UNTAET’s Chief of Staff, Parameswaran, and the Chief of the Military Observers, Brigadier Louis Gardner, went to Aileu today for an informal meeting with more than 20 Falintil commanders on the Independent Study on a Security Force for East Timor conducted by the Centre for Defence Studies of the King’s College of London.
Falintil first commander Taur Matan Ruak will now brief CNRT on the study. More meetings are also planned between Falintil and UNTAET to further discuss the document and its implications.
An executive summary of the independent study was given to Falintil in Aileu on Sunday, 20 August, Falintil’s 25th anniversary.
The study puts forward three options.
Option one proposes the creation of a force of 3,000 to 5,000 members based on a core of former Falintil soldiers and conscripts.
Option two is for a defense force with a professional regular core of 1,500 members, supported by a conscripted draft of 1,500 serving for one year.
Option three proposes the concept of a part-time Volunteer Reserve. It would be similar to Option II, with a force of 3,000, about half comprising former Falintil soldiers. The difference lies in the remaining 1,500. They would be volunteer reservists based at home, who would undergo regular training.
INDONESIAN DELEGATION TO BRIEF ON REFUGEE CAMPS
A delegation from Indonesia’s Department of Foreign Affairs is due to arrive in Dili tomorrow to brief the SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello, relevant UNTAET officials, UNHCR and CNRT President Xanana Gusmão on the West Timor refugee camps.
The delegation, which has been invited to East Timor by the SRSG, is expected to discuss Jakarta’s policy, including the announcement that the Indonesian authorities will close the camps within six months.
The delegation comprises Hasan Wirajuda, Director-General of Political Affairs; Sujadnan Parnohadiningrat, Director of International Organizations; Kristiarto Legowo, also from the Directorate of International Organizations; and Kristio Wahyono, the Head of the Indonesian Mission in Dili.
POPULAR VOTE ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
On Wednesday, 30 August, East Timor will celebrate the first anniversary of the Popular Consultation, when almost 80 per cent of the population voted for independence.
A joint UNTAET and CNRT programme has been planned.
The festivities will start with a mass at the Dili Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Carlos Belo. This will be followed by a ceremony at Santa Cruz Cemetery – where flowers will be placed in honor of East Timorese killed during the past 24 years – and a similar ceremony by the sea.
At 11am, CNRT President Xanana Gusmao will address the public, followed by Bishop Belo and SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello, among other guests.
The speeches will be followed by a concert featuring Luis Represas, from Portugal, Yothu Yindi, an Aboriginal group from Australia, and the Timorese bands V Alma X and Groupo Lahane Barat.
EMPLOYMENT OFFICE OPENS
The first Employment Service Center in East Timor will open later this week in Dili. The office will operate with a staff of 15, who have recently completed induction training.
The employment service will focus on identifying current and prospective job vacancies within Dili district and finding suitable candidates for the positions. It will also provide information about training and self-employment opportunities, and job seeking.
One of the office’s first projects will be assisting in the recruitment of staff for the Maritime Hotel to be opened in Dili next month.
NOMINATION FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL ENTERS SECOND WEEK
UNTAET is receiving requests from the districts for more National Council selection forms. Approximately 1,000 forms have already been distributed. The selection process began last week.
The Transitional Administrator is asking Timorese to nominate representatives from their districts and from seven civic organizations to be their voice in the National Council, which will replace the National Consultative Council. Forms are available in Tetum, Bahasa Indonesia, Portuguese and English.
