With calm prevailing in the country, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Minister for Defence, Dr José Ramos-Horta, embarked on a intensive schedule of meetings aimed at restoring people's confidence in the political leadership, in the country's institutions and in the national and international business communities.
"It's very encouraging to see the population regaining the freedom of the city, going about their lives without fear, and to see shops and other businesses operating near full capacity. A large number of public servants have also returned to work," Minister Ramos-Horta said.
"The fact that the international police in collaboration with Timor-Leste's Interior Minister, Alcino Baris, have increased daily patrols and re-installed traffic discipline in the streets of the capital are positive developments which have helped Dili return to normalcy."
Early in the week, as Coordinating Minister in Timor-Leste's caretaker Government, Dr Ramos-Horta convened and chaired a Council of Ministers meeting where pressing issues such as humanitarian assistance to the thousands of displaced persons and current financial needs and commitments were discussed and actioned.
At a second Council of Ministers meeting they received briefings on current and future issues related to security and law and order by the commander of the Joint Task Force, Brigadier General Mick Slater, and by the special envoy of UN Secretary-General, Mr Ian Martin, on the forthcoming UN mission.
Minister Ramos-Horta was particularly pleased that, despite the upheaval of the last couple of months, international investors this week showed their faith in the future of Timor-Leste.
"The announcement on Wednesday that a power supply project is going ahead was very satisfying. It is an investment of US$80 million, the biggest investment in Timor-Leste, other than the Timor Sea gas developments," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
"It will generate cleaner and cheaper power to Timor-Leste - much needed to attract other investments in the country."
The power supply project will be run by EGET (Energy Generating Enterprise Timor-Leste), a joint venture comprising the Government of Timor-Leste, which will contribute some 10% of the capital, and Thai and UK private investors and UK technology.
"The response by prospective international investors to the power supply project has been overwhelming. In the 48 hours since the announcement my office has been contacted by a number of prospective investors who want to discuss their investment ideas or want to revive dormant projects that for one reason or another have been mothballed.
"This is really encouraging for Timor-Leste's economy and for the wellbeing of the Timorese people as it will lead to the creation of much needed jobs and a future of hope and good things to come," Minister Ramos-Horta said.
Minister Ramos-Horta also held extensive discussions with a number of influent international and national dignitaries including President Xanana Gusmão, the Bishop of Dili, Dom Ricardo da Silva, the special envoy of UN Secretary-General, Mr Ian Martin, the special envoy of the European Union Commission, Dr Miguel Amado, and the high-level delegation from the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Nations), World Bank's executive Sarah Cliffe, and representatives of many national political parties.
"I've also toured extensively the suburbs of Dili to personally assess the humanitarian and law and order situation," Dr Ramos-Horta said. "In one such suburb, Becora, I've attended a community meeting in which their security concerns were addressed."
"As a result I convened and chaired a high-level meeting of key ministers, representatives of the international military and police forces and their respective ambassadors, UNOTIL and most of the agencies, including UNDP, UNHCR, OCHA, UNICEF, IOM and several NGO's engaged in humanitarian assistance in Timor-Leste, to discuss a plan, to be coordinated by my colleague Minister Arsénio Bano, to have the displaced persons resume their normal lives in the safety they deserve and have the right to.
"I am pleased to announce that all parties are now engaged in the preparation of a community reintegration plan, first developed by Austcare, in partnership with Timor-Leste's Ministry of Labour and Community Welfare," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Minister Ramos-Horta said that President Xanana Gusmão has been consulting with political parties including Fretilin, the majority party, following the constitutional processes necessary to the formation of a new government.
"It is my hope we will have a new government in place sometime next week," Dr Ramos-Horta said.- ENDS.
For further information please contact:
CHRIS SANTOS
Assessor de Imprensa/Media Advisor
Cabinet Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
Tel: +670 729 7099