quarta-feira, 29 de agosto de 2012

Interception Boat “LUSITÂNIA”

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃO

ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR PNTL’S SURVEILLANCE AND INTERCEPTION BOAT “LUSITÂNIA”

25 August 2012

Port of Dili

Your Excellency the Speaker of Parliament
Your Excellency the Chief of the Defence Force
Your Excellency the Commander-General of the PNTL
Your Excellency Mrs Isabel Ferreira
Your Excellency Mr Arnold Cahymulyono, Director of PT. Samudera Permai Multi Guna

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This ceremony that brings us here today is particularly important, as it represents another stage in our ongoing effort to provide the National Police of Timor-Leste with the means to carry out the mission given to it by the Constitution.

The main goal of this Government, which has just been strengthened by the trust that our People have given to us, is to develop the Country so that everyone can enjoy better living situations, with full respect for human dignity.

This was the reason that the Timorese fought so heroically to achieve freedom and independence. It is now up to us, the legally mandated political leaders, to achieve this national goal.

We know that without security one cannot think about development. Public investment by itself is not enough to ensure the economic growth of the Country. Instead, it is absolutely vital that we attract national and private investment to Timor-Leste and start businesses that create wealth and jobs.

However, no investor will risk finance without being certain that the country is safe and that it can trust completely in the agencies responsible for ensuring public order.

As such, the State must provide the PNTL with all the means it requires to ensure the safety and tranquillity of the population. To invest in the Police is to invest in the development of the Nation and in the future of our People.

Your Excellency the Commander-General of the PNTL,

Starting today, the Maritime Unit of the PNTL will have a Surveillance and Interception Boat. This vessel, which is the first of its kind in Timor-Leste, will enable the permanent patrolling of the territorial sea in order to provide an effective response to the criminality throughout the coastal area.

A significant part of our Country’s natural wealth is located in the sea, which is why it is a priority for the authorities to prevent the depletion of this wealth and to prevent offending. 3 / 3

The vessel that now enters the service of the PNTL will enable, in particular, a more concerted action concerning illegal fishing and smuggling, as well as environmental protection, by protecting endangered maritime species, with a focus on the corals that are being destroyed by human hands.

I trust, Mr Commander-General, and here I would also address directly the officers, NCOs and members of the PNTL, that you will properly use this Boat that is now trusted to your care, operating it with efficiency and effectiveness, as well as preserving it by way of proper maintenance.

Your Excellency Mr Arnold Cahymulyono,

Kindly transmit to company PT. Samudera Permai Multi Guna, in which you are a Director, my Government’s gratitude for the construction of the Surveillance and Interception Boat “Lusitânia”, which has met our expectations.

I hope that this healthy cooperation does not end here and that we may make use of your services again in a near future.

Your Excellency Mrs Isabel Ferreira,

I want to thank for accepting so promptly our request to be the godmother of the “Lusitânia” Boat.

It is an honour for us all, and particularly to the Maritime Unit of the PNTL, that the godmother of our first surveillance and interception boat is the First Lady of our young Republic.

I say with the utmost conviction that this is a fair recognition in view of the role that you have been playing in the development of Timorese society. I could highlight for instance the good work you have been doing over the last few years in the Office of the Secretary of State for Security and in the Civil Service Commission.

I could not agree more with this decision to associate your name to this vessel, which will now fly the colours of the PNTL.

I thank all those who have honoured us today by being present at this ceremony.

SOURCE: ETAN

terça-feira, 28 de agosto de 2012

More News From the Sea

*Fretilin calls for investigation into Hera Port Construction
Timor Post, August 28, 2012

The National Parliament Members from FRETILIN bench has called on the Government and Company that constructed Hera Port to be responsible for the damage of the Port.

MP Inacio Moreira from FRETILIN said the process of Hera Naval Port construction was problematic, FRETILIN had called on the government in the past about its quality, in fact it was damaged.

“The Construction is problematic and we had called on the Government in the past about the quality of the construction, but they still building the Port as a result it has been broken down, therefore, investigation is necessary,” he said.

*Lusitania will operate in southern coast

Timor Post, August 28, 2012

According to the plan, Lusitania, the ship that the Government bought from Samudra Permay Company will operate in the southern coast of the country, the State Secretary for Security (SES), Fransisco Guterres said.

“We bought the ship for controlling the Timor Sea of the southern West Coast, therefore, I have talked with the Timorese National Police (PNTL) commander, Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro to begin doing the patrol in that area routinely,” he said.

Police Marine Unit commander, Superintendent Lino Saldanha said Lusitania ship would do operations after coordinating with Government through the State Secretariat of Security and other competent institutions.


*Lusitania ready to combat illegal fishing in Timor Sea 
Independente August 28, 2012

State Secretary for Security Francisco Guterres said the Timorese National Police (PNTL) Marine Police Unit (UPM) has provided Lusitania, the ship that government purchased from Indonesia to help facilitate them to better control illegal fishing in the Timor Sea.

Guterres affirmed that, PNTL commands had order UPM members to hold operations to fight against illegal fishing and drug trafficking in the sea.

He added the first mission of Lusitania ship was to hold patrol in the southern coast part of the country to control illegal fishing.

“PNTL general commander has given orientation to UPM to hold routine patrol in the southern coast of the country,” Guterres said.

