Meeting of the Council of Ministers of August 21st, 2018
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
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
