fought together, not
by any particular region alone. President of the
National Parliament Lu-Olo has also stated that he
regrets the current situation regarding this case,
because as yet there is not sign of a clear
solution to the problem. (STL, TP)

CVA meets with human rights NGOs

The Commissioners of the Truth and Friendship
Commission (CVA) yesterday met with a number of
Human Rights NGOs. Director of Yayasan HAK Jose
Luis Guterres told TP that the Commissioners were
interested to discuss the NGOs’ position on not
agreeing with the Commission. He said that they
explained to the Commissioners that what the NGOs
want is not a further attempt to uncover the
truth, which is already evident, but the follow-up
action to that truth. Commenting on the
“friendship” aspect, Guterres stated that there
has been friendship between the Indonesian and
Timorese people for a long time now, realized
through a range of means including during the
period of struggle for independence when many
Indonesians worked with the Timorese clandestine.
He affirmed that this friendship is continuing
even now, and that the issue therefore is not one
of "Indonesians as perpetrators and Timorese as
victims". He expressed his opinion that the real
issue is that the perpetrators of crimes have
violated the public interest of both Indonesia and
Timor-Leste, and stated that it is pointless
meeting with the victims if the aim is to collect
more data, as this has been done many times
before.

Referring to the fact that the Terms of Reference
of the Commission do not include providing justice
for the victims, Guterres affirmed his view that
the CVA has been set up to deceive the people.

Also participating in the meeting with the CVA
Commissioners, Director of the Justice and Peace
Commission for the Baucau Diocese Father Martinho
da Silva Gusmao told TP that the final report of
the CVA should not be trivialised as the CAVR
report was. (TP)

HIV/AIDS on increase in Timor

Speaking at the second National Congress on
HIV/AIDS, Vice-Minister of Health Luis Lobato said
informed that presently in Timor-Leste 33 people
have been identified as positive with HIV/AIDS and
200 others are suspected to have been infected
with the virus. Lobato said as steps have been
taken to prevent HIV/AIDS and to decrease the
negative attitude towards people infected with the
virus. According to Timor Post, participants from
education and health sector, international and
national NGO’s, the Armed and Police Forces,
religious organisation all participated in the
Congress. (TP)

Bishops concerned with military crisis

Dom Albert da Silva, Bishop of Dili and Dom
Basilio do Nascimento, Bishop of Baucau told the
media that they are concerned with the military
crises The Bishop of Dili defended that "it is
necessary to try to avoid" the continued military
crisis and that "there must be dialogue, mutual
understanding and a solution for the sake of
everybody. It is urgent". In a separate article,
Fr. Leao da Costa reportedly said that the Tetun
language continues to be the church’s official
language and in terms of developing it, it is up
to the Government. He added that reason the Tetum
language is still up and down is due to the lack
of human resources and orthographic materials. But
the Priest is of the opinion that in a five years
time the Tetun language will be better developed
and children will be able to speak it properly.
(TP, STL, Lusa)

President Samapio’s Visit

Portugal’s President, Jorge Sampaio completed on
Thursday evening a three-day official visit to
Timor-Leste where he was wished farewell by his
Timorese counterpart Xanana Gusmao, Prime
Minister Alkatiri and other members of the
Government, the media reported. According to the
media, Sampaio invited business people from Macau,
among them Stanley Ho, to be part of his
delegation and encourage other internationals to
invest in Timor-Leste to help create employment.
During his visit, the Portuguese President also
requested the United Nations to continue its
support of Timor-Leste following the completion of
UNOTIL’s mission in May 2006. While visiting,
Sampaio learned of the many difficulties the
Timorese are facing and appealed for their
patience. The Prime Minister Alkatiri said "I feel
that the visit was important before the President
ends his mandate. This is a good example of how
democracy works.

You complete your mandate and leave". Alkatiri
added that choosing Timor-Leste as his last visit
is an important sign for his successor. This is
the President’s third visit to Timor-Leste. He
will step down as President of Portugal on March 9
after 10 years in power. The newly elected
President, Cavao Silva who won the elections in
January this year will take over the position.
(DN, TP, STL)

---

February 23, 2006

Members of F-FDTL dismissed

F-FDTL Commander Taur Matan Ruak yesterday
signified his dismissal of the 404 F-FDTL
personnel who do not want to return to their
barracks via the words “Thank you”. When he
received the soldiers at his office on 8 February,
President Xanana requested that they return to
their barracks to solve the problem. However, this
request, to date, has not been honoured.

"For this reason, all I have to say to them is
thank you", said Ruak when speaking to the press
at Metinaro on Tuesday.

He said that the next step would be to present
them with an acknowledgement of the service that
they have provided in the F-FDTL, to the community
and to the nation, however brief. According to
policy, the soldiers must remain at the Military
Training Centre at Metinaro in order to
participate in an investigation by the F-FDTL
Investigating Team formed by President Xanana.
Coordinator of the protest action, Gastao
Salsinha, said that originally the soldiers had
thought that once they had undergone investigation
procedures, they would return as normal within the
F-FDTL institution. However, he said that this had
not been the case, with many protest participants
continuing to feel threatened at the Metinaro
Academy. "We feel like prisoners at Metinaro, and
we also don’t feel that Metinaro is the
appropriate place to be conducting an
investigation", stated Salsinha. He affirmed that
for these reasons the soldiers have decided to
remain in Dili. (STL)

Law has no basis: Lasama

Democratic Party President Fernando Lasama de
Araujo has said that the defamation law that will
be used as the basis for his prosecution no longer
has a legal basis, as it is an UNTAET law. For
this reason, he said that there is no need to take
him to court. He explained that the law violates
principles of human rights and democracy, and that
he will continue to defend his position against
the law. (STL)

Parties established in 1975 must be dissolved

PSD President Mario Carrascalao has said that in
order to allow democracy to flourish, the “1975”
political parties must be dissolved.

Participating in a meeting between political party
leaders and the Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio
yesterday, Carrascalao explained that the 1975
parties were established to fight for an
independent state, while the post-independence
parties were established to bring development to
the people. For this reason he said, it is time
for the old parties to dissolve themselves, giving
the specific example of the Fretilin party. In his
opinion, Fretilin thinks that because it brought
independence to Timor, it has more legitimacy. On
the contrary, he believes that this party should
dissolve to create a new atmosphere among
democratic society in this country. (STL)

President Sampaio’s visit

In relation to the President of Portugal’s visit,
the media reported the following:

Timor Post reported Mario Carrascalao as saying
during a meeting between opposition parties in
Timor-Leste with President Sampaio that in the
case of Timor-Leste, although the rights of
opposition parties are enshrined in the
Constitution, they have never been given this
right in practice. In a separate article in Diario
Nacional, President Sampaio reportedly said during
the meeting that democracy does not only occur
during elections but it is a pedagogy exercise.

President Sampaio also said during a lecture on
Wednesday that one of the challenges for Timor-
Leste is Democracy, development, security and
peace. Sampaio pointed that in order to better
democracy, there must be efforts to defend the
fundamental rights of everyone, the rights of the
State should be defended and there should be no
corruption, injustice or violence.

The Rector of the National University, Benjamin
Corte-Real, reportedly said the special visit of
Portugal’s President to the university will help
with the education development of the country. On
Wednesday President Sampaio gave a lecture on
political science.

President Sampaio has also bestowed President
Gusmao and Prime Minister Alkatiri with the Grand
Collar and the Grand Cross of the Order of D.
Infante Henrique on Tuesday and Wednesday,
respectively. (STL,DN,TP)

National Congress on HIV/AIDS

The Ministry of Health is holding a two-day
national congress on HIV/AIDS starting today in
Dili. Prime Minister Alkatiri was scheduled to
officially open the congress. According to the
media, the First Lady of Portugal, SRSG Dr.
Hasegawa, Minister of Education, Armindo Maia,
Brigadier General, Taur Matan Ruak and other
invitees are scheduled to participate in the
event. This is the second congress. The first was
held last December. (DN, TP)

---

February 22, 2006

Timor has not forgotten Sampaio’s contribution

President of the National Parliament Francisco
Guterres (Lu-Olo) has said that the people of
Timor-Leste will not forget the efforts that the
Portuguese President and his people have made in
helping Timor-Leste to achieve its dream of self-
determination, part of which was being a good
friend in difficult times, such as during the
Indonesian occupation. He said that President
Sampaio is a strong fighter for human rights and
for the Timor-Leste cause, who contributed to the
concretisation of Timor-Leste’s wish for freedom
and independence and who "shared the struggle of
the Timorese people in difficult times and now
shares in their happiness in this time of
independence". (STL)

Political parties are like projects: Sampaio

The Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio has said
that sometimes political parties are like projects
of power which take advantage of the people’s
desire for political pluralism. Speaking at the
National Parliament on Tuesday, the President said
that majority parties have a natural tendency to
bring together power in the name of democracy.
However, he qualified that democracy is only
legitimised by political pluralism and respect for
the opposition and small parties. He added that
the state legitimises democracy and political
pluralism through free elections. He also praised
the political maturity of Timorese, saying that
this political maturity is well-known by anyone
who assisted Timor-Leste during the period of
struggle. (STL)

UN mandate successful but should not end suddenly

Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio has said that
as the UN has achieved a great success in Timor-
Leste, it is important that the assistance
provided not end suddenly and that the UN should
continue to monitor the situation in Timor-Leste.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after
accompanying the Timor-Leste President Xanana
Gusmao in his meeting with Sampaio, Chief of Staff
of the President’s Office Agio Pereira related
Sampaio’s view that this period of stabilization
should be managed properly. Sampaio also advised
the Timor-Leste Government to establish some
concrete projects in terms of national investment,
as he senses that there are difficulties in this
country. (STL)

PG processes corruption cases

Prosecutor General Longuinhos Monteiro has
declared that his cabinet has received four
alleged corruption cases from four districts of
Timor-Leste and that they are currently being
processed.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Monteiro
confirmed that an international Prosecutor is
handling the cases and therefore he does not have
any information about them except that the
districts included are Liquica, Aileu, Manatuto
and Dili. He would not comment, however, regarding
the Ministries involved. (STL)

Article used against “Lasama” legal: Monteiro
Prosecutor General, Longuinhos Monteiro reportedly
said article 310 and 316 on defamation used
against the President of Partido Democratico (PD)
is legal. Monteiro said the case involving
Fernando Lasama Araujo has been registered by his
office and is being processing according to the
investigation. He said that the case is being
handling by Prosecutor Joao Carreira and
therefore, he does not want to comment further
except to say that the defamation law use in the
Lasama case is legal.

Timor Post reported on the courtesy meeting
between Longuinhos Monteiro and members of
Comissao Verdade I Amizade (CVA) from both sides
on Monday.

