INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO QUELICAI VIOLENCE

An Independent Commission of Inquiry into the violent events in Quelicai sub-district, Baucau district, has been established by the Transitional Administration. The initiative follows suggestions from CNRT President Xanana Gusmão and Baucau District Administrator Marito Reis, who held meetings with local leaders and the population earlier this week. The aim of the inquiry is to evaluate the situation in the area and the actions taken by international and East Timorese with a view to better understand the situation in Quelicai and how to prevent further disturbances. The Commission, which held a first preparatory meeting today, is chaired by National Security Advisor Nici Dahrendorf and comprises members from Civilian Police, the Peacekeeping Force, UN Military Observers and the District Administration, international and East Timorese representatives from the Divisions of Political Affairs and Human Rights. Fighting between two groups erupted in Quelicai sub-district on 19 May and quickly escalated into clashes between people from two villages, resulting in at least 25 burned houses. A final report is expected by Saturday, 9 June.

TWENTY CASES EXAMINED BY OMBUDSPERSON

Twenty cases, half of them brought forward by East Timorese and half by internationals, are currently being examined by the Office of the Ombudsperson of the East Timor Transitional Administration. The Ombudsperson’s Office, which became operational last month, is headed by D. Subramaniam and is tasked with the protection of rights and legitimate interests of all persons living in East Timor against governmental abuses, injustices and denial of rights. As such, complaints can be filed against UNTAET, the Transitional Administration, the Cabinet, as well as agencies, programs and institutions that collaborate with the Government. If necessary, the Ombudsperson recommends changes to any policies, procedures, regulations, programs and institutional decisions that are unfair, discriminatory, injust or which violate human rights. The Ombudsperson is neutral and all communications with the Office are kept strictly confidential to protect the complainant. The Ombudsman is also independent of all administrative controls. The Office is open to everyone living in East Timor with a legitimate complaint, whether it is an individual person, a group of people, a society or a company.

PST SECOND PARTY TO RECEIVE OFFICAL CERTIFICATE

Partido Socialista de Timor (PST) yesterday received its official political party certificate of registration from the Independent Electoral Commission, becoming the second party to be officially registered with the Commission for the purpose of presenting candidates to the elections for a Constituent Assembly on 30 August.

EAST TIMORESE HIRED AS DEPUTY HEAD OF REVENUE SERVICE

An East Timorese, José Eduardo Cortereal, was hired this week for the position of Deputy Commissioner of the East Timor Revenue Service of the East Timor Transitional Administration. Cortereal is currently working for Central Fiscal Authority. The post of Commissioner, as well as that of an additional Deputy Commissioner, is soon to be advertised. The Central Fiscal Authority has so far hired 43 staff of the 54 allocated positions this year. The Civil Service and Public Employment Office has so far recruited over 9,000 East Timorese civil servants, which represents over 85 per cent of the staffing level approved by National Council for the current fiscal year. Around 300 of them are in managerial positions.