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CNRT Proud to Embrace All Individuals From All Political Parties

Dili – 11th June 2007

Secretary General of East Timor’s CNRT Party, Dionisio Babo Soares, today reminded all political parties that in a free and fair election, all citizens of East Timor, regardless of political affiliation, are free to attend political rallies as they chose.  Choice is the key characteristic of democracy. The citizens have the right to exercise freedom of expression, and this includes the wearing of clothing that is marked with political slogans, whether the garment is pro-CNRT or anti-CNRT. This right extends to the carrying of flags that are marked with political slogans, as long as it is done peacefully and in good faith to uphold the values treasured in a democracy - free speech within open forum debate.

“CNRT is not an exclusive party, our political base was founded on inclusivity,” stated Soares.  “Our platform and policies create a forum for all individuals, whether affiliated with the party or not, to openly exchange views. These values are those of an established democracy, and the CNRT actively promotes and warmly embraces them.

“Fretilin can make laws, by passing amendments to the legislative election law, in an attempt to restrict open forum policy, but once a country is mobilized to a democracy, halting progress is virtually impossible.  Our social consciousness is raised and there is no turning back.

“Fretilin has now issued three media releases accusing factions of their own party for attending CNRT rallies. This is obviously an internal issue within the Fretilin party, and a rather embarrassing issue for them to be exposing to the international media. Even their own party members are crossing to the CNRT, in hope for a modern and progressive approach to politics. We look to the future not to the past. CNRT embraces all citizens, including Fretilin members and those of any faction of other political parties, who are most welcome at our rallies.

“We do not intend to stop anyone from attending our meetings, as long as it is done in the positive spirit of peace and democracy. The citizens must educate themselves and their colleagues on our policies, creating healthy debate and forming coalitions that work within the healthy framework of a hopeful new parliament, and a government of national unity, after the legislative elections. This is what our people and our country have been crying out for. 

“Fretilin began its life as one party. It has fractured into a number of parties, because there was no open forum for healthy debate, no culture of tolerance and a stifling, single minded leadership that has immobilized the party. It is a shame that a party with historical significance should be treated like this.

“Several parties choose to collaborate with the CNRT because they choose to be heard, they choose to be respected, and they choose to join a positive and progressive party which will create harmony within leadership. CNRT will never limit dialogue or the ordinance of democracy. Such is the new way of  CNRT, we are proud that even Fretilin supporters now stand side by side with CNRT in calling for a new direction. It is a pivotal moment in our history.”

ENDS

For Further Information
CNRT Media Contact
T: +670 735 8696
E: info@cnrt-Timor.org
W: www.cnrt-timor.org

 

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