MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian funded and refurbished East
Timor Constituent Assembly building is opening today for the swearing-in of East
Timor's first democratically elected Assembly. This is a symbol of Australia's
commitment to an independent and democratic East Timor.
Australia is proud of the role it is playing in supporting East Timor's
transition to independence. The people of East Timor are to be commended for
their patience and hard work in beginning the rebuilding of their nation.
Nowhere was this more apparent than in the determined and peaceful manner in
which the citizens of East Timor conducted their first national election on
August 30.
The Australian Government's overseas aid program has had a major role in
helping East Timor prepare for the August 30 election. This has included
delegates for the international electoral monitoring team, assistance from the
Australian Electoral Commission to enhance East Timor's electoral administration
capabilities and training for polling station officials.
The aid program is also helping East Timor's transition to democratic
self-government through a range of governance activities. This includes training
for parliamentary staff, the development of effective budget management and
taxation systems and the provision of scholarships targeted at East Timor's
urgently needed skills.
The newly elected members will sit for the first time in the new Constituent
Assembly Building today. Their first task will be to write the nation's
constitution. The spirit of cooperation and fair play shown during the August 30
election is a positive sign that the new Assembly members will work in close
partnership to develop a constitution that reflects the needs and aspirations of
all East Timorese.
I look forward with enthusiasm to the 88 members taking their place today in
the new Assembly. I congratulate the members of the Assembly, and wish them all
the best in the important task of building an independent, just and prosperous
nation.
Media contacts: Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206
890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804
489