In its fourth meeting, the Transitional Cabinet finalized a public building reconstruction plan, which will provide US$4.32 million for the reconstruction of six priority public buildings in Dili.
Work on the buildings, which will be reconstructed over the next three to seven months, will generate significant employment opportunities. Once completed, they will provide new office space for twelve agencies of the East Timor Transitional Administration (ETTA).
Consideration was also given to the importance of reconstructing the buildings of the University of East Timor to enable its reopening in October 2000 in time for the start of the new academic year.
The Cabinet Members also received a briefing from the Department of Justice on a draft regulation on Rules of Criminal Procedure. The regulation, which has been the subject of extensive consultations with international and Timorese experts, is to be considered by the National Consultative Council tomorrow, following a public hearing in the morning.
Finally, the Cabinet agreed that the Finance Department would continue to develop a broad administrative and legal framework for taxation, whilst keeping open options on specific tax policies, which are to be considered at a later date following further analysis and consultation.
DENTAL CLINIC FOR FALINTIL
The Korean Battalion of the Peacekeeping Force commenced a 4-day dental clinic service for Falintil in the Aileu cantonment yesterday, 8 August. The team consists of one dentist and seven aids and will use one dental bus, a truck and one jeep.
The team expects to treat up to 30 patients a day and will also provide treatment for non-Falintil local residents. The service will be run every month until the battalion returns to Korea.
About 60 people were been treated during the first two days of the service.
The battalion also provides dental care to the population of Lospalos, the district where the Koreans are based.
MALAYSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS EAST TIMOR
The Malaysian Foreign Minister, Syed Hamid Albar, arrives in Dili tomorrow morning for a two-day visit, where he will join a technical team of 20 people from the Malaysian government and the business sector.
Upon his arrival, Minister Syed Hamid will immediately go to Liquica district for a short visit, followed by a courtesy call with SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello.
The minister will meet several UNTAET senior staff and the Timorese leadership, including CNRT President Xanana Gusmão and Vice Presidents José Ramos-Horta and Mario Carrascalão.
