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UN and local officials plan to clean up Dili ahead of East Timor’s independence

UN and local officials plan to clean up Dili ahead of East Timor’s independence

With East Timor’s independence just over two months away, the head of the United Nations mission in the territory joined a top local municipal official today in calling for a major effort to spruce up the capital city of Dili in advance of the 20 May celebrations.

UN Transitional Administrator Sergio Vieira de Mello and Dili District Administrator Ruben Bráz de Carvalho called on the local media to help promote an upcoming Clean-Up Campaign in the East Timor capital.

In urging East Timorese to support the campaign, set to begin on Saturday, Mr. Vieira de Mello said it would create a more attractive capital for visiting foreign dignitaries and international media, and a healthier natural environment for residents.

“Cleanliness and beauty go together,” he told the press in Dili. “We must educate the people, especially the youth … to respect their surroundings and contribute to the development plans of their Government.”

Meanwhile, Timorese popular opinion on the fledgling nation’s draft Constitution was distilled into reports today by members of the Constituent Assembly ahead of a final round of debate on the historic document.

The reports, written over three days, are based on a week-long public consultation which involved the distribution of over 60,000 copies of the draft Constitution and the convening of more than 80 public meetings.