UNMIT Weekly Summary Jan 08

UNMIT Weekly Summary Dec 07 - Jan 09

East Timor Law Journal

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

Weekly Summary of Developments 15 December – 25 January

UNMIT General

1. On 17 December, SRSG Khare held his weekly meeting with President Ramos-Horta. They discussed a variety of issues dealing with security, governance, and the judiciary.

2. Also on 17 December, the SRSG met with the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mick Keelty, to discuss policing in Timor-Leste. SRSG Khare thanked Australia for its assistance in the development of the PNTL. Commissioner Keelty informed the SRSG that Australia would provide 80 officers on a bilateral basis to provide training to PNTL over a 3-5 year period.

3. UNMIT held its end-of-year press conference on 19 December. SRSG Khare gave an end-of-year statement commenting on the highlights of 2007 and outlining the challenges ahead. The press conference was followed by a reception for all journalists.

4. The series of UNMIT public outreach meetings with NGOs, civil society representatives and other outreach partners, focusing this month on a review of 2007 started on 18 December with meetings in Covalima, Oecussi and Bobonaro Districts. The issues which received the most interest at the meetings were security, human rights, justice and domestic violence. Feedback on the parliamentary and presidential elections was positive, and UNMIT support was assessed in general as good to very good.

5. The meetings continued on 19 December in Dili, with the SRSG leading the discussion. More than 25 NGOs and civil society groups were represented and five NGOs made presentations, sharing their thoughts on human rights, justice, security, the 2007 elections and national unity.

6. SRSG Khare had his weekly meeting with President Ramos-Horta on 24 December. They discussed security and governance issues.

7. On 26 December, SRSG Khare met with Prime Minister Gusmão. They discussed the recent visit of the Secretary-General, the parliamentary debate on the budget, the security situation, road conditions and other issues.

8. On 23 December, the Dalan Nabilan UNMIT touring photo exhibition closed in Lautem District. Earning very positive reactions, the exhibition was visited by some 250 guests during the five days it was displayed in the district.

9. In their weekly meeting of 4 January, SRSG Khare and Prime Minister Gusmão discussed security and humanitarian issues.

10. On 4 January, the SRSG, along with the Prime Minister, the President of the National Parliament and other high-ranking Government officials attended a joint Christmas/New Year celebration of PNTL and F-FDTL. The theme of the celebration was “working together for unity, confidence and stability”. The event culminated in a public embrace between the F-FDTL Commander and the PNTL Commander- Designate. In his address, the Prime Minister said that he was confident that 2008 would be a year of stability. He also thanked the UN and international security forces for their support.

11. On 6 January, the SRSG met with President Ramos-Horta to discuss humanitarian issues, the security situation and Alfredo Reinado.

12. On 9 January, the SRSG met with National Parliament President Fernando “La Sama” de Araújo. The SRSG congratulated President de Araújo on the conduct of the parliamentary debate on the budget. The SRSG and President de Araújo also discussed issues such as the IDPs, petitioners and Alfredo Reinado.

13. On 9 January, the SRSG received a courtesy call by French Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Catherine Boivineau. The SRSG thanked France to Timor-Leste and discussed possible additional assistance for the justice sector.

14. On 10 January, the Trilateral Coordination Forum, chaired by Prime Minister Gusmão, held its fourteenth meeting. The Forum exchanged security briefings and discussed the security situation. Participants also discussed issues related to resettlement of IDPs, rice availability and food security.

15. On 10 January, a medal parade for the Portuguese Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the UN Police took place in the presence of the Portuguese Minister of Internal Affairs and the SRSG. The President, the Prime Minister and the President of Parliament also attended.

16. On 10 January, SRSG Khare met with Dr. Rui Pereira, Minister of Internal Affairs of Portugal, who was accompanied by the Commander General of the GNR (which supplies Portugal’s contribution to the UN Police FPU). They discussed challenges in the policing sector and security sector reform more generally. The Minister indicated his Government’s continued support for UN efforts in these areas.

17. In his weekly meeting with Prime Minister Gusmão of 11 January, SRSG Khare discussed the upcoming Secretary-General report on Timor-Leste. They also discussed Government anti-corruption measures. A UNDP funded adviser has now been assigned to the Inspector General’s office to support its work. Other issues discussed included food security and Alfredo Reinado.

18. On 12 January, the Timorese leadership, including President Ramos-Horta, Fernando ‘Lasama’ de Araujo, President of the National Parliament, Prime Minister Gusmão and F-FDTL Commander Taur Matan Ruak, as well as SRSG Khare attended a Christmas and New Year celebration organized by IDPs. The meeting was the first political discussion between the national leadership and the IDPs. The IDPs mentioned general security concerns and highlighted concerns over how the Reinado and the Petitioners issues were impacting their return. Prime Minister Gusmão stressed that the people of Timor-Leste would need to rise beyond partisan politics in order to resolve the issues of IDP’s, petitioners and Reinado.

19. On 14 January, the SRSG and President Ramos Horta held their regular weekly meeting. They discussed the President’s meeting with Alfredo Reinado of 13 January and other security issues.

20. On 15 January, SRSG Khare briefed representatives of the diplomatic community on the upcoming report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council. The SRSG also updated the participants on UNMIT’s good offices, SSR, strengthening of rule of law, promotion of culture of democratic governance, as well as humanitarian, social and economic challenges.

21. On 16 January, following the return from a six-week trip abroad, the SRSG resumed his regular weekly meetings with Fretilin Secretary General Mari Alkatiri. They discussed priority issues such as Reinado.

22. On 16 January, SRSG Khare met with Antonio Martins da Cruz, former Foreign Minister of Portugal (and currently President of the Foreign Policy Commission of the opposition party PSD), who is visiting Timor-Leste. The SRSG briefed Martins da Cruz on UNMIT’s “good offices” role to address causes and consequences of the 2006 crisis.

23. Also on 16 January, the SRSG met with the visiting Swiss Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Bernardino Regazzoni who resides in Jakarta. The SRSG briefed him on UNMIT’s good offices, security sector reform, strengthening of rule of law, promotion of a culture of democratic governance, as well as humanitarian, social and economic challenges.

24. On 21 January, SRSG Khare visited Bonuc in Ainaro district to attend a tree planting ceremony as part of the Ainaro-Manatuto Community Activation Project, funded by UNDP. The President of Parliament Fernando “La Sama” de Araújo and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Mariano Sabino represented the Timorese authorities. In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture stressed that Timor-Leste’s leader and people bore the main responsibility for the development of Timor-Leste, not the international community.

