Media Releases
- 28 of June of 2021Joint statement by the Ministry of Health, Timor-Leste, and World Health Organization (WHO) Timor-Leste on safety and efficacy of Oxford- AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine considering the stand of Australia Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI)Ministry of Health - World Health Organization (WHO)more
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Dili, Timor-Leste, 24 June 2021
Joint Press Release
On safety and efficacy of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine considering the stand of Australia Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI)
COVID-19 vaccination remains one of our most effective measures in response to the current COVID-19 outbreak, significantly reducing a person's risk of being infected, seriously ill, hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. As new information and evidence become available, we are also continuously assessing our efforts and response. Our communities' continued safety and protection are at the forefront of all aspects of our efforts.
There are EIGHT COVID-19 vaccines, which have received WHO's emergency use licence (EUL). There are strict protections in place to help ensure the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines. Before receiving validation from WHO and national regulatory agencies, COVID-19 vaccines must undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials to prove that they meet internationally agreed benchmarks for safety and efficacy.
Almost 200,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Timor-Leste and we have no recorded case of serious side effects so far. This is an incredible achievement for a country that relies mainly on the AZ vaccine and is further proof of the safety of this vaccine in our population.
Regarding the safety of the vaccines used in Timor-Leste, the MoH and WHO Timor-Leste would like to reiterate some salient points:
The WHO interim recommendation updated and issued on 21 April 2021 categorically states that the Oxford AstraZeneca )AZ) vaccine produced by different manufacturers pre-qualified for emergency use rely on the core clinical data for regulatory evaluation. Consequently, these vaccines are considered safe and effective for general use.
The WHO recommendations advocate for continued use of the AZ vaccine for ages above 18.
In revised Australian recommendations, AZ vaccine will continue to be administered to persons over 60 years of age.
In Australia, those under 60 years of age, who have had first dose AZ prior to the June recommendations, are still getting AZ vaccine as a second dose (as per recommendations from Australian regulators).
Based on revised Australian recommendations, AstraZeneca vaccine still can be used in adults aged under 60, in situations where alternate vaccines are not available.
After considering existing Covid-19 disease transmission status and risk harm analysis, other countries have also included age restrictions in place limiting use of AZ vaccine among lower age range. e.g., in the UK, the age cut-off is 40.
In countries with ongoing high COVID-19 virus transmission, like Timor-Leste, benefits of vaccination (preventing people getting severe Covid-19 disease, hospitalization and death) far outweigh the rare risk of getting Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Syndrome (TTS) and hospitalization and death due to TTS.
Australia's decision does not change Timor-Leste approach for vaccination given the current community transmission and possible introduction of COVID-19 variants. All unvaccinated individuals in Timor-Leste are at risk from getting the Covid-19 disease, hospitalization and death.
It is important to note that serious adverse events following immunizing following AstraZeneca vaccine remain very rare. To date, no confirmed cases of serious adverse events following immunization including TTS have been reported in Timor-Leste despite almost 200,000 AZ vaccine doses being administered.
This is a phenomenal achievement not only of our community coming together to protect each other, but also the tireless efforts of our vaccination teams in ensuring vaccines are being delivered to communities across the county in a safe manner. Furthermore, Timorese doctors are well trained and have the resources on hand to treat individuals if such rare incidents do occur.
After a thorough consultation with experts within and outside WHO, it has been satisfactorily concluded that the benefits of AZ vaccine far outweigh the risk. Therefore, we confidently advocate the continuation of the COVID-19 vaccination using the AZ vaccine. ENDS - 23 of June of 2021Clarification on COVID-19 Vaccine - AstraZenecaMinistry of Health - OMS - Australian Embassy - UNICEF - NITAGmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Dili, Timor-Leste, 23 June 2021
Joint Press Release
Clarification on COVID-19 Vaccine - AstraZeneca
Available soon - 23 of June of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 23, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 23rd, 2021
The Council of Ministers met, at the Government Palace, in Dili, and approved the authorization for the opening of a public tender procurement procedure for the acquisition of two industrial fishing boats, with 250 GT capacities, according to the project presented by the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Elídio de Araújo. The acquisition of these boats aims to contribute to the development of the national fishing sector and has as its main objectives the increase in the quantity of fish caught, the reduction in the price of fish in the national market, the reinforcement of national maritime sovereignty, to put an end to illegal fishing activity and to ensure the use of fishing resources in a responsible and sustainable way for the future.
The draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza Magno, for the anticipated payment of Timor-Leste's financial contribution to the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), regarding the years 2022 and 2023, was approved. With this advance payment of around USD$ 485,000, Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to this international organization and to its success and development. With this measure, not only will it guarantee the necessary conditions for the Executive Secretariat, which will be chaired by Timor-Leste, to execute its program for the 2021-2022 biennium, but it will also ensure that the International Institute for Portuguese Language (IILP – Portuguese acronym) has the necessary financial means for its functioning.
Also under the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Council of Ministers approved the Deliberation project regarding the name of the person to be proposed to the President of the Republic to chair the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the CPLP.
The draft decree-law which creates the Commission to Combat Human Trafficking and defines its composition, structure and mode of operation, was approved. This project, presented by the Minister of Justice, Manuel Cárceres da Costa, fulfils the provisions of the Law on the Prevention and Fight Against Human Trafficking, ensuring the existence of an inter-ministerial coordination structure especially responsible for coordinating, at national level, the different entities responsible for the prevention and fight against human trafficking. The Commission will also be responsible for promoting and ensuring cooperation with foreign entities in combating human trafficking, as well as monitoring the application of the provisions of the conventions that Timor-Leste has ratified or will ratify in the area of human trafficking. Several public services and entities are represented in this structure, particularly in the areas of justice and security, but also representatives from civil society itself.
The Executive also approved the Integrated Strategy for the Implementation of a Unique Identification System (Unique ID, IDU), presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães. Therefore, the said Strategy is approved, including its Operational Plan and Draft Execution Budget, to be submitted to the Infrastructure Fund for funding. Guidance is also given to proceed with the creation of the Mission Unit for the Implementation of the Unique Identifier, provided for in the Strategy, and the Eventual Technical Commission shall maintain its operation to ensure the implementation of what has been decided herein until the said Mission Unit is set up.
The Unique ID will establish a digital identity, based on a minimum set of data, including a unique random number, biographic data and biometric information. The system will enable citizens and residents to have more reliable access to a wide range of public and private services. It will also help the private sector and the Government to reduce fraud and fake identities and cut transaction costs in identity verification. This strategy will be implemented between 2021 and 2025. By 2025, it is intended to register one million people and link digital identities to the banking and telecommunications sectors, the civil registry, the electoral registry, health and education registries, the business register and several other important functional databases. This strategy and operational plan were developed internally by the Government, through a consultative process, by a Technical Committee led by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Justice and TIC Timor. The Ministries of Health, Education, Finance, Interior, State Administration, Solidarity and Social Inclusion and the Civil Service Commission directly participated. In the process, options were presented, discussed and mutually agreed upon in the Council of Ministers.
After the analysis of the presentation of the national epidemiological situation, given by the Situation Room of the Integrated Centre for Crisis Management, the Council of Ministers decided to propose to His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, the renewal of the state of emergency, for another thirty days. Given the worrying evolution of the epidemiological situation and the proliferation of registered cases of COVID-19 infection, and in order to prevent and neutralise the risks of SARS-CoV-2 spreading, so as to protect public health and the National Health System's response capacity, the Government proposes to the President of the Republic that, with the renewal of the state of emergency, the suspension or restriction of some fundamental rights and guarantees be allowed.
The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Government Resolutions that maintain the imposition of the sanitary fence in the Municipalities of Baucau and Dili, for 7 more days. Thus, the prohibition of circulation of people between the Baucau and Dili municipalities and other administrative districts is maintained, except in duly justified cases for reasons of public security, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of the public supply systems or the achievement of public interest.
The Council of Ministers decided not to renew the sanitary fence imposition in Covalima and Bobonaro Municipalities.
The Vice Prime Minister, Armanda Berta dos Santos and the Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo, responsible for leading the Interministerial Commission for the Preparation and Coordination of Implementation of the Vaccination Plan against COVID-19, presented to the Council of Ministers the status of the vaccine procurement processes and implementation of the vaccination campaign. To date, a total of 294,000 vaccines have been received, of which 144,380 have already been administered and there is currently a total of 149,620 vaccines in stock. On June 30th, 20 thousand more vaccines offered by Australia should arrive and Timor-Leste is seeking to acquire, through purchase or donations, from entities and partners, more vaccines for the remaining population, namely citizens under 18 years old.
