quarta-feira, agosto 29, 2007

Dos Leitores

Comentário na sua mensagem "Primeiro-Ministro Xanana Gusmão convida antigo ‘pr...":

Stephen Philip Bracks (better known as Steve Bracks) (born October 15, 1954), Australian politician, was the 44th Premier of Victoria, holding the position for eight years, from 1999 to 2007. He was born in Ballarat, where his family owns a fashion business. He was educated at St Patrick's College and Ballarat College of Advanced Education (now the University of Ballarat), where he graduated in business studies and education. Bracks is a keen follower of Australian rules football, supporting the Geelong Football Club. His wife, Terry, is the number one female ticket holder for the Melbourne Football Club.

Bracks, the first Catholic Labor Premier of Victoria since 1932, is of Lebanese descent. His paternal grandfather, whose family name was Barakat, came to Australia as a child from Zahle in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon in the 1890s.[2]
Bracks announced his resignation as Premier on July 27, 2007, and formally resigned from the position on July 30.[3]

First term as Premier

Political observers were almost unanimous that Bracks had no chance of defeating Liberal premier Jeff Kennett at the November 1999 election: polls gave Kennett a 60% popularity rating. Bracks and his senior colleagues (particularly Brumby, who comes from Bendigo) campaigned heavily in regional areas, accusing Kennett of ignoring regional communities. In response, voters in regional areas deserted the Kennett government and Labor increased their seats from 29 to 42, with the Liberals and their National Party allies retaining 43, and three falling to rural independents. With no party having a clear majority, the independents agreed to support a minority Labor government.

Former leader Brumby, appointed Treasurer, was regarded as a major part of the government's success. He and the Deputy Premier, John Thwaites, and the Attorney-General, Rob Hulls, were regarded as the key ministers in the Bracks government.

Following a pre-1999 election commitment to consider the feasibility of introducing fast rail services to regional centres, in 2000 the government approved funding to upgrade rail lines to provide fast rail passenger services between Melbourne and Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Traralgon. However, the Victorian auditor general noted that in spite of $750 million spent, "We found that the delivery of more frequent fast rail services in the Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo corridors by the agreed dates was not achieved. In total, the journey time outcomes will be more modest than we would have expected with only a minority of travellers likely to benefit from significant journey time improvements. These outcomes occur because giving some passengers full express services means bypassing often large numbers of passengers at intermediate stations along the corridors."[6]

On December 14, 2000, Steve Bracks released a document outlining his government's intent to introduce the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001. Under the law, individuals could be jailed for six months and/or fined $6,000, and organisations fined $30,000 for "vilifying individuals on the basis of race or religion." The extraordinarily broad law would allow for the prosecution of virtually anything including name-calling, verbal or written statements, gestures, the wearing of symbols or uniforms, or anything else which a "reasonable observer" could interpret as an offence to a "racial or religious group." It would cover statements or activities, even in private homes, and the burden of proof would be on the accused to prove that he or she was innocent. And accusations could be made by a "third party, - not even the person who was offended."
The major criticism of Bracks's first government was that their insistence on consultation stood in the way of effective, proactive government. Bracks, according to critics, achieved little, and lost the excitement of constant change that was characteristic of the Kennett years. The talents of some of the more junior ministers in the government were also questioned. Nevertheless Bracks got through his first term without major mishaps, and his popularity undiminished.

Second term as Premier

Labor won the 2002 election in a landslide, taking 62 seats out of 88 in the Legislative Assembly, and for the first time in Victorian history, a slim but clear majority in the Legislative Council as well. While this was the greatest victory Labor had ever had in a Victorian state election, it brought with it considerable risks. With majorities in both houses Bracks could no longer cite his weak parliamentary position as an excuse for inaction. The trade unions, who traditionally feel a strong sense of ownership of Labor state governments, began to be more assertive and inflexible during 2003 and 2004.