SOURCE OF ALL NEWA: ETAN

segunda-feira, 27 de agosto de 2012

News From the Sea

*Presence of new ship will reduce illegal Fishing: Gusmao
Timor Post, August 27, 2012

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said the presence of the new ship would help the country's security institutions to better control the Timor Sea's wealth.

"We have a lot of wealth in the sea, therefore, we should control it and with this new ship we will combat the illegal fishing," he said.

Mr. Gusmao made the comments during an inaugurating ceremony of the new ship
for Timorese National Police (PNTL) at Dili Port.


*PNTL will add UPM members

 Timor Post, August 27, 2012

The Timorese National Police (PNTL) commands have planned to increase the numbers PNTL Marine Unit's members in order to strengthen the security in Timor Sea.

The PNTL Marine Unit had 57 members only and it would not be sufficient to be deployed in seven stations in the territory such as Dili, Atabae, and Com of Lospalos, the Timorese National Police (PNTL) commander, Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro said.

"PNTL Marine Unit members are not enough to be deployed in seven stations at the Border Areas such as Dili, Atabae, and Com of Lospalos, therefore, PNTL commands will recruit more PNTL Agents that are attending training at PNTL Academy to be assigned for the Marine Unit," he said

Mr. Monteiro made the comments after participating in the Inauguration Ceremony of the new ship for PNTL.

*PNTL calls for maintenance of new ship
Diario Nacional, August 27, 2012

The National Police (PNTL) Commander, Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro has called on the Government to provide maintenance for the marine police's new ship in the future.

The commander made the comments during a speech marking the inaugurating ceremony of the new ship last Saturday.

Monteiro said if the Government would not allocate budget for the maintenance, the ship would be out of order.

*Marine police should take care of wealth in the sea
Independente August 27, 2012

The Timorese National Police (PNTL) Commander, Superintendent Commissioner of Police Longuinhos Monteiro has called on the Marine police Unit (UPM) to control the wealth in Timor Sea and present its annual to the Government.

Commander Monteiro said UPM should control the wealth in the Timor Sea and should present report to the government.

"We need to know how many type of our wealth in the sea and present them to the government annually," Monteiro said in his speech.

He added currently UPM had proper facility to support them to hold operations in the sea how to identify the underwater wealth.

SOURCE OF ALL NEWS: ETAN

quarta-feira, 22 de agosto de 2012

President Taur Matan Ruak Personal Assets


My beloved People of Timor-Leste,

On 20 May 2012, I was sworn in as the Head State of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

It was a moment when you, the people of Timor-Leste, entrusted me with powers and privileges to serve you. And with these powers and privileges come with the highest and most serious of responsibilities.

Part of my responsibilities is that I fulfill the promises of my election campaign. One of these was that I seek to set an example of clean and self-disciplined politics in Timor-Leste.

Corruption is slowly and insidiously infecting our society. It undermines our moral character and weakens our institutions. In an era when we need to show discipline to achieve the national development goals there is no greater threat to our national objectives than the pursuit of corruption in the interest oneself.

As President, I am making a full and complete declaration of my personal assets totally public.

I do this so that people can know what personal assets I hold during my Presidency and I pledge to make annual declarations of assets until the end of my term in Office. I do this to fulfill my pledge to lead by example in our fight against corruption.

The Office of the President is a public office that I have been entrusted with to perform a constitutional role that is critical to the functioning of the State. The Office is not a tool for my own personal enrichment.

By making this declaration of my personal assets and through annual declarations I shall, in accordance with my responsibilities to all citizens and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, demonstrate that I do not and will not use my position to enrich myself and to practise such corrupt behaviour.

In the jungle we used to talk of a Timor-Leste free of the corruption of others who have come to rule over us. Many Timorese shed their blood for this dream. We must not forget the patriotic ideals that guided us in the past. They are now consumed by the virus of corruption.

I call upon all members of government, national parliament, the courts and all public officials to join with me to present full and complete declaration of personal assets annually.

Let us all stand firmly in this fight to make a strong, free and prosperous Timor-Leste. Those who choose not to join in this struggle against corruption should ask themselves if they are truly fit for public office. It is the people of Timor-Leste, whom we serve every day, are the true judge of the credibility of those in public office and in the end our people make the final decision of our fates.


To check the declarations, click here, here and here
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meu querido povo de Timor-Leste,

Em 20 de Maio de 2012, tomei posse do cargo de Chefe de Estado da República Democrática de Timor- Leste.

Foi um momento em que você, o povo de Timor-Leste, confiou-me com poderes e privilégios para lhe servir.

E com esses poderes e privilégios vêm com a maior e mais sério de responsabilidades.

Uma parte de minhas responsabilidades é que cumpra as promessas de minha campanha eleitoral. Um deles foi que eu tentar definir um exemplo de limpas e auto-disciplinados política em Timor-Leste.

A corrupção é lenta e insidiosamente infectando a nossa sociedade. Isso prejudica o nosso caráter moral e enfraquece as nossas instituições. Em uma época em que precisamos de mostrar disciplina para alcançar os objetivos nacionais de desenvolvimento não existe ameaça maior para nossos objetivos nacionais do que a busca da corrupção no interesse próprio.

Como Presidente, estou fazer uma declaração total e completa de meus bens pessoais totalmente público.

Faço isso para que o nosso povo possem saber quais os bens pessoais que possuo durante a minha
Presidência e comprometo-me a fazer declarações anuais de activos até ao final do meu mandato. Faço isso para cumprir a minha promessa de levar por exemplo em nossa luta contra a corrupção.

