Alkatiri: Soldiers petition still to be considered

“Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has said that even though F-FDTL Commander Taur Matan Ruak has taken the decision to expel the 591 soldiers from the F-FDTL, it does not mean that the matter is finished. He stated that the petition presented by the soldiers, and therefore the problem within the institution, is still an issue. Speaking outside the Government-Private Sector National Congress on Thursday, Alkatiri said that the government maintains its position in supporting Ruak’s decision to expel the soldiers, while the State will contain to maintain its position that the decision was wrong and unjust. He clarified that even though the two positions are contradictory, efforts will be made to resolve the issues within the F-FDTL institution as presented in the petition. However the expelled soldiers will not have the opportunity again to be soldiers, as “we do not want the military institution to be treated lightly”, emphasized Alkatiri. According to Alkatiri, in other countries the petitioners would not only be expelled from the Force, but would be taken to a military court to be tried.”

Source: Timor Post & Suara Timor Lorosae (from UNOTIL Public Information Office, Daily Media Review)

Category: Timor-Leste (East Timor)