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100-day speech of the Second Constitutional Government of
the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste delivered by H.E. the Prime
Minister Dr. José Ramos-Horta
H.E. Mr. President, Speaker of the Parliament
Honourable Deputies
1. It is now past 100 days, for the Second Constitutional Government
that was borne out of the crisis of May, June. This is a short
time for challenging tasks…pacification, tranquility and
public order, capacity for the State to acquire legitimacy, organise
and prepare for free and fair elections. Before I proceed, I must
state that it is the duty of the Government, and I believe that
we have been achieving that; to be loyal to the people and their
traditions; to be loyal to the political demands of the defence
of democracy, tolerance, peace and happiness for all.
This is a Government that continues to be a Fretilin Government,
borne from the democratic parliamentary majority-I have said that
since the first hour. As Prime Minister, it is my duty to honour
the commitments given by Fretilin to its consistency and to the
Timorese people.
I want to praise the leadership of Fretilin and its members who
in the worst of times knew always to react with seriousness, avoiding
the worsening of the crisis. If Timor-Leste did not fall into
a civil war, we owe that in part to the leadership of Fretilin,
its cadres, militants and supporters.
I cannot go by without making a special reference to Mari Alkatiri,
my friend, with whom I have worked for more than thirty years,
in the struggle for the liberation of our country and the head
of the government that initiated the majority of projects that
the Government is now implementing.
As you all know he left yesterday for Lisbon, with his wife and
daughter, to undertake his periodical medical exams that were
prescribed to him since last year.
I must say, it is my duty to say, that the Prosecutor General,
told me there was no legal impediment to his departure. I supported
this temporary departure. I wish him a speedy recovery and his
return to the country as soon as he is in good health.
Also deserving of praise and particular thanks are all the political
parties who acted in a democratically responsible manner, towards
achieving a peaceful resolution of political disputes.
I also praise the non-government organisations, that stayed here,
thus saying no to violence.
More than anything else I would like to highlight the debt we
owe to the Catholic Church, especially to its Bishops Dom Ricardo
and Dom Basicilo, who worked intensively in the search for reconciliation,
with some good results.
2. I assumed the responsibility, with pride to serve Timor-Leste
as a member of the Government, a Government that has excellent
people, in particular my two Deputy Prime Ministers-they are the
true Prime Ministers.
My Government Colleagues without exception, have been dedicated
and indispensable, and without them I would not be able to take
on the tasks of the programme of the Government.
To place in context the tasks that the Government wants to and
will achieve are to consolidate peace, democracy and development
of the country.
However, how are we doing?
The presentation of the report of the first 100 days of Government
is intended to be the start to the reply to this question-not
an exhaustive reply but a limited reply to the more important
areas of activity of the Government.
To tackle in a practical way, the needs of the population and
the problems they asked the leaders to resolve, it was necessary
to delegate broad competencies to the Deputy Prime Ministers,
so that Government decision-making could be done quickly. Bureaucratic
red tape is no longer unacceptable.
To facilitate the Government's initiatives in decentralisation,
a process of forging partnerships with other entities and organisations,
as they have a lot to offer the people of Timor-Leste.
Let us all work together in a harmonious way!
The Government effort however, cannot forget the construction
of a strong and stable democratic society, that requires a concerted
energy in dealing with the deepest origins of the recent disturbances.
It is in this direction that the Government has considered, as
a priority, a good and fruitful relationship with the Church,
recognising its singular historic experience, in concert with
the deep spirituality of our people without secular and laity
modernisms.
The Timorese Catholic Church is one of those unique institutions
that is the glue that holds the social fabric together. Therefore,
the Government invited the Catholic Church to assume a major role
in education and development of our people in human development
and the struggle against poverty.
It is not then surprising that this Government is waiting with
high expectation, the opening of a third diocese in Timor-Leste
and we are pressing for the establishment of a Nunciatura in Dili,
representing the Vatican, at the same time that we are sending
an Ambassador to the Holy See. It is in this context that I recently
led a delegation to the Vatican and was received by His Holiness
Pope Benedict XVI.
