PRESIDENT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY IMPRESSED
WITH PROGRESS IN EAST TIMOR

Mr. Harri Holkeri, the President of the 55th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, said he was impressed with the progress that has been made in East Timor over the past year. Speaking to the press before leaving the country after a two-day visit last Sunday, Mr. Holkeri reiterated his support for the UNTAET mission and the East Timorese people in rebuilding the country. Mr. Holkeri left East Timor for Jakarta, where he is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid and other political and military leaders.

ETHICS CODE ADOPTED AT EAST TIMOR JOURNALISTS CONGRESS

The Timor Lorosa’e Journalists Association (TLJA) has adopted a code of ethics, with the purpose of promote the highest standard of professional integrity, training and conduct in the journalism profession. The code of ethics calls on journalists not to be biased in their news coverage, avoid discrimination based on political orientation and refrain from accepting gifts and payments from outside parties. At the closing of the five-day congress, National Council Speaker Xanana Gusmão said on Saturday that East Timor’s journalists should adhere to the code of ethics in presenting news in a fair, accurate and balanced manner. Mr. Gusmão added that Timorese journalists should not serve the interests of any political party, business group or individual. This is important, he said, as the country prepares for the forthcoming elections. More than 150 delegates representing 14 news organizations attended the congress, which was supported by UNTAET, UNESCO and donor organizations.