Precedence: bulk CNRT- Timor Leste xanana gusm�o Message by President Xanana Gusmao on the occasion of the Popular Consultation NOW IS THE TIME TO BUILD THE FUTURE! (Reconciliation, Unity and National Development in the Framework of the Transition towards Independence) Dear East Timorese, brothers and fellow countrymen, A few days from now, the People of East Timor will cast their vote in the Popular Consultation, organised by the United Nations, to democratically choose their destiny. A long chapter in the history of our people's struggle for the affirmation of its culture and firm determination to choose its own future is reaching its conclusion. The patriotic engagement of thousands of freedom fighters and anonymous citizens in this glorious struggle for the independence of our country is the expression of our ancestors' fighting spirit over centuries. The blood of the Timorese Nation is made of heroic deeds and the abnegation of all those who have given their lives in the name of Freedom. It has been a difficult process, a source of mourning, destruction of families, that marked generations. Reconciliation and National Unity The birth of the Timorese Nation cannot take place in the midst of division and marred by discord and rancour. Regardless of past political positions, all citizens are called upon to embrace the need for harmony, and to show forgiveness and tolerance towards their brothers for the sake of our national interests. The difficulties endured to this day cannot remain a permanent shadow obstructing our future. Our Nation will be greater if each and every one of us is able to forgive, including those who have committed the most reprehensible acts. In such an exalting time, each of us is called upon to overcome differences and bury hatred. Let's embrace each other and join hands in an unbreakable chain of brotherhood and love. For Timor's future to be one of joy and prosperity, we must be united around our Nation. Peace, reconciliation, understanding and harmony are fundamental for the political stability, for the social and economic progress of our country. All citizens are thus called upon to demonstrate brotherly understanding and solidarity towards the less fortunate and most needy. In the new era which is before us, all East Timorese are indispensable in eradicating the misery and under-development that characterise a large proportion of our population. The Construction of the East Timorese State The eradication of illiteracy and the construction of a prosperous society with a modern and self-sufficient economy will be the main foci of our struggle in this new phase. All East Timorese are called upon to dedicate their skills and energy to the strengthening of our country. The objective of our struggle for independence was to build the State of Timor Lorosae that fights for Peace, Democracy and Prosperity for all, regardless of political or religious convictions, race, colour or social and cultural origins. As stated in the Magna Carta, the State of Timor Lorosae will respect the universal principles relating to human rights, gender equality, freedom of speech and information and of assembly as they are defined in the International Conventions and Treaties. Independence will be consolidated through the establishment of the Rule of Law. The State of Timor Lorosae will fight for the separation of powers and defend the independence of its judiciary. The State of Timor Lorosae will respect and protect the right to ownership of land and goods legally acquired in East Timor by individuals or groups, nationals or foreigners, and will encourage the economic players to consolidate and expand their ongoing economic and social activities. It will promulgate laws that will regulate in a balanced manner public and private interests, social and individual objectives and will guarantee the freedom of movement of people and goods. Market Economy With the objective of promoting economic growth towards self-sufficiency, the State of Timor Lorosae will advocate the development of a market economy with selective intervention of the State to ensure equity, transparency and efficiency. The State will encourage the building and strengthening of the private sector in all social spheres, with particular emphasis on support for private Timorese entrepreneurs. To overcome Timor Lorosae's backwardness and underdevelopment is a very difficult task that will require determination, persistence and a strong individual and collective effort. The scarcity of resources and the high level of illiteracy are preoccupying. However, this must not dampen our enthusiasm and will to overcome under-development. Economic and Social Development Politic and economic development will follow an approach promoting higher production, prioritising rural development, which concerns the overwhelming majority of the East Timorese people. Integrated rural development will be based on the reinforcement of the towns and villages, on the improvement of living standards, and on the introduction of techniques and technology that will increase productivity and, consequently, the rise of agricultural production, the exchange of goods, always bearing in mind the equilibrium and preservation of the environment. The objective of the economic policy of the State of Timor Lorosae will be to transform the East Timorese economy, predominantly an agrarian and subsistence one, into a more diversified and developed economy. For such purpose it will promote a better use of natural resources such as forests, cattle-raising, fisheries; the exploration of mineral resources and development of tourism. A fiscal policy that stimulates development With a view to stimulating job-creation, and generating greater income for the State budget, the Government of Timor Lorosae will draw maximum benefit from the country's geo-political and economic situation, and of the confluence of the commercial route between Asia and Oceania, in the midst of thousands of islands situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, taking advantage of the ample market of the South East Asian countries, among which are countries that have experienced significant economic growth in the past 30 years. In this context, the Government will define a policy of fiscal and custom incentives that encourage and stimulate investment in the production sector so as to replace imports, increase exports and stimulate employment. In pursuit of this economic policy, the State of Timor Lorosae will facilitate the creation of some special economic zones in order to stimulate employment for the East Timorese, though the development