Media Releases
- 15 of May of 2019Message on the occasion of the International Day of the FamilyPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Message on the occasion of the International Day of the Family
Every year, on May 15, the International Day of the Family is celebrated in Timor-Leste and throughout the World, reminds us of the importance of the constitutional duty to “protect the family as the society’s basic unit and a condition for the harmonious development of the individual" (Article 39, paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste).
It is an excellent opportunity to discuss the new challenges that arise, in particular, for our young citizens, both national and foreign, who, wishing to establish, plan and live within the family, face the difficulties of sustainability, socio-economic well-being or moral, ethical and religious character that influence our world in an increasingly globalized and interdependent transformation.
In this small family democracy, present at the heart of society, we can realize ourselves as children, as spouses and as parents and we find in this womb a true refuge for our physical and mental health, which gives us renewed energies to face the circumstances of a life more and more hurried, demanding and competitive.
Holy Family Day may not be a holiday, nor be marked in important protocol ceremonies, but it is a real opportunity to promote unity, team spirit, solidarity, partnership and tolerance, which, by building healthy families in our communities, contributes actively to the good functioning of society, an essential condition in the current phase of national development.
As the family is a blessing from God, it is fair to send to all those who suffer in want, orphanhood, divorce or abandonment, a word of courage and support and the good examples of a society that, valuing the role of family, seeks to promote an increasingly fair and equitable country where inclusion and social solidarity reign.
To all the sons and daughters, to all the husbands and wives, and to all Timorese and foreign families who contribute with their willful and persevering service to an ever more modern, developed and prosperous Timor-Leste, I would like to present on behalf of the Eight Constitutional Government, our sincere thanks!
The Families are also heroes, sometimes forgotten, that contribute a lot to the national development, and to build the Strong, Rich and Safe Nation, that we so much ambition. ENDS - 15 of May of 2019Meeting of the Council of Ministers of May 15, 2019Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of May 15, 2019
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the proposal for a Government Decree, presented by the Minister of Justice, Manuel Cárceres da Costa, which approves the Regulations for the Training of Investigators of the Special Criminal Investigation Career and of the Specialists for the Laboratory of the Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC). The approval of this diploma will contribute to ensuring the proper training and qualification of the professionals who will be part of the special career regime of the Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police, in compliance with the legal requirements and in accordance with the Eight Constitutional Government’s Program, with a view to consolidation of the justice sector, providing them with competent, independent and professional human resources.
The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Joaquim José Gusmão dos Reis Martins, presented the proposal for a Government Resolution on the Statutes of the National Council of Food Security and Food and Nutrition Sovereignty of Timor-Leste (CONSSANTIL). The Government Resolution aims to define the nature, objectives, regulations, composition and functioning of CONSSATIL, an interministerial coordination body for the elaboration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public policies related to food and nutritional security and sovereignty. CONSSATIL's main objectives are to ensure the implementation of the National Strategic Development Plan and the Government's programs in this area, develop and promote mechanisms for coordination and capacity building of public institutions and existing resources, in order to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition and to implement food security and nutrition plans. This Government Resolution will be reviewed at a subsequent meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers approved two Resolutions, submitted by the Minister of Public Works, Salvador Soares dos Reis Pires, regarding changes to the public contracts for the improvement and maintenance of the road node of the Natarbora-Laclubar road and the Manututo-Baucau road. The approved Council of Ministers Resolutions will allow the duration of the contracts to be extended without additional costs and with the other terms and conditions remaining unchanged, in order to compensate for the delays and interruptions of work in these projects due to the high rainfall which occurred in these areas.
The Minister of Public Works also presented the proposal for a Resolution, approved by the Council of Ministers, approving the procurement procedure for the acquisition of fuel for the Hera and Betano power stations for a period of one year, from October 2019 to September of 2020, in order to guarantee the full operation of power plants and the provision of energy for the entire territory. ENDS 
08 of May of 2019Meeting of the Council of Ministers of May 8, 2019Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of May 8, 2019
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the proposed Decree-Law, presented by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Demetrio de Amaral de Carvalho, on the Legal Regime for the Protection and Conservation of Biodiversity. This Diploma aims to safeguard the vast biodiversity of Timor-Leste, which is positioned in one of the regions with the highest biodiversity in the world and which hosts a number of different species of fauna and flora. The Decree-Law establishes the legal framework for the protection and conservation of biodiversity, complementing the provisions of the National System of Protected Areas, and implementing the Environmental Law, in the part where the State is expressly responsible for adopting measures necessary for the protection and conservation of species, habitats and ecosystems. At the institutional level, the Decree-Law also promotes the integration of biodiversity considerations in the different sectoral policies, defines the responsibilities of each of the governmental actors and simultaneously demands the active participation of all sectors of society in the protection of biodiversity and sustainable use of components, in a participatory, collaborative and consultative framework.