According to the report, Monteiro said during the
meeting that the Commissioners noted their
intention to access documents of the Serious Crime
Unit especially those cases that have already been
processed by the court.

Longuinhos Monteiro who is currently the head of
Timor-Leste investigation team on the border
shootings, said the joint investigation team have
reached an agreement in Bali that Timor-Leste must
carry out a ballistic test in Indonesia because
they believe more than one person was directly
involved in the killing of the three former
militias members, reported Diario Nacional on
Tuesday. "I tried to explain to them that based on
the reconstruction we found that only one person
was directly involved but because they disagree
with the findings, we have agreed to do a
ballistic test on March 3 which will include
myself and Police Vice-Operational Commander
Ismael da Costa Babo who will take the three
weapons used in the shootings, HK 33 to the
Indonesian forensic laboratory. Hopefully, we will
be able to bring the weapons back on the same
date," Monteiro told the media. He added that the
team is in its third and final phase of the
investigation and have put together a report on
the investigation to date which was presented to
the Presidents of Indonesia and Timor-Leste when
they met recently in Bali. (TP, DN)

They will have to choose: Taur

In response to the ultimatum given by F-FDTL Chief
of State, Lere Annan Timor to 404 members of the
first battalion of the Armed Forces, Brigadier
General Taur Matan Ruak said the "definitions are
in their hands and they should be the ones to
choose what is best for them". According to
reports, not all the 404 who have staged the
petition to the President of the Republic, also
the Supreme Commander of the country’s Armed
Forces, have returned to their compound. (DN)

---

February 18-21, 2006

TFC reviewing HR Commission & Ad Hoc Tribunal docs

The Commissioners of the Truth and Friendship
Commission have begun reviewing documents from the
Indonesian Human Rights Commission’s Investigating
Commission, and the Jakarta Ad Hoc Tribunal.
Speaking to journalists last Thursday, President
of the Timor-Leste component of the Commission
Dionisio Babo said that the Commission recently
received some documents from the CAVR, and is
still in the process of obtaining documents from
the Serious Crimes Unit. He explained that the
work of the Commission has been delayed somewhat
due to the late release of some of these documents
and has also been influenced by the strong
reaction from Indonesia regarding the handover of
the CAVR final report to the United Nations. Due
to these factors, the planned meeting with the
Indonesian TFC for 20 January has been postponed
to a later date. (TP)

Fretilin allegedly lower PD flag

Fretilin MP Norberto Espirito Santo has defended
the alleged actions of Fretilin militants in
lowering the Democratic Party (PD) flag in
Laisorulai village, Quelikai, Baucau two weeks
ago, saying that they did so because PD militants
were exhibiting undisciplined behaviour. He said
that the PD militants had tried to raise the flag
at the home of a Fretilin militant and, therefore,
Fretilin militants sent them away. He emphasized
that Fretilin understands democracy and supports
the right of everyone to carry out political
activities in the community.

Meanwhile, PD MP Rui Menezes said that this
information is incorrect and that it is
irresponsible of people to spread such rumours. He
said that no one lowered the PD flag in the said
village and that PD is not prepared to become
preoccupied with rumours and political
manipulations, as this only impedes progress.
(STL) Government to establish veterans’ suburb

Head of the Fretilin Bench in the National
Parliament Francisco Branco has said that the
veterans suburb being established by the
government is an excellent idea, but it is
important that the houses are looked after
properly. He said that the government together
with the veterans and former combatants should
sign an accord to the effect that at no stage may
the houses be allowed to become animal pens.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Branco said
that some veterans do not agree with the
government’s plan to establish a "veteran’s
suburb" but, in his opinion, it would make it easy
for the veterans to access medical or other
assistance if they are grouped together.

He explained, however, that the suburb has not yet
begun to be established, although the government
has been planning it for some time already. (STL)

CAVR Report Not a Problem to Indonesia: Gusmco

Speaking to the media upon his return from Bali
following a meeting with his Indonesian counter-
part, President Gusmco said the CAVR report
presented to President Yudhoyono is not a problem.
Gusmco said Timor-Leste is not seeking Indonesia
to recognize the report. He said, instead they
focused more on the Comissco Verdade e
Amizade/Truth and Friendship Commission, because
it is Timor-Leste’s problem and it needs to be in
the public eye. The President pointed out that the
CVA also speaks about truth as does the CAVR, but
since the CVA has been established by Indonesia
and Timor-Leste it really needs to be the centre
of attention.

Because of this, members of CVA from Indonesia
were scheduled to begin their activities, on
Sunday in Dili, Xanana Gusmco told the media.
Gusmco also said that President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono has promised to support the Commission
and will meet with individuals while in Jakarta,
adding that the two nations want the work of the
CVA to be credible, responsible and transparent
enough to satisfy the national and international
community.

Apart from the Commission’s work, Gusmco said the
two countries are scheduled to meet in two or
three months to look into issues of common
interest.

In a separate article, Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Cooperation, Josi Ramos-Horta said he believes
that the two nations have shown maturity in their
ties and when trust between leaders is standing on
solid ground, any problems that arise will not
shake the relationship. Therefore, Ramos-Horta
said, Indonesia and Timor-Leste will resolve the
problems, referring to the border incident on
January, the Oecussi sexual abuse case and the
CAVR report. He pointed out that during the visit
to Bali, President Gusmco raised the latest
incidents with his Indonesian counterpart who has
assured him that he would personally keep an eye
on the investigation of the alleged Oecussi sexual
abuse incident. (TP)

Police ordered detention of land owner

Police allegedly detained members of a community
illegally for refusing to hand over their land to
a police commander in Liquiga District.

According to Diario Nacional, the police commander
shot in the air and threatened members of the
community for disagreeing with the police. The
issued was raised in Parliament in a letter
addressed to the Parliament President of the
Republic and PNTL commander, Francisco “Lu’Olu”
Guterres, who said he considered this bad
behaviour on the part of the police.

"Attention must be given to members of the police
so that they learn to behave properly and to
protect the interest of the people." In another
letter to the Parliament, members of the police
force have been accused of taking sides and
allegedly involved in a fight between martial arts
groups. In a separate article, the Ministry of
Interior has ordered the suspension of two police
officers in Oecussi District.

One, for transporting an Indonesian Police officer
(BRIMOB to and from the border into Oecussi and
allowing an overnight stay. The other police
officer was suspended for divorcing his wife and
remarrying somebody else. (DN)

PST held first dialogue in Aileu

Partido Social Timorense (PST) held its first
dialogue in Aileu District with the participation
of representatives from other political parties
such as ASDT, PSD, PD KOTA, PPT and Fretilin. The
dialogue focused on the position that PST
disagrees with the National Parliament’s
ratification of the agreement between the
governments of Timor-Leste and Australia regarding
the exploration of the Greater Sunrise, PST
Secretary General, Avelino Coelho reportedly said
during his speech. Coelho said his party position
is based on the fundamental facts that National
Parliament has not yet defined the legislation on
the maritime borders as per RDTL Constitution
Article 95, adding that the revenue from the Timor
Sea exploration is still to be used for the
development of the people of Timor-Leste. He was
also quoted as saying that PST rejects the
defamation law because it kills freedom of
expression.

This same law, he said, was previously used by
Portugal and Indonesia to incarcerate
nationalists, noting that many young Timorese were
put in jail during the Indonesian occupation for
allegedly breaking this law while fighting for
independence. (DN)

---

February 17, 2006

Australian surgeon attacked

An Australian doctor who has been working at the
National Hospital, Dr. Kerry Steven, was attacked
by a bus driver and his assistant on the way from
Baucau to Dili last Sunday afternoon.

According to a source from the Baucau District
Police, apparently Dr. Steven, driving in a
separate vehicle accompanied by two Government
Ministers, did not give way for the bus to
overtake, although the bus tried repeatedly to do
so. When Dr. Steven pulled over without indicating
in the Carabela area, the bus also stopped with
the driver and his assistant alighting and abusing
Dr. Steven, and then pouring dirty water over him.
Although Dr. Steven apologized, his assailants
threatened him with a knife but were hindered by
the two Ministers who were travelling with Dr.
Steven. Dr.

Steven reported the incident to the Vemasse Sub-
District Police, resulting in the arrest of the
assailants on Tuesday who then spent 72 hours in a
police cell for investigation purposes. (STL)

Timor awaiting investigation result

The Foreign Ministry is awaiting the investigation
results from the Indonesian Military police on the
sexual abuse allegedly committed by Indonesian
Armed Forces (TNI) on a Timorese woman in Passabe,
Oecussi Sub-District. Foreign Affairs Minister,
Jose Ramos-Horta said Timor-Leste considers the
sexual abuse by TNI very serious which is why the
issue has been raised with the Indonesian
Ambassador to Timor-Leste. "The sexual abuse in
Oecussi, is considered by the Government as
serious and it has been raised with the Ambassador
and they have told us that the Indonesian Military
is carrying out the investigation. I am waiting
for the results and then I will comment whether or
not I’m happy with the investigation. If I’m not
happy with the results, we will look at another
mechanism to find justice because I will not
accept that a poor, sick woman has been violated
by the military," Ramos-Horta said. He hopes that
the TNI Commander will seek justice for those
responsible. (TP)

Investigation to focus on generals to soldiers

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Brigadier
General Taur Matan Ruak said the investigation
team will focus on everybody from generals to
soldiers. Ruak said the team has already
questioned six people but it will take time to
complete the work. He added that the problem
occurred because members of the Armed Forces never
presented their complaints through the proper
channels, noting that the institution has a group
specifically meant to deal with problems, from
personal to work-related matters. (TP)

---

February 16, 2006

Dialogue required to resolve F-FDTL problem

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Josi
Ramos-Horta, said the recent problem within F-FDTL
is a natural process when an institution such as
this is being established. Ramos-Horta appealed to
members of the armed forces who staged their
protest to be patient and to engage in dialogue
with Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak and
President Gusmco to find a solution that will be
beneficial to the future of this nation. " We can
have problems and get upset but we should not walk
out of headquarters.

The population looks up to and admires our armed
forces institution. It must provide a good
example. Therefore, I appeal to you to be patient,
exercise discipline and wait for a solution from
the Government," Minister Ramos-Horta stressed. He
pointed out that in the eyes of the international
community and within the UN there is no such name
distinction as East and West Timor, either firaku
(east) or kaladi (west) but rather one name which
is Timor-Leste and it belongs to all Timorese.

