Media Releases
- 16 of December of 2024Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 16th, 2024Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 16th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law for the First Amendment to Decree-Law No. 1/2015, of January 14th, on the Special Development Fund. The draft Decree-Law was presented by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region Authority (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese), Rogério Tiago de Fátima Lobato, and the Coordinator of the Executive Committee for the establishment of the Special Economic Development Zone in Oe-Cússe Ambeno (ZEEDOA – acronym in Portuguese), João Mendes Gonçalves.
This Decree-Law aims to adapt the RAEOA Special Development Fund to the new provisions of Law 18/2023 of November 30th, which abolished the Oe-Cússe Ambeno and Ataúro Special Social Market Economy Zone and provides for the creation of a new Special Economic Zone. The duties and objectives of the Fund are redefined, and it will also be under the supervision of the Prime Minister.
The Decree-Law provides for implementing a transitional regime for the Special Development Fund, providing it with management tools and operational capacity to initiate priority development projects, prepare an efficient management structure and finance multi-annual strategic projects of a social and economic nature. These measures aim to guarantee a response to the entire development strategy for Oe-Cússe Ambeno in the medium and long term, with tangible benefits for the population of Oe-Cússe in particular and Timor-Leste in general.
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The Council of Ministers approved Timor-Leste's initial proposals, presented by the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, for accession to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), as part of the process of negotiating Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN.
The proposed modalities outline the guiding principles for the negotiations, considering Timor-Leste's context. Among the objectives is the progressive fulfilment of commitments to liberalise goods and services, in line with ASEAN standards but with due flexibility, to ensure that the obligations assumed are proportionate to Timor-Leste's current level of development and its institutional capacities. This framework aims to balance regional integration and safeguard national strategic and economic interests, promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in the country's production and services sectors.
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Following the project presented by the Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira and the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, the Council of Ministers decided to name the new Central Building of Radio and Television of Timor-Leste, Public Company (RTTL, EP), after Francisco Borja da Costa, the RTTL, EP Auditorium after Nino Konis Santana, and the RTTL, EP Multifunction Studio after David Alex 'Daitula'.
The current building of the Radio and Television of Timor-Leste has suffered several damages in recent years, mainly caused by flooding. Therefore, the construction of a new building is necessary to significantly improve the quality of the services provided by this public company.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building is scheduled for December 19th, 2024.
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The Council of Ministers has approved a draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, concerning the regime for importing, storing, distributing, selling, and exporting pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.
This Decree-Law aims to replace Decree-Law 12/2004 of May 26th, adapting the legal framework to social, economic, and regulatory changes, both domestically and internationally. The new regulations promote separating import, storage, and distribution activities from pharmacy retail sales, ensuring greater specialisation and strengthening public health protection. The activity of selling pharmaceutical products and medical equipment is also separated from the activity of providing medical, nursing, diagnostic or therapeutic healthcare in pharmacies, the latter being prohibited in pharmacies. There is also a ban on the ownership of more than one pharmacy per municipality and price coordination, preventing situations of oligopoly or monopoly that could jeopardise the population's access to pharmaceutical products.
Among the main amendments is the requirement for specific conditions for storing and selling pharmaceutical products, such as strict temperature control, humidity, and light. The law also provides for differentiated spaces, both for storage and retail sales, for the storage and preservation of narcotics and psychotropic substances, and for pharmaceutical products ordered to be withdrawn from the market, expired, falsified, adulterated, or broken.
The Decree-Law also establishes the mandatory existence of a permanent and exclusive technical director, a pharmacist, and the submission of monthly reports to the Ministry of Health, which should include import, storage, and sales activities.
The new regime introduces reinforced inspection measures and penalties, intending to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products available on the market. It also provides for a 180-day transition period, allowing organisations currently operating to adapt to the new rules. The law comes into force the day after its publication, revoking Decree-Law 12/2004, of May 26th.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, to establish administrative fees due for acts and services relating to controlling weight limits for goods transport vehicles.