On August 28 2002, Bracks in conjunction with then NSW counterpart Bob Carr, opened the Mowamba aqueduct between Jindabyne and Dalgety, to divert 38 gigalitres of water a year from Jindabyne dam to the Snowy and Murray rivers. The ten year plan cost $300millionAUD with Victoria and NSW splitting the costs. Melbourne Water has stated that within 50 years there will be 20 percent less water going into Victorian reservoirs. [1]

In May 2003 Bracks broke an election promise and announced that the proposed Scoresby Freeway in Melbourne's eastern suburbs would be a tollway rather than a freeway, as promised at the 2002 elections. As well as risking a loss of support in marginal seats in eastern Melbourne, this decision brought about a strong response from the Howard Federal government, which cut off federal funding for the project on the grounds that the Bracks government had reneged on the terms of the federal-state funding agreement. The decision seems to have been on the recommendation of Brumby, who was concerned with the state's budgetary position. Also opposing the decision was the Federal Labor Opposition, which feared anti-Labor reaction at the 2004 Federal election. The then Opposition Leader Mark Latham described a meeting with Bracks and Federal shadow ministers, writing:

Bracks has broken his promise, hoping the odium will wear off before the next State election. But we're copping the fall-out electorally... Bracks, however, was unmoved, even when Faulkner put it right on him... Sat there like a statue, that silly grin on his face.

This backflip, whilst seen by many as an opportunity for the Liberals to make ground, saw the then leader of the Liberals, Robert Doyle, adopt a much-criticised policy of half tolls, which was later overturned by his successor, Ted Baillieu.

In 2005, Bracks announced that Victorian cattlemen would be banned from using Victoria's "High Plains" to graze cattle, ending a 170 year tradition. Stockmen had been fearing this decision since 1984, when a Labor government excised land to create the Alpine National Park. 300 cattlemen rode horses down Bourke street in protest. Victorian National Party leader Peter Ryan was quoted as saying that Bracks had "killed the man from Snowy River", a reference to the Banjo Paterson poem "The Man from Snowy River."

Bracks's second government achieved one of Victorian Labor's longest-held goals with a complete reform of the state's system for electing its upper house. It saw the introduction of proportional representation, with eight five-member regions replacing the current single-member constituencies. This system increases the opportunity for minor parties such as the Greens and DLP to win seats in the Legislative Council, giving them a greater chance of holding the balance of power. Illustrating the historic importance Labor assigns to the changes, in a speech to a conference celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade, Bracks said it was "another victory for the aspirations of Eureka",[7] and has described the changes as "his proudest achievement".[8]

The staging of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, generally viewed as a success (albeit an expensive one) was viewed as a plus for Bracks and the government.

In the run-up to the 2006 election, in some respects, the state political situation reflected the federal one, though with the other major party in charge. With times reasonably good, a perception arguably reinforced by an extensive government advertising campaign selling the virtues of Victoria to Victorians,[9] polls indicated little interest in change, although towards the end of the election campaign polling indicated that the Liberals under Baillieu were closing the gap.

Third term as Premier

The election campaign was a relatively low-key affair, with the Government and Bracks largely running on their record as Premier, as well as their plans to tackle infrastructure issues in their third term. Bracks' image loomed large in Labor's election advertising. Liberal attacks concentrated on the slow process of infrastructure development under Bracks (notably on water supply issues relating to the severe drought affecting Victoria in the election leadup), and new Liberal leader Ted Baillieu promised to start construction on a range of new infrastructure initiatives, including a new dam on the Maribyrnong River and a desalination plant. Labor's broken election promise on Eastlink was also expected to be a factor in some seats in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

On 25 November 2006, Steve Bracks won his third election, comfortably defeating Baillieu to secure a third term, with a slightly reduced majority in the Lower House. This marked only the second time that the Victorian Labor Party had won a third term in office. His third term Cabinet was sworn in on 1 December 2006 with Bracks also holding the portfolio of Veterans' Affairs and Multicultural Affairs.

Resignation

Bracks announced his resignation as Premier on 27 July 2007, saying this was in order to spend more time with his family.[10] He stepped down on July 30, 2007. According to the ABC Bracks had been under political and personal pressure in the weeks before his resignation. Alone among State Premiers he had refused to agree to the Federal Government's $10 billion Murray-Darling Basin water conservation plan,[11] and his son had been involved in an accident involving a charge of drunk driving.[12] Bracks told a media conference he could no longer give a 100 per cent commitment to politics:

Once you reach a point where you can no longer make that commitment, the choice is clear - I have made that choice.