The Council of Ministers approved the first amendment to the Government Resolution that defines the objectives for the vaccination campaign and guidelines to ensure compliance with the preventive measures in place. With this amendment it is now defined as an objective to reach, in the vaccination campaign, the number of 10,000 inoculations per day, at national level, guiding the relevant departments to create the necessary mechanisms to accelerate the pace of vaccination.
In order to encourage vaccination, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law to create the "Vaccine Lottery against COVID-19", presented by the Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes. This lottery consists in the attribution of prizes in a random manner to individuals who validly participate in the lottery. All persons who are inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine in the national territory, from July onwards, can participate in the "COVID-19 Vaccine Lottery". Each prize is worth USD $100 and the draw is conducted monthly in each Suco, by the 20th of each month. The number of prizes awarded for each draw depends on the number of people who have been inoculated in the Suco area. Between 50 and 150 people inoculated in that month, one prize is awarded; between 151 and 300 people inoculated in that month, three prizes are awarded; between 301 and 500 people inoculated in that month, six prizes are awarded; and more than 501 people inoculated in that month, nine prizes are awarded. No draw takes place if there are fewer than 50 people eligible to participate in a given month, and those people will be included in the next or subsequent month.
Also on the proposal of the Minister of Finance, a draft Decree-Law was approved for the creation of compensation in the event of death or disability as a result of inoculation with the COVID-19 vaccine. Although the risk of serious side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine is quite low, which is largely compensated by the benefit of vaccination for the general population, this legislative initiative aims to prevent situations where more serious side effects are observed and to provide for adequate compensation for persons who experience such side effects. The Decree Law defines that in case of incapacity of less than 30% caused by the vaccine against COVID-19, a compensation of one thousand American dollars will be attributed; if the incapacity is between 30% and 70%, a value of 2100 American dollars will be attributed; and in case the vaccine causes a disability higher than 70%, a value of 7000 American dollars will be attributed. In the event of death as a result of vaccine inoculation, a compensation of 10,000 US dollars will be awarded.
The Council of Ministers decided to authorize the opening of the procedure for the procurement of three x-ray machines for vehicle inspection, hand luggage and people, for use by the Customs Authority in the Integrated Border Posts of Batugadé and Salele, according to the project presented by the Minister of Finance.
Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Deliberation regarding the criteria for the rationalization of the programmatic structure of the General State Budget (GSB) for 2022, also presented by the Minister of Finance. For the 2022 State Budget some changes were made in the rationalization of the programmatic structure to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its execution, as well as to improve the capacity to monitor and control the implementation of the proposed programs and activities. END
- 22 of June of 2021Timor-Leste Government congratulates António GuterresPrime-Ministermore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Dili, Timor-Leste, 22 June 2021
Press Release
Government of Timor-Leste congratulates António Guterres
The Government of Timor-Leste congratulated António Guterres for his re-election for a second term as Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), for another five years.
The Prime-Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, in his congratulatory letter sent to the re-elected UN Secretary General, expressed having “reinforced hope of being able to deepen, with a renewed vigour of [António Guterres’] leadership, the good institutional and cooperative relationship established with the various development partners and member countries that make up the United Nations global system, in particular, in our process of deepening and expanding Timorese participation in the various international bodies and multilateral, regional and/or specialized organizations”.
In his missive, the Head of Government also recalled that “the support for the United Nations and its various specialized agencies has been crucial for the good consolidation and sustainability of our Democratic Rule of Law, as well as for the development of the different sectors of our Society”.
António Guterres was Prime-Minister of Portugal, from 1995 to 2002, and served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, from 2005 to 2015. Since January 1st, 2017, he has been Secretary-General of the United Nations. He has now been unanimously re-elected by the 193 UN member states for a new term, that will begin on January 1st, 2022.