O Gabinete do Presidente é um instituição público, que me têm sido confiadas com a executar um papel constitucional que é crítico para o funcionamento do Estado. O Instituição não é uma ferramenta para o meu enriquecimento pessoal.

Ao fazer esta declaração de meus bens pessoais e por meio de declarações anuais que devem, de acordo com as minhas responsabilidades de todos os cidadãos e a República Democrática de Timor-Leste, demonstrar que eu não e não vai usar a minha posição a enriquecer-me e a prática desses comportamentos corruptos.

No mato, falámos de um Timor livre da corrupção dos outros que vieram a regra sobre nós. Muitos
timorenses derramaram seu sangue para este sonho.

Não podemos esquecer dos ideais patrióticos que nos guiou no passado. Eles agora são consumidos pelo vírus da corrupção.

Faço um apelo a todos os membros do governo, do parlamento nacional, os tribunais e todos os funcionários públicos a unir-se a mim a presente declaração plena e completa de bens pessoais anualmente.

Vamos todos ficar firmemente nesta luta para fazer um forte, livre e próspero Timor-Leste. Aqueles que optarem por não aderir a esta luta contra a corrupção devem perguntar a si mesmos se estão realmente aptos para serviço público. “E o povo de Timor-Leste que servimos todos os dias, são o juiz verdadeiro da credibilidade das pessoas em cargos públicos e no final o povo tomar a decisão final de nossos destinos.

Para verificar as declarações, clique aqui, aqui e aqui.

SOURCE: ETAN

sexta-feira, 17 de agosto de 2012

Comérico de Esqueleto

     O comérico de esqueleto de coral é muito praticado em diversos países, inclusive no Timor-Leste. Lá, nas beiras de ruas e estradas, é possível ver sacos de cerca de 30kg cheios de esqueletos. Cada saco custava (em 2011) U$1,00. O esqueleto de coral é usado como matéria substituidora do cal. Eles são coletados na praia, postos à venda e, quando comprados, são triturados e misturados com água para depois ser usado.

E assim é...

quarta-feira, 15 de agosto de 2012

Council of Ministers Meeting on August 9, 2012

Díli, August 09, 2012

Press Release

The V Constitutional Government met for the first time this Thursday, August 9, 2012 at the Noble Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Díli, and analyzed:

1. Proposal approving the Organic Law of the V Constitutional Government
On August 8, after being sworn in the members of the V Constitutional Government analyzed this diploma that sets out the structure, competencies and philosophy that will guide the Executive in the next five years.

The political project for this mandate is strategic and builds on the improvements made in the various branches of government.  This includes the promotion of a democratic and transparent culture, and the investment in the productive sectors of the country, which give form and content to the programs established in the Strategic Development Plan to transform and diversify the economy of Timor-Leste.

The new organisational structure establishes a common platform of understanding to do more and do better for the country and responds to our national development needs. The appointment of new Ministers, Vice Ministers and Secretaries of State is crucial to meet the challenges that the country faces and realise the aspirations of the Timorese People.

In light of this, the V Constitutional Government comprises the Prime Minister, the Vice Prime Minister, 15 Ministers, 12 Vice Ministers and 26 Secretaries of State,.  Its composition is as follows:

1. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
2. Vice Prime Minister and Coordinator of Social Affairs: Fernando Lassama de Araújo

Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality: Idelta Maria Rodrigues

Secretary of State of Youth and Sports: Miguel Manetelo

Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment Policy: Ilídio Ximenes da Costa

3. Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers: Agio Pereira

Secretary of State of the Council of Ministers: Avelino Coelho da Silva

Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs: Maria Terezinha Viegas

Secretary of State for Media: Nélio Isaac Sarmento

Secretary of State for Institutional Strengthening: Francisco Soares

Secretary of State for Support and Promotion of the Private Sector: Veneranda Martins

4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

Minister of State and of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Luís Guterres

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: Constâncio da Conceição Pinto

Secretary of State for ASEAN Affairs: Roberto Soares

5. Ministry of Defence and Security
Minister of Defence and Security

Secretary of State for Defence, Júlio Tomás Pinto

Secretary of State for Security: Francisco Guterres

6. Ministry of Finance

Minister of Finance, Emília Pires

Vice Minister of Finance: Santina Cardoso

7. Ministry of Justice
Minister of Justice: Dionísio Babo Soares

Vice Minister of Justice: Ivo Jorge Valente

Secretary of State for Land and Property: Jaime Xavier Lopes

8. Ministry of Health


Minister of Health: Sérgio Gama Lobo

Vice Minister for Ethics and Service Delivery: Natália Araújo

Vice Minister for Management, Support and Resources: Maria do Céu da Costa

9. Ministry of Education

Minister of Education: Bendito Freitas

Vice Minister of Basic/Primary Education: Dulce de Jesus Soares

Vice Minister of Secondary Education: Virgílio Simith

Vice Minister of Higher Education: Marcal Avelino Ximenes

10.  Ministry of State Administration


Minister of State Administration: Jorge da Conceicao Teme

Secretary of State for Administrative Decentralisation: Tomás Cabral

Secretary of State for Local Development: Samuel Mendonça

11.  Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment


Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment: António da Conceição

Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment: Abel da Costa Ximenes

Secretary of State of Commerce: Ricardo Cardoso Nheu

Secretary of State of Industry and Cooperatives: Filipus 'Nino' Pereira

Secretary of State of Environment: Nominando Soares Martins 'Buras'