Steve Bracks, announcing his retirement

Bracks' deputy John Thwaites announced his resignation on the same day. News of the resignations caused surprise to the general community as well as to politicians. It was revealed that Federal Labor Leader Kevin Rudd, was informed only minutes before the announcement, and tried to talk Bracks out of his decision. Bracks' Treasurer John Brumby was elected unopposed by the Victorian Labor Caucus as Bracks' successor, while Attorney-General Rob Hulls was elected Deputy Premier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bracks

Primeiro-Ministro Xanana Gusmão convida antigo ‘premier’ de vitória para consultor

Gabinete do primeiro-ministro
INFORMAÇÃO À COMNUNICAÇÃO SOCIAL

Díli, 29 de Agosto de 2007 – O Primeiro-Ministro de Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, anunciou que o Hon. Steve Bracks, antigo chefe do governo do estado australiano de Vitória, aceitou o convite que lhe dirigiu para seu consultor.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão disse que o conselho de Steve Bracks trará consigo uma importante experiência de oito anos como Primeiro-Ministro do segundo maior estado da Austrália.
O Hon. Steve Bracks foi um dos mais bem sucedidos ‘premiers’ do estado de Vitória. A administração a que presidiu ficou assinalada pelo êxito das suas políticas económicas, com crescimento e grande criação de empregos, tendo uma parte significativa da riqueza criada sido investida em serviços de apoio social para promoção dos sectores mais desfavorecidos.
O novo consultor do Primeiro-Ministro Xanana Gusmão é de há longa data um amigo de Timor-Leste. Steve Bracks assegurou os meios para a reconstrução da Casa da Austrália de Balibo e a sua posterior utilização como centro comunitário.

O apoio do Hon. Bracks como consultor do Primeiro-Ministro de Timor-Leste será financiado pela “Mitchell Philantropic Trust”, uma organização australiana sem fins lucrativos.

– FIM.

Aviso a Imprensa

Palácio das Cinzas, 30 de Agosto 2007

Amanha, Quinta Feira, 30 de Agosto, S.E o Sr. Ministro Dos Negócios Estrangeiro, Austrália, Dr. Alexander Downer, visitará Timor Leste.

Irá ter um encontro com S.E. o Sr. Presidente da República, Dr. José Manuel Ramos Horta, no Palácio Das Cinzas à partir das 13.45 até 14.20.

Findo o encontro solicitasse-a media para a conferencia da Imprensa com a duração de 10 minutos.

Assim gostávamos de convidar todos os jornalistas para participarem em nesse evento.

UNMIT – MEDIA MONITORING - Wednesday, 29 August 2007

"UNMIT assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or for the accuracy of their translations. The selection of the articles and their content do not indicate support or endorsement by UNMIT express or implied whatsoever. UNMIT shall not be responsible for any consequence resulting from the publication of, or from the reliance on, such articles and translations."

National Media Reports

5 PNTL members involved in Viqueque and Uatolari case

The Public Ministry has indicated that there are five members of PNTL among the suspects allegedly involved in arson in Uatolari, Viqueque district.

Speaking to the journalists on Tuesday (28/8), the Attorney-general, Longuinhos Monteiro said that the five members of the PNTL are on duty in Uatolari, Viqueque district.

“The Public Ministry will ask police in Viqueque to investigate, and if PNTL members are involved in this action, then a new team should be established for the purposes of further investigation,” said Mr. Monteiro. (STL)

Ramos Horta: need to see the human factor in Alfredo’s case

Within the meeting of High Level Committee, President José Ramos-Horta officially presented the case of Alfredo Reinado and petitioners to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in order to find solutions.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting on Tuesday (28/8) in Presidential Palace Caicoli, Dili, President Horta said that the human issue should not be forgotten when dealing with Reinado and the petitioners, since they are all human beings. (STL and TP)

Atul Khare: groups organized the violence in Viqueque and Baucau

The SRSG in Timor Leste, Atul Khare stated that the violence in Viqueque and Baucau districts was not spontaneous, but organized by some groups.

