Dili 4 May 2007 – Ramos-Horta today called for legislation to force full, audited disclosure of pecuniary interests for all members of East Timor’s Government and Civil Service.
Ramos-Horta stated, “In the 5 years that the Fretilin Government has been in power neither Mari Alkatiri or his speaker of Parliament has passed the necessary legislation to document economic trade or business pecuniary interest laws for Government officials and civil servants.
“This is yet another example of their inability to establish the necessary legislative framework that our young nation requires to build a prosperous future free from the corruption of self-serving politicians.
“I have always supported, and will continue to support, pecuniary legislation which will force every Member of Parliament and our civil service to make public their wealth, business interests and acquisitions, including monetary gifts. I strongly support laws modelled on best practice standards of leading democratic societies such as the United States of America and Australia.
“In 2001 the United Nations transitional administration requested officials to submit details of their bank accounts and other pecuniary interests. I would like to state that I was the only individual that responded to the request. I am happy to provide full disclosure of my pecuniary interests through a regulatory, accountable and audited body once it is established.
“A media release is not a credible statement of pecuniary interest. It must be audited by a reputable regulatory body, to verify all statements and ensure full disclosure. The Fretilin candidate in his statement claims to have no savings and no business interests outside his Parliamentary speaker’s salary of US$1000 per month. He does not explain how on this salary he managed to build himself a lavish villa in his hometown of Ossu costing an estimated $700,000. I would call on him to explain where these monies came from.”
In a media conference at his home in Dili on 27th April 2007, Ramos-Horta addressed the issue of pecuniary stating his interests, with his final comments:
"We need to eliminate corruption and nepotism. There needs to be control over the business interests of Government Ministers to ensure that the wealth is distributed fairly throughout our country."
Ends.
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