Government of Timor-Leste

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

Díli, December 30, 2009

Timor-Leste welcomes in 2010

The Government wishes to thank civil society, the Public Service, the National Parliament, all the Sovereign Institutions, the Donors, the ISF, the media and the international community for contributing to the nation in 2009; allowing Timor-Leste to say Goodbye Conflict, Welcome Development!

It was a year that symbolized a major shift in the national dynamic; consolidating stability in the cities, districts and rural areas. Primary policing responsibilities have been transferred from the United Nations to the Timorese Police Force (PNTL) across many communities, handovers which will continue throughout 2010 giving a new found confidence to continued concord.

New infrastructure works under the US$70 million Pakote Referendum inspired confidence in the Timorese private sector, spurring the established trend of economic development across the nation towards the last quarter of 2009. The initiative focused on building roads, water, sanitation, schools and other small to medium size projects. The results were profound; creating jobs, stimulating local economies, increasing technical capacity in rural areas and inspiring communities to take ownership and pride in their surrounds.

The Public Service will reap the benefits in 2010 of the newly established Civil Service Commission; with career regimes, employment profiles, better working conditions and increased wages; all contributors to increased indicators profiled at the end of 2009 including increased budget execution, increased domestic revenues, increased business activity, increased agricultural productivity, and increased health indicators to name a few.

The appointment of the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission in early 2010 will begin the process of establishing the Anti Corruption Commission; giving the people of Timor-Leste the first initiative to combat corruption; guaranteeing 2010 will see a new level of accountability and education against corruption, nepotism and cronyism.

Disadvantaged and special interest groups will continue to be protected in 2010 by the Governments’ strong social policies with pensions, housing, education, micro-business and agriculture incentives. Mass spending on infrastructure will begin the arduous process of building the core foundations necessary for international investment into tourism, various industries unique to Timor-Leste, and plans for a thriving on shore petroleum industry.

Secretary of State Pereira said “We convey our utmost gratitude to all those who contributed to consolidating peace in 2009, who gave their time and effort to strengthen our institutions and for the creativity, dedication and determination to fast track the development of Timor-Leste. ’

‘Most importantly, the Xanana Gusmão Government is only a conduit to serve the people, to achieve their hopes and dreams for a better nation, to ensure that good governance and a governance that is sensitive and honest to the people, is viable in Timor-Leste; and it is, as we have proved it in 2009!’

‘ It is only through the people’s eyes, hearts, minds and daily actions that Timor-Leste’s achievements have been enabled in 2009. We can only wish the same for 2010.”

In his annual holiday message, The Prime Minister, His Excellency Xanana Gusmão said “We have reached a decade since the Popular Consultation of August 30th 1999. We should begin this year acknowledging that 2010 will be full of enormous challenges; challenges necessary to achieve the dreams of our people.’

‘Just like when our people succeeded in national liberation ten years ago, the next ten years will be equally full of tough battles for the Timorese Nation. These battles will only be transformed into equally historic victories if we continue to seriously embrace the importance of peace and national harmony.’

‘We will achieve, because we have demonstrated that we as a nation understand the process of national development using three fundamental principles: Dialogue, Trust and Vision.’

‘Let us begin the New Year recognizing that national success will only be meaningful if everyone plays a constructive role in building our great nation.’

‘We hope you, Our Greater Timorese Family, have a very Merry Christmas and that the New Year is filled with Health, Peace, Love and Prosperity".