“It happened due to the lack of knowledge on constitutional interpretation from the political leaders,” said Mr. Khare in a meeting with the political leaders in Baucau district on Thursday (23/8).

He explained that the role of the leaders is to ensure the democratic process continue in the country.

Mr. Khare also called on the political leaders to cooperate with each other to contribute to the country’s development. (STL)

Jailed police will not be activated

The PNTL Interim Commander, Afonso de Jesus, stated that based on the law governing the PNTL, the members of PNTL who are in jail due to violence will not be activated.

“It is obviously that in the discipline law governing PNTL there is an article that allows PNTL officer to be on duty after fulfilling a sentence of more than about three years,” said Mr. Afonso on Tuesday (28/8) in Caicoli, Dili.

Currently the secretary of state for defence affairs is looking at revising the law. (STL)

Autonomist and nationalist jargon kills the reconciliation

The member of national parliament from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mario Viegas Carrascalão said that the autonomist and nationalist jargon used by political leaders could ruin and kill the spirit of reconciliation.

“Mr. Xanana himself raised reconciliation and peace for all Timorese, so whoever uses these words wants to separate people,” said MR. Mario. (STL)

30 August, some ministries and state secretaries sworn in.
The empty seats in the Alliance government will be filled on 30 August.

According to the schedule, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão will swear in the Minister and secretary of state on 30 august in Nobre Palace Lahane, Dili.

“The swearing in will be held on 30 August, in the afternoon,” said Mr. Gusmão after the meeting of the High Level Committee in the Presidential Palace Caicoli, Dili. (STL)

UNPol seizes weapons document

The joint team comprising the Attorney-general, Longuinhos Monteiro, UNPol and PNTL over the last two weeks seized secret documentation registering the purchase of weapons in Bazartete, Liquica district.

“This document has been directly seized by Mr. Longuinhos, UNPol and PNTL” said an unknown source in last few days.

According to the source there are also other goods together with the document such as three passports with one name from Mozambique, one pistol, a uniform of the URP and some other unidentified articles.

Speaking to journalists on Friday (24/8) the Attorney-general Mr. Longuinhos Monteiro acknowledged that evidence had been seized and that they will conduct further investigation. (TP)

Alfredo’s status will be determined after the dialogue

The secretary of the State of Defence affairs, Julio Thomas Pinto affirmed that Alfredo’s status will be determined after having dialogue.

“Alfredo’s status will discussed after dialogue, but talking about status it is the competency of the commander based on the law, not politicians,” said Mr. Pinto on Tuesday (28/8) in Memorial Hall Farol, Dili.

According to Mr. Julio, the president’s position on Alfredo and the petitioners is to create a task force along with the national parliament. (TP)

Prosecutor identifies suspects of violence in Baucau and Viqueque

The Prosecutor-general has identified 11 suspects in Viqueque and 57 in Baucau following the violence that broke out in the eastern part of the country, resulting in many victims.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday (28/8) in Caicoli, Dili the Attorney-general, Mr. Longuinhos Monteiro stated that the prosecutor general has established a team for one week to conduct such activities.

“We have identified 11 suspects in Viqueque and 57 in Baucau. The 23 suspects in Baucau have been put in preventive prison to enable the case to proceed promptly,” said Mr. Monteiro. (TP)

Downer to participate in the Timorese Popular Consultation Day

The Australian Minister of Cooperation and Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer will visit Timor-Leste for Timor-Leste’s 8th Popular Consultation Day on 30 August, according to the Prime Minster of RDTL’s secretary on Tuesday (28/8).

The secretary also said that Mr. Downer will visit Timor-Leste to participate in Timor-Leste’s historical day to gain independence.

Mr. Downer will also hold a meeting with all political leaders of the country to discuss the current security situation in Timor-Leste, after participating in a ceremony of popular consultation day, Mr. Downer reportedly will visit Australian soldiers in Caicoli, Dili. (TP and STL)

OJETIL: using force never solves conflicts

The Youth and Student Organisation of Timor-Leste (OJETIL/Organizasaun Juventude Estudantes Timor Leste) reportedly called on President José Ramos-Horta not to use international forces as the instrument to solve the current conflict and disturbances in Timor-Leste.