In a separate article, UNDERTIM spokesperson,
Cristiano da Costa, said the strike by 404 members
of the Armed Forces gives a bad image to the
Government and that the new nation does not
guarantee security and stability. Da Costa added
that it would also have an impact on investors
coming Timor-Leste. (STL, TP)

New ambassador to Australia sworn-in

President Xanana Gusmco yesterday swore in the new
Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia. The President
congratulated Hernani Filomena Coelho da Silva on
his new appointment, stating also that the
position is a complex one.

Speaking to journalists after being sworn-in, da
Silva said that he will be working in his post in
Australia before the end of the month, and that
his work as Ambassador will concentrate on the
political and economic interests between the two
countries. Da Silva will replace Jorge Teme. (DN)

Gusmco & SBY to review TFC work and CAVR report

President Xanana Gusmco will visit Denpasar,
Indonesia, next Thursday to meet with the
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
(SBY), upon an invitation from SBY. According to a
source from the President’s Office, the objective
of the visit will be to review together the work
of the Truth and Friendship Commission and also to
discuss the CAVR report which President Xanana
presented to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan last
January.

The President’s two-day visit to Indonesia has
been approved by the National Parliament with
fifty-five votes in favour, one against, and five
abstentions. (DN)

Seminar on Parliament and media

UNDP and Timor-Leste Media Development Centre
(TLMDC) organized a two-day seminar on the
relationship between the Parliament and the media.
The aim of the workshop was to address the problem
of the media’s distortion of information from
Parliament. According to TLMDC’s director, Francis
Suni, the media tends to report differently from
what is said by MPs.

Suni pointed out that although it is a very
important issue, he is disappointed that the
seminar was poorly attended by members of the
media and the Parliament "To speak about the
involvement of problems which are passive through
the media and members of the Parliament is not a
problem. For me, who has been working with the
media since 1999 up until now, I see that
arrogance among us Timorese is very strong and we
don’t want to participate in activities such as
this because we see it as a waste of time and we
don’t like other people to teach us," he said. In
the meantime, the President of Commission F of the
Parliament, Adalziza Ximenes, said she found the
workshop interesting and that at some point the
media and the Parliament end up working together.
(TP)

RTTL News Headlines Suicidal deaths in Becora

Three dead bodies were reportedly found in the
area of Becora by Police on Wednesday. The three,
a pregnant woman, a 6-year old boy and 2-year old
girl, reportedly hung themselves and were
discovered by the police after the woman’s husband
notified the police. F-FDTL Investigation begins

Some of the F-FDTL officers involved in the strike
last week have reportedly testified before an
investigation commission, RTTL reported.

Reacting to the issue, Foreign Minister Ramos
Horta appealed to all Timorese to show political
maturity by not identifying people by regions.

UNDERTIM complains about Ninja

Members of UNDERTIM are concerned about some
militants disguised as “Ninja”, masked and dressed
in black, whose activities are intimidating the
population in Liquica District. The militants
reportedly formed a parallel structure to
UNDERTIM’s District structure, with its own
military wing.

For this, the party Coordinator in Liquica
District, Vicente da Conceicao reportedly called
on the police to take measures to halt their
activities and appealed to UNDERTIM’s President,
L-7, to address the issue.

USAID launches its 6 million Project

At Hotel Timor on Wednesday, USAID launched its
project to assist in the development of Private
Sector, "Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in
Timor-Leste." The launching ceremony was attended
by some Ministers and the US Ambassador.

Lawyer development training

Meanwhile, on the same day at the same Hotel, the
International Bar Association and Advocats Sans
Frontieres (ASF) held a one-week training on the
development of private lawyers in Timor-Leste. The
Head of ASF in Timor-Leste, Shelky R Wieck, told
RTTL that the training was aimed at affording
local private lawyers the opportunity to learn
from the experts about private lawyers development
in other countries.

Cuban doctor crosses from Timor into Indonesia

A Cuban doctor who was working in East Timor,
Ramon Ballestero Escobar (39), crossed the
Indonesian-East Timor border and entered the
territory of the Indonesian province of East
Nusatenggara Wednesday morning because he
reportedly could not bear living conditions in the
newly independent neighbouring country.

Wirasakti regiment command chief Col Noch Bola
said Escobar who had been assigned by the Cuban
Government to work in Suai, capital of Covalima
district in East Timor, left his station and
travelled to Indonesia on the ground that he could
no longer live in the former Indonesian province.

Escobar was found by Border Security Task Force
Command Chief Lt. Col. Ediwan Prabowo and his men
when they were patrolling the border in the
Indonesian district of Belu. During questioning by
Lt. Col. Ediwan, Escobar claimed he was seeking
asylum in Indonesia.

"The Cuban doctor is seeking asylum so that he can
be deported to his country. He said he could no
longer live in East Timor under a contract system
which was made by the Cuban Government to carry
out a humanitarian mission," Noch Bola said.

Citing Escobar, Noch Bola said there was a
shortage of supporting facilities in Suai so that
the Cuban doctor could not work and live properly.

Noch Bola said Escobar would be taken to Atambua,
capital of Belu district, for further
interrogation. (Antara)

---

February 15, 2006

Prosecutor request information from PD leader

President of Partido Democratico (PD), Fernando
“Lasama” de Arazjo was called to the Prosecutor
General’s office on Tuesday for an enquiry on
alleged defamation accusations against Prime
Minister Mari Alkatiri. Four lawyers, his family
and about 60 party members accompanied Arazjo,
according to the media. Following the
investigation process which lasted almost two
hours, the President of PD reportedly said "the
legal case regarding this matter has been handed
over to my four lawyers, Vital dos Santos,
Benevides Correia Barros, Napoleco da Silva Soares
and Pedro Aparmcio de Oliveira. But I would like
to emphasize that I came here to obey the law,
because we want the laws to be implemented
correctly in this nation. The laws are above us
and I must follow them". He added that the current
defamation law use against him is considered
illegal and no longer valid in Timor-Leste. Lasama
said, "First, I appeal to PD and then the
population of Timor-Leste, we must be united to
defend what is considered a right. This defamation
law I think is illegal in Timor-Leste and no
longer valid that’s why PD is against it".

Fernando “Lasama” Arazjo has been accused of
defamation due to bribery allegations he made
against Prime Minister Alkatiri. (TP, STL, DN)

US has not made decision on Horta candidacy

Ambassador Joseph Grover Rees said the USA has not
made a decision yet on Ramos-Horta candidacy for
the UN Secretary-General. "In regards to Dr.

Jose Ramos-Horta, we respect him and think he is a
good person and smart. All the countries recognize
his qualities. He was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize, but we cannot speak about the candidates,
though, as you all can see, there has been great
interest from various nations regarding him," USA
Ambassador to Timor-Leste reportedly told the
media on Tuesday following his meeting with the
TL’s Foreign Minister Ramos-Horta. Rees said the
US Government has not yet made a decision on the
candidates from Asia and other nations for the job
of the UN Secretary-General. He added that his
Government is looking into the best person to lead
the UN and the candidates cannot be limited to one
or two regions, adding that from his point of view
Dr. Ramos-Horta is a perfect person as TL’s
Foreign Minister and if there are other
opportunities he is the one to make the choice.
(TP, STL)

Amaral: 2007 elections require UN involvement

ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral has said
that it is important that there is UN involvement
in the 2007 General Elections.

Speaking to STL at the National Parliament last
Friday, Amaral expressed his opinion that the
elections should not be held in separate
locations, but all in the one location, otherwise
there is room for tampering with election results
between the districts and Dili. Also commenting on
the elections, PSD MP Riak Leman said that while
general elections held every five years are
important, the Parliament has not yet approved a
law for the upcoming elections. He also emphasized
that in his opinion the people that sit on the
National Electoral Commission for the 2007
elections must be truly neutral and independent,
otherwise talk of democracy is futile. Head of the
Fretilin Bench in the Parliament Francisco Branco
confirmed that preparations for the electoral law
are underway. (STL)

Kolimau and KORK create disturbances

Deputy Police Commander for Manufahi District
Antonio Fernandes has said that the groups Kolimau
and KORK are creating disturbances in his
district, with internal fighting. He confirmed
however that the police and the local authorities
have been active in encouraging mediation in an
attempt to resolve the problem. The two groups
have signed a written accord, the essence of which
is that there will be no future similar problems,
and that if there are, then there will be a need
for a different decision. (STL)

Council members follow investigation

Paulo Asis and Gregorio Saldanha, both MPs and
members of the Defence Superior Council visited
Metinaro, F-FDTL Headquarters on Tuesday to
observe the investigation on the alleged
discrimination within the institution. President
of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres,
reportedly said that as members of Parliament and
members of the Defence Superior Council, both men
must intervene and propose a motion of state
rights.

The two are part of the investigation team and
have already begun to look into the problems
within F-FDTL. Guterres says he’s hopeful there
will be a solution to the problem, citing as an
example the request from President Gusmco as
Superior Commander of the Defence Forces for those
protesting to return to their barracks. (DN).

---

February 14, 2006

F-FDTL strike action a desertion

President of the National Parliament Francisco
Guterres (Lu-Olo) has stated that the strike
action by the F-FDTL members in front of the
President’s Office last week was not a revolt but
a desertion because they abandoned their jobs and
their mission. He expressed his support for the
President’s position as the Supreme Commander of
the Armed Forces in ordering the soldiers to
return to their barracks, so that the problem
could be resolved internally. He said that
Timorese worked together in defeating both the
Portuguese and Indonesian colonizers without any
divisions based upon regional affiliations, using
the cry “Viva Timor Lorosae” as an example of the
joint nature of the struggle. He expressed his
concerns that last week’s action and petition will
not only damage the F-FDTL members who were
involved in the action but has also displayed a
negative image of the institution to the younger
generation who will at some stage be called upon
to serve the country in the armed forces and the
police force. He said that he has asked the
Commission that will work on the case to conduct a
thorough, independent and professional
investigation.

Meanwhile, KOTA MP Clementino dos Reis Amaral has
stated that the kind of discrimination complained
about by the F-FDTL demonstrators is not present
only in the F-FDTL but in other institutions as
well. He gave an example of the recruitment of
civil servants, whereby CV’s are not accepted from
those who are not Fretilin party members. He said
that the same occurs for companies or
organizations competing for tenders. (STL)

MPs question Gusmao-SBY meeting

Some members of the National Parliament, from both
the ruling party as well as the opposition, have
questioned the upcoming meeting between Presidents
Xanana Gusmao and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)
in Bali this coming Friday.

