Dili, 31 March 2010 - The Government of Timor-Leste today launched a new web portal as part of its communications programmes aimed at bringing the country's communications systems into the 21st century: www.timor-leste.gov.tl
Features of the website include the latest news, historical information, links to Ministries and Government information, upcoming events, access to the latest Government issued media releases, and multi-media presentations. The website is published in three languages: the official languages of Tetum and Portuguese, as well as English.
On 24 March the Council of Ministers adopted a new policy on mass communications, and the launch of the new Government website represents an early step toward the implementation of this policy.
Secretary of State Agio Pereira, responsible for the policy and its implementation, said: "Timor-Leste's institutions are young, as is the media; so we must invest and develop the media as an equal independent pillar of the State for transparency (and) for accountability." He highlighted the importance of mass communications in the social and economic development of Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste has yet to develop a legal framework related to the media, with debate ongoing over recent years. Secretary of State Pereira flagged that legislation will follow the adoption of the policy. Timorese journalists and media associations continue to debate what is required in order to ensure the independence of the media and its sustainability.
