Media Releases
02 of Outubro of 2018Government expresses its solidarity with IndonesiaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government expresses its solidarity with Indonesia
On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, the Government sends its condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the earthquake that culminated in a tsunami in Palu on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday 28 September. The Government also expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of Indonesia, who are facing the effects of this catastrophe.
The Palu region is the closest and most affected by the earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale, and by the tsunami triggered by this strong earthquake.
The region was partially devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that followed, affecting hundreds of thousands of people and causing a great number of casualties, wounded and missing. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.
The Government of Timor-Leste commends the efforts of the authorities in search and rescue actions in conditions of extreme difficulty. END
26 of September of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 26st, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 26st, 2018
The Council of Ministers met in the Government Palace in Dili and analyzed the presentation of the Minister of State of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, regarding the state of play of the negotiations for the resolution of technical issues with a view to ratification of the Timor Sea Treaty.
Government members discussed issues relating to the state budget for 2019, following last week's approval of the fiscal limit of the budget and distribution made yesterday by the Ministry of Finance of the fiscal envelope of all ministerial lines. The acting Minister of Finance, Sara Lobo Brites, called on all Ministers to respect the fiscal limit approved in the budget planning of each Ministry.
The Council of Ministers also discussed the difficulties imposed by the duodecimal regime, namely the difficult situation regarding the supply of fuel for electricity, as the budget for fiscal year 2018 is still awaiting promulgation by the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Llo Olo.
Finally, the Minister for Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs, Fidelis Magalhães, presented to the Council of Ministers information and results of the BNCTL General Assembly, of which the State is a shareholder. BNCTL's profits for the year 2017 were evaluated and the Bank's capitalization proposal for capital reinforcement was evaluated, allowing the BNCTL to be ready to face any financial situation and to further expand its products to become more attractive to the population. Also discussed was the proposal to allocate to the BNCTL the state real estate currently used by the Bank, so that they become BNCTL assets. ENDS
21 of September of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of September 21st, 2018Approved:more
1 - Continuation of the duodecimal regime during the month of September
2 - Budget limit for fiscal year 2019
3 - Authorization to the Minister of Defense to sign the agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of Japan
4 - Remuneration supplement for officials and agents of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport working on the implementation of national tests and exams
Analyzed
1 - Exchange agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of -Timor-Leste and the Government of Japan
2 - Report of Timor-Leste's exploratory support mission to the elections of November 18, 2018, in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
07 of September of 2018Government congratulates the new Prime-Minister of AustraliaPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government congratulates the new Prime Minister of Australia
The Government of Timor-Leste congratulates Scott John Morrison on his nomination as Prime Minister of Australia and wishes the greatest successes in the performance of his noble functions.
Timor-Leste and Australia share a historic and special bond that unites both peoples since World War II, and which we will reinforce with the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Mission of INTERFET, scheduled for 2019.
We also share common interests in favor of peace, stability, security, development and progress and Australia is now our greatest partner in the effort to consolidate a secure, healthy, prosperous and resilient Democratic Rule of Law.
With our recent success in the ratification of the Treaty on Maritime Borders, a great example was given to the World and a renewed impetus for strengthening our ties of trust and fraternal friendship.
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak in his letter of congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Australia said he had "great hope that, with the support of Scott John Morrison, good results can be achieved in the ongoing negotiations on the resources of the Greater Sunrise in order to maximize its benefits in favor of the population and the economic development of Timor-Leste".
Taur Matan Ruak also expressed his "strong desire to continue strengthening the close ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation that unite the two countries," expressing the "honor and privilege" of welcoming a visit of the Australian Prime Minister to Timor-Leste. ENDS
27 of August of 2018Government expresses condolences for the death of Keith HayesPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government expresses condolences for the death of Keith Hayes
It was with great sadness that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste received the news of the death of Mr. Keith Hayes, an Australian veteran and survivor of World War II.
Keith Hayes, after being injured in battle in Timor-Leste during World War II, was rescued by a Timorese family, marking the beginning of a great friendship with our people that lasted for the rest of his life.
While Keith showed remarkable courage as a commando during war, on his return to Australia he continued to fight. It was with deep empathy and care that he actively supported the Timorese people including in our struggle for freedom and independence as well as our endeavours to develop our new nation. This lifelong support was a shining light in the relationship between our countries and showed us all the possibilities of solidarity between our peoples. We held his friendship dear to our hearts and we mourn the passing of a truly great Australian.