The Decree-Law regulates the administrative acts and services associated with checking the weight of goods transport vehicles subject to the payment of fees, defining the respective values to comply with the Authorised Weight of Goods Transport Vehicles Regime. The fees for ordinary weighing vary according to the number of wheels on the vehicle: US$30 for vehicles with four wheels, US$35 for vehicles with six wheels, US$40 for vehicles with eight wheels and US$45 for vehicles with ten or more wheels. Check weighing, carried out after excess weight has been removed, has a fixed cost of US$5 per excess kilogram.
The law also establishes the maximum authorised weight limits per vehicle category: 5,000 kg for vehicles with two axles and four wheels, 8,500 kg for vehicles with two axles and six wheels, 15,500 kg for vehicles with three axles and six wheels, and 18,000 kg for vehicles with three axles and ten wheels. Vehicles in the service of the State, defence and security forces, diplomatic missions and other public entities are exempt from these regulations. The circulation of vehicles will be prohibited until the outstanding fees and excess weight have been settled, and the penalties laid down in the legislation will apply in the event of non-compliance.
This Decree-Law aims to contribute to the preservation of road infrastructure, improve safety in motor traffic and guarantee compliance with legal regulations by freight transport operators.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved a draft Decree-Law to regulate the right to a medical check-up provided for in the Statute of Holders of Sovereign Bodies. END - 13 of December of 2024Government Congratulates F-FDTL Land Component on its 22nd AnniversaryPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
December 13th, 2024
Government Congratulates F-FDTL Land Component on its 22nd Anniversary
December 13th, 2024 will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Land Component of FALINTIL - Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL). The commemorative ceremony will take place in Lanud, in the municipality of Baucau.
On this occasion, the Government praises the commitment, discipline and professionalism of the men and women who make up the F-FDTL, recognizing their contribution to the stability and development of Timor-Leste.
The IX Constitutional Government also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the F-FDTL, continuing with the modernization and consolidation of national defense and security institutions.
The program of commemorations will include military honors, official speeches, tributes to national heroes and military promotions. Among the highlights will be speeches by the Minister of Defense, Rear Admiral Donaciano Costa Gomes and the Chief of Staff of the F-FDTL, Lieutenant General Domingos Raúl “Falur Rate Laek”.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, emphasized that “the F-FDTL are a symbol of courage and dedication, a pillar of national sovereignty and an example of professionalism” and reiterated that “the Government will continue to invest in strengthening their capabilities so that they can respond to the challenges of the present and the future, honoring the legacy of our national heroes”. END
- 11 of December of 2024Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 11th, 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 11th, 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, which exonerates, at his request, the current President of the Board of Directors of TATOLI - Agência Noticiosa de Timor-Leste I.P., and appoints Noémio Mateus Soares Falcão as the new President of the Board of Directors of TATOLI - Agência Noticiosa de Timor-Leste, I.P., for a period of four years, starting on 1 January 2025.
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Also approved was the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, to approve the extraordinary payment of an additional month's salary to the Civil Service and an additional pension to former holders and former members of sovereign bodies.
The Decree-Law provides for the granting of an extraordinary payment to civil servants, agents and contractors of the Public Administration, public office holders, members of FALINTIL - the Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste, the Timor-Leste National Police and the National Intelligence System, as well as an additional pension to former holders and former members of sovereign bodies.
This extraordinary payment, corresponding to the 13th month, will be made in December 2024 and will be equal to the beneficiary's monthly salary or pension for that period, with a maximum limit equivalent to the salary of the President of the Republic. Foreign contractors are excluded from this payment. The financing of this measure will be provided by the budget appropriations of the respective employers and, if necessary, supplemented by the General State Budget for 2025.
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The Coordinator of the Executive Committee for the establishment of the Special Economic Development Zone in Oe-Cússe Ambeno (ZEEDOA – acronym in Portuguese), João Mendes Gonçalves, presented the Council of Ministers with the Report on the state of development of the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese). The document presents the results of a study carried out by the Executive Committee, which covers the investments and results of the Special Zone for the Social Market Economy of Timor-Leste (ZEESM-TL), as well as the development of other sectors.