I must refer to our Muslim and Protestant communities, although
small in number, they have also played an important role.
Next I would like to point out some positive contributions of
other development partners; but it is now necessary for a reflective
pause about what has and has not functioned, to define new priorities
that developed as a result of the crisis and to bring together
in a common platform for recovery.
A compact between all parties-Government-UNMIT-multilateral and
bilateral agencies and partners, are developing a compact with
a view to a joining of all efforts and coordination of activities,
for Timor-Leste's long term development.
3. The April-May crisis resulted in more than ten percent of
the population being displaced-approximately 70,000 to the districts
and more than sixty IDP camps were established in Dili.
In fact, they were only able to be established with the humanitarian
support and solidarity of all the people and because of the special
dedication and courage of priests, nuns and laity, school teachers,
public servants, leaders and the population of the less affected
suburbs, and NGO's. They were fantastic.
From the start of the crisis the material and spiritual support
has been given, by the Timorese people who made themselves available
to manage the camps without any material benefit; they have collaborated
and continue to do so with the Government initiatives. The Government
recognizes the leadership of the Camp Leaders and with all its
partners is determined in supporting them in all their tasks and
supporting them with materials.
Dialogue is the way for reconciliation, that the Government has
taken since it was sworn in. Impressive highlights in this area
are the excellent conversations and discussions sponsored by many
Dili groups.
They have been encouraged by the Government and the Government
has inserted itself in President Xanana's programme of national
dialogue-and by the tremendous effort on the part of the Bishop's
and the ecclesiastic community in general.
From the beginning of the crisis I have regularly visited IDP
camps. This weekend, I will visit again the IDP camps, to encourage
people to return home. Some members of PNTL and F-FDTL are going
to accompany me on the visits to some of the camps, giving them
confidence, and to raise their morale.
Our esteemed President of the Republic has been tireless in his
efforts of dialogue with youth and adults, and with the leadership
of PNTL and F-FDTL searching constantly for a solution for the
crisis, trying to return peace and tranquility to our people.
The President of the Republic and the Government have worked
in concert and for the commission of the dialogue for community
reintegration, established by the President is being conducted
with success. This Commission started its activities in mid October
and is composed of thirty people, the majority youth, representing
the Barrios of Dili. They are organizing meetings with an emphasis
on mutual acceptance.
Also taking place are meetings at medium level, in districts
and sub-districts, with members of political parties, NGO's, academics,
the Catholic Church and other religious denominations, with the
objective of gathering data about the causes and consequences
and lessons to be learned, with the objective of preparing in
the near future a meeting of the highest level that will include
the two Bishops of the Dioceses of Dili and Baucau and other national
and international entities.
The Commission with also implement the Timorese sacred rite Hamulak
and support programmes of civic education.
The Presidency is also involved in the most important strategy
of reconciliation developed by Government, and implemented naturally
through the machinery of government, an initiative that is led
by the Minister for Labour and Community Reinsertion with the
support of an Inter-Ministerial Commission-the SIMU MALU PROGRAMME.
It aims are to:
" Facilitate the return of IDP's in Dili to return to their
homes or relocate them
" Create an environment of friendship in Aldeias and Sucos
" Create a secure environment for all
The promotion of dialogue is being developed from the base to
the top. The communities organise meetings in several areas. There
have been conversations and discussions between the displaced
and others, between the Jardim Camp and the youth of Colmera,
between the Caicoli community and the Firemen Camp, between the
youth of Kintal Bot and Caicoli.
Another way to help the displaced has been by the decision to
rebuild or replace the houses damaged or destroyed during the
time of civil disturbance.
It will also include construction of new housing. The Council
of Ministers has approved the policy for reconstruction and the
Ministry of Public Works has developed the plan.
The locations have been identified and new Bairos are being prepared;
the former police barracks in Caicoli, the former police barracks
in Bairo Economico, in front of the Mercado Municipal (Kintal
Bot), in Taibessi near the market.