of an off-shore centre consisting of a modern financial hub. Attracting foreign investment The State of Timor Lorosae encourages the transfer of resources available abroad and their channelling into fruitful investments in the country. To this end, a specific bill protecting national and foreign investments will be enacted. As it is the practice in international banking, the State will protect banking secrecy by law. With the intention of attracting foreign investment to complement domestic resources and of creating jobs, the Government of Timor Lorosae will develop technical, scientific, economic, social and cultural co-operation, on the bilateral and multilateral level, with different countries and international institutions. The appearance of Timor Lorosae on the global economic stage will permit access to the experience and knowledge achieved throughout the world and thus reinforce the capacity of the East Timorese people to confront the challenge of globalisation. The Transitional Government on the independence of Timor Lorosae will prepare a Plan of National Development for the years 2000 to 2005, in the context of a strategic plan over 20 years. These plans will confer priority to the development of national initiatives promoting better exploitation of natural resources, of local capacity and initiative, making the most of internal savings as a contribution to the realisation of investments in the country. Public Administration Public service will be gradually restructured according to the demands of the independent State of Timor Lorosae. Public administration has to be efficient and operational, proportionally in keeping with our objectives and means. Public administration will be managed with transparency, raising the level of professionalism with full and regular accountability. In this context, the State will modernise all of its services, simplifying the administrative procedures to better serve the national economy. It will encourage the expansion of domestic and international commerce and stimulate the modernisation of the financial and banking sectors as well as other services such as transportation, communications, water and electricity, sanitation and urbanisation, and will build the necessary infrastructure. Good governance will also aim at reducing bureaucracy and preventing corruption. The government initiative will also aim at encouraging projects generating employment and wealth, that will bring about prosperity and well-being. The State of Timor Lorosae will promote a culture which confers value and dignity to work in all sectors of activity. Recruitment of public servants will be kept strictly within budget limits, for a rational management of human and financial resources. In the context of its economic program, employment will be generated mainly through development of small-scale enterprises in the agricultural and industrial sectors, in commerce and traditional crafts. Training With the independence of our country, governance will require scientific and technical know-how to ensure that the economic and social life of the country follows the appropriate course. We are thus calling on all citizens, and in particular on the youth, to resume or pursue their studies at all levels. Bearing in mind our history, the current, geo-economic and cultural reality to which our country belongs, we must strengthen Tetum, our mother language, disseminated and perfect the command of Portuguese language, as well as maintain the teaching of the Indonesian language. Success in education and training in any socio-professional sector will ensure positive results on the social and economic issues. With regard to the eradication of illiteracy, the Government of Timor Lorosae will give priority to adult education and the training of East Timorese, focussing on the youth, enabling them to obtain professional, technical and vocational qualifications to enhance their entrepreneurship, be it of their own initiative or in the context of entrepreneurial associations or co-operatives. Relations with ASEAN and Indonesia The State of Timor Lorosae will strive to participate in the dynamics of regional co-operation for peace and development in the ASEAN framework, reinforcing political, defence and security alliances, as well as economic, social, scientific and technical relations. Taking into account its history, as well as the imperatives of peace and multifaceted co-operation, Timor Lorosae will establish privileged co-operation relations in the different economic and financial, social and cultural sectors with a democratic and multiparty Indonesia, formalising bi-lateral agreements in the economic sector among others, scientific and technical co-operation agreements, an agreement of mutual protection of investments and agreements in the economics and finance areas. Relations with Portugal and CPLP The solidarity between the Peoples of Portugal and East Timor is unbreakable. Relations with Portugal constitute a wealth of knowledge, historic and cultural inheritance as well as an emotional realtion close to our hearts that we have preserved in all circumstances. We wish this relation to remain strong, through new relations of co-operation, as two people, free and equal. We were deeply touched by the declaration of the Portuguese State that they will take responsibility to ensure that the existing institutions in East Timor continue to function. Bearing in mind the profound solidarity forged with the Lusophone countries during the most difficult years, we will join the forum for co-operation linking South East Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. International Relations The State of Timor Lorosae will practice a policy of peace, peaceful co-existence, solidarity and mutually beneficial international co-operation with the greatest possible number of countries. The State of Timor Lorosae will formally seek membership of the UN, APEC, the South Pacific Forum as well as ASEAN and the CPLP. The State of Timor Lorosae will ratify the agreements signed by the member states of these organisations safeguarding the country's situation of transition. Within these organisations Timor Lorosae could develop wide range regional co-operation, reinforcing political alliances of mutual defence and security, as well as reinforcing economic, social, scientific and technical relations. The State of Timor Lorosae will establish mutually beneficial relations with all independent countries, and will foster relations at various levels with Australia, the United States, Japan, the European Union, and Portugal in particular, and the member countries