Speaking to journalists in a press conference on Tuesday (28/8) in Dili, Vice president of OJETIL, Liurai Tasi, affirmed that president should focus on dialogue to find a solution for such conflicts.

Mr. Liurai Tasi added that President should immediately take measures against the Aussie soldiers that did not respect the Fretilin’flag. (TP)

Maintaining Balance in East Timor’s Post-election Pains

More on East Timor's Crisis
Tuesday 14 August, 2007 - 22:53 by James Dunn AM in Default


Australia’s belated support for East Timor’s emergence into nationhood is obviously an achievement John Howard is proud of, hence his birthday visit to Dili. Right now he needs to keep as much focus as possible on his positive achievements, and in foreign affairs there are not really a lot of those. We could expect to be hearing a lot about East Timor in the next couple of months, but the problem is that, with further outbreaks of violence, to some observers this venture more resembles a basket case than a success story.

However, the situation, though troubling, is both understandable and manageable though political preferences and prejudices are unbalancing the media view of what the Timorese are going through. The preferences are obvious enough. On the one hand we have the Marxist Alkatiri, while, on the other, his main opponent is the resistance hero, Xanana Gusmao. But Alkatiri is not really a Marxist and although Xanana’s distinctive status is not in dispute there are hundreds of resistance heroes in East Timor. Alkatiri is essentially a Third World nationalist, one who had been praised by the then World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz, for his management skills.

As for their contributions to East Timor’s independence, Xanana, Horta and Alkatiri all played key roles in bringing that about. Without Horta and Alkatiri’s diplomatic efforts Xanana’s armed resistance would probably have failed. It is sad to see domestic political rivalry narrowing the visions of such leaders, but that is happening in East Timor just as it occurs in Australia. The differences have led to an animosity that has divided and destabilized the Timorese community for more than a year. We had hoped that the election would help resolve the dispute but it seems to have intensified it, placing a heavy responsibility on East Timor’s leading peace-maker, President Horta. The President is of course a friend of Xanana, but he has also had a long working friendship with Alkatiri. Our media’s prejudices have not helped the situation. Our journalists have tended to dramatize the divisions, and downplay efforts to overcome them. Also the extent of the violence has often been sensationalized and exaggerated. This has not only encouraged a pessimistic view of East Timor’s future abroad; it has also fuelled tensions in Timor where the Australian media has a strong presence.

The problem is of course serious, but its impact should be seen as hampering East Timor’s development and political stability, rather than as condemning the new nation to failed state or basket case status. And it does not weaken East Timor’s independence credentials. The violence that followed Xanana Gusmao’s appointment as East Timor’s prime minister was disturbing but it was to be expected. To a degree it exposed East Timor’s political immaturity, but it also exposed problems in the wording of a constitution that reflected the influence of Australian and Portuguese advisers. Fretilin supporters considered their party the victor in the National Assembly’s elections because it received more votes than any of the other parties, and according to the constitution the ‘most voted’ party should be asked to form a government. The political manoevring that ensued inevitably led to a coalition, or alliance as the Timorese call it, with enough seats to ensure a parliamentary majority.

In preparing the East Timorese for independence we really neglected to prepare them for the kind of political manoevring they would find hard to understand. Mari Alkatiri, who favoured the government of national unity which advisers like myself had recommended as a way of restoring national unity, was especially bitter, for he evidently hoped that the election outcome would lead to a compromise that would atone for the humiliating events last year.

Xanana’s coalition or alliance was a predictable outcome, one that would have been accepted if an inclusive government of national unity had been agreed to. Fretilin supported that end, but refused to accept Xanana as prime minister, dashing hopes for the wider coalition. The new government looks strong enough, but unfortunately the outcome has widened the political divide, leading to violence in eastern districts that are Fretilin political strongholds. Alkatiri erred when he encouraged his supporters to protest because, in the present tense circumstances, such responses are bound to lead to violence. The incidents that occurred were nasty, with the UN, a convent and the Australian military being targeted. There is little doubt about our Prime Minister’s preference but, in my experience our military forces have always sought to remain neutral. The UN chief, Atul Khare, has wisely called a conference of all political leaders. However, it is now really up to Xanana and Alkatiri to take the initiative to heal the wounds undermining the unity of purpose that 1999 won international admiration for the courage of the Timorese. As for the role of Australians it is important for us to act as concerned but neutral observers, ever conscious of our past contribution to the new nation’s growing pains, and to remain committed to generous support for the delayed fulfillment of its development objectives.

