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Dismissed soldiers have shown discipline, says PM after Gleno
trip, 26 September 2006
Soldiers who were dismissed from the army as a result of problems
arising from alleged discrimination, had demonstrated considerable
discipline by not being involved in any political activity since
that time, the Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta said
today.
"The situation in Gleno appears calm and tension seems to
have been reduced," Dr Ramos-Horta said after visiting the
Ermera District, west of Dili.
Meeting in Gleno with Gastão Salsinha, the leader of the
petitioners, the Prime Minister pledged to do his utmost to resolve
the issues raised with him.
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"I am very pleased with the statement by the leader of the
petitioners that he and his men do not and will not get involved
in politics," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
"It is commendable that since the outbreak in April of this
year the petitioners have avoided being drawn into political demonstrations
or other activities that are inconsistent with their issues.
"I appeal to them to continue to cooperate with the Notables
Commission that is investigating these matters."
Dr Ramos-Horta said the dismissed soldiers had asked for humanitarian
items such as food and sporting equipment. They also told the
Prime Minister that since the outbreak they had received no monetary
assistance.
"The Ministry of Finance is looking into how financial assistance
might be provided," he said.
There are about 100 of the dismissed soldiers in Gleno and a
total of 591 across Timor-Leste. The petitioners have alleged
that they were discriminated against in the army.
The prime Minister also met the Secretary of State for Region
3 Mr Carlos de Deus, and inspected the offices which were badly
damaged during the crisis.
The Prime Minister said he would be meeting with other petitioners
in the future.
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