25. On 22 January, the SRSG visited Oecussi District. He met with local authorities, including the District Administrator and PNTL representatives. He visited a Maternal and Child Health Centre, a water tank project and a World Food Programme “food for work” project. He also held a town hall meeting with UN staff.

26. On 23 January, SRSG Khare received a courtesy call from the new Australian Ambassador, Peter Heyward. They discussed the political, humanitarian and security situation.

27. On 23 January, SRSG held his weekly meeting with Fretilin Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri. They discussed possible ways for the State to address issues such as Reinado, the petitioners and IDPs.

28. Discussion between the SRSG and the Prime Minister in their weekly meeting of 25 January focused on IDPs as well as the development of Timor-Leste’s statistical capacity.

29. On 25 January, SRSG Khare held his regular monthly meeting with political party representatives. They discussed the latest Secretary-General’s report, as well as the priority areas of rule of law, security sector reform, democratic governance and socioeconomic development. The SRSG commended the political parties for their role in maintaining public security. He also invited the political parties to submit any suggestions they had for his upcoming speech to the Security Council.

Political

General

30. The national radio reported that the Republican Party held a national conference in Dili on 16 December to discuss the party’s future strategy and to commemorate its first anniversary.

31. From 18 to 21 December, President Ramos-Horta held a series of dialogues in the eastern districts, including Fatumaka and Venilale in Baucau and Uatocarbau, Ossu and Lacluta in Viqueque. A planned dialogue in Uatolari was canceled due to lack of attendance. In response, the President told the local press that the community of Uatolari was afraid to come to the meeting because they had been intimidated. He also added that the district administrator, the sub-district administrators and the village chiefs of the region did not have the power to mobilize the community to attend the meeting.

32. On 22 December, a “Walk of Peace” in Dili was organised by the Office of the President. This was followed by a concert for “Peace and National Unity” at the National Stadium, which was well-attended, with estimates of up to 2000 attendees. Music groups from Timor-Leste and Indonesia performed in white t-shirts printed with the word “Peace”. The events had been endorsed by Fretilin President Francisco Lu-Olo” Guterres, other political parties and civil society in Timor-Leste as an opportunity for people to promote peace and national unity.

33. On 28 December, President Ramos-Horta issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and condemning the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan. The statement said that now is the time for prudence and dialogue involving all in Pakistan. He also extended his deepest sympathies to the Pakistani community serving with the United Nations in Timor-Leste, in particular the Pakistani Formed Police Unit (FPU).

34. On 28 December, the national media reported that 22 ASDT party members in Ermera district have declared their withdrawal from the AMP since none of their group is represented in the National Parliament or the Government. The ASDT Secretary-General and the President of the ASDT parliamentary bench reportedly replied that the party has never considered leaving the AMP. They considered the political declaration from ASDT in Ermera district as “normal” in a democratic society, and that it did not reflect the position of the national party.

35. On 2 January, youth of Ossu sub-district in Viqueque organised a one-day seminar on reconciliation and stability attended by some 100 people including youth, village chiefs, village council members and PNTL. Speakers included the District Administrator, District PNTL Commander, and the head of the diocesan youth commission. They addressed topics related to the linkages amongst reconciliation, security and development.

36. On 3 and 4 January, President Ramos-Horta held public meetings in Atsabe and Letefoho Sub-districts of Ermera.

37. On 4 January, the Council of Ministers held its first meeting of 2008 to reflect on the Government’s progress during the transitional period which ended on 31 December. The Council also reviewed priorities for 2008, including issues pertaining to IDPs.

38. From 7-9 January, President Ramos-Horta conducted a visit to Baucau District, holding community dialogues in the sub-districts of Baguia and Quelicai. They were well attended by some 1000 people in Baguia and 800 in Quelicai. Most of the concerns raised by the population were about socio-economic issues, including problems pertaining to schools and roads.

39. On 8 January, Fretilin held a press conference, in which party President Francisco “Lu-Olo” Guterres stated that Fretilin is concerned with the impact the recently released Alfredo Reinado DVD will have on peace and stability, adding that Reinado’s statements are aimed at continuing to divide Timorese people and create further serious instability in country. Mr. Guterres noted that he had shared his concerns with President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmão, requesting them to carefully analyze this video recording and take necessary measures in accordance with the law and the Constitution to ensure future national security, peace and stability. He also appealed to all people not to be manipulated by those seeking to divide the people.

40. Separately on 8 January, in the local press, Fretilin MP José Manuel Fernandes stated that in 2008 Fretilin will organize a Peace March. No date was given for the march but he assured that it would be non-violent.

41. On 12 January, FRETILIN supporters from Baucau, Lautem and Viqueque gathered in Uatocarbau Sub-District to attend a party flag raising ceremony. Former Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva also attended. The event was carried out without any incident, although afterwards Mr. da Silva’s car was stoned in Uatolari. There was no injury or serious damage as a result of the incident.

42. On 14 January, an initial dialogue was held between the Government and representatives of the private sector to improve their cooperation. In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Government and the private sector working together to create employment opportunities. To this end, the need to fight corruption and promote good governance was stressed. Representatives of the private sector urged the Government to accelerate necessary reforms to facilitate the development of the private sector.

43. On 16 January, the Council of Ministers (CoM) approved four decree-laws establishing the organic structure of 1) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2) the Secretariat of State for the CoM, 3) the Secretariat of State for Energy Policy and 4) the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sports. The CoM also examined the possibility of changing public administration working hours, as well as a resolution approving the establishment of a National Commission that would be responsible for the preparation of the next National Development Plan covering 2008-2012.

44. On 17 January, President Ramos-Horta chaired the Committee on High Level Coordination meeting. Discussions focussed on the security situation, humanitarian assistance, the petitioners, as well as on UNMIT proposals on how to assist Timor- Leste in the areas of justice sector reform and democratic governance. The SRSG informed the meeting about the upcoming visit of an independent group of experts to assess international assistance in the justice sector, including its shortcomings. At the end of the meeting, the President presented gifts to departing UNMIT Chief of Staff and ISF Commander in appreciation of their contributions to Timor-Leste.