In any case, the difficulties are many.
There still exists a considerable number of displaced people-numbers
reported as of 9th October 2006, indicate that there are approximately
more than 70,000 living in camps in the Districts and 23,000 living
in Dili camps, having dropped from 65,000.
The concerted efforts of all, have prevented problems of public
health and there have been no episodes of food insecurity.
Besides this, an effort has been made to guarantee security in
the camps as well as in the country; but this is a hard task that
requires a constant reinforcement of all the tasks, that can lead
to the consolidation of the institutions of Defence and Police.
4.Meanwhile the Government thanked immediately Australia, New
Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal, for their prompt response in our
hour of need. This prompt response helped create the necessary
environment, so that we ourselves could respond to work to heal
the wounds and political and institutional divisions in the pursuit
of peace.
Currently the Security Council mandate establishes the responsibility
of the United Nations, through UNPOL, to carry out the function
of law and order and to assist in the maintenance of security.
The new mission of the United Nations, UNMIT, has a very specific
mandated role to play, in the area of security sector reform,
in particular by giving support to Government led initiatives.
It is necessary and it will be done, a full analysis of the future
role and needs of this sector, that includes F-FDTL, Ministry
of Defence, PNTL and the Ministry of Interior.
According to the mandate of the new Mission the Leadership of
the Police contingent will reside with the UN. This contingent
will reach 1,608 personnel. At the moment there are nearly 1,000
UNPOL members, with thirteen Police Posts to be established in
Dili, with the objective to maintain a continuous presence in
the Barrios.
Posts have already been established in Caicoli, Becora, Comoro,
as well as the PNTL HQ, and Hera, and fixed police posts in Mercado
Lama (UNDIL-PNTL Post), Bidau and Pantai Kelapa. Next week there
will be functioning posts at Benonuk, Fatuhada, Matadoro (Manu,
Matan, Rai, Hun), Airport and Manleuana.
Council of Ministers already approved some measures to give F-FDTL
a legal basis for its restructure.
" Organic Law of the Ministry of Defence
" Review of the Organic Law of F-FDTL
" Decree Law of the Regime of Military Promotions, Regulation
of Military Discipline
" Project Law about Military Service that was sent to this
Parliament, as Parliament has exclusive legislative competence
in this regard
The Group of Strategic Planning of F-FDTL has completed the study
of Force 20/20 document that was already presented to the Council
of Ministers and its implementation is currently in progress within
the development plan of the F-FDTL. This document will be amply
discussed before being definitely approved.
Mr. President
Deputies
It is true that we can be confident that all the parties and
observers have agreed that it is a very positive move to have
PNTL members back on duty in the community as soon as possible.
The Government is soon going to sign an arrangement with the
UN that regulates the exercise of the powers that we conferred
to UNPOL by the Security Council. The arrangement foreshadows
three distinct phases for the reconstitution of PNTL. It starts
by the concession of command and control to the UNPOL Commissioner.
It follows the phased devolution still under the command of the
Commissioner and at the end, the handover to a PNTL Commander.
A PNTL vetting process, covering all members has been initiated
by the Government. It includes five technical teams, and an evaluation
team Since August, 1,013 members were registered and 50 are already
in the streets, together with their UNPOL colleagues.
Meanwhile the internal security situation in the country that
in the last few days, has evolved in a very positive fashion,
remains tense in /Dili. While some disturbances have occurred
they have been provoked, especially by youth, organised in groups
with motives more criminal than political.
The Government believes that these criminal organisations are
being supported by other people with clear objectives, determined
to undermine the authority of the State.
However, the conflicts that have affected public order are mainly
confined to the city of Dili. In the other districts of the country
the Government can say that the situation is practically normal
where the public and private institutions have continued to develop
their activities and PNTL carries on its law and order functions
uninterrupted, with an active chain of command, without requiring
the substantial help of international police.
In the last few days in the city of Dili, the increase in UNPOL
Officers has been highly visible. As more members of UNPOL arrive,
more static patrols have been deployed in more sensitive areas,
keeping the peace.
