CABINET ENDORSES AMENDMENTS TO JUDICIAL REGULATIONS

The East Timor Transitional Cabinet today endorsed proposed amendments to three regulations governing East Timor’s judicial system. The new measures are designed to improve the cohesiveness and efficiency of the judicial system. One such measure is to provide for one single judge to hear a court case, rather than a panel. The measures are also designed to make better use of international judicial expertise to accelerate capacity building efforts. In addition, the amendments are intended to give the Court of Appeal supervisory powers over the district courts, in order to make the system more cohesive, as well as to give the Transitional Judicial Services Commission broader disciplinary powers. The amendments will now be referred to the National Council for consideration. The Cabinet was also briefed by a representative of the World Bank on the preliminary findings of a study on civil service wage levels and possible steps to build an effective and efficient ivil service. Finally, the Cabinet discussed the absence, at the international level, of Double Tax Agreements between UNTAET and other countries.

COMMITTEE ON RECONCILIATION REGULATION ESTABLISHED

The National Council today set up a 15-person strong Special Committee to study the draft regulation on the establishment of a Commission on Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, which was endorsed in principle by the Council yesterday. The Special Committee will conduct public hearings to consult with those members of civil society and political parties who have not already given direct input into this regulation. The Special Committee will present its report to the National Council on 28 May. The next sitting of the National Council will be on Monday, 30 April.