45. On 16 January, Fretilin youth held a press conference in Dili. They criticzed the Government’s efforts to facilitate the return of IDPs as not realistic because security for returnees was still not guaranteed. Nonetheless, the youth representatives urged the Government to continue humanitarian assistance to IDPs. With regard to Reinado and the petitioners, they noted that the Government had to resolve these issues immediately and suggested that the accusations made by Alfredo Reinado on DVD be examined by a special court. They also criticized the presence of ISF in the eastern part of the country, which in their view is a threat to the local population.

46. On 18 January, President Ramos-Horta left Timor-Leste for Italy. His trip included a 22 January audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

47. On 24 January, Prime Minister Gusmão chaired the fifteenth meeting of the Tri-lateral Forum. The issues discussed included the security situation, emerging threats, and the withdrawal of static security from key installations.

48. On 24 January, Fretilin held a press conference, in which Mari Alkatiri claimed that the AMP Government is failing to strengthen key state institutions, citing alleged examples of mismanagement and misuse of public funds and assets. He also stated that Timor-Leste risks becoming a failed state, highlighting that Fretilin have clear proposals to put an end to this. During the conference Alkatiri also reiterated his calls on Prime Minister Gusmão to resign following the allegations made by Alfredo Reinado in his DVD.

49. On 23 January, the Council of Ministers approved two Resolutions, 1) to establish a National Commission on Research and Development; and 2) to nominate the President of the Autonomous Administration for Medical and Health Equipment (SAMES); two decree-laws determining the Structure of the Ministery of Social Solidarity, as well as the Ministry of State Administration; an Education Pilot Project for widows and orphans; and a draft proposal from the Secretary of State for the Autonomous Region of Oecusse on social development, economic and politics.

50. In a press conference on 24 January, the Progressive Democratic League (LDP) – a grouping of parties which did not elect members to Parliament – criticized the draft law on Political Party Funding. According to LDP, the draft law discriminates against officially registered political parties without representatives in Parliament. The League also blamed the AMP Government for neglecting democratic principles. Parliament will continue to debate the draft law next week.

Alfredo Reinado

51. On 16 December, Alfredo Reinado did not appear at a scheduled meeting with the Government in Dili. In a press conference the same day, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão accompanied by Secretary of State for Defense Julio Pinto said that the Government will give Reinado one last chance to surrender peacefully with his armed supporters. Prime Minister Gusmão appealed to the people of Timor-Leste, particularly to the IDPs, not to be apprehensive because of the Reinado situation.

52. During a radio interview broadcast of 17 December, Reinado stated that he did not turn up at the meeting because of the failure of the Government to meet three demands: 1) to confirm his status, 2) to cancel the arrest warrant for him, and 3) to release two of his men detained in Becora prison. Reinado reiterated that he remains committed to dialogue.

53. In separate articles on 18 December, both President Ramos-Horta and President of the National Parliament Fernando “Lasama” de Araújo were quoted as saying that Reinado should know there will be consequences if he continues his stance. They urged him to cooperate with the Government.

54. President Ramos-Horta was quoted in the press of 26 December asking Alfredo Reinado and the petitioners to be calm and reflect on their actions during the Christmas season. According to the report, the President recognized that they too are trying their best to find a solution to the current crisis; however their attitudes are making the situation harder to resolve and they need to accept proposals from Prime Minister Gusmão.

55. On local radio of 30 December, Alfredo Reinado was reported as saying in an interview that he blamed President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmão for the Same incident in 2006. He also said that he would never go to a civilian court as he has not killed any civilians, but would only answer to charges in a military court before national judges.

56. A weekly newspaper that came out on 3 January carried a story about an Alfredo Reinado DVD that has been circulating in Dili. According to the newspaper, the DVD contains several criticisms from Reinado of Prime Minister Gusmão and the Government.

57. In the local press of 9 January, the Movement for National Unity and Justice’s (MUNJ) representative declared the organization’s resignation from the Prime Minister’s Task Force established in October 2007 to hold dialogue with Alfredo Reinado. MUNJ stated that it had not been involved in any of the Government’s decisions regarding Reinado and petitioners. In their view, statements declaring that the petitioners were no longer military but civilians – as it had been made by the Secretary of State for Defence Julio Thomas Pinto – will impede the dialogue process.

58. In the press of 10 January, a lawyer associated with Alfredo Reinado, Benevides Correia, requested the Government to replace Secretary of State for Security Guterres as the Chairman of the Task Force. In his view, the Task Force has not tried hard enough to resolve the case of Reinado and the petitioners.

59. The Reinado case dominated press headlines of 11 January: Both Prime Minister Gusmão and President of Parliament de Araújo stated that the resignation of the MUNJ representative from the Reinado Task Force will not affect the process of dialogue between the Government and Reinado’s group. President de Araújo also stated in another article that Reinado has no right to give a deadline to the State to resolve his problem. According to the newspaper, Reinado has given the Government a deadline of March to resolve his case. President Ramos-Horta was quoted as saying that he continued to trust the Task Force and that the MUNJ representatives will not be replaced.

60. Also in the media of 11 January, PM Gusmão indicated that he has no intention of responding to the accusations made by Alfredo Reinado on the recently released DVD and the letter sent to him and President Ramos-Horta by Fretilin President Guterres. In his view, Reinado’s accusations were made without any legal basis.

61. On 13 January, President Ramos Horta met with Alfredo Reinado in Maubisse. The details of the meeting were not publicly revealed.

62. Referring to the recent allegations made by Reinado in a publicly distributed DVD, Fretilin Secretary General Mari Alkatiri, was quoted in the press of 14 January as saying that Prime Minister Gusmão should submit to justice. Alkatiri had just returned to Dili on 12 January from an overseas trip.

63. Secretary of State for Security Francisco Guterres declared in the press of 16 January that he would no longer be dealing with the Reinado case as his responsibilities in the Task Force had been handed over to Joaquim Fonseca from the Prime Minister’s Office. Fonseca did not confirm, stating that a Government meeting would be held shortly to discuss the issue.

64. Local newspapers reported on 17 January that President Ramos-Horta had

requested Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak to cooperate with state institutions in

resolving the issues of Alfredo Reinado and the petitioners.

65. In the press of 18 January, President Ramos-Horta stated that May 2008 will be the deadline for the sovereign bodies to resolve the issue of the petitioners and Reinado. He also expressed appreciation for the goodwill shown by the Fretilin leaders to put an end to the on-going problems.

66. Petitioner's spokesperson, Gastao Salsinha stated in the local media of 21 January that President Ramos-Horta agreed with the petitioners’ proposal to initiate a screening process for petitioners and active FDTL members. According to Salsinha the proposal was presented to President Ramos-Horta during meeting with Reinado on 13 January in Maubisse.