The worst moments have passed and the police authorities are
now better equipped, not only with human resources but with materials,
to successfully deal with all those that insist on trying to destabilize
the development and consolidation of the Timorese State.
On the other hand, the Australian and New Zealand military forces
are going to continue in Timor-Leste to collaborate with the UNPOL
operations. In respect of the military component the Government
with the support of President Xanana, have already asked that
those contingents be maintained.
Kofi Annan, was informed and the Secretary General knows well
the reasons for these military forces to be maintained here.
Mr. President
Deputies
In reality the Government believes that it is in the best interests
of the Timorese people, that the current arrangement be maintained.
The International Security Forces have been here for some time
and they are familiar with the country and the populations.
The arrangement will give us more troops than the military that
would be available under a UN Peace Keeping Operation. Currently
and until December there will be stationed in Timor-Leste about
1,000 troops and the minimum number will always be one battalion.
It is therefore logical and natural that we accept this gracious
generosity of our neighbours.
In any case the Government has initiated discussions and consultations
with some of the friendly countries, that have been prepared to
deploy some of their troops to Timor-Leste.
I have noted the concerns of the National Parliament in relation
to the command of the international forces and I can guarantee
that we are working very hard towards a better definition of this
question. We are negotiating a trilateral accord with the United
Nations and Australia, its intention to regulate the functions
of the military forces and establish a high level coordination
mechanism in which all parties are represented.
5.Parliamentary and presidential elections are planned for 2007.
Financial and human resources have been mobilised by the Government
to conduct a regular and honest electoral process, and better
support the electoral campaigns of the political parties.
Although in general, until now there has been good will, the
Second Constitutional Government has formally presented a request
to the UN, to work in concert with the Ministry of State Administration
for the organisation and supervision of the general elections.
STAE has already launched a pilot programme for the registration
of voters, with the objective to test not only the updating of
the system, but also to try the new mechanised issue of voter
registration cards. In Dili during one month, some 77,000 people
participated. As a result the Government is going to acquire 52
of these machines and the UNDP is donating 18.
In parallel the agreement for assistance with the elections was
signed with the Government and the UNDP, which includes technical
and logistical support, assistance and training of observers and
scrutineers from the political parties.
As well, UNMIT has started to prepare a programme of assistance
to the national elections. It includes nearly 300 international
advisers to support the several stages of the process and the
different institutions, STAE, National Parliament, Court of Appeal
and the independent organ of the electoral supervision to be established
by law.
While all this is happening, National Parliament is debating two
versions of the election law for the election of deputies. One
from the majority party and one from the opposition parties, which
in essence are very similar, both based on a party system, proportional
representation and both recognising the need to include more women
in the lists.
6.All these political issues that I have been referring to do
not put aside the constant objective of reducing poverty and stimulating
economic development.
I continue to say that the poor and forgotten in the rural areas
are a central concern of Government, and with a desire to promote
economic activities through small projects of rapid impact.
At the same time the Government supports Liurais and Chefe de
Sucos, in order to respect and restore their dignity and their
moral and secular power, providing them with the means to serve
the people.
In this context:
We evaluated the results of the local development plan in the
Districts of Lautem and Bobonaro and we proceeded to launch the
same programmes in the Districts of Alieu and Manututo. Although
the funds allocated are modest, they have given local communities
a bigger power enabling them to participate in the decision making
power of the Government, to take their own initiatives and to
assume responsibility for development in their own areas.
The positive results of this programme for the Council of Ministers
is the approval of a policy of decentralisation and local empowerment.
