S/PV.5740 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2007/513, containing the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste. After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council welcomes the formation of the new Government in Timor-Leste resulting from the 30 June 2007 legislative elections. It also congratulates the appointment of the new Cabinet of Timor-Leste, led by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. The Council further congratulates the people of Timor-Leste for demonstrating their strong commitment to peace and democracy. It expresses its readiness to work with the new Government of Timor-Leste in achieving its goals and tackling critical challenges, including in its development efforts, facing the country. “The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the role played by the National Electoral Commission, the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) during the presidential and parliamentary elections in Timor-Leste. The Council commends the invaluable support provided for the preparations and holding of the elections by regional and international partners. It also expresses its appreciation for the role played by domestic and international electoral observers. “The Security Council emphasizes the need for all parties to resolve any disputes through exclusively peaceful channels and within the framework of democratic institutions and calls upon the people of Timor-Leste to refrain from violence and work together in order to ensure security. “The Security Council calls upon the Government, Parliament, political parties and the people of Timor-Leste to work together and engage in political dialogue and consolidate peace, democracy, rule of law, sustainable social and economic development and national reconciliation in the country. The Security Council reaffirms the need for justice and accountability, and underlines the importance of the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Independent Special Commission of Inquiry report of 2006. “The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the work of UNMIT. It also encourages UNMIT to continue to cooperate and coordinate with the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes as well as all relevant partners to support the Government of Timor-Leste in implementing a national development plan and addressing challenges facing the country, in particular security sector reform, strengthening of the justice sector, the promotion of democratic governance, resolving the issue of internally displaced persons and the pursuit of sustainable development. “The Security Council reaffirms its full support for UNMIT in its work, and appreciates the continued efforts by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to ensure the full implementation of the mandate of UNMIT.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2007/33. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.