Unlike previously, when MP’s have always given
full support to the President to conduct overseas
meeting including in Indonesia, this time some
MP’s have expressed their objections to the visit,
considering the current political climate between
the two countries. In a discussion on the
resolution that will regulate the upcoming visit,
MP’s Leandro Isaac (Independent), Vicente Faria
and Cipriana Pereira (Fretilin) expressed their
concerns in providing support for the President’s
visit, with the reasoning that it is unclear
whether the Indonesian President is really
prepared to receive President Xanana. The concerns
of the three MP’s are related to SBY’s refusal to
meet with President Xanana last 27 January, after
the President handed the CAVR report to the UN
Secretary General. (STL)

Church condemns Oecussi rape

The Bishop of Baucau Diocese Basilio do Nascimento
has strongly criticized the Indonesian soldiers
who are accused of raping a Timorese woman from
Oecussi District in the border region last 11
January. Referring to the Fifth Commandment that
states that one must not kill or commit evil, the
Bishop said that the Catholic Church clearly
cannot ever accept such behaviour.

According to Bishop Nascimento, the perpetrator
must be brought to justice in a conventional
manner, according to the law. (STL)

579 delegates to attend Fretilin Congress

President of Fretilin Francisco Guterres (Lu-Olo)
has confirmed that the Fretilin National Congress
which, according to plan, will be held between 17
and 19 May, will see the participation of 579
delegates from the national and district levels,
including from the Fretilin Central Committee.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday after closing
the Fretilin District Conference in Manufahi
District, Lu-Olo responded to claims that 18
countries wish to bring down Fretilin, saying that
this is propaganda, and untrue, because all
countries very much appreciate the Fretilin
Government. He added that donor countries are
still providing assistance to the Government,
which demonstrates the strong support for the
Fretilin Government. (TP)

The penal code violates spirit of constitution

The President of the Association of Lawyers for
Timor-Leste (AATL), Mr. Benevides Coreia Barros,
stated that the proposed penal code law which will
be implemented soon, violates the spirit of
Timor-Leste’s Constitution as has already been
highlighted in article 40 and 41 expressing
freedom of press. Barros told media on Monday that
this law is too harsh for journalists and cites an
example that if a journalist captures or obtains
information concerning individuals in positions of
power, such information can be misinterpreted thus
leading to charges of defamation being filed
against the journalist in question. He added that
if this law is approved it will be difficult for
the media to do their jobs freely.

He further said, based on AATL’s point of view,
some clauses on defamation endorsed by RDTL’s
Parliament have not been obeyed. These include,
among others, the declaration on human rights,
rights of civil politics, forbidding torture,
discrimination against women and children. He also
revealed that if the law on defamation is
implemented, it would contradict what has already
been ratified by the National Parliament. (TP)

If Horta becomes UNSG, he will be replaced as FM

Portugal recently expressed support for Josi Ramos
Horta as a candidate for the UN Secretary-General
position, as has been reported in several
international news wires. The people of Timor-
Leste are surprised and happy with this news, and
some MPs commented that this candidacy of is a
great honour Timor-Leste. In addition, the media
quoted some MPs on Monday like Francisco Branco
(Fretilin); Rui Menezes (PD); and Clementino dos
Reis Amaral (KOTA) who share the same idea that
should Horta succeed in his candidacy as UN
Secretary-General, then his current portfolio as
the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
will definitely be filled with a replacement,
despite the fact that searching for the “right”
candidate will indeed be a challenge for the
Timorese government. (TP)

School fees eliminated; Teachers Stopped

A teacher from Government school “SMP Negeri 3”,
Isac Araujo, was quoting by Suara Timor-Lorosae as
saying that with regard to the State’s intention
to wipe-out school fees in Government schools,
four temporary school teachers working at "SMP
Negeri 3" in Becora-Dili have to leave their jobs
because they will not be paid for their services.
This is because salaries for temporary teachers
are usually disbursed from revenue earned from
payment of school fees.

Araujo appealed to the State to recruit new
teachers soon so that in the coming days or months
teachers recruited by the Government will teach
fill teaching posts that are currently vacant.
(STL)

---

February 11-13, 2006

F-FDTL strike considered a revolt

The F-FDTL demonstration held in front of the
Presidential Office last Wednesday is considered a
revolt against the institution of the F-FDTL and
the state, according to F-FDTL Commander Brigadier
General Taur Matan Ruak. He said that one of the
consequences of the action of the soldiers is that
the people will consider them rebels or mutineers,
and another consequence is that their action
caused the President to cry.

Speaking to journalists last Friday, Ruak
explained that in his opinion they had no right to
cause the President to cry, because the President
is the father of this nation. He stated that from
the East to the West, and the North to the South
of this country, there is no family that did not
suffer from the war. He added that even though the
demonstration by the more than 400 soldiers has
presented a significant problem for the country,
it is possible for the problem to be resolved, as
seen by the 174 soldiers who have already returned
to their barracks as of last Thursday. He added
that an investigation into the concerns would
begin soon.

Meanwhile, Fretilin Vice-Secretary General Jose
Reis has asked Fretilin militants and followers
not to pay attention to the issue of “East” and
“West”, as all Timorese are one people. According
to Reis, it was white people who originally
divided the country by using these terms, but
Fretilin has always defended the unity of the
whole country, and rejects divisions and
regionalism.

Additionally, PSD MP and former Falintil Secretary
for Region III Riak Leman has expressed his
opinion that the “West” is West Timor or
Indonesia, while the “East” is Timor-Leste. He
stated that there should be no divisions based
upon geographical location within Timor-Leste.
(STL, TP)

Annual message from Gusmao to diplomatic corps

In his annual message to the Timor-Leste
diplomatic corps, President Xanana Gusmao
discussed his recent visit to New York where he
handed over the CAVR report to the UN Secretary
General. He told the diplomats that upon speaking
to members of the Security Council, he stated his
Government’s agreement that the UN mission
currently in Timor-Leste should end this coming
May. He thanked the UN for its assistance embodied
in the four UN missions present in Timor-Leste
since 1999. However he also stated his wish to
request further assistance in certain areas,
including advisors for the finance and justice
sectors, police training, and the need for
military liaison personnel along the border.

For this reason, he requested the Council to
establish a Political Cabinet or Secretariat that
could also provide the necessary logistical and
technical support for electoral assistance needed
to prepare for the 2007 General Elections. (STL)

Defamation article violates Constitution

Speaking from his knowledge as a former lawyer, MP
Manuel Tilman has declared that the Defamation
Article in the Penal Code, if applied, will
violate the Constitution, in particular the
articles in the Constitution on Freedom of
Expression and Press Freedom. He said that a
journalist could receive three years in prison for
saying the wrong thing, even in his/her capacity
as a journalist. He stated that the Code has not
yet been approved by the President, due to the
issues surrounding this particular article, as
well as one other. (STL)

Lere: Don’t think about war again

F-FDTL Chief of Staff Colonel Lere Anan Timur has
appealed to members of the F-FDTL not to consider
a war between Timorese, as it will only be
Timorese who will continue to suffer. Speaking in
his negotiations with the 402 F-FDTL soldiers who
protested outside the President’s Office last
Wednesday, Lere Anan warned the soldiers that if
there is any internal instability, it will be an
invitation for another invasion. (TP)

Xavier: Ready to resign if nominated

Vice Chairman in the National Parliament,
Francisco Xavier Amara, stated that he is ready to
resign from his current post in Parliament if
nominated to the Consultative for The Petroleum
Fund. "If I am nominated then I will chose one of
the members of the Associate Social Democratic of
Timorese Party (ASDT) to replace me in taking over
my current position in the National Parliament,
and I will be nominating a woman as a chairman of
the faction," he told journalists on Friday.

He clarified that under the Constitution, the
former President has the right of taking the place
as a Constitute Council. He said if the Government
puts that trust in him, he is ready to accept the
post but added that he is not seeking this
position because everything is dependent upon the
Constitution. (STL)

Timor, Indonesia agree on Malibaka Incident

The joint investigation team of Timor-Leste and
Indonesia lead by Prosecutor General Longuinhos
Monteiro in Timor-Leste and Gorris Mere, Major
General of Indonesian Police (POLRI) on Friday,
have signed a report regarding the Malibaka
shooting incident that took place on 06 January.

The two sides agreed on 4 points: that the
Indonesians shot had crossed the border illegally
into Timor-Leste; that the PNTL BPU shot and
killed the Indonesians; that the shooting incident
occurred in the territory of Timor-Leste and
finally, that the case will go to Court based on
the laws that exist in Timor-Leste.

Monteiro told journalists that the agreement was
signed by Timor-Leste and Indonesia is not the
finalized report. He said on 15 February, the
Investigation Team from Timor-Leste will go to
Bali (Indonesia) to meet its counterpart to
finalize the report prior to the President Xanana
Gusmao’s visit there on 17 February to meet with
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He added that the
Malibaka case will not be a topic of discussion
during the meeting of the two States heads. (STL,
TP)

Abilio Araujo: Ready to become prime minister

President National Timorese Party (PNT), Abilio
Araujo told media during the meeting between PNT
militants on Thursday in Maliana district that he
is ready to become Prime Minister of Timor-Leste
in the upcoming election to be held on 2007 if
people of this nation indicate that with their
votes.

Araujo said the upcoming election National
Timorese Party (PNT) will indicate its candidate
for Prime Minister and, he said he is ready for
the post. (STL)

Figure Xanana Gusmao still needed

Suara Timor-Lorosa’e report that four Parties,
Fretilin, ASDT, PSD and PD, share the same idea
that a figure like Xanana Gusmao is still needed
by the Timorese people. The report said people
still need a charismatic figure who has handled
many national matters and is welcomed by people
inside as well as outside the country. (STL)

---

February 10, 2006

Lasama hands defamation suit to lawyers

Democratic Party (PD) President, Fernando Lasama
de Araujo, in a press conference held yesterday,
officially gave authority to four lawyers whom he
has nominated to defend him in the defamation suit
filed by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, related to
claims made by Lasama that Alkatiri had received
bribes. In the official ceremony, Lasama signed
the Prosecution document that he received earlier
this month and stated that he will attend a
hearing on the accusations against him this coming
14 February. Lasama claims that he did not defame
the person of Mari Alkatiri, but criticized his
methods of governing, and stated that it is the
right of the opposition to do so. He emphasized
that his lawyers would be dealing with the legal
aspects of the case, while PD will continue to
deal with political matters. (TP, STL, DN)

East/West case should be investigated

Members of Parliament have stated that in order to
know for certain the dynamics surrounding the
East/West F-FDTL case, there must be an
investigation by an independent team, as this is a
very serious problem. Speaking to journalists on
Thursday, Head of the Fretilin bench in the
National Parliament said that he could not comment
on the case without an investigation, which would
reveal both sides of the story. PSD MP Joao
Goncalves also expressed his opinion that the
incident is a serious one because it has occurred
in a military institution which abides by strict
rules of discipline.

