Indonesian TV accused of supporting Reinado
Updated
East Timor's president Jose Ramos Horta has pledged to lodge an official complaint against an Indonesian television station, accusing it of supporting rebel fugitive Alfredo Reinado.
Presenter:Stephanie March
Speakers: East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta.
MARCH: It's no secret that in May 2007, Indonesian television service Metro TV did an interview with rebel fugitive Alfredo Reinado.
In the past, Metro TV has insisted the interview was done in East Timor's capital Dili, but President Jose Ramos Horta says that is a lie, and the interview took place in a hotel room in Jakarta.
He accuses Metro TV of providing false documents for the rebel leader to travel to Indonesia, and paying for his expenses.
RAMOD HORTA : This kind of activity by journalists is condemned all over the world. Journalists have a code of conduct and ethics that you do not violate countries laws, particularly supporting an individual, who has an arrest warrant on him.
MARCH: The President says he plans to lodge an official complaint with the International Federation of Journalists.
RAMOD HORTA: Alfredo Reindao had a lot of contacts in Indonesia. He went there with false docs. Who issued to him these false documents?
We know who did: the authorities in Atamboua, they did. And I will take this complaint to Brussles to all the international journalism organizations.
MARCH: While the investigation as to who provided support to the rebels continues, the president says Alfredo Reinado and his lover Angelita Pires hold a joint account with the Commonwealth Bank in the Australian city of Darwin that contains 800-thousand dollars.
Despite East Timor's prosecutor general Longuinhos Monteiro saying Reinado made 47 phone calls to Australia in the hours leading up to the attacks, Dr Ramos Horta believes they were all made to Timorese citizens, and Angelita Pires is the only Australian citizen suspected of supporting the rebel leader.
RAMOS HORTA: I can almost guarantee that there is no Australian involvement in this. They use the account in Darwin in order to divert attention, put in a different bank that is not present in Timor, so it is easier for them to move the money.
MARCH: Despite his condemnation of those who supported Reinado, yesterday during a press conference at the Dili airport, the President himself admitted to providing food and financial assistance to the rebel leader.
RAMOS HORTA: I did everything including Mr Alfredo Reindao, before he had lots of money. In May 2006 to June, he asked me for money for his family, I didn't have much, I pull out money from my pocket I gave him 50-dollars. He didn't look very happy that I only pull out 50-dollars but I say "Alfredo that is my money." Did he give to my wife and kids? I don't know.
MARCH: The prosector general is expected to complete his investigation soon, but President Ramos Horta is not ruling out the possibility of a separate independent international investigation.
RAMOS HORTA: First if I am satisfied with the investigation by the Prosecutor General, then obviously I will not push, but our parliament has already requested an international investigation. I have talk already some individuals of international standing if they would accept to be in an international panel. Such an investigation doesn't have to be set up by the UN. I personally - as president - can invite 4 or 5 individuals; I have already spoken to some to be part of the panel. I might do that as it is faster and quicker.
