DILI, 21 july 2021 (TATOLI)—The government through the Council of Ministries will propose to the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘Lú Olo’ to extend the state of emergency for another 30 days.
The plan was approved by the Council of Ministries, on wednesday, after the presentation of the Integrated Crisis Management Center (SIJK) on the current situation of the COVID-19 in the country.
“The government will follow a legal process, which will propose to the President of the Republic about the extension of the state of emergency. So that, President ‘Lú Olo’ will consult with other state organs, including State Council, before delivering the official request to the National Parliament for the approval of the one-month extension of the state of emergency,” Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães made the comments at the Government Palace, in Dili, on wednesday.
He added that the new extension would be applied for the months between August and September, saying according to the constitution, the duration of the state of emergency is only a month.
“According to the rules of the state of emergency, the government can take steps to limit the rights of people, if for the right reasons,” he explained.
Magalhães said the step was taken because of the increasing number of COVID-19, adding the state of emergency is important to prevent the new variants of SARS-CoV-2, namely Delta, Alpha, and others from entering the country.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