67. Secretary of State for Defence Julio Tomas Pinto was quoted in newspapers of 23 January as stating that it was up to President Ramos-Horta, once he is back in Dili, to decide on whether or not the Government Task Force would continue to be in the lead to deal with Reinado and the petitioners.

Parliament

68. On 18 December, the National Parliament started plenary discussion on the proposed State Budget for 2008. Prime Minister Gusmão, in his opening speech, stated that 2008 will be the “Year of Reform” and the year of a more professional public administration. The Prime Minister also explained the achievements of the AMP Government during the transitional period as well as the Government plan for 2008.

69. On 19 December, the plenary approved in generality the State Budget for 2008, with 39 votes in favour, 20 votes against and 4 abstentions. This approval allowed article-by-article discussion of the bill to begin, as well as consideration of proposals for amendment submitted by MPs.

70. On 21 December, the national media reported that PUN President and MP Fernanda Borges will file a complaint to the Appeals Court, questioning the constitutionality of the 2008 State Budget. According to the same report, PUN and FRETILIN had submitted the same complaint to President Ramos-Horta.

71. On 22 December, all MPs voted against the proposal of the President of National Parliament to continue discussions on the 2008 State Budget on 24 December. The decision was taken to resume discussions on 27 December.

72. Discussions did resume on 27 December. Also on that day, Fretilin parliamentarians in the plenary session criticised the gift of $120 cash inserted into Christmas cards from the President of Parliament to MPs and Parliament staff. The President of Parliament explained in the plenary session that the cash was provided from ‘contingency’ funds as there was no time to hold a Christmas function due to ongoing budget discussions.

73. On 28 December, the National Parliament approved the 2008 General State Budget (of $348 million USD) with 38 votes in favour, 18 votes against and one vote in abstention. 35 MPs of AMP, two from UNDERTIM and one from PUN voted in favour. One PUN MP (Fernanda Borges) abstained and all of the votes against were from Fretilin.

74. On 2 January, the Timor Sea Designated Authority (TSDA) announced that the role of Executive Director had been assumed by Gualdino Carmo da Silva who replaced outgoing Executive Director, Jose Lobato. At a meeting on 23 December, the TSDA’s Joint Commission had also agreed to extend the mandate of the TSDA for a further period of 6 months until 30 June 2008. The TSDA’s primary role is to regulate and manage petroleum resources in the Joint Petroleum Development Area on behalf of Timor-Leste and Australia.

75. On 3 January, the Fretilin bench held a press conference in the Parliament. MPs Francisco Branco and Ana Pessoa stated that Fretilin considered the 2008 Budget to be lacking transparency and unbalanced. They also complained that the plenary discussion devoted to the budget was too short. In addition, they again criticized the distribution of $120 to MPs by the President of Parliament, saying it was not clear whether he had the power to distribute such funds in this way, and advised all Fretilin MPs to return the money. Other Fretilin MPs in attendance were José Texeira, David Ximenes, Estanislau da Silva, José Manuel Fernandez and Ilda Conçeição.

76. On 7 January, in the plenary session of the National Parliament, MPs raised issues of concern, including the PNTL Task Force, ISF and the condition of public roads. Some AMP MPs noted their appreciation of the work of the PNTL Task Force throughout the recent holiday period. A PUN MP criticized the Task Force for violations of human rights allegedly perpetrated by its members. A Fretilin MP questioned ISF activities in the eastern districts. MPs also discussed the ongoing distribution of rice to civil servants and the conditions of public roads and private residences damaged by high levels of rainfall.

77. On 7 January, the National Parliament commenced debate on alterations to the Law on the Statutes for the Combatants of National Liberation, which originally came into force in 2006. MPs of the opposition criticized the proposed amendments, while AMP members defended the proposal stating that the original law was proving difficult for the Government to implement as its provisions were too general.

78. On 10 January, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Social Solidarity and the Homage Commission, recently established by the AMP Government, attended a public audience in Parliament to discuss the proposed amendments to the Law on the Statutes of Combatants of National Liberation.

79. On 11 January, the National Parliament continued its debate on the proposed alterations to the law determining the Statutes of Combatants of National Liberation. MPs from both the AMP and the opposition criticized differing data presented by the Minister of Finance, Minister of Social Solidarity and the President of the Homage Commission in Parliament on 10 January and emphasized the importance of data verification before proceeding with further discussion. The President of the Homage Commission acknowledged the inaccuracy of the data and stated that the Commission and the Government will open a new register. The Commission plans to organize a national meeting with all former combatants in the last week of February.

80. On 14 January, Fretilin MP Elizario Pereira and PUN MP Fernanda Borges called for an examination into the ways in which the Ministry of Social Solidarity was distributing funds. According to them, beneficiaries had to queue for hours, which led to disturbances resulting in the death of three people and the injury to 12. The President tasked a commission to examine the issue urgently. However, later it turned out that these reports of death and injury were false (see item 58 below).

81. On 14 January, the National Parliament commenced processes to nominate one member and one alternate member to the Superior Council of the Judiciary.

82. On 15 January, following allegations in Parliament that three beneficiaries had died during disturbances while queuing to collect assistance funds at the Ministry for Social Solidarity, the Prime Minister together with the Vice Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, the General Prosecutor and the PNTL Deputy Commander for Operations held a press conference to deny these allegations. The Prime Minister urged MPs and journalists to act responsibly and professionally and to cross-check information before publishing it.

83. On 15 January, the National Parliament began discussions on the draft bill on Political Party Funding.

84. On 20 January, National Parliament President Fernando “La Sama” de Araújo left Dili for a two-day visit to the districts. He met with political party representatives in Manufahi and Ainaro Districts.

85. On 22 January, KOTA MP Manuel Tilman read out a political declaration requesting Prime Minister Gusmão to clarify accusations made in Alfredo Reinado’s DVD. The declaration was co-signed by PPT MP Jacob Xavier and Fretilin MP Arsenio Bano. While Fretilin MPs were in favor of the initiative, most AMP members felt that the accusations should be examined by the Prosecutor General rather than by Parliament.

86. Also on 22 January, CNRT MP Natalino dos Santos and Fretilin MP Antoninho Bianco suggested dissolving the parliamentary women’s group due to political insignificance. Most women MPs opposed the statement emphasizing that the group has taken an active role in defending and resolving many gender issues.

