Media Releases
05 of December of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of December 5, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of December 5, 2018
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and analyzed a presentation by the Secretary of State for Social Communication concerning the agreement with the People's Republic of China for the implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). This project will build two DTT broadcasting stations in Dili and surrounding areas, according to the standards of the UN agency specialized in information and communication technologies, the International Telecommunication Union. The Council of Ministers approved the attribution of full powers to the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Merício Juvenal dos Reis 'Akara', for the signature of said agreement.
The management of the Comité Orientador 25 (CO25) presented the Council of Ministers with an overview of the activities carried out and the projection of work to be carried out next year. The Comité Orientador 25 is an institution created by Government Resolution in 2017 and made up of twenty-five youth organizations of the Resistance. CO25 aims to carry out extensive research into the involvement of youth in the struggle for national liberation and as a result write a book on the history of the East Timor Resistance.
The Council of Ministers analyzed the presentation by the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus, on the report on gender-sensitive budget policy, which presents a road map for the integration of the perspective of gender equality in the management of public finances, by ensuring that the planning and allocation of public resources ensures equal rights for all citizens in political, socio-economic and cultural life.
The Government approved a proposal for a Decree-Law, on the organic of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the government department responsible for the design, execution, coordination and evaluation of the policy, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers, in the areas of foreign policy and international cooperation, consular functions and the promotion and defense of the interests of Timorese citizens abroad.
The Council of Ministers analyzed a proposed Decree-Law for the creation of the National Agency for the Reform and Modernization of Public Administration. The proposal assigns to this Public Institute the responsibility for identifying, developing and evaluating programs, projects and actions aimed at reforming and modernizing public administration for the progressive improvement of the provision of goods and public services to citizens. This proposal for a Decree-Law will be re-examined at a later date in the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers approved a proposed Decree-Law, presented by the Ministry of Health, regarding the second amendment to Decree-Law 14/2004 of September 1, on the work of Health Professionals. This Decree-Law aims to change the validity of the registration of East Timorese health professionals, from the current five years to two years, considering the approval of the policy of examinations of competence for all health professionals, thereby ensuring the qualification of health professionals and the quality of the acts they practice.
The Government approved a Government Resolution, presented by the Secretary of State for Social Communication, who appoints José da Costa as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tatoli, Timor-Leste News Agency, IP, for a period of four years.
The Government approved a Government Resolution presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agustinho da Silva, who appoints Gabriel de Jesus, as Non-Executive Director of the National Communications Authority.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Longuinhos dos Santos, presented a proposal for a Government Resolution approved by the Council of Ministers on the appointment of Armindo Maia as President of the General Council of the Polytechnic Institute of Betano for a period of three years.
The Council of Ministers approved a Government Resolution presented by the Minister of Defense, Filomeno da Paixão de Jesus, to approve the draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Australia for the donation of communication and training equipment to Timor-Leste elements of F-FDTL regarding the use of donated equipment. ENDS
29 of November of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 29, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 29, 2018
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and began with the approval of the organic of the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, the government department responsible for designing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating the policies defined and approved by the Council of Ministers for the areas of tourism, commercial and industrial economic activities.
The Government approved the organic of the State Secretariat of Cooperatives, the government department responsible for promoting and strengthening the social economy sector and deepening cooperation between the State and the organizations that integrate the sector, with a view to stimulating its potential to serve the socio-economic development of the country.
The Council of Ministers approved a proposal for a Decree-Law presented by the interim Finance Minister, regarding the payment of a subsidy corresponding to the 13th month, to all officials and agents of the Public Administration.
A proposal for a Government Decree presented by the acting Minister of Finance was also approved, regarding the payment of a supplement to be given to officials and agents of the Ministry of Finance, involved in the process of preparing the State Budget for 2019 and the closing of State account for the year 2018.
The Government also approved the introduction of the first amendment to Government Decree No. 9/2018 of October 8, on the implementation of the State's general budget for 2018.