João Gomes Cravinho inicia visita ao país na quinta-feira

Notícias Lusófonas
29 Agosto 2007

O secretário de Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros e da Cooperação de Portugal, João Gomes Cravinho, inicia quinta-feira uma visita a Timor-Leste, em que além de encontros institucionais acompanhará o desenvolvimento de projectos da cooperação portuguesa naquele país.


Na deslocação, de cinco dias, João Gomes Cravinho tem previsto encontros com o Presidente da República, José Ramos-Horta, com o presidente do Parlamento, Fernando Lasama Araújo, com o primeiro-ministro, Xanana Gusmão, e com o representante especial do secretário-geral da ONU, Atul Khare, entre outras entidades políticas e religiosas.

Durante a estada em Timor-Leste, o governante português deslocar-se-á ao distrito de Ermera, para visitar o Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Rural em Timor-Leste.

Portugal é o principal doador internacional de Timor-Leste e as acções de cooperação, em múltiplas áreas, têm especial relevo nos sectores da educação, justiça, saneamento básico e agricultura.

Nesse sentido, além da deslocação a Ermera, João Gomes Cravinho aproveitará a estada em Timor-Leste para visitar o emissor de Fatuhai, leste de Díli, no âmbito do Programa do Alargamento da Cobertura do Sinal de Rádio e Televisão, e inaugurará, na capital timorense, a segunda fase da Escola Portuguesa de Díli.

Deslocações ao Centro de Formação Jurídica de Caicoli, no centro de Díli, e à ilha de Ataúro, onde inaugurará o Sistema de Abastecimento de Água Potável, completam o programa da visita de cinco dias a Timor-Leste.

Além da forte presença portuguesa no domínio da cooperação bilateral, Portugal mantém estacionado em Timor-Leste um contingente de militares da GNR e de agentes da Polícia de Segurança Pública, que integram a Missão Integrada da ONU em Timor-Leste.

O secretário de Estado português terá oportunidade de se encontrar com os militares e agentes da GNR e PSP, no decurso de uma visita ao quartel da GNR, situado no bairro de Caicoli.

João Gomes Cravinho visita Timor-Leste à frente de uma delegação que integra a vice-presidente do Instituto Português de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento, Vera Abreu, e a directora do Serviço Ásia e Oceânia do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros, Gabriela Albergaria.

Pacific Needs Migrant Workers

The Age - Aug 28, 2007

World Bank president Bob Zoellick says it is "absolutely critical" that Australia open its gates to migrant workers from its South Pacific neighbours.

"Labour mobility is absolutely critical to the long-term development of the South Pacific," Mr Zoellick told Fairfax newspapers.

"I don't know about Australia's visa and immigration rules but labour mobility will be important for remittances and skills" in neighbour countries.

Mr Zoellick said the move would boost the fledgling economies in neighbouring countries such as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

Foreign workers brought temporarily to Australia would return to their countries with new skills, while they were also able to send their pay packets home to their families.

They could fill low-skilled jobs including those now utilised by foreign back-packers, including seasonal fruit picking in regional areas.

Mr Zoellick is in Sydney for a meeting with finance ministers for the Asia Pacific Economic Co-Operation forum countries.

Leighton chief executive Wal King has also called for a larger and more targeted working visa scheme, in an address to the Infrastructure Partnerships Australia conference.

He said Australia had a shortage of truck drivers, and he pointed to the UK's migration model which has eased visa restrictions on workers with in-demand skills.

"Things are going to get worse ... the talent pool is shrinking," Mr King says in The Australian Financial Review.

Empresa estatal chinesa constrói novo hospital timorense

Diário Económico
Quarta, 29 de Agosto de 2007

A construtora estatal chinesa China Metallurgical Construction vai construir o novo hospital de referência timorense no distrito de Suai, fronteiro à Indonésia, disse hoje o embaixador de Timor-Leste em Pequim, Olímpio Miranda Branco.

