Media Releases
- 04 of December of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 4th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 4th, 2024
available soon - 21 of November of 2024Statement on the passing of Patsy ThatcherPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 21st, 2024
Statement on the passing of Patsy Thatcher
Patsy Thatcher lived a life deeply connected to and intertwined with the history and people of Timor-Leste.
Her remarkable contributions to our nation’s story began in 1981 when she set out to document the experiences of Australian servicemen in Timor during World War II and the critical support they received from the Timorese people. Through this work, she illuminated an important chapter of our shared history.
Patsy’s extensive interviews with the men of the 2/2nd Commando Squadron brought to life their courage and resilience. Her work also preserved the heartfelt acknowledgments of these soldiers, who credited their survival to the assistance they received from their Timorese companions.
Following this important work, Patsy delved deeply into the lives of Timorese in the diaspora, documenting their experiences in Australia and preserving the stories of their resilience and identity. Patsy demonstrated an enduring commitment to the well-being and understanding of Timorese society. She worked tirelessly to bridge the past with the present, exploring Timor-Leste’s transitional development and offering invaluable insights into our nation’s journey. Through her dedication, she preserved vital pieces of our history, enriched our understanding of our culture, and strengthened the ties between Timor-Leste and those who supported its development and independence.
Patsy was the principal founder of the Oan Kiak Scholarship Fund which has sponsored over 1000 young Timorese from primary school until they completed their high school. The Program started in 1992 and continues until today.
She was part of the Timorese Welfare Committee under the Timorese Association in Victoria and through her research helped formulate the family reunion program that enabled over 1000 Timorese in Portugal to reunite with their families in Australia.
She also mentored a handful of Timorese academics with their theses in the areas of anthropology and sociology.
Patsy Thatcher was more than a storyteller and a dedicated researcher, she was a true friend to Timor-Leste and a cherished “Tia” to the Timorese community, a term that reflects the deep love, respect and connection she shared with so many.
Patsy’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Her contributions are woven into the fabric of our nation’s history, and her memory will be forever remembered.
Vale Patsy.
- 21 of November of 2024Day off on November 29th 2024 on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-LestePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 21st, 2024
Day off on November 29th 2024 on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste
available soon - 21 of November of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 21st, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 21st, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and analysed the proposal to grant pardons, by His Excellency the President of the Republic on the occasion of the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste.
Law 20/2023 establishes that the President of the Republic can grant pardons or commute sentences as a political and humanitarian intervention in the administration of justice. This procedure allows for the total or partial pardon of a sentence, the replacement of the sentence with a more favourable one, or its mitigation, always on a case-by-case basis.
Article 8 of the Law mentioned above determines that the Government is consulted on these decisions and issued an opinion. However, this opinion is not binding, respecting the exclusive competence of the President of the Republic.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, to appoint Anita Tavares Ribeiro de Jesus to serve as Civil Service Commissioner on an exclusive dedication basis until November 22nd, 2028.
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The draft Government Resolution, presented by the Ministers for Defence and the Interior, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes and Francisco da Costa Guterres, respectively, on the Joint Operational Commitment between the Falintil - Timor-Leste Defence Forces and the Timor-Leste National Police, to ensure the security, social stability and well-being of the population, during the Official Ceremonies to Commemorate the 49th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Timor-Leste's Independence, as well as the Christmas and New Year's festivities, was also approved.
The Government Resolution establishes patrol and surveillance operations in sensitive locations in all municipalities to prevent acts of social instability. The Task Force will be coordinated by the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and the General Commander of the PNTL, with the support of various government and institutional entities.
The resolution also provides for specific measures, such as the definition of chains of command, rules of engagement and intelligence support, and the proportional use of force following current legislation. This Task Force's operation period will be from November 20th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025.
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According to the projects presented by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers decided to:
Authorise expenditure for constructing a six-storey office building for the Ministry of Public Works and an adjacent one-storey building for the Civil Engineering Laboratory, at a cost of around US$20 million.
Authorise expenditure for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the stretch of road between Seloi, Aileu and Gleno, Ermera, covering 18km, with an estimated value of US$15.97 million.
Authorise expenditure for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the stretch of road between Lospalos and Lautém, covering 27.980km, with an estimated value of US$22.7 million.
Authorise expenditure for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the stretch of road between Lautém and Com, covering 19.760km, with an estimated value of US$13.8 million.
Authorise expenditure for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the stretch of road between Letefoho junction and Gleno, covering 24.140km, with an estimated value of US$45 million. END
- 07 of November of 2024Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump on his victory in the US presidential electionsPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 7th, 2024
Government of Timor-Leste congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses his congratulations to Donald J. Trump its “sincere congratulations on [his] comprehensive victory in the Presidential election”, in a letter sent by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on November 7th 2024.
In the letter, the Prime Minister emphasises that Donald Trump's electoral victory “reflects the support and trust the American people have placed in [his] leadership and [his] policies for [his] nation”.
The message also emphasises that “the United States and Timor-Leste share a strong relationship of friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles”.
