A 5-day training program aimed at improving transparency and accountability in government drew more than 40 participants from Timor-Leste's media and civil society organizations (CSOs). The sessions included presentations by government officials and technical experts, question-and-answer periods, and hands-on workshops on investigative reporting and accessing and analyzing government information.

Organized by the U.S.-based Democracy Council, the program used the complex and controversial issue of the Timor Sea petroleum resources as its basis. Significant oil and gas reserves lie under the sea that borders Timor-Leste, Australia, and Indonesia. Temporary exploitation agreements exist among the three countries, but no permanent maritime boundaries have been set between Timor-Leste and Australia, and there is no agreement on the long-term allocation of billions of dollars in potential revenue from the area. Under the temporary agreements, revenues are already coming to Timor-Leste. The government is beginning the process of deciding how to manage and use them.

Journalists from Timor-Leste's two daily newspapers, the Public Broadcast Service (radio and television), a new weekly investigative newspaper in Dili, a newspaper in Oecussi, and several community radio stations attended the sessions. Among the CSOs present were those involved in civil and human rights, the justice sector, environmental issues, and women's rights.

President Xanana Gusmao opened the program, reiterating his support for transparent government and public participation in decisions about Timor Sea issues. Representatives from the government's Banking and Payments Authority and the Timor Sea Designated Authority provided technical details about Timor Sea revenues and activities. Participants also heard from Secretary of State Tourism, Environment and Investment Jose Teixeira and Francisco da Costa Monteiro, the officer for industrial and natural resources in the Office of the President.

Several of the sessions generated immediate print and broadcast coverage. With a better understanding of Timor Sea issues at the end of the program, the media and CSOs will be able to offer their audiences more comprehensive and useful reporting. In their turn, Timor-Leste's citizens will be able to participate more effectively in the government's decision-making processes.

Through its grant of $65,500, USAID supported the Democracy Council's program to increase the skill and knowledge of civil society and media organizations and promote transparent and accountable government in Timor-Leste.

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