CODEL Delegation Visits Timor-Leste from February 23-24, 2006
The delegation was made up of four representatives and three staff of the House Democracy Assistance Committee. The congressional representatives were: Kolbe (AZ), Capps (CA), Schiff (CA) and Schwartz (PA). On the first day, Congressman Kolbe, US Ambassador Rees and the President of the Timorese Parliament, Francisco Guterres, signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the US Congress and the Timorese parliament. The cooperation includes the current US Delegation visit to Timor-Leste, Timorese MPs visiting the United States later in the year and a project (managed by USAID, implemented by the Asia Foundation) to support a library/internet resource center in the Timorese parliament. A team from the Library of Congress regional office accompanied the delegation and will provide technical assistance to the design of the library project and training for Timorese librarians. The congressional representatives and staff held discussions with Timorese parliamentarians on the role of majority and minority parties, civilian control over the military, police, and other security forces, and the role of legislative staff. Timorese MPs asked questions about working across party lines, the use of state resources in campaigns, the gender balance in the US Congress and voter turn out in American elections. (Feb. 28, 2006)

Private Sector Development Project Hosts First Agribusiness Focus Group Meeting
USAID’s Dezenvolve Setór Privadu (DSP) hosted the first Agribusiness Focus Group meeting to promote agribusiness development by identifying strategies to improve the business environment, guide research and initiatives on markets, technologies and products, and to link the private sector to financial and business services. The meeting provided an opportunity to coordinate and share experiences, as well as provide a forum for discussion of specific agribusiness opportunities and constraints. (Feb. 28, 2006)

USAID Micro-Finance Partner, Tuba Rai Metin, Expands its Reach
USAID funds Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to provide significant training and technical assistance to help microfinance institution Tuba Rai Metin to expand its services throughout three major districts of the country, including Dili. By providing microfinance services, they help increase access to financial services for the poor. (Feb. 28, 2006)

Youth Groups Learn How to Produce Organic Fertilizer
USAID grantee Haburas Moris (Improving Life in Tetum) is a non-profit local NGO working with the community in Bobonaro district to help them produce and use organic fertilizer for their crops. Currently, 17 people from two youth groups are attending the training to help give them the skills to produce their own organic fertilizer in the future. As a result, one of the groups has produced 500 kilograms of the organic fertilizer which will be used by the group members for their mung bean plantation. In addition, Haburas Moris has produced 45 sacks of organic fertilizer, 28 sacks of which have been sold for $5 per sack, providing revenues of $140. (Feb. 28, 2006)