Pacific Press Release – United Nations

Underscoring the strong ties between the United Nations and Timor-Leste, the world body’s new top envoy to the fledgling nation today expressed her commitment to continuing with the deep relationship. Read more »

Accused former militia leader Martenus Bere in 1999. Photo: Tempo Semanal

Pacific.Scoop
By Tempo Semanal in Dili

President José Ramos-Horta has denied claims that former Laksaur militia commander Maternus Bere has been spirited across the border into West Timor from the Indonesian Embassy in the Timor-Leste capital of Dili.

According to a Tempo Semanal source within the government before Horta left the country on October 19 for the presidential inauguration in Indonesia, he called an urgent meeting with acting Prime Minister Jose Luis Gutteres to discuss the Bere case.
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A young José Ramos-Horta (Oscar Isaac) and Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) investigating the deaths of the five Australian-based journalists in the film Balibo.

Pacific.Scoop
Opinion – By Belinda Lopez in Jakarta

In Blok AA1 of the Christian cemetery in Kebayoran Lama, an engraved headstone marks the resting place of young journalists shot by the Indonesian military.
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Martenus Bere ... charged for atrocities but freed without court order. Image: Diliinsider

Pacific.Scoop
By a special correspondent in Dili

A new report finds Timor-Leste is still lagging in efforts to prosecute human rights violations that occurred under Indonesian rule and during its turbulent transition to independence.

The report from the United Nations says 301 people indicted for human rights abuses during that period are still at large.
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José Belo ... all smiles. Photo: APHEDA

Pacific.Scoop
By Tempo Semanal in Dili

Independent journalist and editor José Belo and his Tempo Semanal print and online publication have been awarded a medal by East Timor President José Ramos-Horta for their “courageous work” in journalism.

The President recognised the political risk in making the award because politicians “don’t like journalists who always gave them a headache”.
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Fretilin has dominated Timorese politics since independence, but lost office in the last elections while remaining the single largest party. Photo: PMC/David Robie

Pacific.Scoop
By Matt Crook in Dili

Ravaged by 24 years of military occupation and threatened with reprisals by vengeful militias, the people of East Timor went to the polls 10 years ago to vote for independence from Indonesia.

Now a festive mood is taking hold as the half-island Pacific nation of about 1.1 million people prepares to celebrate the referendum’s anniversary today. Sports and cultural events are being held in the lead-up to an official ceremony in Dili.
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