This document is an essential tool for the Executive Committee to facilitate the drafting of a strategic investment plan, including the definition of the budget for the Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Economic Development Zone, which will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. The report is also relevant for the current RAEOA Authority and development partners, as it is an essential reference for planning and implementing their future activities.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, on the Implementation of the General State Budget for 2025.
This Decree-Law establishes the rules governing the implementation of the General State Budget for 2025, approved by Law no. 8/2024 of November 26th. The regulations included in the Decree-Law apply to all services and entities in the Central Administration Sub-Sector, the Social Security Sub-Sector and the Oe-Cússe Ambeno Special Administrative Region Sub-Sector.
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Following the drafts presented by the Minister of Finance, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise the cancellation of the Financing Agreements with the International Development Association of the World Bank Group relating to:
“Timor-Leste Basic Education Strengthening and Transformation” project, dated December 29th, 2020, in the amount of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) 10.9 million, equivalent to US$14.4 million (Loan No. 6551-TP).
“Timor-Leste Water Supply and Sanitation” project, dated December 29th, 2020, in the amount of SDR 18.2 million, equivalent to US$24.1 million (Loan No. 6559-TP).
“Dili Water Supply” project, dated July 27th, 2022, in the amount of SDR 87.6 million, equivalent to US$116 million (Loan No. 7100-TP).
After conducting an in-depth analysis of the loans-financed projects, which concluded that several have not yet started or have very low execution rates, the Government decided to cancel or reformulate some of the projects and explore other sources of funding for different projects, so these Financing Agreements are no longer necessary.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Decree, presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, which sets the dates for Hamlets (Aldeia) Assemblies and Village (Suco) Councils, as part of the procedures for electing community leaders.
This statute fulfils the provisions of article 92 of Law no. 9/2016, of July 8th, initiating the process of electing community leaders in Villages. (Sucos) Karahili (Remexio, Aileu), Hurai-Raco (Aileu Vila, Aileu) Ueru Mata (Laga, Baucau), Builai (Baucau, Baucau), Caibada Macasa'e (Baucau, Baucau), Assui-Lau (Letefoho, Ermera), Koliate Leten (Hatolia A, Ermera), Poetete Vila (Ermera, Ermera), Poetete Lodudu (Ermera, Ermera), Tahu-Bein (Alas, Manufahi), Mone-Meco (Pante Macassar, Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno), Cutete (Pante Macassar, Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno), Macadique de Cima (Uato-Lari, Viqueque) and Macadique de Baixo (Uato-Lari, Viqueque). This Government Decree also approves the timetable for the elections of the Heads of the Villages (Sucos) of Baduro (Lautém, Lautém), Lacú-Mesak (Laclo, Manatuto), Iliheu (Manatuto Vila, Manatuto) and Poetete (Ermera, Ermera).
The Village (Suco) Councils will meet on January 10th, 2025, to choose the members of the electoral panel and to receive applications for the position of Village (Suco) Chief.
Hamlet (Aldeia) Assemblies will be held on January 25th, 2025, to elect members of the electoral boards, present and vote on candidates for Village (Suco) Council Delegates, Hamlet (Aldeia) Chiefs and Village (Suco) Chiefs, as well as count and initially tabulate the results and examine appeals related to electoral decisions. If none of the candidates for Village (Suco) Chief obtains more than half of the votes validly cast, the Hamlet (Aldeia) Assemblies will meet for a second vote on February 10th, 2025.
The Village (Suco) Councils will meet on January 26th, 2025, to monitor the final tabulation of the election results of Village (Suco) Chiefs, decide on any appeals and proclaim the final results. In the event of a second ballot, a new meeting will be held on February 11th, 2025, for the same purposes regarding the second round.
The Village (Suco) Councils will meet on February 5th, 2025, to elect the Lian-na'in and Youth Representatives to the Village (Suco) Council. In cases where there is a second vote for Village (Suco) Chiefs, the election of these figures will be held on February 21st, 2025.
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The Council of Ministers decided to authorise the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Works to renegotiate with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) the scope of the loan to finance the construction of drinking water supply and sanitation systems in Lospalos, at an estimated cost of US$22.48 million, and in Same, at an estimated cost of US$20.59 million.
