Media Release: Fretilin welcomes government initiatives for the solution of the Petitioners’ issue

FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE

FRETILIN

Media Release

Tuesday 15 May 2007

Fretilin welcomes government initiatives for the solution of the Petitioners’ issue

Fretilin today welcomed the government initiatives for the solution to the issue of the Petitioners- the group of 591 F-FDTL soldiers who were dismissed from the army in March 2006 after they abandoned their barracks following claims of discrimination.

Secretary general Dr Mari Alkatiri said, “The report with the recommendations from the Commission of Notables has been released to and debated by the Council of the Ministers.

“The Council of Ministers have now authorized the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to begin negotiating with the representatives of the Petitioners to find a lasting solution to this important issue.”

The Commission of Notables, chaired by Minister Ana Pessoa, was appointed by former PM Alkatiri in April 2006. It undertook a detailed investigation of the allegations made by the Petitioners over several months.

“It is important that the petitioners’ issue be resolved within the legal framework to avoid setting a bad precedent that will make it difficult to manage identical situations that may arise in the future. Respect for the existing institutions is very important. However, a political solution is needed without compromising the existing laws and regulations.

“Fretilin will continue to support the resolution of this issue through institutional channels,” Alkatiri added.

For more information, please contact:

Jose Teixeira (+670) 728 7080 (Dili, Timor-Leste)

Paulo Araujo (+61) 424 413 525 (Darwin, Australia)