The Prime-Minister, on behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, presented his “warm congratulations” to António Guterres “for his re-election as Secretary General of the United Nations”, and wished him “the best in the continuity of his noble functions”. END
- 16 of June of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 16, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 16, 2021
The Council of Ministers met, in the Ministry of Finance Auditorium, in Dili, and after reviewing the presentation of the countrys epidemiological situation, from the Situation Room of the Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (CIGC- acronym in Portuguese) coordinators, approved the draft Governments Resolution maintaining the imposition of sanitary fence in the municipalities of Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima and Dili, for another 7 days.
Thus, the prohibition of movement of people between the Municipalities of Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima and Dili and the other administrative districts is maintained, except in duly justified cases, for reasons of public security, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of public supply systems, or the achievement of public interest.
The CIGC will now have a representative in the Integrated Control Centres, who may receive a sub-delegation of powers to authorize movements in the national territory. Authorizations are dependent on a negative COVID-19 test result. All persons who have already received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine may now circulate on national territory without the need to apply for an authorisation and the two-week waiting period is not required. Children under six years of age can also move freely without any restriction.
The Council of Ministers decided not to renew the imposition of general home confinement on the population of the Municipality of Dili.
Also approved was the draft Government Resolution that defines the monetary amounts to be paid for compensation for land use as a result of the implementation of the University City of Aileu Project, presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Longuinhos dos Santos. The Government's Resolution defines the maximum payment of three American dollars per each square meter, for compensation of the families identified as holders of the power of possession over the lands covered in the project's implementation area. The maximum amounts to be paid for the loss of buildings and agricultural crops are also defined.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution for the reappointment of Florêncio da Conceição Sanches as Executive Director of the Serviço de Registo e Verificação Empresarial, IP, (SERVE) for a three-year term, on exclusivity. This draft Government Resolution was presented by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Joaquim Amaral.
Also approved were the four draft Government Resolutions, presented by the Minister of State Administration, Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, for the appointments of Ernesto de Oliveira Barreto as Chairman of the Bobonaro Municipal Authority, Eusébio Salsinha, as Chairman of the Ermera Municipal Authority, Pedro Paulo Gomes as Liquiça Municipal Administrator, and Bernardo Lopes as Manatuto Municipal Administrator. The four nominees will exercise their respective functions in a regime of service commission, for a period of five years, from the date of taking office.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution establishing the Interministerial Commission for the Readjustment of the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2011-2030, presented by the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Territory, José Maria dos Reis. After ten years of implementation of the 2011-2030 SDP, it is intended to carry out a readjustment of this strategic document, which is structuring and a driver of national prosperity, through an integrated, inclusive and resilient strategy that enables the articulation and growth of various sectors, allowing for a more humane social and economic development for the country. This readjustment also takes into consideration the need to rethink medium and long-term strategies, to address challenges such as those that have been faced recently, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. It is also intended to readjust the 2011-2030 SDP in line with the objectives and targets set out in the Economic Recovery Plan.
The Commission is comprised of the Prime Minister, who presides, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Territory, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, the Minister of State Administration and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Lastly, was approved the draft Government Decree, presented by the Minister of Justice, Manuel Cárceres da Costa, together with the Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes, regarding the remuneration regime of the members of the Land and Property Commission, the entity responsible for the resolution of property dispute cases. This draft Government Decree will allow the full operation of the commission and contribute to the resolution of thousands of pending cases of property dispute, contributing to social peace and economic development. END - 09 of June of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 9, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 9th, 2021
The Council of Ministers met, in the Ministry of Finance Auditorium, in Dili, and after reviewing the presentation of the country’s epidemiological situation, from the Situation Room of the Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (CIGC- acronym in Portuguese) coordinators, approved the draft Government’s Resolution maintaining the imposition of sanitary fence in the municipality of Baucau for another 7 days. The council of ministers decided not to renew the imposition of the sanitary fence in the Municipality of Viqueque. The imposition of sanitary fences in the municipalities of Bobonaro, Covalima and Dili also remains in force.
Thus, the prohibition of movement of people between the Baucau Municipality and the other administrative districts is maintained, except in duly justified cases, for reasons of public security, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of public supply systems, or the achievement of public interest.
The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Armanda Berta dos Santos and the members of the Interministerial Commission for the Preparation and Coordination of the Execution of the Vaccination Plan against COVID-19 presented to the Council of Ministers the state of execution of the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.