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The Council of Ministers analysed a presentation on the “Dili solid waste management project”.
During the presentation, the state of play of the project was described, and the various contracts associated with its implementation were analysed. The members of the Council of Ministers also discussed possible legal solutions to overcome the constraints encountered in implementing the contracts for this project.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, which formalises the Timor-Leste - Portugal Strategic Cooperation Programme for the period 2024-2028, signed in Lisbon on October 14th, 2024.
The programme aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries based on their historical, cultural, and linguistic affinities. It is in line with global commitments such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Portuguese Cooperation Strategy 2030, the Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 and other national and sectoral strategic plans to contribute to the sustainable development of Timor-Leste.
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Two draft Government Resolutions were also approved, also presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, concerning the approval of the Cooperation Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Portuguese Republic in Infrastructure and the Cooperation Protocol between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Economy of the Portuguese Republic for the Development and Implementation of the REVIVE Programme. Both documents were signed in Lisbon on October 14th, 2024.
The Cooperation Agreement in Infrastructure will allow Timor-Leste to benefit from partnerships with Portuguese public institutions, contributing to the implementation and development of essential infrastructure for basic public services provided to the population.
The Cooperation Protocol for the Development and Implementation of the REVIVE Programme aims to promote and streamline processes for the recovery, preservation, and profitability of public assets of high heritage, cultural, historical and architectural value and their transformation into an economic asset for the benefit of the country, making them suitable for economic activities related to the tourism sector.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, also presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, on the Cooperation Protocol between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Ismaili Imamat, signed in Lisbon on October 17th, 2024.
The purpose of this protocol is to establish cooperation ties and promote the exchange of information and consultations between the parties to promote shared values in international and regional forums, such as human dignity, social and economic development, interfaith dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, contributing to the promotion of justice and peace.
The Ismaili Imamat and its dependent institutions, namely the Aga Khan Network for Development, have the mission of promoting the improvement of quality of life without distinction of faith, origin or gender, promoting initiatives in areas such as education, health, culture, rural development, human habitat, crisis response, microfinance, economic growth and strengthening civil society institutions.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers decided to authorise the signing of the Financial Contribution Agreements between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Asian Development Bank relating to the “Rural Resilience and Livelihood Improvement Sector Project”, for a total amount of US$16.588 million, appointing the Minister of Finance to sign these agreements on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste. END - 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
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal, presented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, and the Coordinator of the Working Group for Justice Sector Reform, Lúcia Lobato, for the First Amendment to Law no. 1/2017, of January18th, on the Transitional Regime for the Recruitment of Non-Timorese Magistrates and Public Defenders, and the Second Amendment to Law no. 9/2011, of August17th, which approves the organic law of the High Administrative, Tax and Audit Court's Accounts Chamber.
The main aim of the law proposal is to strengthen the functioning of the judicial system by filling the shortage of qualified human resources.
Among the proposed amendments is a review of the contract cycles, which will now last one year and be renewable for just one more year to avoid unnecessary extensions and promote the exchange of experiences between professionals. For the higher courts, candidates must have at least 20 years' experience, including work in international institutions with functions similar to those in Timor-Leste. Judges, prosecutors, and public defenders admitted may, in exceptional situations, exercise functions in Timorese courts, provided they fulfil specific conditions, guaranteeing the continuity of justice and avoiding the lapse of fundamental rights.
This system aims to ensure the quality and continuity of the administration of justice, support the development and career progression of Timorese magistrates and safeguard the rights and interests of citizens.
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Also approved was the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Defence, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on the Exceptional Promotion of FALINTIL-FDTL Military Personnel.
This decree-law aims to waive the requirements of a university degree for entry into the rank of officer and a bachelor's degree or secondary education supplemented by military training for entry into the rank of sergeant. The decision aims to recognise and ensure the career progression of military personnel who joined before the 2014 Military Statute came into force, safeguarding the legitimate expectations created. The decree-law will take effect from January 1st, 2024.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Minister of Defence, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on supplementary pay for F-FDTL soldiers, Ministry of Defence officials, and administrative agents involved in the 2023 special recruitment process.