Meanwhile., in relation to the Chefes de Suco there has been:
" An increase of thirty per cent for the functioning of
the Sucos
" An incentive of UD$ 15 per month was approved for each
member of the Suco Council
" A survey of the necessities of the needs of the Sucos HQ
was undertaken to determine which ones required new or renovated
buildings
" A study to equip the Suco HQ with solar panels has been
initiated
" The process to buy a motorbike for each Chefe de Suco to
facilitate communication with their Suco population
Before the crisis the economy of Timor-Leste had been getting
gradually better and there had been encouraging signals of recovery
from the slowness of the economy between 2002 and 2003. The estimates
tell us that the non-petroleum PIB excluding the UN account has
increased in the order of real six per cent in 2005-An impressive
achievement.
All the recovery was helped by a strong increase in the sector
of agriculture food production, which correlates with a substantial
increase in 2005 of bank loans to the private sector.
The objective of the macro economic policy was to achieve an
increase of at least six per cent at long term and that was possible
as the figures for 2005 show, the hope of reducing poverty, food
insecurity and the creation of job opportunities, with a labour
force growing at four per cent per annum.
However before the crisis economic recovery was still conditioned
by the decline in the level of fixed investment. In 2001 we had
a peak of UD$ 145 million, equivalent more or less to the non-petroleum
PIB. In 2004 this amount decreased to about UD$ 60 million, or
more or less eighteen per cent of the non-petroleum PIB.
This advance was set back because of the crisis, however the
Government strategy for the next five years, in the sequence of
the options taken by the previous Government, is based on the
concept of stimulating the economy through the public sector,
and increasing investment which can lead to sustained development.
As such, the State Budget includes a big increase in capital
expenditure, without losing sight of the need for private investment.
Let us not forget that Timor-Leste features in a World Bank study,
as one of the worst countries in the world to register a business.
To remedy this we have taken some immediate measures:
" A proposal to the Council of Ministers to amend the Law
of Commercial Societies. This would better our ranking by ninety-eight
positions in the easiness of starting a business-from 141 to 43
place and we would 11 positions in the general ranking
" Simplification of the process of foreign investment approval.
In the last three months this resulted in the approval of 21 projects.,
which together amounts to UD$ 80 million foreign investment and
will create more than 2,000 jobs
" We are now reviewing our investment laws, studying the
establishment of insurance coverage, establishment of a national
commercial arbitration centre to speedily resolve disputes
If the measures of stabilisation, tolerance and reconciliation
are successful, despite economic experts predicting a slow rate
of economic growth, the predictions for 2006 are in the order
of 6 to 7 per cent and it is expected that the economy will recover
well in 2007, with an increase in economic activity estimated
to be in the order of 16 per cent. This will happen through the
stimulation of the return of UN personnel, by the concerted efforts
to increase public and private investment, and by the start of
the Millennium Challenge Account.
However, we need to remain vigilant to risks of bigger inflation.
These risks can threaten macro economic stability.
The Government of course recognises that it is necessary to have
synergies to better the levels of budget execution. The lack of
capacity to fully execute the budget, that is to spend the monies,
has been an obstacle to development.
Here the Government has already benefited by recommendations
presented by a team from the World Bank and the Council of Ministers
has adopted the following measures in September 2006.
" Strengthening of the monitoring of budget execution
" Delegate more authority over procurement to some Ministries
" Simplification of the procedures of tendering and payments
" Introduction of procedures for the supervision of payments
" Strengthening of the auditing capacities of procurement
actions
" Recruitment of technical staff to the Ministry of Planning
and Finance
Timor-Leste is currently benefiting from the high price of oil.
The receipts this fiscal years will be superior to the budget
estimate of UD$ 680 million. However according to the fiscal policy
directives established in the Petroleum Fund Law, the Government
will not spend that extra revenue at once.
The sustainable level of annual spending was calculated at UD$
283 million. The Government will explore the margin of this fiscal
policy, not only through the increase in budget expenses, but
also through the reduction of the non-petroleum fiscal revenues.
An attractive tax system which must include a drastic reduction
in taxes, and some customs duties, for business activities is
being studied according to international experience, and the advice
of the respected experts of the IMF.