of the Community of Lusophone Countries (CPLP). The State of Timor Lorosae will also establish political and diplomatic relations with all independent nations, based on mutual respect and national sovereignty, equality, entering in mutually beneficial agreements. The State of Timor Lorosae will seek membership of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank institutions as well of the financial institutions established in the framework of ASEAN and the countries with which bilateral and regional co-operation have been developed. The National Liberation Fighters The FALINTIL, the liberation fighters of our Nation, will deserve the eternal gratitude of our entire people. Not a single one of us fought expecting rewards of any kind or nominations to top posts in government and public administration. For us the greatest reward will be to attend the ceremony at which the Flag of Freedom will be raised in our free and independent Nation. Our Government, with the support of the international community, will give priority activities aimed at the social and economic integration of the Freedom Fighters, creating the conditions and opportunities for them to receive professional training, so that they will not depend exclusively on the State Budget. Top Priority Tasks General Amnesty and Tolerance At this promising and unparalleled moment in the history of our People, as we prepare to face a new future, it is imperative to ensure political and social stability in the country. This requires a peaceful and harmonious transition, as well as the reinforcement of the spirit of equanimity and national reconciliation. For reconciliation to become effective, we will proclaim general amnesty for all political crimes committed until now. This decision is mature one taken after careful consideration. This act of generosity transcends our emotions, heals wounds and elevates the soul of our people! I wholeheartedly appeal for an immediate end to violence. So as to ensure stability during the period following the vote, the Transitional Government will pay particular intention to the integration of East Timorese currently in the TNI and POLRI ranks as well as members of the paramilitary groups. Training will be available to those who wish to enter, together with other citizens, in the Timorese police force for the protection of law and order and the safety of the citizens. We have fought against an oppressive system that has antagonised us. At no point, have we fought against the people of Indonesia. We are on the eve of a new era. All East Timorese citizens will thus be able to consider one another with trust and join hands for the growth of our Nation. Ensure the Continuity of Operation of the Country In the current phase, it is essential to ensure the normal operation of the institutions, businesses and others services. We call on public servants in particular, on businessmen, all Timorese nationals and foreign residents in Timor Lorosae to: 1- Ensure that the Institutions Continue to Function It is indispensable that all public and private institutions continue to operate in the period immediately following the Popular Consultation to ensure the regular distribution of goods and service provision to the population. There must be no moving backwards. Services must improve particularly in the health and education sectors. 2- Maintain the Regularity of Supply It is essential to pay particular attention to the uninterrupted supply of goods, including that of imported goods, to the population. 3- Maintain Production Levels To avoid paralysis of the economy, it is essential to ensure the replenishing of the necessary reserves up to the next harvest and its commercialisation. Maintaining in full operation the industrial plants and the services is equally important, particularly water and energy supply, health centers and others catering to the people's basic necessities. Negotiations with Indonesia The Transitional Government will negotiate with the Indonesian Government to reach an agreement on issues that are essential and of high national interest so as to: - Maintain the Indonesia Rupiah in circulation in the country at least during the transition period - Define the status of the East Timorese civil servant (including military and policemen) and the employees of partly state-owned companies in the service of the Indonesian State, so that their rights and obligations are respected. - Define the rights and obligations of the Indonesian citizens working in state institutions as well as parastatal companies (including banks and state telecommunication, water, electricity and transport companies) which wish to remain in the service of the new State of Timor Lorosae. They are welcome to contribute to the building of the new State - Reach an agreement on the public institutions and parastatal companies operating in East Timor. Dear East Timorese Brothers and Fellow Countrymen, The independence process demands the participation all the sons and daughters of Timor Lorosae, we call upon all the political leaders regardless of their differences and to the leaders of all the East Timorese associations to lend their skills, their knowledge and energies to contribute together to the building of the Nation. We are all indispensable to the construction of our independence. Let's make Timor Lorosae our common banner. We have to face the challenge of the affirmation of our political and cultural identity which causes us to face complex problems linked to economic and social development. Therefore, we must redouble our efforts to win our fight against poverty and under-development. The struggle against under-development is a long and complex one. By fighting together we can successfully contribute to the creation of a dignified and prosperous State of Timor Lorosae. Due to the democratic nature of the popular consultation, the decision to build or not an independent country concerns us all. Each citizen, in the interest of the nation, must respect the outcome of the vote and pledge to put their skills and energies at the service of the Timorese Nation. The State of Timor Lorosae will welcome in its bosom all the East Timorese, regardless of the positions they assumed in the past. I particularly refer to those who are part of the pro-integration paramilitary forces (PPI). I here reiterate my solemn commitment to guarantee the amnesty and reconciliation between the East Timorese for the security and tranquillity of all. It is time to build the future! Kay Rala Xanana Gusm�o CNRT President ---------- SiaR WEBSITE: http://apchr.murdoch.edu.au/minihub/siarlist/maillist.html