Responding to claims by some that the case is a
political plot instigated by some leaders, PD MP
Rui Menezes disagreed, saying that the problem has
existed for some time now, but that the political
leaders and the F-FDTL institution itself has not
been interested in solving the problem.

In the meantime, the F-FDTL members who were
involved in Wednesday’s protest were
transported yesterday to the military academy in
Metinaro, accompanied by the military police. The
assignment of the soldiers to reside temporarily
at the academy is considered an alternative that
will assist in resolving the current problem. (DN,
TP, STL)

Horta: Timor and Indonesia to share TFC burden

Timor-Leste and Indonesia will share the burden of
their joint policy to establish the Truth and
Friendship Commission as the UN Security Council
has given the Commission the opportunity to
demonstrate its credibility and integrity. "It is
a great responsibility for the Commission to have
to prove itself to the world and in particular to
the victims", said Minister for Foreign Affairs
and Cooperation Jose Ramos Horta on Tuesday. He
said he acknowledges that many people, including
Members of Parliament, civil society and Church
representatives do not accept the Commission.

However, he said, the Government still intends to
further explain the purpose of the Commission to
these groups. (STL)

PNTL asked Indonesian police to monitor boarder
Commander General of PNTL Superintendent, Paulo
Fatima Martins, yesterday told media that he has
requested POLRI (Indonesian Police) to assist
Timor-Leste in controlling the Frontier between
the two countries. Martins made this request
through Mr. Gorris Mere, leader of the Indonesia
Police team, and added that the objective of the
visit with the Indonesian Police team is to
discuss the situation or cases that have occurred
at the Border. He also stated that the country is
currently preparing for political party campaigns
and, therefore, security along the frontier needs
to be controlled. On the other hand, Mr. Mere has
said that his meeting with Martins was one of
sharing of information and discussion of other
factual problems that have arisen. PNTL and
Indonesian Police can strengthen collaboration as
both entities provide services in security and
implementation of the law.

In other news, Suara Timor Lorose reports
that Mr. Mere, accompanied by Indonesian
Ambassador, Ahmed Bey Sofwan, met President Xanana
Gusmao on Thursday. (TP, STL)

---

February 9, 2006

402 F-FDTL launch protest

On Wednesday, 402 F-FDTL members including those
from the Naval, First and Second Battalions and
Headquarters who consider themselves as a distinct
ethnic group from the West of Timor-Leste,
protested at the Presidential Palace in Caicoli.
The group directed their protest at the President
as the Supreme Commander of the F-FDTL in regard
to declarations by some Commanders that it was
those from the East of Timor-Leste who were
primarily involved in the war. They also launched
an angry protest against what they claim to be
discrimination within the F-FDTL related to
promotions granted exclusively to those from the
East.

President Xanana responded by saying that as the
Supreme Commander, he has an interest in resolving
the conflict but that he is unhappy that the
soldiers left their barracks to protest.

When meeting with the protesters, the President
requested that return to their barracks and allow
the internal F-FDTL Commission to investigate the
allegations. The soldiers refused to return
however, saying that some of the Commanders had
threatened that if they participated in the
protest, they would be considered enemies. They
suggested that they all remain for the time being
at the HQ in Tasi Tolu, so that the investigators
could speak to them there as a group. They
anticipated that they would experience problems
with their colleagues if they were to return to
their respective offices.

The situation became heated when President Xanana,
unable to convince the soldiers to return, left
them to return to his office. The President stated
that he would have preferred if the soldiers had
just presented a petition, and not left their
barracks, as this action will not help to resolve
the problem. (TP, STL)

Indonesia acknowledges illegal crossing in
Malibaka

Although there is yet there to be a final
conclusion on the joint Timor-Leste/Indonesia
investigation on the Malibaka incident, Indonesia
acknowledges that the three deceased Indonesian
citizens illegally crossed the border. In an
official meeting at the Prosecution office in Dili
yesterday, the Indonesian side acknowledged this
and other facts, including that the incident
occurred entirely on Timor-Leste’s side of the
border. According to Prosecutor General Longuinhos
Monteiro, the team that arrived from Indonesia is
composed of technical experts and criminal
investigators. (TP)

Horta: Timor will stop establishing Embassies

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose
Ramos Horta has said that Timor-Leste will not be
opening any new embassies, irrespective of
importance. Speaking to journalists outside the
National Parliament on Wednesday, Horta clarified
that while his Ministry has no plans to close any
embassies — though they have yet to find
Ambassadors for several existing ones including
Mozambique, Malaysia and Thailand — it is no use
opening new embassies if it is going to be so
difficult to identify suitable Ambassadors. (STL,
TP)

Horta not yet decided on UN SG candidacy

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose
Ramos Horta has stated that he has not yet decided
whether to nominate himself as UN Secretary
General, even though many people have requested
that he do so. He said that in various print and
online media he has been noted as a strong
candidate for the post, but he has not yet
nominated himself. He said that he would clarify
his position in the coming months. (STL, TP)

Xanana receives credentials from four countries

Suara Timor-Loros’e and Timor Post report that
President Gusmao yesterday received credential
letters of four Ambassadors from the following
countries: Holland, Israel, Ukraine and Greece.

The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Corporation, Ms. Adalgiza Magno, who accompanied
President Gusmao during the meetings, informed the
media that two of these Ambassadors will be based
in Indonesia (Holland) and Singapore (Israel). She
further stated that at the moment Timor-Leste
enjoys good relationships with over 100 countries.

Magno clarified to the media that discussions at
the meeting focused on developing diplomatic
relations between the countries. The Ambassador of
Holland, Mr. Nikoalos Van Dam urged Timor-Leste to
build good relations with Indonesia.

The following were received by President Xanana:
Ambassador Oleksandr Shevchenkor — Ukraine;
Ambassador Alexio G. Cristhopulos — Greece and
Ambassador Illan Bem Dov — Israel. (SSTL, TP)
Horta asks opposition to support Greater Sunrise
deal

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation,
Jose Ramos Horta has asked MPs in the National
Parliament, especially from the opposition party,
to support the Greater Sunrise agreement which was
signed between Timor-Leste and Australia on 12
January 2006 in Sydney, Australia.

Horta said he just want to make an appeal to the
opposition party as Timorese people, as their
brother and as their friend. (TP)

---

February 8, 2006

Collection of veteran data to close in March

The collection of the veteran data at the village
level will close this coming March so that the
veterans whose names have been included will
receive recognition from the Government in August.
Speaking after a three-day veterans seminar held
from 6-8 February, President Xanana Gusmao told
journalists that the objective of the seminar was
to bring together the veterans to discuss the
resistance, political and military structures, so
that they be will enshrined as a part of Timorese
history. (STL)

CCF bringing population to surrender not true

According to President Xanana Gusmao, accusations
of members of the Fretilin Central Committee said
to have brought the population to surrender is not
true. Speaking at the veteran’s seminar at the
Presidential Palace yesterday, the President said
that these kinds of issues should not be used to
accuse but rather as conceptual analysis in order
to arrive at a decision on the kind of criteria to
be used. He said that the issue of surrender is a
difficult one to define because in some cases
traitors can be defined as heroes, and heroes as
traitors. (TP)

No money from Petroleum Fund has been spent

Responding to the concerns of some opposition
parties and members of the community that the
Government is not properly utilizing the Petroleum
Fund money that is stored with the Banking and
Payments authority, Vice-Minister for Planning and
Finance Aicha Bassarewan has stated that the
Government has not yet spent any of the money. To
use the money would require not the Government’s
but the people’s approval, via their
representatives in the National Parliament.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Bassarewan
said that the Government must present its proposal
for fiscal spending to the National Parliament for
approval, and therefore it is not possible for the
Government to spend the money inappropriately.
(TP)

Lasama ready for tribunal

Timor Post reports that President of the
Democratic Party (PD), Fernando Lasama, has
confirmed that he will be investigated by the Dili
District Tribunal on 14 February 2006, in relation
to the case against Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri
accusing him of accepting bribes.

Lasama stated he is ready to be investigated but
also added that Prosecutor-General, Longuinhos
Monteiro, who is the defence lawyer for the
Government is reluctant to speak about the case.
Monteiro told media on Monday (06/02) that he
believes that the Deputy Prosecutor, Joco
Carreira, will speak on this issue because he will
be attending to this matter. Monteiro added that
he would like to lead this case, but he
unfortunately has other important matters to
address outside of Timor-Leste.

Lasama appealed to those attending the scheduled
hearing that he will clarify to the tribunal what
has already been outlined during his recent press
conference. (TP)

Construction House for Veterans

President of the Council of the Ministers, Antonio
Bianco, said that Timor-Leste Government is
currently holding on-going discussions with
representatives of the Government of China
regarding the planned construction of houses for
identified veterans. Plans are in the second phase
which concerns sending technical experts to
regions and districts in the country to determine
whether the houses will be centrally or regionally
located.

Bianco said he hopes that the technical assessment
can be completed shortly. Another meeting will be
held in the presence of the Prime Minister to
decide upon the location. After being endorsed by
the Prime Minister, a final report will be
submitted to the Government of China for review.
According to data gathered by a spokesperson from
the Chinese Government, approximately 100 veterans
including those who have no homes and are retired
will be considered as recipients. (TP)

---

February 7, 2006

Sexual violence in Oeccusse a reminder of past

Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation Nelson dos Santos has
commented that the recent alleged rape of an
Oecussi woman by the Indonesian military in the
border region in January is reminiscent of the
violence perpetrated by the security forces in
Timor-Leste in Indonesian times. "However we are
confident that the TNI will process the
perpetrators via the appropriate legal channels",
Santos told journalists on Monday.

According to Santos, the case is still being
investigated by the Department of Foreign Affairs,
based upon the medical reports which, he added,
show that a rape occurred. He also stated that the
Timor-Leste Government spoke to the Indonesian
authorities about the case last Friday and advised
them that the Timor-Leste side would not cease
raising the matter until the perpetrators have
been taken to court. Minister of Foreign affairs
and Cooperation, Jose Ramos Horta, spoke directly
to the Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Ahmed
Bey Sofwan, to discuss both this and other
matters. Santos said that it is important that the
Timor-Leste Government apply the appropriate
pressure to Indonesia to resolve the matter
according to their law.

Prosecutor General Longuinhos Monteiro also told
reporters that the report on the case has been
received by his office, however he did not make
any comments, saying only that he is still
studying the case.

The National Parliament also on Friday received a
petition from the Women’s Network regarding the
case, where it was then handed on to Commission A.
Vice President of Commission A, Vicente Faria,
said that the Commission would hold a meeting with
Civil Society to find out more information, they
would then write a report and present it to the
Parliament, who will, subsequently, give it to the
Government for discussions with the Indonesian
government. (STL, TP)

Police do not use guns to threaten population

PNTL Commander General Superintendent Paulo
Martins has said that State equipment such as guns
or pistols should not be being used by police
officers to threaten or scare people, but to
provide a guarantee of security when needed.