12.  Ministry of Social Solidarity

Minister of Social Solidarity: Isabel Guterres

Vice Minister of Social Solidarity: Jacinto Rigoberto de Deus

Secretary of State for Social Security: Vítor da Costa

Secretary of State for the Combatants for National Liberation Affairs: Júlio Sarmento da Costa

13.  Ministry of Public Works


Minister of Public Works: Gastão Francisco de Sousa

Secretary of State for Public Works: Luís Vaz Rodrigues

Secretary of State for Electricity: Januário Pereira

Secretary of State for Water, Sanitation and Urban Development: Elias Pereira Moniz

14.  Ministry of Transport and Communications

Minister of Transport and Communications: Pedro Lay

Vice Minister for Transport and Communications: Flávio Cardoso Neves

15.  Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries: Mariano Assanami Sabino

Vice Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries: Marcos da Cruz

Secretary of State for Forestry and Nature Conservation: João Fernandes

Secretary of State for Fisheries: Rafael Pereira Gonçalves

Secretary of State for Livestock: Valentino Varela

16.  Ministry of Tourism

Minister of Tourism: Francisco Kalbuadi Lay

Secretary of State for Art and Culture: Maria Isabel de Jesus Ximenes

17.  Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources


Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources: Alfredo Pires

The V Constitutional Government comprises a total of 55 members.

DOWNLOAD THE LIST OF CONTACTS OF THE 5th CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

Source: ETAN

terça-feira, 14 de agosto de 2012

Novo Eldorados


Novos Eldorados
          Mundo Livre S/A

Atenção grandes investidores
Corram enquanto é tempo
Juntem-se a Indonésia na
Venturosa pilhagem do Timor
As petrolíferas ocidentais
Já despertaram para os atrativos da região
E o melhor é que a "impressa livre", como sempre
Finge ignorar, como convém
Afinal todos sabemos que nada disso seria possível
Sem o banho fervente de sangue iniciado em 75
Pelos indomáveis generais indonésios
Que naturalmente contaram com todo o apoio logístico
(entenda-se armas, armas e mais armas)
de Washington
para dar sumiço em nada menos
que um terço da população. UAL!!!
VIVA CARTER
VIVA A IMPRESSA LIVRE
Aproveitem a liquidação

Lenght: 6:31
Author: Mundo Livre S/A , Zero Quatro
Album: Carnaval Na Obra
Label: Abril
Year: 1998

sexta-feira, 10 de agosto de 2012

Prime Minister's Speech

REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER
KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃO
ON THE OCCASION OF THE SWEARING-IN OF THE V CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

Palácio Lahane, Díli

8 August 2012

His Excellency, President of the Republic
His Excellency, President of the National Parliament
His Excellency, President of the Court of Appeal
Your Excellencies, Reverend Bishops
His Excellency, the Special Representative of Secretary-General of the United Nations
Members of the National Parliament and Government
Chief of Defence, Armed Forces and the General Commander of the National Police
Distinguished Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors, Consuls and
Heads of Mission
Representatives of State Institutions and Agencies
Representatives of International Agencies
Representatives of Civil Society
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Timorese People,

On August 8, 2007, and in this same distinguished hall, the IV Constitutional Government was appointed and now ends its mandate.

The socio-political situation then was totally different from today.

Everyone can recall from back then the political insistence, on behalf of 'stability', for the formation of a 'Government of National Unity' in clear disregard of the popular will expressed in the elections of June 30.

All of you recall the attempt, in the name of 'development', to form a 'Government of Great Inclusion', trampling over the Constitution of the Republic.

Exactly five years ago, the AMP received the onerous task of resolving the internal conflict that ravaged the country and that was causing deep wounds in the social fabric of Timor-Leste.

More than 100,000 internally displaced; more than a third of the army who had left the barracks; a PNTL uncontrolled and without command; armed civilians abandoned to their fate and a group of armed rebels loose; all causing greater insecurity and instability - this was the image of a young country, ranked by the international community as a 'failed State' and without prospects.

AMP, with its historical constitution of five parties, represented the union of efforts that answered to the aspirations of our people, for peace and stability and for change, and especially change of attitude and behavior.

Here, and publicly, I want to do justice to the parties of the AMP. Through the harmonisation of the various political commitments, members of the Government and the Parliament, if the AMP did not do what we had undertaken to do, we did everything in our power to reorient the country and break the cycle of violence that, every two years, disturbed the peace of the people.

Timor-Leste currently lives in an environment of security, optimism and confidence in the future, which is the fruit of acquired stability and national security and the result of the first steps for the social and economic development.

AMP, with its potential for action and recognising our weaknesses, broke this skepticism, both domestically and internationally, of many who always have difficulty in recognising the merit of someone else.

With regard to the Failed States Index, a very important point that calls for reflection is the ability of the leadership of a country to assume the responsibility to influence and guide the society to the practice of social ethics and politics that is so necessary to instill an environment of tolerance, mutual respect and solidarity and promote harmony and stability.

The leadership of a country is not only the figures at the top of State institutions, the leadership of a country are those who have a personal responsibility in the different strands of society, from political to religious, from media to civil society from the academic to the professional.

All who feel accountable to groups or organisations, of any nature, have a duty to educate society, have a duty to teach values such as honest policy, responsibility for the best interests of the State and the awareness that Nation is above any individual or group interests.