This “partnership, and this bond has contributed significantly to Timor-Leste’s development and international engagement,” added the Prime Minister.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also expressed confidence that, under Donald Trump's Presidency, “the bonds between our two nations will strengthen, fostering increased collaboration across areas of mutual interest”. “The Government of Timor-Leste looks forward to working closely with you and your administration to advance our shared goals and further deepen our bilateral relationship”, the Prime Minister said. ENDS - 04 of November of 2024Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain for the Floods in the Region of ValenciaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
November 4th, 2024
Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain for the Floods in the Region of Valencia
The 9th Constitutional Government expresses its deepest sympathy to the People and Government of Spain for the tragic floods that devastated the Valencia region between late October and early November 2024. This natural disaster, triggered by an isolated High Altitude Depression (HAPD), caused torrential rains that resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people, most of them in the province of Valencia, and the destruction of infrastructure, homes and agricultural areas.
The images captured by the European Copernicus programme reveal the magnitude of the damage, with extensive areas flooded and infrastructure severely affected. Local authorities continue to face significant challenges in assisting the population and recovering the affected areas.
On behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, Minister Agio Pereira, the Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, expressed ‘deep sorrow for the tragic loss of human life and the enormous difficulties faced by the Spanish people at this time of pain and hardship’. He added that ‘our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we recognise the heroic efforts of the rescue teams and professionals who continue to support the communities affected by this disaster’. END - 30 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 30th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 30th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution that extends, until April 10th, 2025, the suspension of the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts and the temporary closure of all places and facilities intended for the teaching, learning and practice of martial arts, initially approved by Government Resolution no. 45/2023, of November 10th, and extended by Government Resolution no. 17/2024, of April 24th.
This Government Resolution aims to consolidate and strengthen the social peace achieved since November 2023. With a considered and controlled approach, the aim is to allow martial arts to be practised exclusively in a sporting context in the future, promoting healthy exercise and contributing to young people's education and civic and humanistic training. However, martial arts teaching, learning, and practice remain suspended, and so does the temporary closure of the respective facilities.
The Government congratulates the population, particularly young people, for their cooperation in complying with Government Resolution 17/2024 of April 24th, which has contributed significantly to maintaining order and social peace throughout the country.
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The draft Decree-Law on the Seniority-based Promotion Scheme for Civil Service Career Staff, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, was also approved.
This legislative initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have been unable to achieve promotions based on merit over the last few years. The scheme is based on criteria such as seniority, performance evaluation, age, professional training, service in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance. The law states that promotion by seniority will take place annually and will be carried out through an internal competition regulated by the Civil Service Commission, which determines the vacancies available for each grade and professional category.
This seniority-based promotion system is expected to reduce career stagnation among civil servants. It values the dedication of long years to public service, especially for those who find it challenging to participate in conventional competitions.
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Lastly, the draft Government Resolution, presented by The Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, on compliance with the enrolment and contribution obligations under the Contributory Social Security Scheme, was approved.
This Government Resolution reinforces the State's duty, enshrined in Article 56 of the Constitution of the Republic, to organise a social security system that protects all workers in the country, in the public and private sectors, and ensures the right to social security and assistance. Established by Law no. 12/2016, of November 14th, the social security system has been in force since 2017. It defines the responsibilities of employers, including the registration of workers and the monthly submission of remuneration statements to the National Social Security Institute (INSS).
This Government Resolution stipulates that all entities in the State's direct and indirect administration must regularise the registration of their workers with the INSS by November 15th, 2024, and submit monthly pay statements by the 15th of each month. The INSS provides the necessary tables on its website and will present a list of non-compliant entities to the Council of Ministers by November 30th, 2024.
Failure to comply with this Resolution shall render those responsible for the services and entities of the State's direct and indirect administration with competence for the enrolment of workers and the monthly delivery of Remuneration Statements liable to civil, financial, reinstatement and disciplinary action. END - 24 of Outubro of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 24th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 24th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 42/2008, of November 26th, which transformed Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (Radio and Television of Timor-Leste) (RTTL, E.P.) into a public company.
The proposed amendments aim to adapt Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL, E.P.) to new technological and administrative requirements by introducing digital terrestrial television. The new law allows RTTL, E.P. to broadcast and manage digital channels, enabling greater flexibility in content distribution and obtaining additional revenue. As well as making it possible to broadcast free-to-air channels nationally and internationally, it will also be possible to introduce post-paid and pre-paid services, thus reinforcing its financial sustainability.
The project also provides for the elimination of the Opinion Council, which has never been implemented since the creation of RTTL, E.P., and the creation of the position of Executive Director, reporting directly to the President of the public company, who will support the administrative and financial management of the company, ensuring continuity and good governance. These amendments are intended to strengthen competitiveness and the quality of the services provided to the public, ensuring a modern, efficient broadcaster in line with industry standards.
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The Council of Ministers has decided to grant a day off on October 31st, 2024, considering that November 1st and 2nd are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, dates of great importance to the Catholic community and provided for as national holidays by Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, amended by Law no. 3/2016, of May 25th. This decision aims to make it easier for people to travel to their hometowns and participate in religious celebrations. END
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