Speaking at an official event to dismiss five
police officers at the PNTL Headquarters on
Monday, Martins asked police officers to use the
equipment properly and to safeguard it so that it
does not get lost. He said that the loss of such
weapons gives others the opportunity to do
something wrong. (STL)

Defamation law has implications for journalists

A UNOTIL press statement released on Monday stated
that the last UNOTIL Policy Review meeting
discussed the concerns that the media have
regarding the defamation clause contained in the
new Timor-Leste Penal Code, and the necessity to
maintain and possibly increase international
support for the national media as an important
component of a democratic society. Led by the
Deputy SRSG Anis Bajwa, the meeting saw
presentations from various media representatives
in Timor-Leste, including RTTL Director Virgilio
Guterres, Timor-Leste Internews Country Director
Sonny Inbaraj, Timor Post Director Aderito Hugo da
Costa, and STL Vice-Director Domingos Saldanha.
Points conveyed included the need for more
material and financial resources, including
computers, vehicles, communication tools and basic
office equipment. Thus it was concluded that
continued donor support is critical to effective
strengthening of the media. (STL)

Don’t forget civilian component of the resistance

After an opening ceremony for ex-combatants in the
Palace of Ashes yesterday, President Xanana Gusmao
told the media not to forget the civilian
component of the resistance which was an important
part of the support base for the resistance and
that they represented all areas of the Timor-
Leste. He stressed that there is a need for a
structure to be put in place in order to clarify
the situation for future generations and for the
sake of history.

We’re trying to release a factual document
regarding combatants who were active during the
resistance between 1975-1979 that have handed back
their firearms. The civilian and clandestine
components of the resistance will not be included
in the list of veterans and therefore are not
considered in the yet to be approved law by
National Parliament. (STL, TP)

Rumors on F-FDTL divisions have no foundation

Commandant F-FDTL, Brigadier General Taur Matan
Ruak told journalists yesterday that rumours about
divisions between F-FDTL “Loro Sa’e or Loro-Monu”,
the East and the West, have no foundation. Ruak
said in reality Timor-Leste is multi-ethnic and
has many diverse dialects. As an example, he named
dialects such as Naueti, Makalero, Makasae,
Mambae, etc.

He added that he believes these rumours are merely
a curtain to cover up individual and collective
interests in F-FDTL’s institutions but he defended
F-FDTL by saying that collective interests should
involve the needs of the people, not the
individual.

Ruak acknowledged that conflicting interests have
existed in F-FDTL’s institutions but they are
trying to resolve the problem "The door is open,
if people want to come to negotiate, but if they
don’t come, we will not go out and search for them
because this institution is based on self-
dedication to defend the nation’s interests."
(STL, TP)

---

February 4-6, 2006

Horta on TNI sexual violation case

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose
Ramos Horta has stated that the case of sexual
violation that the TNI allegedly committed against
a Timorese woman in January in the border area
must move forward in order to obtain justice.
Speaking to journalists last Thursday, Horta
declared that the Timor-Leste Government would be
sending the investigation report to the Indonesian
Government so that they may understand that the
matter is indeed very serious. (TP, STL, DN)

Xanana should continue as RDTL President: Horta

Rumours have begun to arise that Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Negotiation Jose Ramos Horta
will be a Presidential candidate if President
Xanana decides not to run in the upcoming 2007
elections. When asked to confirm however, Horta
denied the rumour and said that he has not yet
thought about this matter. He said that in his
opinion, President Xanana should continue in the
position for another five years, as the people
still have confidence in him and he is still fit,
healthy, and young. (TP)

PNTL members to be dismissed due to undisciplined

Five PNTL officers will lose their positions due
to undisciplined behaviour. PNTL General Commander
Paulo Martins told journalists last Thursday that
the reasons for dismissal include prolonged
absences from work without a valid reason, misuse
of weapons, granting illegal entry to an
Indonesian police officer and sexual violations.
(TP)

There are none to replace Lu-Olo and Alkatiri

Speaking after the opening of Fretilin’s
(Political Party) district congress in Manatuto
district, Jose Maria Reis, the Deputy Secretary-
General of Fretilin told media that in the up
coming five years there are no alternative
candidates to replace Lu Olo and Mari Alkatiri in
their current positions as the President and the
Secretary-General of Fretilin Political Party,
Timor Post and Diario Nacional reported. He stated
that to replace the two current figures in the
future, qualified candidates should be sought
within the party to move the party forward. Reis
added that since Fretilin is a historical
political party, Fretilin is the future of Timor-
Leste and the other political parties stand no
chance of winning in the 2007 election. (STL, DN)

Timor media needs international communities’
support

Speaking during a Consultative Group Meeting held
at UNOTIL last week, Director of Timor Post,
Aderito Hugo da Costa, Deputy Director of Suara
Timor-Lorosa’e, Domingos Saldanha, and Virgilio
Guterres from Public Broadcasting Services argued
that Timor-Leste’s media is in need of
international support and/or assistance. The three
main speakers, supported by a separate
presentation by the Director of Internews, Sonny
Inbaraj, made the appeal to the international
communities’ representatives who participated in
the meeting. Mr da Costa, Mr Saldanha and Mr 
Guterres, together with Mr Inbaraj, highlighted
the concerns faced by the local media including
the lack of infrastructure, human resources, and
technical equipment such as computers,
photocopiers and printing machines. The Deputy
Special Representative of Secretary-General, Anis
Bajwa, supported the appeal of the Timor-Leste
media actors by asking development partners to
provide more attention to ways of assisting
Timor-Leste’s media in meeting these challenges.
(TP)

---

February 3, 2006

Defamation provision not a danger to democracy

President of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Claudio
Ximenes, has expressed his opinion as a jurist
that the article on defamation in the Penal Code
does not pose a danger to democracy. Speaking to
journalists on Thursday after meeting with
President Gusmao regarding the Code, Ximenes said
that many other countries where democracy is alive
and well including Spain, Italy and Germany, have
defamation provisions in their law.

He said that there are over three hundred articles
in the code, and the article on defamation is just
one of these, so it should not be a major concern.
He stated that in his opinion the article does not
restrict press freedom, curtail citizen’s rights,
or violate the Constitution. (TP)

Difficulties in filling Ambassador posts

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose
Ramos Horta has stated that it is difficult to
identify people with the capacity to fill several
vacant Ambassador posts despite trying for a year
to find the appropriate people to fill the
positions. The Minister expressed his frustration
in filling the Ambassadorial positions for
Malaysia, Bangkok, Mozambique, and the Consulate-
General in Bali. He said that if it were up to
him, he would not take into consideration all the
protests against those that have been identified.
Since it is up to the President and the Prime
Minister to identify suitable candidates, he
cannot do anything. (TP)

Don’t bend too much towards Indonesia

The recent fatal shooting of three ex-militia at
the border has the potential to impact negatively
on the Timor-Leste economy. For this reason, the
Government is attempting to identify a mechanism
that will present a satisfactory solution for the
citizens of both countries, in particular the
border populations. However, according to
Aristides Afonso, Economics lecturer from the
Timor-Leste National University, it is not
beneficial to depend too much on Indonesia.

Speaking to TP on Thursday, Afonso explained that
if a conflict arises and there is not enough
political maturity from either side to resolve the
problem appropriately, imports from Indonesia
might be cut off. If that were the case, it would
be necessary to look for an alternative source of
imports, and for this reason it is important not
to depend too much on Indonesia. He said that
other countries that could be used as possible
sources for imports include Australia, the
Philippines, and Singapore. (TP)

Martins: "Don’t create divisions within UIR

PNTL Inspector General, Paulo Martins appealed to
the members of Rapid Intervention Unit not to
create divisions based or “Nationalism” within the
UIR unit since it is the only unit that exists,
JND reported on 03 February. (JND)

Corruption allegations in environment and
development ministry

Director of LABEH, Christopher Henry Samson, has
reportedly made allegations of corruption within
the Ministry of Environment and Development. Mr 
Samson reportedly stated the accusations to
journalists on his way to hand over a report on
the corruption to the Office of Inspector-General,
Mariano Lopez da Cruz at the Government Palace.
The information is a result of observations of
activities that occurred within the Ministry.
Although Civil Society has no authority to
investigate, it has the right to observe and
report any suspicions to the Office of Inspector-
General for further investigation.

Minister of Environment, Abel Ximenes, responded
by stating that it is up to everyone to put
forward their evaluation but his Ministry,
including his staff, have done 70 to 100 percent
of the work. He added that if it is proven that
corruption exists, then the person who committed
the act should be held accountable or responsible
for his/her actions. (JND, STL)

---

February 2, 2006

Pe Maubere did not call Fretilin Communist

Member of the National Parliament of Fretilin
political party, Maria Josi da Costa, clarified
that Pe Domingos Maubere did not say in his
oration at last week’s mass in Same Parish, that
Fretilin is Communist and would wipe everyone out
if it wins the election, Timor Post reported. MP
da Costa said that those published statements in
the media are incorrect. Timor Post also printed a
brief report on the response of MP Francisco
Miranda Branco, who claimed that the incorrect
reports of that oration by Pe Domingos Maubere is
just a ploy to discredit Fretilin. (TP, STL)

Centralized tender system facilitates corruption

Commission D in the National Parliament, headed by
MP Flavio da Silva, has recommended that the
Government grant special autonomy to individual
ministries or departments to manage their own
tender processes on the basis that a centralized
tender system can give rise to corruption. The
recommendation is based on opinions collected from
the local Oecussi population when the Commission
visited the region. The population reportedly told
the Commission that the tender system currently
implemented by the Government is inefficient and
bureaucratic. According to a member of the
Commission, Paulo Alves Sarmento, a centralized
tender system does not only increase the
possibility for corruption, but also slows down
the implementation of urgent activities. He
related an example of funding required for a
project to be implemented during the dry season in
which the funding was not made available until
much later when the wet season had already begun.
(STL)

PSD formulates development program

The Social Democratic Party has prepared a
Development Program for 2007, should the party be
elected to head the Government in the 2007
elections. The program is awaiting approval by the
party’s National Congress to then be used in the
2007 election campaign. PSD MP Fernando Gusmao
told journalists that the program reflects PSD’s
social democratic ideology. He commented that PSD
is neither a left nor a right party, but that it
takes positive aspects from both sides to form its
development programs. (STL)

Barros on legal system problems

Timor-Leste’s legal system became a matter of
public focus in 2005. Not only the political
leadership, but legal practitioners and the
general public questioned the weakness of the
system. Many cases were not heard, and
communication was a problem in those that were
heard. President of the Timor-Leste Lawyers
Association Benevides Corriera Barros, told STL
that there is some confusion about the type of law
system that should be followed here in Timor-Leste
as to whether it should be a European Continental,
Civil Law, or Common Law system. The result is
that a hybrid is being followed in responding to
legal issues, without a solution being provided by
the National Parliament. He said that the
Government is not committed to providing extra
attention to the legal system, including ensuring
that criminal cases are not suspended for two to
three months at a time, and that civil cases are
not pending, as they are now in some cases, for up
to three years. Barros said that bringing in
international legal practitioners does not improve
the situation, but actually further complicates
the system through the language problem, and the
fact that these legal practitioners come from
different legal backgrounds. Therefore, he said,
Timorese legal practitioners are more useful both
in terms of language and the fact that often
defendants request that their cases be handled by
Timorese nationals as opposed to foreigners. (STL)

Attack on PNTL HQ in Liquica

Over 50 individuals reportedly attacked the PNTL
District Headquarter in Liquica on Monday night.

