Council of Ministers Meeting from April 11, 2012
IV CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
SECRETARIAT OF STATE OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
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PRESS RELEASE
Council of Ministers Meeting on April 11, 2012
The Council of Ministers met this Wednesday, April 11, 2012, in the Council of Ministers Meeting Room at the Government Palace in Dili and approved:
1. Decree-Law that approves the Basic Law on the Environment
The Council of Ministers approved the Base Law on the Environment, which consists of the basic environmental principles of the Timorese law. The Law regulates the relations between the various government agencies responsible for environment, addresses the need for protection, conservation and sustainable use of the different environmental components and approaches issues like pollution and waste management.
In addition, provisions are also covered regarding financial measures and economic instruments that can be used in the future, establishing a system of environmental information and education to be implemented; includes provisions relating to environmental monitoring, emergency situations and civil liability.
The Base Law on the Environment, approved today by the Council of Ministers, has set the foundation for creating a legal environmental framework able to meet the international obligations assumed by the State and to the needs of environmental protection and conservation and of the natural resources, something that the country development demands.
2. Minister of Health will travel to London to visit Max Stahl
Regarding the relationship between Max Stahl and Timor-Leste, and given he’s state of health, being hospitalized in London, the Council of Ministers approved the trip of the Minister of Health, Nelson Martins to the UK capital.
In discussing the health condition of Max Stahl and his hospitalisation in London the Council of Ministers approved the Minister for Health a trip to the United Kingdom of the Minister for Health, Nelson Martins.
Recalling that Max Stahl, among other things, released to the world images of the Santa Cruz Cemetery massacre that trigger the attention and put Timor-Leste on the international agenda as a priority, thus contributing to the liberation of the Timorese people, and being the Minister Health a doctor of renowned prestige, including in London, the Council of Ministers approved he’s trip to this European capital in order to provide support, within its mandate, to help in speeding the recovery as evidence of solidarity of Timor-Leste .
In light of the contribution that Max Stahl to the liberation of the Timorese people, including the filming and release to the world of the images of the Santa Cruz Cemetery massacre that placed our situation on the international agenda, it was decided by the Council of Ministers that the Minister for Health, an experienced medical doctor, should travel to London to provide support to assist a speedy recovery and to show the solidarity of Timor-Leste.
The Council of Ministers also analyzed:
1. Presentation of the Survey on Perceptions of Quality of Service of the Ministry of Finance
The Ministry of Finance submitted to the Council of Ministers a summary result of the Service Quality Perceptions Survey in 2011.
The purpose of this survey is to obtain customer reviews in a independently way, to inform on the wider objectives of the Ministry in terms of improved services, how to improve meeting customer expectations in service priority areas and compare changes over time.
The survey was conducted among 150 import and export companies, regarding customs services, 155 companies regarding tax services and the 125 companies that took part in procurement tenders.
2. Presentation of Public-Private Partnership for Tibar Port
Taking into account the need for a new port in Timor-Leste, Tibar emerged as the best option for the construction of this infrastructure, required in order to ease congestion and reduce costs of transporting loads.
The Ministry of Finance submitted to the Council of Ministers a study that recommends a public-private partnership to build the Tibar port.
The Public-Private Partnership will enable the Government to manage the project while ensuring the benefits of private sector involvement. It will be the private sector’s responsibility for maintenance of the port since it has the technical expertise and business needs and that can later be transmitted to the Timorese. The technical skills ensure that the port works efficiently and skills related to businesses create new business opportunities, jobs and income.
According to the study, the Public-Private Partnership allows you to create partnerships with international companies creating opportunities, jobs and skills development which brings high economic benefits.