87. On 24 January, Parliamentary President Fernando “La Sama” de Araújo met with the heads of the parliamentary benches to discuss the establishment of an “all party” parliamentary commission to address pressing issues, including Reinado, the petitioners and IDPs. The plenary is expected to discuss possible Terms of Reference next week.

Police & Security

88. On 16 December, in Atabae Sub-district of Ermera, there was a fight between two groups. One person was injured and taken to Atabae clinic for treatment. An investigation is underway.

89. On 18 December, DSRSG Reske-Nielsen paid a courtesy call to the Secretary of State for Security to introduce himself in his capacity as acting DSRSG for security sector support. DSRSG Reske-Nielsen highlighted the importance of security sector reform to attaining overall peace and stability and assured the Secretary of State of the full support of UNMIT to the Timorese leadership.

90. On 18 December, two groups, allegedly two martial arts groups, engaged in a fight in Buikaren market in Viqueque District. About 90 to 100 people were involved, some armed with machetes and slingshots. A man was injured and later pronounced dead in Viqueque Hospital and 35 stalls in the market were set on fire. UN Police and PNTL responded. One man was arrested and the investigation continues.

91. National media of 19 December reported that Secretary of State for Defence Julio Pinto attended a Christmas celebration hosted by the first battalion of F-FDTL in Baucau District.

92. On 20 December in Bikala market of Ainaro District, a fight broke out, allegedly among members of the KORKA, PSHT and 77 martial arts groups. Three men sustained minor injuries. An investigation is underway.

93. On 22 December at 16:58, two groups threw rocks at one another near the Bairo Pite police post. At one point, some men armed with clubs tried to enter the police post. UNPOL stopped their advance using riot-control shields. FPU and PNTL reinforcements arrived and dispersed the crowd. An 18-year old sustained head injuries and was treated at the clinic. There was no arrest.

94. The Christmas holiday was relatively quiet throughout Timor-Leste, with some reported incidents often related to alcohol consumption. For example, on 25 December, along the road beside Metinaro IDP Camp, 20 men who were drunk blocked the road and created a disturbance. An UNPOL vehicle was stoned and the side window smashed. UNPOL FPU assisted in bringing the situation under control. On 25 December, in Ma’abat Village of Manatuto a group of drunken youth was dancing in the street, obstructing traffic. When told to disperse, they argued and started threw rocks at PNTL. UNPOL reinforced the location, with two UNPOL officers sustaining minor injuries. The Suco chiefs, priest, youth leaders and teachers were later brought to the station and agreed to resolve the incident amicably and to cooperate with the authorities in future.

95. On 27 December, the Deputy Police Commissioner and the PNTL Commander General (Designate) held a press conference on the security situation in Timor-Leste for the year 2007. The Deputy Police Commissioner highlighted that there has been a general decrease in the number of crimes. He also informed the media about the planned hand-over of responsibilities from UNPOL to PNTL in the coming months. He explained that the posts must be managed by fully-certified PNTL officers, and adequately supported with the logistical capabilities before they will be handed over.

96. The New Year’s holiday was also relatively quiet. On 30 December there was a disturbance in the Matadouro area of Dili when some 30 people armed with machetes got into a fight. One person sustained minor injuries. There were no arrests. On 1 January some 50 people along Comoro road were throwing rocks at passing vehicles. UNPOL, including FPU, and the PNTL Task Force arrived and dispersed the crowd. One man was injured. There were no arrests.

97. On 2 January, UNPOL and PNTL raided two bars in Dili as part of a successful operation to crack down on activities related to illegal immigration, the sale of drugs, and possible human trafficking. Police teams are working in close collaboration with the Immigration Service to process the detainees through the criminal justice system. In a press release, SRSG Khare congratulated UNPOL and the PNTL for the operation. He stated that it is a crucial part of UNMIT’s mandate to ensure public security and support the Government in the consolidation of stability and the enhancement of a culture of democratic governance, and, thus UNMIT will not allow such activities to flourish.

98. In the morning of 2 January, two suspects assaulted a 30-year old man in Ermera town. This instigated two groups to congregate and fight. UNPOL and PNTL arrived and mitigated the situation. While transporting the victim to the hospital, the crowd hurled stones at the UNPOL vehicle smashing the rear screen. In the afternoon, some 70 people from the same two groups created a commotion in front of the police station throwing rocks at the vehicles and building. Many windows were smashed; no injury was reported. The following day, amidst a still tense situation, UNPOL and PNTL dispersed a growing crowd as a precaution.

99. On 3 January, some 90 youths were throwing stones behind the Bairo Pite Police Post. UNPOL, including FPU, and PNTL UIR managed to disperse the crowd.

About two hours later, the group gathered again and provoked a fight. FPU mitigated the situation. No injuries or arrests were reported.

100. On 4 January, in the Fatuhada area of Dili, some 300 people were involved in a fight. UIR and FPU were deployed, with UIR firing several canisters of tear gas to disperse the crowd. FPU was deployed to keep the situation under control. There was no injury and no arrest; an investigation is ongoing.

101. On 4 January in Covalima District, some suspects from Matai Village set fire to several houses at Kunain Village and a large crowd armed with sticks and machetes gathered. A total of 14 houses were burned. UN Police, including FPU, and PNTL managed to separate the two village groups. A PNTL BPU member sustained minor injuries while attempting to separate the groups. Fifteen suspects including two PNTL members, were arrested; police are searching for another 5 identified suspects.

102. On 10 January, Radio Timor-Leste (RTL) broadcast its third talk show (coproduced by UNMIT) on security issues. PNTL Commander-Designate Afonso de Jesus, ISF Commander Brigadier John Hutcheson and UN Police Deputy-Police Commissioner for Operations Hermanprit Singh explained security and training plans for the first trimester and answered questions from the audience. Most of the listeners congratulated PNTL for the establishment of the PNTL Task Force and expressed their wish for it to continue.

103. On 11 January, some people armed with swords and sticks created a commotion at the football field in Tasi Tolu, Dili. UN Police, including formed police units, and international security forces dispersed the crowd. The police arrested three suspects and seized the improvised weapons in their possession. No injury was reported. There was more fighting in Tasi Tolu the next day in which police arrested nine offenders and seized a number of machetes, sling shots and knives. No injury was reported.