Our country is young and we have just celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The elections took place peacefully, and we judged as such by the international community. The Timorese people predominately know what democracy brings, not only in terms of human dignity but also in the act of making their decisions. And as a result of democratic choice, expressed on July 7, Your Excellency Mr. President swore in today the V Constitutional Government.

Excellency The President
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with even greater responsibility, once again, that I affirm my commitment, before the Timorese, to lead the country to further strengthen the State and toward establishing the solid foundations of national development.

Timorese society has, to date, looking heavily upon our historical past in an attempt to review the grievances and to measure the sacrifices and pain from the long struggle for liberation.

During our first ten years of peace building and State building, we experiences the frailty of living in a post-conflict nation. Despite the challenges we faced, we can stand up proudly as a determined people and as a sovereign nation.

It is time to build the nation, with eyes fixed on the future. It is time to draw up plans and policies to ensure that there is peace, to ensure that there is work, decent housing and food for all Timorese, for the heroes and victims of the past and the heroes and victims of today.

The V Constitutional Government has a political project of strategic nature, with a mission to inspire confidence and to mobilise the participation of all.

The next five years deserve, therefore, a great collective effort to ensure that the ongoing process of consolidation of internal security and stability will bring progress and welfare to all Timorese.

My Government is committed to be the engine of progress, with an enormous sense of responsibility, dedication, honesty, persistence and courage. We count, however, on the participation and cooperation of all Timorese citizens in this process. United in this common goal, it will be easier to overcome the challenges of development because, together, we have faced more difficult challenges.

Good relations between the organs of State and State authorities and with civil society organisations, the Church and other religious denominations, as well as the positive performance of non-governmental organisations and the private sector will undoubtedly be our barometer. The genuine and frank dialogue between them and the Government is a prerequisite for the success of the nation.

The role reserved for the Opposition, led by the historic FRETILIN party, is crucial in a young democracy like ours. The Opposition has the right and duty to question the Government in its decisions and policy choices, to monitor its actions and proposals in a critical and constructive way, especially considering the experience that the party has acquired working in the best interests of Timor-Leste.

The Opposition is, therefore, an essential element in the composition of our country's democratic formula. A strong Opposition, responsible and enlightened, contributes to a more efficient and transparent government, with the Timorese people being the main beneficiary.

For this same reason, I also appeal to the young people. Each generation has a role to play in the constant challenges facing Timor-Leste. Young people have to embrace this new struggle to develop the country and strengthen peace and democratic values in our society.

I therefore appeal to young people to dare not forget that if you live in a free country today, it is because this country has been handed to them by the sacrifices and tremendous efforts of their parents.

Today, young people can choose which path they wish to follow, they can demand change and better living conditions, and it should happen, however, for the good of all, their actions must be guided by the promotion of a culture of peace, where reconciliation of differences can only be truly achieved through dialogue and peaceful means.

Young people are the future leaders of this nation, they are the ones that will transform our society and our economy. This new Government will strive to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, their experiences and values, so that they can participate fully in the nation's future.

Excellency, The President of the Republic
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

The philosophy that guides this Government comes from the IV Constitutional Government and it takes its mission to continue to implement the programs and reforms that have been successfully promoted by the Parliamentary Majority Alliance.

The continuity that we want to imprint on our governance requires continued improvement of the form of action and systems of work and, as becomes obvious, an improvement in the method and workings of administration and management.

We want to continue the reforms introduced in the field of defence and security, which contributed to a more professional and skilled Armed Forces and Police. The Government will continue to ensure that our people enjoy peace in their day-to-day lives, and know that their property will be protected.

Fundamental reforms of financial management and the training of public administrators were implemented to improve service delivery. The V Constitutional Government will continue to promote a culture of ethics, transparency and openness to ensure good governance. For this, we will start a program to ensure consolidation of all State institutions and effectively adopt the system already introduced, and in doing so avoid a bloated bureaucracy and an inefficient public administration.

We all know the difficult conditions experienced by civil servants. My Government will continue to demand greater professionalism, and now promises to pay due attention to this matter to relieve the pressure of the difficulties of their day-to-day working life, thus ensuring better work ethics.

Part of the incentives that the government proposes is the construction of neighborhoods for civil servants, placed in the districts and sub-districts, as a minimum requirement to work hard and free of such undue pressure.

We know that the true wealth of our nation is our people and therefore maximising the health, education, culture and overall quality of life of the Timorese is key to building a just and progressive nation.

The V Constitutional Government will invest in improving services in two key areas, which are health and education.

In the health sector and health institutions we will focus on management, support and resources so that health services operate efficiently. In relation to patients and the general public, health workers must be imbued with a missionary spirit to serve with love, dedication and zeal.

In education, we are committed not only to improve school conditions in terms of rooms, furniture and books, and quality of teachers, but also review the curriculum and quality of teacher-student interaction, which will allow improvement in results, ensure that a reasonable quality of learning is provided and provide better post-primary intellectual development to give our youth more realistic and concrete rewards.

This government will regulate pre-school and basic schools to uphold the principle of inclusiveness and to ensure that no Timorese child is disadvantaged, or provided with inferior opportunities, simply because he or she could not understand in his or her language what is said by the teacher in their first years of schooling.

Priorities for action for my Government will also be in the fair and honest recognition of the Combatants of National Liberation and assistance to the vulnerable.

We will make a revision to the Law on the Status of Combatants of National Liberation, a readjustment of the Commission of Homage activities and resources to a new body that is more effective and responsive, and plan to establish Boards of Combatants from the Districts.