7.At the same time the Government of Timor-Leste will seriously
consider the recommendations of the experts of the UNDP, the World
Bank and the Government of Finland included in the report, re
enforced supervision and transparency in Timor-Leste. The Government
takes seriously these recommendations, that sets out an anti-corruption
plan, including the establishment of a jurisdictional body to
examination accounts, an ethics training regime for public servants
and reinforced critical freedom in the law of the press and social
communications.
I have nominated the new Inspector General who is already investigating
all the allegations of corruption and mal-administration. The
Office of the Inspector General Organic Law was submitted to the
Council of Ministers.
We will continue to support the efforts of the Office of the
Ombudsman and seriously consider their reports and proposals.
Some bills being considered by the Council of Ministers have been
altered through their recommendations.
8. At last in the area of foreign relations the Government continues
to develop relations of friendship and cooperation, with all its
neighbours indiscriminately.
At the same time, the Government actively participates in the
ASEAN Regional Forum and has intensified its efforts to prepare
for accession into ASEAN when this august body so agrees. To further
this significant development our Foreign Affairs Minister participated
in the 57th Meeting of Ministers, the signature of the Treaty
of Amity and Cooperation is planned for this year.
As Prime Minister I traveled to Indonesia, on a visit that lasted
little more than 48 hours, to reiterate this Government's wish
of continuing to develop the excellent relations that exist today
between our two countries.
" We continue efforts to finalise negotiations on demarcation
of our land border
" We are studying a better way to implement a regime of markets
and institute border passes for the benefit of tens of thousands
of those who live on both sides of the border
" I also obtained the agreement of H.E. President Susilo
Bambang Yudyhono for improvement of the road that links Oecussi
to Batugade, to facilitate the movement of people between that
district and the rest of the county
I went to Denver Colardo to strengthen the good relations that
Timor-Leste maintains with the USA, in the same and common ideal
of freedom and the independence of the world. We are going to
benefit from the Millennium Challenge Account, that includes projects
aimed at developing the private sector, with the objective of
relaunching the economy.
And to Kuwait with the objective to develop the relations of
cooperation with the country which is one of our principal partners
in the Middle East. On that visit we studied the possibilities
and opportunities offered by the Kuwait Arab Economic Development
Fund, including the construction of major infrastructure. This
country also offered the transformation of the current Palacio
Government carpark into a cultural precinct. The works are going
to maintain the original design from the colonial times. :The
cultural precinct is going to be a place of space and beauty,
accessible to all, where cultural events will take place weekly.
Meanwhile I visited Norway, which is one of our main partners
in the area of energy and petroleum, and which has committed to
finance a rehabilitation power project in Dili, to establish a
system of street lighting
I also went a on short trip for 48 hours to Malaysia, to discuss
bilateral relations and to thank them for their prompt positive
response, to our appeal to send troops.
I then visited Australia. It is geography that results in developing
relations each time strengthening in all areas. We share the Timor
Sea, its riches are contributing sizeably to the development of
our country. In this context of moral and economic interests the
Government is going to send to Parliament for debate and ratification,
the Treaty on Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Sea and
the International Unitisation Agreement.
Honoured elected representatives of the nation, will understand
that this treaty serves the best interests of our country and
once ratified will allow the development of Greater Sunrise, the
resources of which will guarantee economic independence and national
prosperity.
I intend next year to visit New Zealand to say thank you for
sending the troops.
I will also go to Portugal early next year. We recently were
visited by the Minister for Internal Administration and in the
spirit of reciprocity I will soon visit that country.
Relations with Portugal are going well. The programme of cooperation
during the next three years, sees priorities in the areas of education
and justice.
I would like to finish with the visit of Vice Minister for Health
Luis Lobato to Cuba, to consolidate our bilateral relations, namely
in the area of health and to visit our medical students there.
I cannot but praise the Cuban solidarity in this area.
Meanwhile and responding to the concerns of some members of the
community and Church, in particular, the Government has invited
the Church to send to Cuba a chaplain to provide spiritual support
to our students. We have also invited Bishop Belo to go to Cuba
to meet with our students.