104. On 14 January, a first meeting of the revived PNTL Evaluation Panel was held at the Office of the Secretary of State for Security. The Panel is mandated by Government Resolution No. 13/2007 of 11 December 2007 to determine if a PNTL member is eligible resume duties or be subjected to disciplinary or criminal proceedings. The Secretary of State for Security, Mr. Francisco da Costa Guterres, formally introduced the work of the body. The Deputy Prosecutor General, Ivo Valente, is chairing the Panel. The other members are the UN Police Commissioner, a prosecutor, a representative of the Superior Council for Defence and Security and a representative of the religious denominations.

105. The local press reported on 17 January that PNTL's Dili Task Force arrested 73 people and confiscated a number of pornographic movies from various bars located in Dili on 16 January.

106. On 17 January, UNMIT launched a series of public outreach meetings in Dili to sensitize civil society representatives on UNMIT’s mandate. UNMIT Police Commissioner explained UN Police tasks, including community policing and mentoring, as well as reform plans. Questions focused on security in the districts, the PNTL recruitment system and the tasks of the Vulnerable Persons Unit.

107. On 16 January, in the Delta-One area of Dili, two groups comprising some 20 youths from Surik Mas and Hudilaran provoked a fight. An UN Police patrol responded and brought the situation under control. No injuries and no arrests were reported.

108. On 16 January, in the Bebora area of Dili, a group of about 40 people was involved in a fight. UN Police patrols responded and brought the situation under control. No arrests or injuries were reported.

109. On 17 January, an F-FDTL soldier posted at the Power Station in Delta Fomento fired seven shots when two suspects attempted to steal goods from a parked truck. The suspects managed to escape. No injury was reported.

110. On 17 January, at Junction Point-Alpha in Batugade (Bobonaro), representatives from the Timor-Leste and Indonesian Governments, as well as FFDTL, PNTL, TNI and UNMIT MLG officers attended a reception in honor of outgoing and incoming TNI Regional Commanders in West Timor. It was hosted by the Timor-Leste Consulate General in Kupang. Speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining security to ensure good relations between the countries.

111. On 17 January, at Fatumeta Junior High School in Dili, UNPOL dispersed a crowd of more than a hundred students, who were involved in a fight. No injury was reported or arrest made.

112. On 17 January, in Perumnas in Dili, UN Police and the PNTL Task Force stopped a fight among 45 people resulting from a disagreement during a soccer match. PNTL Task Force detained and later released one suspect. No injury was reported or arrest made.

113. On 17 January, in the Fatuhada are of Dili, police dispersed a group of 50 people fighting and throwing rocks. A rock was thrown at a UN vehicle without damaging it. No injury or arrest was reported.

114. On 18 January, DSRSG Reske-Nielsen met with Secretary of State for Defense Julio Tomas Pinto da Costa to discuss the upcoming security sector survey. The Secretary of State indicated his full support for public perception survey and appreciated the assistance of UNMIT and UNDP in this regard. The importance of close coordination between the different Timorese institutions involved in security sector reform with international support was emphasised. They agreed that ways of providing additional advisory services to the Secretary of State would be explored under the framework of the joint UNMIT and UNDP project on security sector reform.

115. On 18 January in Baucau District, PNTL conducted an operation targeting illegal immigrants. As a result, 10 Chinese nationals were detained. Follow-up actions were coordinated between PNTL and Immigration.

116. On 21 January, the PNTL Evaluation Panel held its second meeting. It decided that a report on the status of the PNTL screening and future activities of the Panel would be submitted to the Secretary of State for Security beginning February. The Panel also decided to hold weekly meetings starting in February.

117. On 20 January in the Becora area of Dili, some 400 people were involved in a fight. A number of houses were damaged; a few residents fled their homes for safer grounds. UN Police, including FPU, brought the situation under control. There was no injury and no arrest reported.

118. On 23 January, a Malaysian delegation, led by the former Chief of Defence Forces, concluded a three-day visit to Timor-Leste. The delegation met separately with Prime Minister Gusmão and F-FDTL Commander Taur Matan Ruak to discuss issues of defence and cooperation. On 23 January, the Secretary of State for Defence signed, in the presence of the Prime Minister, an MOU with DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies – a Malaysian Public State Enterprise specialized in the sale of military vehicles – on transport, mobility and capacity building.

119. On 24 January, a peace dialogue was held in Covalima with a view to settling the conflict between the villages of Kunai and Matai which resulted in 14 houses being burnt on 4 January. Some 100 people participated, including the Deputy Subdistrict Administrator, PNTL Sub-district Commander of Maukatar and the alleged perpetrators of the arson attacks. It was agreed that a traditional ceremony will be held on 14 February to sanction the peace, which will include an agreement on punishment and reparations.

120. On 24 January, F-FDTL military police and other F-FDTL members, some armed with rifles, arrived at the Dili District Court to attend the hearing of Reinado’s trial. At the entrance, the military police commenced to search the F-FDTL members although UNPOL and PNTL had been assigned to conduct the body search. When an UNPOL officer stopped an F-FDTL member trying to force his way into the court without a proper search, another soldier punched the UNPOL officer in his face. Commanders of both F-FDTL and UNPOL managed to bring the situation under control. No arrest was reported; an investigation is ongoing.

121. On 25 January, some 100 people attended a public ISF “capability demonstration” in Aileu. The ISF Operation Commander explained in his speech that the objective of the show was to demonstrate the ISF’s capability to support UNMIT in stabilizing the country.

122. On 25 January, in Venilale Subdistrict of Baucau, a ceremony was held in which a local organisation calling itself the Fretilin Action Group turned in 15 homemade firearms to PNTL. The group claimed that these weapons were "confiscated" from AMP supporters in the area. UN Police, PNTL, F-FDTL and Fretilin MP Inacio Moreira were in attendance.

Governance

123. On 17 December, the Ministry of State Administration in conjunction with

UNDP held a two-day workshop to review and assess the Government’s

decentralization efforts. The workshop examined the implementation of pilot

programmes in four districts: Bobonaro, Lautem, Manatuto and Aileu. Among the

participants were the Minister of State Administration, the Secretary of State for

Administrative Reform, the Secretary of State for the Promotion of Gender Equality,

all district administrators and sub-district administrators, and representatives from the

various ministries.

124. On 18 December, DSRSG Reske-Nielsen in his capacity as UNDP Resident

Representative signed a $4.1 million project with the President that aims to strengthen

the functioning of the Office of the President through improving skills, building

essential managerial functions, and providing more efficient equipment to assist the

staff to undertake their duties.