Moreover, because the State is constitutionally obliged to defend a more just society, the Government will embed a process for effective assistance to our elderly, disabled, women and children in vulnerable situations, and it will develop a social security system, which includes financially sustainable pension reform. After the set up an efficient system of payment, the Government will also consider raising, in moderation, the pension for the elderly, widows and the disabled.

Along this line of action, as continuity is given to the construction of houses in organised communities through the MDGs project, the Government will also fulfill the commitment that was made with the National Program for Suco Development, launched in June this year.

Mr President,

When we speak of a more just society, we are also talking about the rightness of our actions. The V Constitutional Government will continue to provide the necessary attention for the improvement of the justice sector. We will continue to develop Timorese human resources, in order to reduce the excessive dependence on international players. We will continue to enhance the capacity of Timorese lawyers, so that they can fully exercise their functions. We will continue to invest in the training of criminal investigators in all specialties necessary to ensure greater credibility to the proceedings that are brought before the justice system. We will also revise the laws that were adopted during an earlier stage of development to ensure that they meet the needs of the socio-economic reality of the country.

We also propose to work towards a more open and more democratic society. To this end, we will strengthen the superstructure of democracy through a free press, which is more enlightened and responsible; with women and the guarantee of the protection of their rights and with equal access to opportunities in cultural spaces which develop critical thinking and the ability to analysis.

We want a society which is freer, more autonomous and more prosperous, and for that we will implement phased decentralisation policies that support local democratic participation and private sector development in rural areas.

We believe that governance should be as close as possible to the people to allow self-determination, dignity and a sense of achievement of immediate needs and aspirations.

To this end, we will form new administrative units that are more efficient and representative and that can respond promptly to the challenges of local development.

Mr President of the Republic
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The continuity that this Government intends to achieve also reflects the need to provide form and content to the programs established in the Strategic Development Plan, approved by the National Parliament in July last year.

This Plan, necessarily long term, provides a framework to transform the economy of Timor-Leste, with stronger private sector growth. We are planning in a sustained and responsible way to act in three key areas: social capital, infrastructure and economic development.

We know that to build a modern and productive economy and create jobs, we need to build basic and productive infrastructure. The scale and cost of our needs in terms of infrastructure are considerable, and we need to plan and implement our program in an effective and thoughtful way.

We propose to continue to invest in a Plan of integrated infrastructure, which includes the improvement of telecommunications and the connection to the world through a subsea fiber optic capable to provide high speed broadband internet, as well as the development of ports, airports, roads, bridges, sewerage and drainage systems and drinking water supply.

We will also provide regular electricity, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to all Timorese, with the completion of the construction of the electrical transmission lines which together form a ring around the country.

The development of the south coast and of the oil and gas sector will remain a priority.

The establishment of a supply base, a refinery and a pipeline are necessary investments to establish of our own petroleum industry and to generate employment for the Timorese.

The Government is committed to bringing the pipeline from the Greater Sunrise field to the south coast of Timor-Leste. Let's prove to the world that a pipeline to Timor-Leste is a safe and economically viable solution and that our horizon is the development of a petroleum industry able to provide direct economic dividends for our population.

We have been creating a dynamic of progressive growth. Timor-Leste achieving rates of economic growth that were some of the fastest in the world at the same time that the Government was also managing the impact of the international crisis in food prices and the global financial crisis. However, we know that Timor-Leste remains a low-income country with an embryonic private sector, with limited economic diversification and concentration in agricultural production.

The Government will maximise our economic opportunities, which are considerable, using the strategies set out in the Strategic Development Plan to become a middle income country with a diversified economy.

And we will do so through a new paradigm of production, productive capacities and opportunities for productive employment. This will include expansion and modernisation of the agricultural sector, creation of a thriving tourist industry and encouragement of private sector activities including the growth of small and micro enterprises.

The Government will establish a permanent relationship with the local private sector, listening to their issues and embracing it as a true partner in development with active participation in the plans and strategies we adopt. The Government will empower the Commercial Bank in supporting small and medium enterprises, and introduce initiatives to foster private sector development, including the establishing a Development Bank.

Although this constitutes a considerable challenge, we have strengths that allow us to restructure of our economy towards our plan. We have the resilience and determination of our people, substantial petroleum revenues, an impressive wealth of marine and mineral resources, as well as our geographical location in the vibrant Asian region, which is currently driving much of world economic growth.

We also have a stunning natural landscape as well as culture, history and a unique heritage, which all offers significant potential for the development of our tourism industry.

In short, with strong investment already started with the development of basic infrastructure and investing in three key areas: agriculture, tourism and petroleum, and supported by a growing private sector, Timor-Leste will diversify its economy building a non-oil economy, so that petroleum revenues can be invested for future generations. However, some of this revenue must be invested now, with courage and determination to allow the development of the country and the current generation. Excellencies,

It is in with this in mind that the organisational structure of the V Constitutional Government embodies the philosophy of progress to ensure continuity and to achieve our objective of an efficient and effective public administration providing services to the people and undertaking the responsibilities of the State.

The new team of the Government, which takes office today, has a mission to make sure that the spirit of excitement of the past five years does not fade away. Do more and do better is the common platform of understanding in the formation of this new Government.

Our political behavior is guided by the values of civil and human rights, tolerance, peace, dialogue and respect.

Our governing practice is guided by the principles of good governance, inclusion and the principle that everyone should obey the law.

