~ problem in combo box

In this example, i only can select the "Nuno Silva" option

var dataTreinadores = ["João Abreu","Nuno Silva"]
var listTreinadores = new AW.UI.List;
listTreinadores.setItemText(dataTreinadores);
listTreinadores.setItemCount(dataTreinadores.length);
obj.setCellTemplate(new AW.Templates.Combo, 9);
obj.setPopupTemplate(listTreinadores, 9);

In this example, i can select both "Nuno Silva" and "Joao Abreu" options
var dataTreinadores = ["Joao Abreu","Nuno Silva"]

so, the "Joao Abreu" work, but the "João Abreu", dosent work. The problem should be the "~"

The question is, how can i solve this problem ???

Best regards
Nuno Silva