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