Our vision is a nation in which society is prosperous, healthy, educated and skilled, with widespread access to essential goods and services and with an emerging and productive economy the provides jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create opportunities for everyone in a fair and inclusive way, allowing the growth of a dynamic and innovative economy.

Mr President of the Republic,

We believe that the working relationship between our two institutions will be guided by a spirit of cooperation, trust and solidarity. The current state of the nation demands that the country's leadership assume, without hesitation, its historical responsibility and be courageous in making decisions for a brighter future for the people of Timor-Leste. Given the complexity of challenges before us to consolidate peace, democracy and eradicate poverty, we must respond firmly, with dedication and courage.

Very soon we will see the withdrawal of the United Nations Integrated Mission and the International Stabilisation Force. This will be bring a new stage in the history of Timor- Leste as we, for the first time, will move on our path without a strong international presence.

Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen,

I take this opportunity to thank the contributions of UNMIT, the ISF, the various organisations present in Timor-Leste and the international community.

I am happy as we are able to share the common victory of stability and human dignity in our country.

Our plans for the future are ambitious but I know you will always be available to collaborate on the challenges facing Timor-Leste.

We, moreover, maintain a strong commitment to the international community; not only with our neighboring countries, and with those whom we share common historical ties such as the CPLP countries, but also with those who share the same ideals of peace, tolerance and global development.

The next five years will be decisive for our full membership of ASEAN. This aspiration will bring great advantages to Timor-Leste, but also great challenges.

Being part of this regional forum will give us access to current debates in the context of security, development and economic integration and puts us closer to the centre of global geo-political transition. With the pivot of global strategic and economic weight to Asia, Southeast Asia is the region where we are well placed to be. It is, however, an opportunity which is great for a small country like ours and, therefore, we need to work hard to keep up with these developments.

But Timor-Leste has to grow and no dream of prosperity will be excluded.

I pledge here and now, and on behalf of V Constitutional Government, to govern responsibly, with enthusiasm and vision for the future.

To the Timorese people, old and young, men and women, I address a special message:

Today we face a new challenge to develop the nation that we all fought so hard for. With the same principles, values and commitment that were embraced during the long struggle for independence, we must continue to work together to realise our dreams. It will not be easy, however, I repeat, united we have already faced even greater difficulties.

It is time to put Timor-Leste and the Timorese on the path of development.

Thank you.

8 August 2012
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

President's Speech

ADDRESS BY H. E. PRESIDENT TAUR MATAN RUAK

ON THE INAUGURATION OF THE 5TH CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

LAHANE PALACE, 8 AUGUST 2012

Your Excellency Prime Minister. Excellencies.

Beloved people of Timor-Leste

The swearing in of the 5th Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste is a matter of great satisfaction as the process of its appointment and inauguration highlights the functioning of our democratic system and the respect for our Constitution.

The elections we held with high turn out of voters in 2012 show a stable political system and a functioning democracy. Once again, our people chose the path of stability and peace.

I hail the Nation's commitment to stability, including of the leaders and political parties in the majority and the opposition camps.

The legislative election consolidated the support of larger political parties, strengthened the number of their members in parliament and reinforced conditions for governance.

I welcome the new President of the National Parliament and all Members elected to the 3rd Legislature of the parties that support the 5th Constitutional Government and the benches of the opposition: democracy needs a knowledgeable opposition to assist the National Parliament in fulfilling its function of monitoring the government‘s activity.

Prime Minister,

Your government and the majority supporting it can afford the cohesion, strength and stability needed to move forward and building with no hesitation a more secure, prosperous and confident Nation and positively respond to the people’s longing for social justice and a better life.

Excellencies.

In the ten years since the restoration of independence we took important steps in the path to stability and peace. Independence brought into our society tolerance and dialogue, reduced violence and paved the way for national reconciliation.

With enhanced social and political stability came high annual rates of economic growth averaging 10 percent or higher since 2007. Confidence of both economic operators and Timorese families increased.

The 4th Constitutional Government started to respond to some immediate challenges, supporting the income of vulnerable social groups, launching a number of infrastructure projects and somewhat reducing the want of the more vulnerable in our society.

Yet, ten years on, poverty continues to be our greatest challenge.

To build the country we dream of we have ahead of us battles so hard and stringent as the battles we have had in the past.

The perception the world has of our country is dominated by the impressions of poverty and state fragility. The international community selects five criteria for fragility: political legitimacy, situation of the defense and security forces, the justice system, economic development and delivery of public services, ie the quality of the Administration.

No one disputes that in the last ten years we have made significant progress.

Yet as we look around us and analyze the situation of the country, what do we see?

We see very low levels of income, a fragile economic fabric, high external dependence, low levels of infrastructure, unbalanced regional development, with unruly urban growth and large differences among cities and with rural areas, low levels of wellbeing, a weak administrative structure and low technical and scientific development.

Our schools operate with almost no equipment and teachers on their own in villages and parishes across the country have almost no textbooks and other teaching materials. Technical and vocational education covers a small percentage of students well below the needs of future economic development.

The country's agricultural production is poor and farmers lack resources to transport agricultural and livestock production to market. Agricultural surpluses, whenever they exist, often deteriorate and rot for lack of proper storage conditions.

State institutions contribute to the unbalanced development of the territory. Our centralized public administration has large, heavy structures in the capital, often providing poor quality services, and is almost absent from the districts where most of the population lives and social and economic deprivation is greatest. The state is not serving the vast majority of the Timorese people as yet.

