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Authorities to tighten security ahead of Papal Visit

Authorities to tighten security ahead of Papal Visit

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DILI, 17 april 2024 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Defense, Donaciano Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, said that the Ministry of Defense had collaborated with the Ministry of the Interior to tighten security ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste.

“The Ministry of Defense, together with the Minister of the Interior, the Timorese National Police (PNTL), and the National Defense Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) have already collaborated to strengthen and heighten security before and during Pope Francis’ visit to the country next month,” said Pedro Klamar Fuik.

He said that preparations for strengthening security have already begun, pledging that the F-FDTL and the PNTL will make every effort to ensure peace and stability in the country during the papal visit.

In his regular meeting with the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, also emphasised the importance of strengthening security ahead of the papal visit.

In response to Horta’s concern, Prime Minister Gusmão said that he had ordered the government to extend the suspension of martial arts activities in the country, stating that it was not a punishment but to prevent some students from getting involved in street fights due to tensions between different martial arts groups.

Previously, the Commander General of the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), Henrique da Costa, and the Chief of Staff of FALINTIL – Timor-Leste Defense Forces, Falur Rate Laek, has also met to discuss the joint security plan for Pope Francis’ visit.

Hundreds of F-FDTL officers will be deployed in Timor-Leste’s capital, joining PNTL officers to ensure security during Pope Francis’ visit.

According to Henrique da Costa, the Ministry of the Interior has instructed the Armed Forces and PNTL to define the strategic guidelines needed to coordinate the actions and security measures for the papal visit: “We are ready to guarantee the safety of His Holiness and everyone taking part in the event.”

Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste, the most predominantly Catholic country in Asia, will take place between september 9 and 11, 2024.

 

Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa

Editor: Filomeno Martins

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