The Director of NGO Mahein Foundation, that monitors security and defence issues in Timor-Leste, Nelson Belo, said the country’s weak ability to control its telecommunications sector makes it easier for spies to operate in the country.
“We don’t have any control over it. We cannot even control the high prices Timor Telcom charges. It is easy for others to spy on us,” said Director Belo from his office in Balide, Dili.
He called for better control over the telecommunications sector within the country to limit espionage and to not make easier to happen.
He added the government has the duty to also increase the capacity of Timor’s own intelligence sector so they can detect and prevent espionage taking place in the country.
“We must build the capacity of the PNTL and the F-FDTL and also of our intelligence people so they are better trained to monitor and detect these instances.”
He also urged the leadership not to use telecommunications technology to discuss State secrets and to speak about these in person.
“Because once we use technology we are susceptible and it will no longer be secret,” said Director Belo.
Meanwhile the President of Commission B (Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security) of the National Parliament, MP Maria Lurdes Bessa, said it is likely Australia spied on Timor-Leste in relation to the Timor Sea dispute.
“We have taken this problem to the international arbitration court and we are paying close attention to it,” said MP Bessa.
She urged all institutions to work together because espionage poses a threat to the Timorese State.