125. On 9 January, the Civic Education Centre in Baucau opened its first civic

education workshop at Uaiaca village in Laga sub-district focussing on a) the rights

and responsibilities of citizens, and b) the role of sovereign organs of the State,

community leaders and the police. Similar workshops are planned to be held in most

of the villages in the district in February.

126. On 10 January, the Minister of State Administration and Territorial Ordinance

announced that the Government will increase the Local Development Funds

Allocation from 388,000 USD to 2,085,000 USD in 2008.

127. Commencing on 11 January, five international UNMIT electoral advisers

(Management, Legal, Voter Education, IT and Logistics) are physically collocated

with their national counter parts in the headquarters of the Technical Secretariat for

the Administration of Elections (STAE). The advisers will support the electoral

institution in the preparations of the electoral law, voter registration, voter education,

logistics, information technology, and the local elections which are scheduled to take

place at the end of 2008. The UNMIT team works in an integrated manner with the

UNDP Electoral Project staff.

128. In a meeting with DSRSG Reske-Nielsen on 15 January, the Minister of

Finance advised that 92% of the transitional budget had been executed. Discussing

arrangements for aid coordination, the Minister of Finance noted that she would be

ultimately responsible for aid management in the country, while the Minister of

Foreign Affairs would be responsible for external relations when it came to aid

coordination. The Minister of Finance also advised that the Prime Minister had agreed

to hold the Partners Meeting from 26 to 29 March and that the international compact

would be formally launched during this meeting.

129. On 15 January, President Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Gusmão, CNE

President Cardoso and SRSG Khare attended the first anniversary of the National

Electoral Commission (CNE). The President, Prime Minister and CNE President

thanked the UN family for its assistance in the conduct of the three elections in 2007.

In his speech, SRSG Khare highlighted the accomplishments of the CNE, as well as

the need to take into account the recommendations of the Electoral Certification

Team.

130. On 17 January, the STAE and the CNE announced the timetable for the

conclusion of the voter registration to update lists at the levels of district, subdistrict,

village, and subvillage for local elections. The registration will recommence on 4

February and will be finalized by 31 July. From 1 to 13 September, the list will be

made public enabling voters to correct possible mistakes.

131. On 22 January, the Prime Minister and UNDP Country Director signed a

$19.5 million project to support civil service reform from 2008-2010. The project

focuses on strengthening of administrative management.

132. On 24 January, the Commission for the Revision of the Electoral Laws

(supported by UNMIT) presented the first version of the draft Law for the Local

Elections to the Minister of State Administration, the Secretary of State for

Administrative Reform, as well as the Council of Directors of the Ministry of State

Administration. The draft proposes changes to the previous law (2/2004) and is to be

submitted to the Council of Ministers and subsequently to the National Parliament.

Development

133. On 17 December DSRSG Reske-Nielsen, accompanied by UNICEF and UNDP representatives, met with the Minister of Economy and Development to discuss collaboration with the Government in the preparation of the UN Development Assistance Framework for the 2009-2013 period. The Minister of Economy stressed the importance of ensuring that the UNDAF process is done in collaboration with the National Development Plan.

134. On 30 December, the President of the National Parliament, the Minister of Economy and Development and the Secretary of State for Environment and Reforestation went to Oecussi District for a three-day working visit aimed at explaining the Government Programme on Environment to people in the district, to celebrate the New Year with them and to assess development needs, in particular market issues.

135. On 9 January, the NGO Forum (FONGTIL) organized a meeting to discuss the Government's National Development Plan. Representatives of more than 30 local NGOs attended the meeting. The NGO’s comments will be compiled and presented to the Government.

136. On 9 January, an UN International Telecommunications Union team arrived in Timor-Leste to guide the Government telecommunications regulator (ARCOM). The mission will conduct a review of the telecommunications sector and support the Government with regard to necessary adjustments.

137. On 11 January, the Minister for State Administration visited Baucau with staff members from UNCDF to introduce the Community Development Program (CDP) to local government officials, including the district administrator, subdistrict administrators, villages chiefs, and district development officers. Baucau is one of four districts which will receive CDP funds in 2008.

138. On 16 January, DSRSG Reske-Nielsen met with the Vice Prime Minister to discuss a number of key issues, including the high level donor meeting in New York on 22 January. DSRSG raised the critical issue of ministries and departments being able to access the $15 million earmarked by the government for recovery/humanitarian efforts and ways to streamline and facilitate its use by relevant sectors.

Human Rights & Transitional Justice

139. On 19 December, defense lawyers in the CoI-recommended case regarding the killing of 8 PNTL officers on 25 May 2006, appealed the sentence issued by Dili District Court on 29 November. The court had found four F-FDTL members guilty of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter.

140. On 21 December, the national NGO Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP) launched a report of analyses of decisions taken by the Dili, Baucau and Suai District Courts between January 2006 and June 2007. The court decisions under analysis deal with sixteen cases of sexual assault and domestic violence against women. In its report, JSMP commended the increase in the number of cases decided by the court, and the issuing of sentences for domestic violence. However, the report expressed various concerns, including that sentences sometimes do not reflect the seriousness of the crime.

141. On 4 January 2008, UNMIT met with a group of national NGOs to support them in drafting the statutes for the Network on Housing Rights. The main objective of the network is to coordinate actions among civil society and community-based organizations, academia and interested individuals who are working on housing rights, land and property issues. The statutes are expected to be approved in the first meeting of the network in 2008, tentatively scheduled for the end of January.

142. On 9 January, DSRSG Reske-Nielsen met with the Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato to discuss a) the planned independent review of the justice sector, b) the adoption of the draft penal code and c) the interface between the Office of the Prosecutor-General and the police. The Minister expressed her full support to an independent review of the justice sector. The Minister also expressed an interest in receiving advice on how the interface between the Office of the Prosecutor-General and the police could be improved.

143. As part of its long-term efforts to build the human rights capacity of F-FDTL, UNMIT concluded on 11 January a two-day human rights training for F-FDTL captains at the Army Training Centre in Metinaro. An induction to human rights, with particular focus on standards on the use of force and the role of F-FDTL under the Constitution of Timor-Leste was provided. International humanitarian law and how it relates to human rights was also discussed. This is the third UNMIT training for FFDTL since the start of the project in June 2007.

144. On 18 January, the Court of Appeals declared the appeal of the four F-FDTL soldiers convicted in relation to the events of 25 May 2006 inadmissible, as it had been submitted after the official period of 15 days. The four soldiers are now expected to report to prison; if they fail to do so, the Court may issue arrest warrants.

