Media Release - FRETILIN unveils policy platform for people orientated economic development

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2007 Parliamentary Elections



“Defending Timor-Leste’s independence”


Media release
22 June 2007

FRETILIN unveils policy platform for people orientated economic development

Accelerated infrastructure development, rural development and measures to tackle youth unemployment were some of the major initiatives announced today by FRETILIN, the majority party in Timor-Leste (East Timor) at the launching of its policy platform in Dili for the 30 June 2007 parliamentary elections.

Estanislau Da Silva, a parliamentary candidate and current Prime Minister, said that the policy platform would deliver economic growth of at least 7% in real terms over the next 5 years and build on and improve on the policies of the FRETILIN government during the first five years of government.

“The FRETILIN government over the last five years has put in place programs and policies which have laid the platform for strong sustainable economic growth,” he said.

“This policy platform is a detailed program for economic development and will bring real benefits to the people of Timor-Leste.”

Da Silva said the key features of FRETILIN’s program were:

§ Accelerated infrastructure development in the areas of electricity, water, roads and other public works

§ Continued promotion of gender equality and women participation at all levels of society

§ Restructure of the East Timorese Police Force (PNTL) and the Ministry of Interior to address the existing problems in PNTL. A FRETILIN government will also legislate improvements in the legal framework regulating the activities of the PNTL

§ Increased budgetary support for the justice system and the PNTL

§ Improvements in the working conditions of the F-FDTL and the legal framework regulating the activities of the Defence Force (F-FDTL). The government will also give greater support to the management of the F-FFDTL

§ Provision of skilled training, job orientated vocational training and scholarships to tackle youth unemployment

§ Provision of rural credit and increased funding under the Community Development Fund to facilitate rural development

§ Incentives to attract foreign investors to Timor-Leste

§ A housing policy for the poor and vulnerable and the building of houses for people living in internal refugee camps

§ Establishment of police postings and community policing to restore security and re-establish law and order

§ Further investment in education, including tertiary education, to improve infrastructure, equipment and training of teachers

§ Further investment in health infrastructure and expansion of services in rural areas. A FRETILIN government will also improve working facilities at the National Hospital in Dili and improve the working conditions of health professionals

§ Establishment of a social welfare net for the poor and continued assistance to the most vulnerable

§ Promotion of agricultural based industries

§ Provisions of pensions to veterans through properly established institutions



Da Silva said, “In 1975, FRETILIN told the people that one day Timor-Leste would be independent and no one believed us. We also told the people it would not be easy and that it would take time. Many people told us that it would not be possible and that we were only dreaming about independence. We proved them wrong.

“FRETILIN again promises today that we will eradicate poverty and that we will bring benefits to our people, but that we will do it sustainably, and in a way that does not compromise our economic and political independence. FRETILIN has the program to eradicate poverty and it has begun implementing that program and will continue to do so if it is elected again.”

For more information, please contact:

Jose Teixeira (+670) 728 7080 or send an email to fretilin.media@gmail.com

www.timortruth.com, www.fretilin-rdtl.blogspot.com