MONEY EARMARKED FOR FALINTIL
A regulation earmarking US$100,000 in humanitarian aid to the East Timorese national liberation army, Falintil, was approved by the National Consultative Council today.
The money, taken from the East Timorese budget, is going to be paid out in two installments. The first US$50,000 is to be disbursed to Falintil members not later than ten days from the date of the regulation’s enactment. The regulation will be signed tomorrow by the Acting Transitional Administrator, Jean-Christian Cady.
The remaining sum shall be paid out not later than 14 August 2000.
The money will be paid out to Falintil members by the District Administrator of Aileu, the district where the liberation army cantonment is located.
This Regulation on Supplementary Appropriation is to be regarded as an interim measure, while working out a permanent solution.
The regulation was the first approved this fiscal year, 2000/2001, which started on 1 July.
KEY BRIDGES INAUGURATED
Two long awaited bridges, built by the Bangladeshi Peacekeeping battalion in Ermera district, were inaugurated at a ceremony today, 4 July. The bridges make passage possible between Ermera and Hatolia, a vital road in this coffee producing area. In addition, the road serves as a direct link to West Timor via Maliana.
The inauguration was attended by the Force Commander of the Peacekeeping Force, Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos, UNTAET’s Acting District Administrator, Alessandro Righetti, the local CNRT secretary and hundreds of locals.
“We know that these projects are essential in the economic and social development for East Timor,” De los Santos said after cutting the red ribbon. “Assisting UNTAET in its humanitarian work is our main priority, next to providing security.”
The bridges, which can sustain up to 25 tonnes, were airlifted into the area at the beginning of June and the work was completed by 24 June.