9.As Prime Minister and in a conviction shared by all the Government
I can say on behalf of our people, I believe that the adequate
route for the resolution of internal conflicts is dialogue. During
the months of May, June, and July, the worst phase of the crisis,
I engaged the youth involved in violence in dialogue with members
of PNTL and F-FDTL, who were in conflict.
I met several times with the petitioners and with three officers
who for reasons already known, voluntarily walked away from the
great F-FDTL family.
I spoke with groups who were in possession of weapons, to persuade
them to surrender their weapons. In these meetings I was always
accompanied by representatives of the UN, or the Diplomatic Corps
and various journalists. The meetings were also witnessed by the
local population.
I always reported the outcome of these meetings to the then Prime
Minister, as well as to the President of the Republic and the
Diplomatic Corps.
I organised these meetings, always with the conviction that I
had to listen to all, and to any Timorese who wanted to speak
with me because of this conviction of mine, that dialogue is the
only means to resolve any conflict.
The various initiatives of dialogue with the petitioners-as well
those of the President of the Republic-since the start of the
crisis are starting to bear fruit and we hope that with the help
of all political parties and the Church, it will be possible to
find a solution for this matter. It is laudable that since the
start of the crisis in April this year, the petitioners have resisted
being recruited for political demonstrations and other activities
incompatible with a durable solution to their problems. My appeal
to them is to continue to cooperate with Eminent Persons Commission,
which is examining the case.
Also recently, together with the President of the Republic and
the Church, I developed initiatives to try to convince Major Alfredo
Renaido to surrender to justice in the pursuit of peace.
Mr. President
Deputies
I have the pleasure to inform as I end this Prime Ministerial
address to this Chamber, that there has been intense dialogue
between the President of the Republic and the Command of F-FDTL.
On Tuesday all the Command traveled to Balibar for a very long
meeting Yesterday, the President of the Republic met with the
Command of the PNTL.
Yesterday, also, I chaired the Council of Ministers and in a
fraternal dialogue we debated all the problems relating to security
and the process of reorganization and restructure of PNTL and
F-FDTL.
This afternoon I am meeting with the President of the Republic,
a meeting that will be attended by members of the PNTL and F-FDTL.
I always affirmed, from the very beginning my trust in the Command
of F-FDTL. The report of the Special Inquiry Commission confirmed
that the F-FDTL did not commit any massacre.
He who has a tranquil conscience does not fear truth. I did not
fear.
I always said as Defence Minister and Prime Minister that my
principal task would be to try to heal the open wounds within
F-FDTL and PNTL, between F-FDTL and PNTL and between them and
the community.
I always knew that it is necessary to deal with these two institutions
with prudence and patience.
I waited for the results of the Special Inquiry Commission report.
The report dismisses the allegations of the massacre. The F-FDTL
have apologised to the victims for any harm that may have been
caused directly or indirectly. It seems to me that now those who
deliberately who tried to denigrate F-FDTL, should also apologise
to F-FDTL.
Certainly there were some interests in our country in bringing
down the F-FDTL. Today the truth has been spoken and there was
no massacre. It is time for us to restore the F-FDTL to their
rightful place in our nation.
10.In the beginning I said I was going to circumscribe myself
to a short synthesis of the first 100 days of the Second Constitutional
Government. For a deeper analysis I invite the Deputies to read
the report I have handed over today to President L'Olo. I think
I have told you about the most important issues, but the most
important is possible to say in two words.
They are the words of hope in progress and peace, without misunderstandings,
looking in each other's eyes and with open hearts; reconciliation
and tolerance. For these two ideas the Government has given its
best effort to encourage this and we will guide them forward;
(i) acceleration of the process for returning the displaced people
(ii) to initiate the construction of houses and provisional shelters
(iii) reactivation of the PNTL and F-FDTL (iv) better implementation
of the budgeted projects (v) continuation of the consolidation
of peace and stability (vi) continuation of the preparation for
the 2007 elections and (vii) ratification of the agreement with
Australia.
José Ramos-Horta
9th November 2006
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