FIRST SESSION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

CNRT President Xanana Gusmão was elected speaker of the East Timor National Council when the body held its first session today, 23 October, in the newly furbished National Council Hall.

The session, chaired by Deputy SRSG Jean-Christian Cady, was attended by 30 of the Council’s 36 members, representing a cross-section of Timorese society.

Xanana Gusmão was voted in with 27 members in favour and three opposing. Milena Pires, representing the Women’s Network, was elected Deputy Speaker after a second round.

The National Council is replacing the 15-member National Consultative Council, which held its last session on Friday. The new body consists of representatives from all 13 districts in East Timor, as well as civic organizations, religious groups and political parties.

SRSG VISITS AUSTRALIA

SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello left for Australia on Sunday for a five-day trip that also includes New Zealand.

The SRSG will celebrate UN Day in Canberra tomorrow and meet with the Australian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Defense Minister. Vieira de Mello will also give a keynote speech at the National Capital Authority and attend a Remembrance Service at the Australian War Memorial in honor of United Nations Peacekeepers.

SRSG will return to Dili on 27 October.

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