The attack allegedly took place after the police
arrested a community member in Liquica Sub-
District following a fighting involving the youth
on 28 January. They demanded that Police detain
both parties involved in the fighting not just
one. (RTTL)

Gus Dur support CAVR’s report

From Indonesia, RTTL reported that the former
Indonesian President Abdurahman Wahid “Gus Dur”
reportedly expressed his support for the handing
over of CAVR’s report to the UN by President
Gusmao. Gus Dur also said that the death toll
between 1974-1999 in Timor-Leste could be higher
than the figure presented in the report. (RTTL)

---

February 1, 2006

Alkatiri and Lu Olo on power and new generation

Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has declared that at
some stage he will give up his position as Prime
Minister, but he will do so in order to hand over
the position to the new generation, and not as a
result of being forced or pressured to do so.
Speaking to STL, the Head of Government spoke
about the Penal Code, which is currently awaiting
promulgation by the President. The PM also pointed
out, that due to an increase in national income in
2005, development programs can now be implemented
with ease.

Also speaking to STL, Fretilin President Francisco
Guterres alias Lu-Olo said that he would like to
rejuvenate Fretilin and hand over power to the new
Fretilin generation. He explained that in his
opinion, youth are very important for Fretilin,
because at some stage they will take over for the
current leadership. He said that the leadership is
currently considering candidates to be groomed for
leadership positions within the party. (STL)

Alkatiri responds to UN concerns on defamation Law

The new defamation law has become a concern of the
UN. The Commission of Experts which recently
visited Dili as the Prime Minister’s initiative on
accountability and transparency, has asked the
Prime Minister to revisit the defamation law.
Responding to these concerns, Alkatiri said that
he is disappointed with continued comments from
certain parties, including civil society, that can
say what they want without any accountability. He
explained that the law is intended to make people
accountable for what they say. He added that the
law has been approved by the National Parliament
and is currently awaiting promulgation by the
President. There will be no further review of the
law, the Prime Minister stated. (STL)

Alkatiri: Stop criticizing CVA

Prime Minister Alkatiri said the criticism from
civil society regarding CVA/TFC is not fair.
Alkatiri pointed out that they should look at the
MoU that the Government has established with
Indonesia from the time Timor-Leste restored its
independence on 20 May, 2002.

He cited as an example the Government’s decision
to establish good ties with Indonesia in the areas
of economic, commerce and a joint ministerial to
look into various issues including education,
assets, health, agriculture and so forth. No one
has pointed out that this is a bad politic, the
Prime Minister said. He remarked that he can not
understand the criticism when the two Governments
have established a Commission to look into the
truth, adding that the Truth and Friendship
Commission was established in the interest of the
nation. (TP)

International assistance needed for fragile
judiciary

The Timor-Leste judicial system is still weak, and
without the necessary human resources, it is
necessary to provide training to the judges,
prosecutors and public defenders, according to
Vice-President of the National Parliament Jacob
Fernandes. He said that for this reason, Timor-
Leste still needs the assistance of the
international community through UNOTIL. Speaking
to journalists on behalf of the President of the
National Parliament after receiving the report of
the Commission of Experts at UNOTIL HQ on Friday,
Fernandes said that Timor-Leste is providing
continued assistance to the judges, prosecutors
and public defenders, with both judicial and
language training. (STL)

Political parties abandon population after
elections

President of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao said that
he has made received many complaints from the
population regarding game-playing by political
parties who organize and rally people during the
campaign period to get their support and then
abandon those populations, never to be seen again,
not even to express their appreciation to the
voters, Timor Post reported. He then stated that a
sound political process needs to be developed in
this country to address this situation. President
Gusmao said the above while participating in a
seminar on democracy held in Lecidere, on Tuesday,
January 31 2006. (TP)

Alkatiri does want to respond to West Timor
commander

PM Mari Alkatiri declared that he does not want to
respond to the statement made by West Timor
military commander Coroner Noach Bola, who
commented that PM Alkatiri and the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Horta are behind the allegations
of the recent sexual violence on the border, Timor
Post reported. According to reports, the border
incident involved Indonesian military personal and
a Timorese woman.

"I will not respond to a statement by a provincial
military commander. I am a Prime Minister and not
the Governor of Tim-Tim," PM Alkatiri stated,
referring to an Indonesian slang term for East
Timor. (TP)

=================

OPINION & ANALYSIS

=================

Shouldn’t this convicted thug be in jail?

Paras Indonesia - February 18, 2006

Roy Tupai — Former East Timorese pro-Indonesia
militia leader Eurico Guterres, currently
appealing his five-year jail sentence for crimes
against humanity, has been elected chairman of
National Mandate Party’s (PAN) chapter in East
Nusa Tenggara province.

He claims he will help PAN win greater support in
the 2009 general election. Does he intend to do
this by issuing death threats to the electorate,
as he did in the months prior to East Timor’s
referendum on independence? PAN should wise up and
ditch this dangerous thug, who has already served
time with rival parties Golkar and the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle.

It appears PAN’s leaders are grateful to have
Guterres on board. He won a landslide victory in
the party’s provincial leadership election on
February 11, picking up 50 of the 67 votes cast at
the conclusion of a two-day congress at the
Kristal Hotel in Kupang, the main city of West
Timor. (West Timor is part of East Nusa Tenggara,
which is known locally by the acronym NTT).

Guterres (34), who is close to influential senior
Indonesian generals, is the former leader of the
feared Aitarak (Thorn) militia group, which
unleashed carnage in East Timor in the period
surrounding the territory’s 1999 vote to secede
from Indonesia.

Under strong pressure from the international
community to bring Guterres to justice, Indonesian
authorities arrested him a couple of times in 2000
on various charges. In April 2001, he was
convicted of inciting violence in West Timor and
sentenced to six months imprisonment, but ended up
serving only 23 days under house detention thanks
largely to his powerful military friends. Human
rights activists continued to demand he be tried
for war crimes, but the military lauded him as a
heroic patriot.

In November 2002, Indonesia’s special human rights
court convicted Guterres of crimes against
humanity and sentenced him to 10 years in jail.

Jakarta High Court in July 2004 reduced his
sentence to five years. He still remains free
pending the Supreme Court’s decision on his
current appeal. Some reports have said he is
supposed to be under city arrest in Jakarta, yet
he seems free to travel where he pleases.

Human rights groups in August 2003 accused
Guterres of going to remote Papua province to
establish the ’Merah Putih’ (Red & White) pro-
Indonesia militia group to oppose the separatist
Free Papua Organization. Media reports last year
alleged that Guterres had visited tsunami-hit Aceh
province to assemble a unit of his Army-backed
militia to combat the separatist Free Aceh
Movement (GAM). The thug strongly denied the
reports, saying he was confined to Jakarta while
continuing his appeal against his jail sentence.

Former parties

Guterres had initially been a member of Golkar,
the former political vehicle of Suharto. In June
1999, Golkar had selected Guterres to stand for
election in the national parliament.

He left Golkar in March 2000 for then vice
president Megawati Sukarnoputri’s Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which he
felt had done the most of any party to help keep
East Timor within Indonesia. Megawati in August
2000 appointed him chief of PDI-P’s paramilitary
youth group, Banteng Pemuda.

Panning for popularity or controversy?

So why has PAN now wooed Guterres? Is the party so
desperate for votes that it thinks he will bolster
its popularity in predominantly Christian eastern
Indonesia?

PAN was founded as a pluralistic and secular party
by reformist Muslim leader Amien Rais after the
1998 downfall of former dictator Suharto. Although
well known for its consistent anti-corruption
stance, the party has failed to become a dominant
force in the political arena due to a lack of
strong military and populist support.

Appealing mostly to educated urban voters, the
party came fifth in the June 1999 general election
with just 7.1% of the vote. It fared worse in the
April 2004 general election, coming seventh with
6.43% of the vote. The party now holds 52 of the
550 seats in the House of Representatives.
Analysts say PAN has lost its pluralist roots over
recent years and developed almost exclusively into
the political vehicle of the nation’s second
largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah.

Rais is known for shifting his stance on East
Timor to suit his political purposes. He resigned
from politics after his failure in the 2004
presidential election and was replaced as PAN
leader by Sutrisno Bachir in April 2005.

PAN does not seem concerned that it might scare
away voters by having Guterres as one of its
members. On the contrary, it seems the party feels
he will bring greater support and internal unity.

Deputy secretary general of PAN’s central
executive board, Muhammad Najib, said Guterres was
welcome in the party as long as he followed its
rules. He said the former militia leader had long
been close to Rais and Bachir, but had only
recently joined the party.

He said it was up to the public to determine
whether Guterres’ involvement in the 1999 violence
in East Timor should be seen as a problem. "In my
opinion, Eurico was a hero for integration. But
the assessment is up to the public."

Najib said PAN was not worried of possible
criticism for opening its doors to Guterres. "PAN
is an open party. We do not ban anyone from
joining. Anyone who wants to exercise his/her
political rights in our party is welcomed by us,
as long as they have not been legally punished by
the courts. We obviously cannot restrict the
rights of a citizen to be politically active and
become a member of a political party."

When opening the PAN-NTT congress on February 10,
party chairman Bachir expressed hope it would take
place smoothly without internal conflict. "We must
promote the feeling of peace in the organization.
PAN-NTT has been small. Don’t let there be
conflict again that could cause dissent among us,"
he said.

He emphasized that PAN is not a religion-based
party, but is open to all elements of society.
"Party members are recruited not only from a
certain group [Islam] but from all religions and
cultures."

Bachir said PAN’s goal is not to seize power but
to work in the interests of the people. Therefore,
the party’s leadership and management should be
closer to the people, especially rural
communities, rather than focusing solely on urban
dwellers, he said.