The Council of Ministers approved by means of a Government Resolution, a draft of the new Bylaws of the TL Cement and the Shareholder Agreement between the State of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the partners of TL Cement, Lda. TL Cement is a company set up to develop cement production and sale, through the implementation of an investment project in the municipality of Baucau, which involves the construction of a limestone extraction and cement production unit. Ends
21 of November of 2018Shell Australia and the Government of Timor-Leste agree on terms for sale of interest in Greater Sunrise fieldsGOVERNMENT OF TIMOR-LESTE AND SHELL AUSTRALIAmore
JOINT NEWS RELEASE
November 21 2018
Shell Australia and Government of Timor-Leste agree on terms for sale of interest in Greater Sunrise Fields
Bali, INDONESIA - Shell Australia and the Government of Timor-Leste have entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the sale of Shell's 26.56 percent interest in the Greater Sunrise fields.
Timor-Leste's Special Representative Mr. Xanana Gusmão stated that "Timor-Leste appreciates Shell's willingness to sell its interests in the Greater Sunrise project". Mr. Gusmão recalled that, in his address at the "World Energy Forum of the Atlantic Council" in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, he stressed that multinational companies have to assume their responsibilities towards small countries as part of their social license to operate. "Shell's attitude throughout the negotiations shows that it is ready to consider not only its commercial interests but also the interests of small nations."
The Special Representative further commended the open and honest discussions between the Parties' delegations, and clarified that "Timor-Leste sees Shell as a good partner and friend, and far from ending the relationship between the two Parties this transaction instead reaffirms our commitment for the future."
EVP for Shell Australia, Zoe Yujnovich said the transaction, valued at US$300 million, will allow the Timor-Leste Government and joint venture partners to pursue their aspirations for the Greater Sunrise development.
"We respect the Timor-Leste Government's determination to develop the Sunrise fields through an onshore LNG facility on its south coast. Although we formed different views about the optimal development scenario, we understand the priorities of the Timor-Leste Government and wish it well in pursuing its aspirations to develop this important resource for the nation.
"This sale aligns with our global strategy to reshape Shell into a simpler and more resilient company. Our Australian portfolio remains strong as operator of both the QGC onshore natural gas project, Prelude FLNG and significant positions in the Gorgon and North West Shelf LNG projects," Ms Yujnovich said.
The Timor-Leste Government's purchase of Shell's interest is conditional on receiving funding approval from the Timor-Leste Council of Ministers and National Parliament, as well as regulatory approvals and partner pre-emption rights.
The sale transaction comprises Shell's permits NT/Rl2 and NT/RL4 within Australia waters and PSC 03-19 and PSC 03-20 within Timor-Leste waters and associated governance agreements.
The Sunrise and Troubadour gas and condensate fields, collectively known as the Greater Sunrise fields, are located approximately 150 kilometres south east of Timor-Leste and 450 kilometres north west of Darwin in the Northern Territory.
The Government of Timor-Leste was advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Miranda & Associados. ENDS
21 of November of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 21, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 21, 2018
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and began with the approval of the organic of the State Secretariat for the Environment, the government department that supports the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, responsible for the design, implementation, coordination and evaluation of the policy, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers, for the environment.
The Minister of Transport and Communications presented a proposal for the appointment of the Members that make up the Board of Directors of the Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações, the National Communications Authority. The Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações is a Public Institute under the authority of the Minister of Transport and Communications and is responsible for regulating, supervising and inspecting the communications sector in all its aspects, namely licensing and supervising telecommunications operators, ensuring the management of the radioelectric spectrum and the regulation of the communications sector. The Government approved the appointment of João Olívio Freitas, as President of the Board of Directors and Georgina Emília da Silva Garcia, as Finance Director. Subsequently, the Council of Ministers will appoint the Non-Executive Director.