During the liberation struggle we had no state, no freedom, but the Timorese were participant, mobilized as citizens and involved in building the future.

Today, we live in freedom, we built a state but I do not feel the people involved in shaping the future.

Without commitment from the people the state cannot fully achieve the goals we set for our collective future.

We must transform the passivity of the population in the face of difficulties that continue to pass into a commitment to action in building the country we all aspire to and will bequeath to our children. The voice of the people shall not be heard only at voting time.

The state has to decentralize its structure bringing public services closer to the people in every district – school management support, agricultural extension services for technical support, improved health and justice services, social security, support of a storage and conservation network of agricultural production, among others.

The production of our farmers is a national wealth. The state has to promote and facilitate the organization of conservation and marketing systems for land and fishing production, which will increase its value, farmers’ incomes and the country's food security.

The state has plans for major investments in a development pole in the South Coast, centered on a cluster to kick start a national oil industry.

More development poles are necessary elsewhere in the country to stimulate regional economic growth and employment and promote non-oil productive sectors.

Many existing infrastructures such as roads, irrigation networks among others date from the time of the occupation and are badly deteriorated. Maintenance services are of poor quality or non-existent in many parts of the country. We must move decisively into the construction of national infrastructure investing in high quality public works and in professionalism and thoroughness of their management.

The mobilization of the population has also been absent from nation building.

Our youth are not engaged in the development process. We must commit them to take new responsibilities in building the country and integrate them in the economic activity.

Conditions for the social inclusion of our Veterans and in the development process must be improved and enhanced so that society benefits fully from their contribution in times of peace as in the past benefited from their sacrifice.

Our elderly, widows and orphans need a better social security net to help them achieving a more dignified life.

At present our country and economy is too dependent from outside. We have to value more the work of our producers and people – farmers, other workers and entrepreneurs - and promote wealth-creating sectors beyond petroleum.

Taking full advantage of national resources and developing a coherent and sustainable economic system are national priorities.

There is an extensive legislative work to be accomplished of which I will just mention the legislation on Land and Property as a mere example given its importance to the launching of a comprehensive dynamic private sector capable of attracting investments and jobs.

Last but not the least, the country has to deepen social policies for the promotion of women, ensuring equal opportunities based on merit and competence.

Prime Minister. Excellencies.

Timor-Leste has been building a good regional and international integration. Soon we will be faced with new challenges that we must respond in a positive manner.

The mandate of the current United Nations mission in Timor-Leste ends in December. Next week Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is set to give the people of Timor-Leste the honor of visiting us. We have to clearly define what Timor-Leste needs from the United Nations and the UN mission model to be installed after the departure of UNMIT.

We have been building good-neighborly and friendly relations with countries closer, Indonesia and Australia. We have very diversified bilateral relations with both from close military cooperation with Australia to strong cooperation with Indonesia on border security, which has deepen trade and family ties across the border with benefit for people on both sides. The solution of the last remaining problems shall help accelerate diversification and deepening of cooperation with our neighbors.

The Conference of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP meeting in Maputo last month conferred to Timor-Leste the responsibility of chairing the community of Portuguese speaking countries in the 2014-16 biennium. We will therefore receive in Díli in July 2014 the Heads of State of the CPLP.

Creating the infrastructure and organization for a dignified, successful presidency of the CPLP is a major challenge that we are elated to take on. Preparations must start immediately to make the hosting of the Summit of Heads of State in 2014 and the Timorese presidency of CPLP a memorable success - for us, Timorese, and the guests we are going to welcome.

Also in Maputo CPLP began a process of cooperation between member states for food security and against malnutrition. This grave problem is also a priority for Timor-Leste. Our country must be proactive and intent in participating in this new area of multilateral cooperation with our CPLP brothers.

We will continue to develop our relations with all countries in our region in ASEAN and Asia at large and to deepen our responsibilities in ongoing multilateral processes on regional security in close cooperation with Indonesia, Australia and other countries .

In preparation for accession to ASEAN we must deepen the assessment and rigorous survey of the implications of accession in the light of national interest. This should be done as quickly as possible.

Excellencies. Beloved people of Timor-Leste.

The path before us is one of hard work on all fronts. The nation continues to require from us all commitment, steadfastness and sacrifice.

The President is available to work in cooperation with the government and other organs of sovereignty for the solution of the structural problems of our country and to help mobilizing civil society and its organizations. Involvement and commitment from civil society are essential to further the national project.

Beloved people of Timor-Leste

Let's work together to remove Timor-Leste from all lists of fragile states, poor countries and the like that conceal the true determined, strong and enterprising nature of our people and our collective will.

Let's work together to win the battles of our development. It is within our grasp to ensure a positive future of hope, change and wellbeing.

Together we will make Timor-Leste stronger, richer and safer.

quarta-feira, 8 de agosto de 2012

New Government in Timor-Leste

Patrick Ventrell
Acting Deputy Spokesperson, Office of Press Relations

Washington, DC

August 8, 2012

    The United States welcomes the formation of the Fifth Constitutional Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste under the leadership of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. We congratulate the people of Timor-Leste on the three sets of free, fair, and peaceful elections held this year.
    As Timor-Leste commences its second decade of independence, the United States looks forward to further strengthening our close partnership with all Timorese and to working with Prime Minister Gusmao's government as we pursue our shared goals of development and prosperity for all the people of Timor-Leste.

Source: ETAN