NINE DIE, 13 INJURED IN ROAD ACCIDENT

Nine East Timorese died and 13 sustained severe injuries when a public bus collided with a United Nations truck today in Bayhou, some 40 kilometers east of the capital Dili.

UNTAET rescue vehicles rushed to the spot and evacuated the wounded to Dili hospital, where one of the critically injured later died. Four of the seriously injured are children.

The accident happened as a minibus carrying 30 passengers collided with a truck belonging to the UN Peacekeeping contingent stationed in Manatuto. Five passengers from the minibus suffered minor injuries. The Peacekeepers sustained no injuries.

An investigation into the accident is now underway, but initial reports indicate that the minbus may have veered off the road and toppled into a ravine after colliding with the oncoming truck.

GOVERNMENT ADVISOR ON PROMOTION OF EQUALITY SWORN-IN

Maria Domingas Fernandes was sworn-in today as Advisor to the Chief Minister on the Promotion of Equality by SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello. The post was one of two vacant portfolios in the all-East Timorese Second Transitional Government.

Maria Domingas Fernandes, 42, is a women's activist with a background in OPMT (Organização Popular da Mulher de Timor), a pro-independence organization aimed at freeing women from all forms of discrimination and violence. In 1997, along with several other activists, she set up East Timor Women's Forum (Fokupers). Domingas Fernandes ran as an Independent Candidate in the 30 August elections.

"I feel that this is a big responsibility and I am grateful for the trust given to me," Maria Domingas Fernandes said today, adding that she had decided to accept the appointment "after considering the many opinions and trying to understand better the fight for women's emancipation."

Chief Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Marí Alkatiri said he was happy that Domingas Fernandes had accepted the task and that the new Advisor would enable him to gain a deeper understanding as to what needs to be done in promoting human rights and equality in East Timor.

The Transitional Government, which replaced the Transitional Cabinet, was sworn-in on 20 September.

The 25-member body has yet to nominate a Vice-minister of Economy and Development.