Embassy Highlights
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Political Officer Visits Western Enclave District of Oecussi
August 11, 2008  | | Political Officer Roberto Quiroz with Oecussi Children |
Political Officer Roberto Quiroz traveled to the western enclave district of Oecussi from August 11-13 to participate in a cultural festival honoring the district's heritage, and to visit United Nations police (UNPOL), National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), and border immigration officers. On August 12, the city of Pante Makasar held a day-long cultural festival celebrating the traditions of Oecussi's 18 villages. The event featured cultural performances, poetry readings, and music concerts by local artists. The Government of Timor-Leste's delegation was led by Secretary of State for Culture Virgilio Smith, and guests included officials from United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), and the embassies of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal. Mr. Quiroz also visited an Uma Lulic (Sacred House) site located two hours away from the city with Secretary of State Smith, and the UNMIT and PNTL headquarters for discussions with senior law enforcement officers on conditions in the district. In addition, he visited the border checkpoints between Indonesia and Timor-Leste for discussions on border security and safeguards against human and other illicit trafficking into Timor-Leste. Most residents remembered the hardship days following Indonesia's 1999 withdrawal from the country, as evident through the still standing remains of burned structures throughout the district. Some villages were completely destroyed, but rebuilt by residents whose ancestors occupied their land for over five generations. However, residents remained optimistic about their future and welcomed the presence of foreign visitors. At the Uma Lulic site, the residents pointed to its upcoming restoration under the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation program as evidence of the support needed in Oecussi. The visit was part of Embassy Dili's public diplomacy outreach program to remote communities in all districts of Timor-Leste.
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Latest Headlines From the Embassy |
USNS MERCY Departs Timor-Leste: Over 9,000 Patients Served
July 25, 2008
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The USNS Mercy departed Timor-Leste from Dili harbor on July 25, concluding the ship's two week visit since its arrival on July 12. At a farewell evening reception on July 24 hosted by Commodore William Kearns, the Pacific Partnership 2008 Mission Commander announced the MERCY's crew - composed of service members from the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and others - had treated over 9,000 patients in Timor-Leste. The crew provided medical care and other humanitarian assistance throughout the country, including in the districts of Dili, Ermera, Bobonaro, Cova Lima, Baucau and Viqueque. During his remarks at the farewell reception, Ambassador Klemm thanked Commodore Kearns and the U.S. Navy for making the MERCY's visit possible and praised the dedication and service of its personnel, as well as the Timorese people for welcoming the crew members into their communities. In addition to medical service, the crew engaged in soccer games with local Timorese teams, the U.S. Navy Band performed public concerts with local bands, and the Commodore attended ribbon cutting ceremonies for renovated schools and clinics. The USNS MERCY's visit received positive, daily, front-page media coverage from all Timorese media venues, local radio and television coverage, and international media coverage. As noted by local media reports, the visit provided many Timorese the opportunity to receive critical medical care and strengthened the ties of friendship between the United States and Timor-Leste.
Ambassador Discusses U.S. Elections at National University of Timor-Leste
July 24, 2008 On July 24, Ambassador Hans Klemm discussed the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections with a group of over 50 students, professors, and members of Dili's diplomatic corps at the National University of Timor-Leste. The Ambassador discussed the electoral process, background of both leading candidates, the caucus system, party national conventions, general campaigns, and the general elections. He also highlighted past presidential elections, their candidates and home states, and final election results. In addition, he discussed the roles of the Congress, Supreme Court, and state governments in our democracy. The students asked several questions about the U.S. electoral system, with some noting that it is important for political parties to be prepared for victory as well as defeat to safeguard and strengthen the nation's democratic system.
Ambassador Addresses Police Officers in Liquica and Visits USNS MERCY Clinic Site
July 23, 2008  During a visit to the district of Liquica on July 23, Ambassador Hans Klemm paid a visit to Liquica's National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) commander Afonso dos Santos, and spoke to a group of 20 PNTL officers enrolled in a course sponsored by the United Nations Police forces in Timor-Leste. During his presentation, the Ambassador reiterated U.S. commitment to assist Timor-Leste's security sector to promote the country’s stability, rule of law, and economic development. He also highlighted the important role of the police in maintaining stability and encouraged the officers to further their professional training to better serve their communities. The Ambassador also visited the local hospital where crew members of the USNS MERCY worked alongside Timorese medical professionals in providing medical care to approximately 400 patients per day. The MERCY visited Timor-Leste from July 12 - 25, 2008. The Ambassador was greeted at the clinic by Liquica District Administrator Leonel de Jesus Carvalho and the hospital chief.
USNS MERCY Arrives in Timor-Leste for Humanitarian Medical Assistance
July 12, 2008  |
On July 12, Ambassador Hans Klemm hosted a welcome ceremony for the USNS MERCY crew, who are visiting Timor-Leste from July 12-25. The USNS MERCY and its crew is led by Pacific Partnership 2008 Mission Commander, Commodore William Kearns. The event was attended by Minister of Health Nelson Martins, Secretary of State for Security Francisco Guterres, Defense Chief Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak, International Stabilization Forces Commander Brigadier James Baker, ambassadors and members of Dili's diplomatic corps, local and international media, and over 50 other guests. During his remarks, Minister of Health Martins highlighted the great humanitarian assistance provided by the USNS MERCY and its crew to Timor-Leste's population, adding that one of Timor-Leste's greatest needs is in its health sector. Mr. Martins underscored the MERCY visited the country in 2006 and its return was welcomed by the Timorese people, stressing its mission reflects the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Timor-Leste. In his remarks, Ambassador Klemm welcomed the crew and praised their dedication to serving patients in Timor-Leste. He also thanked the Ministry of Health and the Timorese people for welcoming the USNS MERCY and noted that patients will be cared for aboard the ship, in clinics in Dili, and in some districts as Baucau, Liquica, Ermera, and Viqueque. Commodore Kearns thanked the government and people of Timor-Leste for their welcome, discussed the MERCY's journey during Pacific Partnership 2008, and said he looked forward to their work with Timorese health professionals and the general public. The visit has received positive, wide and daily front page media coverage in all of Timor-Leste's print, TV, and radio media, highlighting the assistance provided by the United States and the wide number of patients treated throughout the country.
Embassy Dili Celebrates 4th of July
July 5, 2008 |
On July 4th, Ambassador Hans Klemm hosted Embassy Dili's annual 4th of July celebrations at his residence, attended by President Jose Ramos-Horta, National Parliament president Fernando Lasama de Araujo, Foreign Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa, former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, and over 500 guests including members from national parliament, the government, diplomatic corps, international community, media, NGO's, and civil society. During their remarks, President Jose Ramos-Horta and Ambassador Klemm lauded the bilateral ties and strong friendship between both nations, preceding the period before independence. President Ramos-Horta noted with appreciation the many calls and letters he received at the hospital in Darwin, Australia during his convalescence period from President Bush, members of Congress, and Americans throughout the U.S. following the assassination attempt against him on February 11, 2008. The President, who spent many years in exile in New York during the Indonesian occupation period, noted that their well wishes exemplify the spirit of friendship between our nations.
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U.S. Politics