This measure compensates for the extraordinary effort and recognises the professional commitment of the military personnel, civil servants, and administrative agents who participated in this recruitment procedure. The supplementary payment reflects the dedication shown and aims to mitigate the demanding working conditions, including the restriction of personal freedom and the high hardship associated with the duties performed.
The amount of the supplement is calculated proportionally, considering the volume of work and the hours worked.
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The draft Government Resolution, also presented by the Minister of Defence, on the Humanitarian and Emergency Support Strategy, was approved.
The Strategy promotes a set of innovative guidelines and lines of action designed to optimise the capabilities and readiness of the Armed Forces (F-FDTL). It guarantees a rapid, effective, and efficient response to the needs of populations affected by humanitarian and emergency situations.
As part of this Strategy, the creation of the Humanitarian and Emergency Support Coordination Unit under the Ministry of Defence was also approved. This unit aims to implement the Strategy, promoting a coordinated approach between the various public bodies with knowledge and experience in the sector. Coordination will be led by a person appointed by the government member responsible for defence. It will include Defence, State Administration, Interior, Health, and Social Security representatives, who will act as focal points. The organisation and operating rules of the Coordination Unit will be defined by ministerial order of the Minister of Defence.
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After analysing the presentation by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, on the results of the audit report carried out by the State Inspectorate General (IGE – acronym in Portuguese), which assessed the regularity, legality and compliance of public subsidy contracts signed in 2022 between the then Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), now the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF), and the entities Associação Café Timor (ACT) and Cooperativa Café Timor (CCT), the Council of Ministers approved a draft Government Resolution that incorporates the main recommendations of the report.
The report presents the results of the analysis of subsidy contracts for the rehabilitation and expansion of coffee plantations, the respective reports submitted, and beneficiary data covering the years 2022 and 2023. None of the contracts analysed were fully implemented, and the targets set were not fully met.
The government resolution defines the obligation to adjust the sums according to the percentage of execution of the contracts, with the remainder to be returned to the state coffers.
The Government Resolution also stipulates that the State Inspectorate-General should conduct an additional investigation to assess the regularity, conformity, and legality of the MAP's use of the total sum allocated as a public subsidy to carry out coffee rehabilitation and expansion activities. The sum was not transferred to any beneficiaries but was only used and managed by the Ministry's services to support the rehabilitation and expansion of coffee and LAKU TEN coffee.
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The Minister of Youth, Sport, Art, and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, presented the Council of Ministers with a report on his participation in the XV Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sport of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP—acronym in Portuguese), held in Cascais, Portugal, from November12th to 16th.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft resolution creating the Interministerial Eventual Commission, which will coordinate the activities related to the XVI Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sport of the CPLP and the XII CPLP Sports Games. These events will occur in Dili from July17th to 27th,2025. A budget of US$3,730,500 has been approved for their organisation.
The Commission, chaired by the Minister for Youth, Sport, Art, and Culture, will consist of representatives from various ministries and will be supported by a Technical Unit responsible for drawing up and implementing the events' Master Plan. This structure will coordinate actions in logistics, communication, fundraising, and the promotion of gender equality and social inclusion, guaranteeing interdepartmental coordination and effective communication with the delegations of the participating countries.
The events will bring together 772 participants, including delegates and athletes from CPLP member countries, promoting cooperation, solidarity, and friendship between Portuguese-speaking peoples through sport and youth. The Commission will be wound up once the final report has been presented to the Prime Minister.
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The Council of Ministers decided to name the new bridge at Comoro Mota Ulun (Casnafar) after Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General.
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The Council of Ministers approved the names to be nominated by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, for the Board of Directors of the National Communications Authority (ANC).
Flavio Cardoso Neves will be appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. Novelino dos Santos and Georgina Emilia da Silva Garcia will assume the positions of Technical and Financial Directors, respectively. Roberto Manuel da Costa Martins and José Ave Maria Ximenes Cipriano Gonçalves will be appointed Non-Executive Directors.
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Lastly, the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, presented the Council of Ministers with an update on the process of Timor-Leste's accession as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is expected to take place next year. END
- 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