The Secretary of State for the Environment also presented the proposed Decree-Law on the sale, import and production of plastic bags, packaging and other objects. This Diploma aims to prevent and reduce the impact of waste on the environment, focusing mainly on single-use plastic products. Accordingly, the Decree-Law prohibits the sale, import and production of non-recyclable plastic products and the prohibition of the acquisition, distribution, importation and production of certain plastic objects. The Diploma also establishes the following fundamental principles: precaution, prevention, sustainable development, global environmental security, polluter-pays, reuse and recycling and energy recovery. This proposal will be re-examined further by the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers approved the proposal for a Resolution, presented by the Acting Minister of State Administration, Abílio José Caetano, approving the procurement process for the implementation of the investment strategy for solid waste management in Dili. The solid waste management plan proposes the acquisition of model containers for modern and efficient waste disposal, waste collection vehicles, mobile equipment, scale and landfill equipment to improve the operational standard of the Tibar waste site. It also aims to improve the service of solid waste collection, with the change to a method of mechanical collection. Finally, the plan also aims at transforming the Tibar dump into a landfill that is controlled according to the integrated waste treatment strategy. The implementation plan for the management of solid urban waste in Díli presents as its main benefits the improvement of the quality of the urban environment, improving health, reducing the risk of flooding, high efficiency in the collection and management of waste through international practices, creation of employment opportunities and the possibility of tourism growth through effective environmental management and maintenance.
The Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agustinho da Silva, presented the proposal for a Resolution, approved by the Council of Ministers, appointing the members of the Board of Directors of the Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações, the telecommunications regulator. Thus, the Government appoints Fernando Afonso da Silva as Non-Executive Director and Vidal dos Santos Gomes as Technical Director, both for a term of five years.
The Minister of Transport and Communications also presented the proposal for a decision on the authorization of the process of supplying the construction of the passenger ship for the project of connecting maritime transport along the north coast of Timor-Leste. This project is co-financed by the German Financial Cooperation and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The Deliberation proposal was approved pending analysis and confirmation by the Ministry of Finance.
The Council of Ministers approved the proposal for a resolution presented by the Minister of Defense, Filomeno da Paixão de Jesus, regarding the names of the commanders of the F-FDTL components to be proposed to the President of the Republic, responsible for appointing the F-FDTL components.
The Council of Ministers approved the proposal for a resolution submitted by the National Procurement Commission on the authorization of the procurement process for the construction of the future building of the Dili District Court. The funding for the construction project for the Dili District Court is included in the State Budget for 2019 in the Infrastructure Fund. ENDS- 01 of May of 2019Government congratulates the new Emperor of JapanPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government congratulates the new Emperor of Japan
The Government of Timor-Leste presents its warm congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito who ascended to the throne in Japan on May 1st, 2019 and wishes the greatest successes in the performance of his noble functions.
Timor-Leste and Japan have a multifaceted and extremely rich bilateral relationship that is expected to continue to evolve positively under the leadership of Emperor Naruhito.
The Government of Timor-Leste also salutes the outgoing Emperor, Akihito, who has served as Emperor of Japan for the past three decades.
To celebrate this occasion, a Congratulations Book will be available at the Japanese Embassy, which will be attended by members of the Government and all those who wish to congratulate the new Emperor. The Congratulations book will be available between 10am and noon and between 2pm and 4pm on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th of May.
On behalf of the Government, the Minister of State for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, expressed his conviction that, following this new imperial era, strong ties between the two nations will continue to be strengthened in the years to come. ENDS - 30 of April of 2019Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 30, 2019Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 30, 2019
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the proposal for a resolution, presented by the Minister for Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, on the concession and implementation agreement between the Millennium Challenge Corporation ( MCC) and the Government of Timor-Leste for the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Compact. MCC and the Government of Timor-Leste have been working on developing a five-year compact program to reduce poverty through economic growth, focusing on key challenges facing the country, such as access to clean water, health, nutrition, sanitation and human resources development. The Council of Ministers gave the Minister of Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs full powers to sign the agreement.
The Council of Ministers approved the proposal for a Government Resolution presented by the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, which sets the vacancies for the career promotion of personnel within general public administration system. The vacancies destined to the promotion are set annually by the Government, based on a proposal of the Civil Service Commission, up to a limit of ten percent of the total personnel of each category or professional group.