145. On 22 January, 20 teachers concluded a two-day human rights education training facilitated by UNMIT in Dili. The training is part of a larger strategy to integrate human rights in Timor-Leste's primary school curriculum. The first day of training focused on basic human rights principles, the second day on methodologies for teaching human rights to primary school children.

146. Fretilin MP Ana Pessoa and PSD MP Fernando Diaz Gusmao were quoted in the local press of 24 January as stating that Fretilin and PSD support the implementation of the CAVR report recommendations to bring the alleged perpetrators of 1975 and 1999 crimes to justice.

147. The hearing of the case against Alfredo Reinado and sixteen others resumed on 24 January at Dili District Court, presided by Judge Ivo Rosa. Only two defendants, Nilson Galucho and Jose Soares, who are currently under preventive detention in Becora Prison, were present. Upon a request from the Prosecutor’s Office, the court agreed to show the DVD in which Reinado accuses Prime Minister Gusmão of being responsible for the 2006 crisis, to the audience. The Prosecutor stated that for the time being it will not ask for the charges against Galucho and Soares to be detached from those of the other defendants, as the preventive prison term (two years) for the two has not yet been exhausted and to avoid any possible differences between their verdict and the eventual verdict of the other defendants. The next hearing is scheduled for 4 March.

148. On 24 January, the Ministry of Education conducted a two-day human rights education training for teachers in Liquiça District. The training was facilitated by UNMIT as part of a larger strategy to integrate human rights into Timor-Leste's primary school curriculum. This is the second in a series of human rights education workshops for teachers in various parts of the country.

Gender

149. UNIFEM, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Support Collective for Timor- Leste (APSCTL), in December completed a community-level validation of the findings of a baseline study on sexual and gender based violence. The study was conducted in recent months in the border districts of Covalima and Bobonaro. The participants confirmed all the findings to be correct. Some of the key findings include: a) use of stimulant drugs in places such as Maliana, used on women, b) widespread incest cases in Suai, but under-reported due to perceptions that it will stigmatize the family and affect its dignity, c) widespread domestic violence; and d) active practice of "loaning out" daughters to visitors.

150. The team also completed a mapping of livelihood support projects and activities in the two districts that could be tapped into by women survivors. The report is expected to be released early this year. Implementation of awareness and education campaigns will feature as an important follow-up activity.

151. On 9 January, the Council of Ministers approved the Government’s first report under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It will be presented to the CEDAW Committee.

152. As part of capacity building efforts for women’s wings of political parties, On 23 January UNIFEM met with political party representatives to review their training needs and plan for a 10-day training facilitated by Centre for Asia-Pacific Women in Politics (CAPWIP) scheduled for February.

Humanitarian

153. On 22 December DSRSG Reske-Nielsen met with the Vice-Prime Minister to discuss humanitarian issues over the holiday period.

154. On 30 December, a dialogue between the Urahu (Ermera) village leaders and Urahu IDPs from Gleno, Dili and Liquiça was held. At the time of the presidential elections, a large number of houses had been burned down resulting in IDPs fleeing to camps in Gleno and Dili. Political leaders from Ermera district attended the dialogue, including the District Administrator and parliamentarians from Fretilin, CNRT and PD. In the signed agreement reached there was recognition that a judicial process should take place.

155. The National Disaster Management Directorate determined on 5 January that a district operations centre is a necessity to improve district level co-ordination given the heavy rains suffered especially by western districts of the country. The meeting also determined that Suai was in need of immediate assistance, as well as the villages of Maumeta, Dato and Luculai situated in Liquica where 100 homes were destroyed and 90 damaged by flooding. OCHA suggested the evacuation of the flood risk population of approximately 300 persons. 650 households in Liquiça are facing water shortage due to damage to water pipes and many parts of the district are without electricity. In Ainaro and Manatuto, strong winds damaged houses.

156. On 7 January, UNMIT met with the Secretary of State for Public Works and the Director of Roads, Bridges and Flood Control to provide information about the condition of roads and bridges in Timor-Leste following the heavy rains and to discuss Government plans to rehabilitate them. UNMIT emphasized the importance of informing the local population about the Government’s efforts. It was agreed that a Government delegation, along with UNMIT, would visit all regional engineering offices to assess progress on the ground.

157. On 10 January, the National Disaster Management Directorate (NDMD) met with Government representatives and international partners to discuss the situation in Timor-Leste following the intense rainfall and winds, which have now eased to normal wet season activity. The NDMD summarized the total damage caused:

• Liquiça: 100 houses destroyed, 90 houses damaged by floods

• Aileu: 21 houses destroyed by strong winds, crops damaged

• Ermera: 41 houses damaged

• Lautem: 3 houses, 1 school, 1 church destroyed

• Ainaro: 11 houses destroyed by strong winds

• Bobonaro: 6 houses destroyed.

• Covalima: 1 school destroyed, locust infestations

• Bobonaro: locust infestations

• Oecusse: locust infestations

158. On 17 January, the Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters chaired a meeting with line ministries and international partners to coordinate assessments and response for districts affected by the recent intense seasonal rains. According to the Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) over 700 houses have been damaged or destroyed by winds, floods or landslides throughout the country. Most districts have reported crop damage. Following reports of locust infestation, FAO commenced locust control spraying in affected districts.

159. On 18 January, DSRSG Reske-Nielsen co-chaired a briefing with Vice Prime Minister Guterres to the donor and diplomatic community on humanitarian issues and the National Recovery Strategy. The Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters updated the meeting on Government efforts to provide return and reintegration packages to IDPs, to address growing food insecurity, and tackle natural disasters. Some 60 officials attended representing the diplomatic community, UN agencies, international NGOs, the Humanitarian Coordination Committee, as well as UNPOL and ISF officers. Representatives of the diplomatic community expressed appreciation for the opportunity to hear from the Government about priority areas and strategies for return of IDPs, and the UN and international support being provided by humanitarian partners. Clarification was requested on the budget allocation by the Government, likely funding shortfalls, and areas where international assistance would be sought.

160. On 25 January, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Social Solidarity met with IDP camp managers to discuss the current IDP situation in the country, as well as the Government’s National Recovery Strategy. In the course of the meeting, the Prime Minster announced that blanket feeding to IDPs would be reduced to half rations soon. The IDP representatives raised concern about their security situation reiterating that they would only be able to return to their homes once the issues of Reinado and the petitioners are resolved. The discussion focused on grant and compensation arrangements.

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END