NTT Governor Piet Tallo, in a speech read out at
the congress by his assistant Djidon de Haan, said
PAN plays an important in making "positive
corrections“to the provincial government.”In the
political situation in NTT, PAN plays a very
important role in guarding the implementation of
democratization," he said.

All that swagger

Prior to the election in Kupang, Guterres had
attended a PAN cadre training program in Bogor,
West Java, over January 27-29. At the end of the
program, he told reporters that Rais had
personally invited him to join the party that best
represented Indonesia. "Since the onset of reform,
I have often been directly involved and studied
much with friends of Amien Rais since 1998," he
said.

After his victory, he said the election had taken
place “very democratically” — possibly implying
it was not influenced by death threats or bribes.
The election was witnessed by central executive
board secretary general Zulkifli Hasan.

Guterres said his main priority in his first six
months as PAN-NTT chairman would be to improve
relations among the party’s officials throughout
the province. "So far the wheels of the
organization have not been turning because the
management is not sufficiently harmonious. In the
future, I will try to fix this by making it my
priority to hold regional meetings for all local
PAN branches in NTT. At the latest, by the middle
of this year, all of the local branches will have
completed regional conferences."

Guterres expressed confidence that PAN-NTT would
help the party to win a greater number of seats in
parliament in the 2009 general election. He
bragged that most of the more than 100,000 former
East Timorese citizens living across the border in
West Timor would support him.

"I think that in the next general election, PAN
will gain big success by receiving a significant
number of votes, especially from East Nusa
Tenggara," he was quoted as saying by the Media
Indonesia daily.

"Not because I am conceited, but at least 104,000
ex-Timor Leste citizens, who remain loyal to the
Indonesian people, will likely follow my tracks by
channeling their political aspirations through
PAN," he said.

Guterres and other former militia leaders in
November 2005 formed an organization to "protect
the rights and privileges they feel the government
they fought for is now denying them". The
organization is chaired by Guterres, who
complained that Acehnese rebels were granted
amnesty and financial aid after the August 2005
peace deal with GAM, whereas East Timor’s former
pro-Jakarta fighters have been largely abandoned
since 1999.

"They fought to keep Indonesia intact, risking
their lives, but the Indonesian government has
ignored their sacrifices," he was quoted as saying
by The Jakarta Post daily.

He has announced plans to visit East Timor to
promote friendly dialogue with Indonesia, but the
trip might not happen given that his old country
has indicted him for rights abuses.

Guterres was also in the headlines when he
condemned the January 6 killing by East Timorese
Police of three ex-militiamen in East Timor. "On
behalf of thousands of former East Timorese
refugees in Indonesia, we strongly condemn this
brutal and inhumane act by the East Timor border
patrol," he said.

He said the shootings were a violation of human
rights and must therefore be resolved under
prevailing laws.

Indonesia seems to be under little international
pressure to put Guterres in jail. Australian
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer back in June
2001 said it was "essential for Indonesia’s
credibility that it moves quickly and decisively
against Guterres". He has since dropped such
rhetoric.

---

Xanana, SBY let shame file slide

Weekend Australian - February 18, 2006

Sian Powell, Tampak Siring, Bali — The presidents
of East Timor and Indonesia agreed yesterday to
publicly ignore the conclusions of a damning UN-
sanctioned report that found Jakarta committed war
crimes during its 24-year occupation of the former
Portuguese colony.

East Timor’s Xanana Gusmao and Indonesia’s Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono would not discuss the findings
of the report, which recommended that Indonesia
and Australia, among other countries, pay
reparations to the fledgling nation.

Mr Gusmao refused to comment on the 2500-page
report, and Dr Yudhoyono said the two nations had
instead decided to focus on their Truth and
Friendship Commission, a body that has frequently
been criticised as merely cosmetic.

Indonesia postponed a meeting with East Timor
following widespread publicity over the Commission
for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation report,
which found up to 180,000 East Timorese died as a
direct result of the Indonesian occupation.

Mr Gusmao, the former guerilla leader, was
interviewed for the report, and a letter he wrote
to the UN in 1982 is quoted in which he accuses
the Indonesian military of atrocities. Dr
Yudhoyono is also in the report, listed as the
commander of an army battalion stationed in Dili
in the 1980s.

The report found the Indonesian military had used
rape and starvation as weapons of war, and that
leaders in the highest ranks of the military were
guilty of condoning atrocities.

Mr Gusmao presented the report to UN Secretary-
General Kofi Annan last month, but he has publicly
opposed its findings, considering cordial
relations with Indonesia more important than a
potentially impotent quest for justice.

The two leaders’ meeting at the state palace in
the Balinese city of Tampak Siring yesterday was
their first since the UN report’s release.

Dr Yudhoyono would not confirm whether or not he
had read the report. "I fully understand how the
handover of the document was done by President
Xanana Gusmao to the United Nations," Dr Yudhoyono
said.

"Again, reading the speech of President Xanana
Gusmao before the UN Security Council, I fully
understand also that our commitment in continuing
the process in having a Truth and Friendship
Commission and finding solutions to our past is
still our choice."

East Timorese Foreign Minister Jose Ramos Horta
criticised the report’s recommendations as
“outlandish; with no connection to reality”. He
criticised as unrealistic the recommendation that
Indonesia, the US, Britain and Australia —
because it assisted Indonesia’s military during
the occupation — and other nations pay
reparations.

"How in reality could a leader from East Timor, a
foreign minister for example, go to Australia and
ask for compensation?" he asked. Without
Australia’s help in 1999, he said, "East Timor
would not be free today".

Based on interviews with almost 8000 witnesses
from East Timor’s 13 districts and 65 sub-
districts, as well as on statements from refugees
over the border in West Timor, the report also
relies on Indonesian military papers, and
intelligence from international sources.

It documents a litany of massacres, thousands of
summary executions of civilians, and the torture
of 8500 East Timorese.

The report notes that Western-supplied aircraft,
including US-supplied planes, were used against
East Timorese civilians, and concludes that the
Indonesian military probably killed five
journalists, including two Australians, at the
East Timorese town of Balibo in 1975.

The military violence in East Timor culminated in
the 1999 reprisals for the independence vote, when
the Indonesian military and its militia proxies
rampaged through East Timor, killing as many as
1500 East Timorese and destroying most towns.

Indonesia has yet to punish those responsible for
the violence in East Timor, and of 18 defendants
tried by an ad hoc tribunal in Jakarta, only one
has not since been exonerated — and he is free
pending an appeal.

---

Making amends in Timor Leste

Jakarta Post - February 1, 2006

Joseph Nevins, New York — The logic of
reparations for war-related crimes has a long
history. It has become especially powerful in the
aftermath of the Nazi-perpetrated Holocaust as a
way to address both past and associated present-
day injustices.

Such thinking led the United Nations Security
Council to impose a US$52 billion reparations bill
on Saddam Hussein’s government in 1991 following
its illegal invasion and occupation of Kuwait.
Like reasoning should now lead the international
community to require something similar of
Indonesia and its overseas patrons for their
collective crimes in East Timor.

This is the effective demand of an official East
Timorese commission of inquiry’s report handed
over to the United Nations last Friday. The
approximately 2,500-page document provides
chilling detail of many of the worst atrocities
committed during Jakarta’s reign of terror in the
former Portuguese colony. But most explosive is
the truth commission’s recommendation that
Indonesia and its Western backers provide
reparations for their roles in the country’s
plight.

It was thirty years ago this past December that
Indonesia’s military launched a full-scale
invasion of East Timor. The war and subsequent
occupation resulted in tens of thousands of
deaths, widespread rape and sexual enslavement of
women and girls, and systematic destruction of the
territory’s buildings and infrastructure in the
waning days of Jakarta’s presence. Today,
independent East Timor is one of the world’s
poorest countries.

The Western powers greatly enabled Indonesia’s
crimes in East Timor. Indeed, their collective
assistance was decisive in allowing the 1975
invasion to go forth and for the occupation to
continue until late-1999.

Declassified government documents reveal that
Jakarta was sufficiently worried about how the
Western countries it depended upon would react to
its aggression that Soeharto, Indonesia’s
dictator, vetoed earlier plans to invade East
Timor. Only after consulting Australia and
Britain, both of which made clear that they would
not oppose the assault, and, most important,
receiving the green light from the United States
the day prior to the invasion, did Soeharto launch
an all-out attack.

Over the almost-24 years of brutality that
followed, the three Western governments and many
allies — including Japan, France, and Canada —
together provided invaluable diplomatic cover and
many billions of dollars worth of weapons,
military equipment and training, and economic aid
to Jakarta.

Despite the atrocities and the resulting hardships
in East Timor, neither Indonesia nor its Western
accomplices have apologized for their actions,
never mind make amends. Iraq, however, has paid
almost $20 billion — mostly to Kuwait’s state oil
company and government — and, shockingly,
continues to pay despite the end of Saddam’s
government.

Irrespective of the merits of forcing the Iraqi
people to pay for the crimes of a dictatorial
regime — especially one long backed by Washington
and London until the Kuwait invasion — the UN
reparations set an important precedent, one not
easily ignored.

While wealthy Western countries could easily
afford to provide compensation, any reparations
regime applied to Jakarta should avoid the many
pitfalls of that imposed on Iraq so it does not
hurt the Indonesian majority. Instead, it could
require that Soeharto, now living in comfortable
retirement, turn over to East Timor some of his
billions of dollars in ill-gotten fortune.
Similarly, rich Indonesian generals and businesses
that effectively stole much of East Timor’s wealth
could be compelled to provide restitution.

No less than President George W. Bush has
articulated the need to hold accountable direct
perpetrators of gross crimes, as well as those
complicit in them. Speaking to Congress nine days
after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Bush held the
Afghan government co-responsible for the terror:
aiding and abetting murder, the Taliban regime is
committing murder," he argued. Fortunately, unlike
in the case of al-Qaeda, no one is advocating
military attacks against those responsible for the
crimes committed in East Timor, only that they
acknowledge their sins and pay reparations to a
tiny country that they devastated.

Regardless of the demand’s pragmatism, it is
important to make for ethical reasons. And to the
extent the demand is met, it would provide
critical long-term resources to help the East
Timorese eliminate the pervasive and profound
poverty that now afflicts their country. It would
also strengthen global accountability mechanisms,
and possibly make future would-be perpetrators of
atrocities and their partners-in-crime think twice
before they act.

[Joseph Nevins is an assistant professor of
geography at Vassar College, and the author of A
Not-so-distant Horror: Mass Violence in East Timor
(Cornell University Press, 2005). He can be
reached at jonevins vassar.edu.]