The Council of Ministers continued its analysis of the proposal for a Resolution, presented by the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus, on the report of the national review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of the period between 2014 and 2018. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a document created in 1995 in China during the Fourth World Conference on Women, aims to discuss actions to promote equality, development and peace for women. The document identifies 12 thematic priority areas for States to overcome obstacles faced by girls and women and achieve gender equality. The national report sets out the progress and key results achieved, and the challenges and obstacles encountered in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for the period 2014-2018. The proposal was approved, and the report will be submitted to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific) on the 1st of May. It will be presented later in November 2019 in Bangkok at the regional level at the UN-ESCAP meeting and in March 2020 at the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
The Council of Ministers approved the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares, on the names to be proposed to the President of the Republic for the Heads of the Diplomatic Missions of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. ENDS - 24 of April of 2019Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 24, 2019Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of April 24, 2019
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and heard a presentation by Roberto Caetano de Sousa Vicente, Executive Director of the Information and Communication Technology Agency I.P. (TIC Timor) concerning the status, plan and program of this public institute, under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister. TIC Timor, created in 2017, has the mission of implementing the policy and approved strategy on information and communication technologies and manages the IT network of the Government and other public entities, including the management of information and communication technologies infrastructure and information systems. During the presentation, the Executive Director of TIC Timor detailed the plan of action until 2030, with the objective of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery through the Electronic Government and, at the same time, implementing structures that allow a better national and international connection, more stable and more secure, while also defining and implementing standards that guarantee not only the compatibility of equipment and software, but also greater interoperability and data security, essential for government activity and for the relationship of citizens with public structures.
The Council of Ministers approved with amendments the proposed Decree-Law presented by the Acting Minister of the Interior, Filomeno da Paixão de Jesus, on the import, transportation, storage and use of explosive products for the implementation of civil construction projects, petroleum activities and minerals. The approved Decree-Law establishes the rules, guidelines and special security procedures to be followed for the importation, transport, storage and use of commercial explosive products, in accordance with the needs of projects of public interest in the civil construction, mining and oil.
The Acting Minister of Finance, Sara Lobo Brites, presented the proposal for a Resolution, approved by the Council of Ministers, on the sixth amendment to the Development Agreement between the United States of America and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for institutional strengthening and capacity-building for development. This agreement aims to contribute to a more prosperous, healthy and well-educated population with access to essential goods and services, where production and employment correspond to an emerging economy with opportunities for all, in a fair and inclusive way, facilitating the dynamic and innovative growth of the economy.
Sara Lobo Brites also presented the proposal, approved by the Council of Ministers, for a memorandum of understanding between the Government of Timor-Leste, the Government of Indonesia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on technical cooperation assistance and cross-border trade, to be signed on May 4, 2019, during the annual meeting of the ADB in the Republic of Fiji, by the Acting Minister of Finance of Timor-Leste, the Minister of Finance of Indonesia and the President of ADB. This memorandum follows the request made by the Governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to the ADB to support the strengthening of cross-border cooperation in order to promote the development of these regions. Between 2017 and 2018 an exploratory study was carried out that recommended three main areas of cooperation - transport and communications, tourism and livestock. This agreement will allow harmonization of border procedures to improve the link between the two countries, the expansion of the animal health certification system and the development of a joint tourist area focusing on sustainable and community tourism.
The Council of Ministers conferred on the Minister of Finance the full powers to sign the two agreements referred to above.
The Council of Ministers reviewed the proposal for a Resolution submitted by the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus, on the report of the national review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of the period 2014 and 2018. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a document created in 1995 in China at the Fourth World Conference on Women, aims to discuss actions to promote equality, development and peace for women. The document identifies 12 thematic priority areas for States to overcome obstacles faced by girls and women and achieve gender equality. The national report sets out the progress and key results achieved, and the challenges and obstacles encountered in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for the period 2014-2018 and will be submitted to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), on the 1st of May. It will be presented later in November 2019 in Bangkok at the regional level at the UN-ESCAP meeting and in March 2020 at the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The report will be re-examined at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers. ENDS
- 23 of April of 2019Timorese Government congratulates the President Elect of IndonesiaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Timorese Government congratulates the President Elect of Indonesia
The Government of Timor-Leste presents its warm congratulations to Joko Widodo on his re-election as President of the Republic of Indonesia and wishes him great success as he continues his noble functions.
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak in his congratulatory letter to the President-elect recalled that "Timor-Leste and Indonesia share a special relationship of friendship and closeness, which has been essential for the consolidation of defense, security and stability, necessary for the harmonious development and progress of the two nations, in the Region".
The Prime Minister further express his “renewed hope of being able to deepen, under the renewed leadership of Joko Widodo, the fraternal friendship that unites the two countries and the two peoples in the various spheres of bilateral and multilateral action, in particular in our process of accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)". ENDS
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