As of June 8th, 93,525 people across the country have already received the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19, which represents 12% of the population over 18 years old. In Dili, the municipality most affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, the first dose has already been administered to a total of 80,948 people, 40% of the population over 18 years of age in this municipality.
In the first phase, between April 7th and 28th, vaccines were distributed to 28,412 people. In the second phase, between May 10th and 28th, a total of 48,170 people received the first dose of the vaccine. From May 31st to June 8th, 16,943 doses were administered. Between May 10th and June 5th, an average of 3,000 people were vaccinated each day.
According to the vaccination plan, in the Municipality of Dili, the first dose will continue to be administered to the population that has not yet received vaccination, with the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. With the arrival of the vaccines from the COVAX mechanism, second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will begin to be distributed throughout the country to the population vaccinated in the first phase. The first doses will also continue to be distributed in the remaining municipalities, with priority being given to citizens over 60 years old or with comorbidities.
The Council of Ministers expressed gratitude for all the support that has been received from friendly nations and development partners in the procurement of the vaccines.
The Government has also decided that will prepare for the possibility of purchasing vaccines for citizens under the age of 18, and also provide for the possible need to purchase vaccine for immunity booster for the year 2022.
The Prime-Minister called on the members of the Interministerial Commission for the Preparation and Coordination of the Execution of the Vaccination Plan against COVID-19 to intensify the implementation of the vaccination in order to increase the daily average of administered vaccines.
Lastly, the Government appealed to the entire population to participate in the immunization campaign, a factor that will be crucial for us to return to normality. END
- 05 of June of 2021Prime Minister/ Minister of the Interior Taur Matan Ruak condemns the murder of two citizens in LahanePrime Ministermore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Dili, Timor-Leste, 05 June 2021
Press Release
Prime Minister/ Minister of the Interior Taur Matan Ruak condemns the murder of two citizens in Lahane
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, also Minister of Interior, regretted and strongly condemned the act of the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) element that murdered two citizens and injured a third, in West Lahane, on Saturday morning. The Prime Minister presented the deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims of this tragedy.
"I was very surprised and saddened when news reached me that a PNTL element, this early morning, with a State weapon, took the lives of two citizens in West Lahane. I strongly regret and condemn this act. None of us can tolerate such a situation and therefore, as Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, I have ordered the PNTL Command that this individual be immediately disarmed, arrested and that the investigation process be started.
On this unfortunate occasion, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims, and we apologise to the family for this act involving a member of the PNTL" Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak said.
The Head of the Government also pledged that the Government will take strict measures against this Police officer, making him responsible for the act he committed, and also guaranteed that the Government will follow the whole process and will support the family of the victims in the pursuit of justice. End - 02 of June of 2021Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 2nd, 2021Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on june 2nd, 2021
The Council of Ministers met, at the Ministry of Finance Auditorium, in Dili, and approved a draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes, for the establishment of a remuneration supplement for public administration workers who perform their professional activity in the prevention or control services of COVID-19, or in conditions of direct exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The value of the remuneration supplement attributed to frontline professionals will be set by Government Resolution and may vary according to the degree of risk to which the workers are subject. This draft Decree-Law will come into force on April 1st, 2021.
The Council of Ministers has approved the authorization for the celebration of an agreement, by the Minister of Finance, between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Government of Australia, regarding a direct financial contribution to support community resilience and economic recovery in Timor-Leste during the global pandemic of COVID-19. The Government of Australia will provide a direct financial contribution of 20 million Australian Dollars (approximately US$ 15.5 million) to support communities and improve their infrastructure, through the National Sucos Development Program (PNDS – Portuguese acronym), and to budget and implement the Bolsa Mãe Jerasaun Foun project.
The Council of Ministers has given full powers to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Social Communication, Francisco Martins da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, to negotiate the agreement with the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Second Phase of the Digital Television Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB) System Project in Timor-Leste. The project started in 2019 and it is now intended to expand the project and increase the national coverage of digital terrestrial television with the installation of more broadcasting stations.
Lastly, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Joaquim Amaral, presented the political-legislative options underlying the Reform of the Licensing of Economic Activities. The set of proposals presented intend to address gaps and problems existing in the licensing of economic activities in order to improve the business environment, fundamental for national economic development. END