"O governo timorense abriu um concurso público internacional e as empresas chinesas foram as que ofereceram melhores condições," disse o embaixador timorense, citado pela Lusa.

O grupo China Metallurgical Construction é uma das maiores empresas estatais chinesas, debaixo do controlo directo do governo central do país e foi a 35ª empresa estatal mais lucrativa em 2006, segundo informações da página do grupo na Internet.

"A empresa foi contratada localmente e vinha já participando em obras de pequeno vulto em Timor-Leste desde há cinco anos, " afirmou Olímpio Miranda Branco.

O hospital de Suai é um projecto financiado na íntegra pelo Orçamento de Estado timorense, parte da política de reabilitação da rede hospitalar de Timor-Leste, que prevê a construção de seis hospitais de referência em todo o país, responsáveis pela prestação de cuidados secundários e cirúrgicos.

Além da China Metallurgical Construction, também a empresa chinesa Shandong Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation está presente no sector da construção civil de Timor-Leste, com a construção do novo edifício do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros do país, em Díli, uma obra financiada pelo governo chinês.

A China tem colaborado na reconstrução de Timor-Leste, financiando projectos como a construção do Palácio Presidencial e a formação de quadros civis.

Só em 2007, mais de 100 quadros timorenses receberam formação na China, segundo dados da embaixada timorense em Pequim.

Em 2005, o comércio entre a China e Timor-Leste foi de 1,27 milhões de dólares (937 mil euros) correspondentes na totalidade à venda de produtos chineses para o mercado timorense, sendo que de Janeiro a Julho de 2006, segundo estatísticas da embaixada de Timor-Leste em Pequim, este volume deu um salto superior a dez vezes, com as trocas comerciais a atingir os 13,37 milhões de dólares (9,79 milhões de euros).

D. Ximenes Belo confiante

SIC
28-08-2007 15:41 Última actualização: 28-08-2007 16:42

Bispo de Díli diz que a paz vai voltar a Timor-Leste

D. Ximenes Belo esteve esta manhã no Porto para ver uma estátua que vai ser enviada para Timor-Leste. Na ocasião, afirmou-se confiante em que a paz vai voltar ao país.

Ximenes Belo veio a Portugal receber a obra

A obra de bronze, com seis metros e meio de altura e quatro de largura, foi encomendada pelo governo timorense e está prestes a partir para o país. Vai ser colocada num santuário perto de Díli, onde o Papa João Paulo II celebrou uma missa em 1989.

A obra mostra João Paulo II de braços abertos a abençoar o povo e pretende transmitir um sinal de união e paz para Timor-Leste. A instabilidade voltou a Timor-Leste quando o Presidente Ramos Horta nomeou Xanana Gusmão para primeiro-ministro, decisão a que a Fretilin se opôs.

NOTA DE RODAPÉ:

Upss... D. Ximenes Belo não é o Bispo de Díli. Nem vive em Timor.

Traduções

Todas as traduções de inglês para português (e também de francês para português) são feitas pela Margarida, que conhecemos recentemente, mas que desde sempre nos ajuda.

Obrigado pela solidariedade, Margarida!

Mensagem inicial - 16 de Maio de 2006

"Apesar de frágil, Timor-Leste é uma jovem democracia em que acreditamos. É o país que escolhemos para viver e trabalhar. Desde dia 28 de Abril muito se tem dito sobre a situação em Timor-Leste. Boatos, rumores, alertas, declarações de países estrangeiros, inocentes ou não, têm servido para transmitir um clima de conflito e insegurança que não corresponde ao que vivemos. Vamos tentar transmitir o que se passa aqui. Não o que ouvimos dizer... "
 

Malai Azul. Lives in East Timor/Dili, speaks Portuguese and English.
This is my blogchalk: Timor, Timor-Leste, East Timor, Dili, Portuguese, English, Malai Azul, politica, situação, Xanana, Ramos-Horta, Alkatiri, Conflito, Crise, ISF, GNR, UNPOL, UNMIT, ONU, UN.