Keith will always have an important place in the history of our country and our relationship with Australia. While he was both humble and unassuming, his courage, integrity and determination to fight for human dignity and for the Timorese people will not be forgotten. At this time of sadness we both mourn his passing and celebrate his contribution.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, on behalf of the Timorese People, offers condolences to the family of Keith Hayes and give thanks from a grateful nation. ENDS
21 of August of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of August 21st, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of August 21st, 2018
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the Government's Resolution Proposal submitted by the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, on the appointment of Xanana Gusmão as Special Representative of Timor-Leste for the conclusion of the procedures necessary for the ratification of the Treaty between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Australia establishing their maritime borders in the Timor Sea, the acquisition of interests in oil fields and the conclusion of agreements relating to the development of the Greater Sunrise oil fields. The Special Representative will represent the East Timorese State in all matters related to that Treaty, negotiate for the acquisition of participatory interests in certain oil assets in the Timor Sea, which are expected to contribute decisively to the development of a petroleum industry in East Timor and consequently for the development of other industries and related economic sectors. The Special Representative will also lead the process of negotiating and concluding with Australia and with the oil companies the agreements necessary for the development of the Greater Sunrise fields, reaffirming the Government's intention that the Greater Sunrise fields be developed through a pipeline to the coast of Timor-Leste and the construction and operation of a natural gas processing plant in Beaço.
The Council of Ministers approved the Government's Resolution Proposal a submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares, naming Tomás Cabral as Special Representative of the Government of RDTL to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to proceed with the identification of that State's needs for the holding of free and democratic elections which are to take place on November 18, 2018. Recognizing the important contribution that the two East Timorese missions in support of the electoral processes of Guinea-Bissau, established in 2013 and 2014, provided to free and fair elections in this country, to bring it back to democratic normalcy and to the international prestige of the RDTL, and affirming the determination of the Government of Timor-Leste to contribute to peace and international security through the support of actions that promote the consolidation of democratic regimes, respect for human rights and the strengthening of the states with which Timor-Leste maintains relations of friendship and cooperation.
The Council of Ministers analyzed the Government's Resolution Proposal relating to the payment of social contributions by State workers, presented by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Armanda Berta dos Santos. The purpose of this proposal is to define the possible scenarios for the monthly retention for Social Security and the payment of the total social contributions due to be paid by State employees. The contributory scheme for Social Security has been in force since August 1, 2017. Subsequently this proposal will be reviewed again by the Council of Ministers.
The Government approved the Draft Deliberation of the Council of Ministers that appoints the former President of the Republic and State Councilor, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, to represent the Government in the funeral ceremonies of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, unless they are private in nature, or in any posthumous tribute ceremonies that may occur in his memory. ENDS
19 of August of 2018Government expresses condolences for the death of Kofi AnnanPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
It was with deep consternation and sadness that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste received the news of the death of Mr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Throughout his life, Kofi Annan distinguished himself as a committed and determined defender of peace and international dialogue, contributing with his efforts to end multiple conflicts that threatened international peace and security.
The memory of Kofi Annan will forever be tied to the history of East Timor as he worked tirelessly for the international recognition of the right of self-determination of our People and, following the popular consultation that determined the independence of our Nation, laid the foundations on which the construction of the present Timorese State is based.
For the Timorese People, the death of Kofi Annan represents the loss of a friend to whom, to a great extent, also owes our freedom and sovereignty. For this reason, the memory of Kofi Annan will forever be engraved on the heart of the Timorese.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste associates with all those who feel the loss of Kofi Annan and presents, on its behalf of behalf of the entire Timorese People, their heartfelt condolences to the United Nations, represented in His Excellency, the Secretary-General, respectfully requesting that these condolences also be shown to the family of Kofi Annan, the Government and the People of Ghana. ENDS
15 of August of 2018National Holiday on the Occasion of the Commemoration of Idul Adha 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
National Holiday on the Occasion of the Commemoration of Idul Adha
Law Nº 10/2005, of August 10, amended by Law Nº 3/2016, of May 25, establishes the legal regime of public holidays, official commemorative dates and tolerances.
This law establishes, in nº1 of article 2, national holidays with a fixed date and in nº 2 of the same article, national holidays with a variable date, and determines that the setting, each year, of the specific date for variable national holidays, is to be made by a decree signed by the member of Government responsible, pursuant to nº3 of the same legal provision.
As no decree was issued on the matter at the beginning of this year, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of Article 2 (3) and to define as a holiday the Idul Adha, whose date, considering the religious nature of the event this holiday is celebrating, was indicated by the Islamic Community Center of Timor-Leste.
Thus, under the terms and for the purposes of nº 3 of article 2 of Law Nº 10/2005, of August 10, as amended by Law No. 3/2016, of May 25, the Government determines the following:
Declares a national holiday on 22 August, the day of commemoration of the ldul Adha, a holiday of the Muslim religion.