The Council of Ministers also approved a proposal for a Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, regarding the appointment of the members of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Security. Mr. Longuinhos Armando S. I. Leto, MM, as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Azevedo Marçal, PhD and Mr. Cornelio Barros, as members of the Board of Directors, Mr. Alberto Carvalho Araújo, SS, MM, EM, as representative of employers, and Mr. Ramalho da Costa, A.P., as representative of the workers, in the aforementioned Board of Directors of the National Institute of Social Security. ENDS- 14 of November of 2018 Government expresses condolences for the death of André da Costa Belo, L4Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government expresses condolences for the death of André da Costa Belo, L4
The Council of Ministers deeply regrets the death, on the 12th of November of André da Costa Belo, L4, due to a prolonged illness.
L4 was one of the great fighters in the guerrilla against the Indonesian occupation, namely as one of the leaders of the resistance organization "Sagrada Familia".
After the restoration of independence, L4 remained politically active, having been founder and political commissar of the Popular Liberation Party (PLP) and having integrated the Seventh Constitutional Government, as Secretary of State for Veterans.
André da Costa Belo completed university studies at the University of Dili (UNDIL), of which he was Vice-Rector until his death, and was also a promoter of sports among young people.
The Eight Constitutional Government joins Timorese leaders and institutions in the homage and presentation of condolences to the family of L4, a hero and veteran of the National Liberation Struggle. - 14 of November of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 14, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 14, 2018
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07 of November of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 7, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 7, 2018
The Council of Ministers met in the Government Palace in Dili and began with a presentation by the Ministry of Finance of the final proposal of the General State Budget Law for 2019, which was approved by the members of the Government.The National Petroleum and Mineral Authority, through its Vice President, made a presentation regarding TL Cement, Lda. which was initially incorporated as a Limited Liability Company with limited liability and private capital. The acting Minister of Finance then gave a brief presentation of the current situation of the Government's debt to Timor Telecom for the years 2015 to 2017.The Government approved the proposal for a Decree-Law, on the organic of the Ministry of Justice, the government department responsible for the design, execution, coordination and evaluation of the policy, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers, in the area of justice, human rights and land and property rights.The Government approved the proposal for a Decree-Law on the organic of the Ministry of Finance, a governmental entity responsible for the design, execution, coordination and evaluation of the policy, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers, in the areas of annual budget planning and monitoring and finance.The Government also approved the proposal for a Decree-Law on the organic of the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sport, the governmental department that supports the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, responsible for the design, execution, coordination and evaluation of the policy, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers, for the areas of youth and sport.The Government also approved the proposal for a Decree-Law on the organic of the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment, the government department that supports the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, responsible for the design, execution, coordination and evaluation of the policy, defined and approved by the Council of Ministers, for the areas of work, vocational training and employment.The Minister for Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs presented to the members of the Council of Ministers the options defined by the "Compact" program, the main objective of which is to reduce poverty in Timor-Leste through economic growth, within a project developed and financed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), in coordination with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. In order to strengthen bilateral relations between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Government of the United States of America, MCC has been developing a full support program for Timor-Leste since 2011.The Council of Ministers approved two programs, one on combating rickets and the other on human capital development.
06 of November of 2018Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 6, 2018Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Eighth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers of November 6, 2018
The Council of Ministers met extraordinarily at the Government Palace in Dili.
The acting Finance Minister presented the Proposal of the General State Budget Law for 2019.
Taking into account the budget of each ministry as well as the external expenses to be paid, the maximum expenditure of the General State Budget for 2019 was set at a total of US $ 1,827 million dollars (1 billion, eight hundred and twenty-seven million American dollars).
The maximum budget expenditure was calculated taking into consideration the different categories of expenses and the investments of the State through the Infrastructure Fund in relation to the different programs/projects undergoing and to be started.
The proposed Law of the General State Budget will be sent to the National Parliament on November 8, as per the approved calendar.
