S/PV.6405 Security Council

In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste. It is so decided. I invite Ms. Haq to take a seat at the Council table. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano, head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. It is so decided. I invite Mr. Serrano to take the seat reserved for him at the side of the Council Chamber. 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. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2010/522, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Ms. Ameerah Haq, to whom I now give the floor. Ms. Haq: Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to introduce the report of the Secretary- General (S/2010/522) on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), covering the period from 21 January to 20 September 2010. At the outset, I would like to pay special tribute to Mr. Takahisa Kawakami, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law and my dear colleague and friend, who passed away last March in Dili. He made an important contribution in advancing the causes of peace and stability in Timor-Leste. As the report notes, the security and political situation continues to be stable, allowing State institutions the space to focus on the country’s longer- term challenges. This can be observed in the political debate, which has generally moved beyond backward- looking discussions on how to move past the events of 2006, to forward-looking discussions on how to build on the gains made and ensure the future prosperity and stability of Timor-Leste. This trend, thus far, has not been much affected by the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Mário Carrascalão or the indictments recently prepared against two members of the Cabinet. Many plans, strategies and institutions have been developed with a longer-term focus in mind. These include the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Justice Sector Strategic Plan for Timor-Leste, the package of national security laws and the draft Strategic Development Plan. These are critical initial steps on the road ahead. However, their implementation and sustaining momentum in efforts to tackle systemic, institutional and political fragilities are the challenges currently faced by Timor-Leste. I am pleased to note that the national leaders of Timor-Leste continue efforts to ensure inclusive consultation and dialogue on these long-term efforts. In that regard, I would highlight the retreat involving seven national leaders organized by the Catholic Church on 21 and 22 August to discuss current challenges facing the country, including sustainable development, and to nurture and support a new generation of future leaders. I understand that this initiative will continue, and I encourage participants to continue their mutual engagement in this and other national forums. Future such initiatives will have increasing opportunities for women and younger leaders to participate. Similarly, the Prime Minister has reached out to the entire population on the draft Strategic Development Plan, conducting a series of visits over many months to each of the country’s 65 subdistricts. Given the Plan’s long-term nature, it is important that it reflect the aspirations of all the people in Timor- Leste. I look forward to the Government’s continued engagement with all relevant actors on the Plan. I also congratulate the Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste for reaching an agreement on border- crossing authorization cards. The presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa, at the inauguration ceremony indicated the existing goodwill between the two countries. The National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and UNMIT police deserve much of the credit for the current security and stability of the country. Good cooperation with the international security forces from Australia and New Zealand continues. I am pleased to note that there has been no significant change in the security situation in those districts where the PNTL has resumed primary policing responsibilities. I would like to highlight the fact that Liquiça, where the PNTL resumed primary policing responsibilities on 7 September, is led by the first woman PNTL district commander. This, I hope, signals increasing opportunities for women to advance within the PNTL. Since the closing date of the report, the PNTL resumed primary policing responsibilities in Aileu district on 21 September, Manufahi district on 27 September, and in the Interpol Office, the Immigration Department and the Border Patrol Unit on 28 September. Resumption is pending in only three districts and six units, with Dili remaining perhaps the most challenging area, and I will speak on that in a moment. With the sustained momentum of the jointly owned resumption process, the Government and UNMIT are working in close cooperation on strategies to guide the post-resumption challenges of continued PNTL capacity-building and institutional strengthening. UNMIT police created five new position profiles, tailored to reflect a growing focus on their role as mentors and trainers. I encourage police- contributing countries to provide officers who meet these new profiles and can effectively transfer skills to their PNTL counterparts. Applications for 19 civilian posts to work with the PNTL as mentors and trainers are also currently being assessed. Meanwhile, capacity-building continues under the coordination of the PNTL Police Training Centre in areas such as equipment maintenance, vehicle fleet management, and basic and specialized police training. The Government has stated that the 2011 State budget, due to be presented to Parliament by 15 November, will include significant allocations to address outstanding logistical needs of the PNTL, including additional vehicles, communications equipment and generators. One concern arising from the resumption process is that the number of uncertified PNTL officers remains high, at 202, and many have been transferred to Dili district. We have urged the Government to process these cases in order to conclude the certification process. The Government has informed UNMIT that it has created a mechanism within the Secretariat of State for Security, which has assumed the functions of the Evaluation Panel, and that this new mechanism would complete sorting out all the outstanding certification cases into two categories of discipline and criminal tracks by the end of the year. So far, this mechanism has yet to take any action on non-certified officers. This slow action with regard to uncertified PNTL officers is detrimental to the overall integrity of the police service over the long term and requires expeditious remedy. Meanwhile, overall action plans have been developed to prepare Dili district for resumption. Close collaboration between the PNTL and its UNMIT police colleagues on their implementation will help the district meet the mutually agreed criteria for resumption before the next assessment of the joint technical team. This next assessment could take place before the end of the year, depending on the district’s readiness. During this reporting period, the Government clarified that municipal elections would not take place until after national elections, currently projected to take place by mid-2012. Those national elections will be the first significant test of the PNTL’s ability to provide security around a large and multifaceted event. Bearing that in mind, it is advisable to maintain a robust presence of UNMIT police and UNMIT formed police units of about 800 and 490 respectively, through the crucial period of national elections. In the meantime, UNMIT police will focus on the capacity- development of the PNTL specialized units that will eventually fully assume the role of UNMIT formed police units. This includes the prioritization of training for new officers, whose recruitment is projected to address personnel shortages in units such as Border Patrol and Close Protection. Emphasis will also be placed on basic and advanced training for the Special Operations Company and the newly established Weapons and Explosives Unit. Improvement of their capacities will increase the PNTL’s ability to maintain public security after the withdrawal of UNMIT. There has been steady progress in strengthening the justice sector. One sign of this is that the transition of international legal actors from line functions to advisory roles is gaining pace, with the number of national actors in the sector now increased to 49, including 18 women. A case management system for the Office of the Prosecutor-General is expected to go live by the end of this month, and the downward trend of pending cases in the Office continues. The Justice Sector Strategic Plan for Timor-Leste provides an instrument to guide and coordinate the work of justice sector institutions. The challenge lies in ensuring that the Strategic Plan’s implementation is effective and contributes to public confidence in the justice sector. Similarly, while the adoption of the law against domestic violence was a major milestone, the United Nations system is supporting efforts to ensure, in a coordinated manner, that the public, in particular rural populations, understands the legislation and that State institutions increase their capacity to implement it. Public confidence in the State’s willingness to support the rule of law and human rights can be adversely affected if the public perceives that individuals involved in high-profile cases are given favoured treatment. I expressed this concern to the President with regard to his decision to commute the sentences of those convicted for involvement in the 11 February 2008 attacks against him and the Prime Minister, and of the three soldiers of the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) convicted of homicide and attempted homicide in the shooting deaths of eight PNTL officers in 2006. The President acted within his constitutional prerogatives and consulted widely on this decision. However, I hope that future such decisions will be guided by the need to bolster the public’s confidence in a system that ensures accountability for criminal acts. Also, I am troubled that, as of 15 October, the three F-FDTL soldiers appeared to have resumed work, although I am encouraged by the President’s assurance in a meeting on 18 October with my Deputy, Mr. Reske-Nielsen, that he had asked the Chief of the Defence Forces to take action on this matter. There have been a number of positive developments related to gender mainstreaming during the reporting period. Most notably, on 28 June, Maria Helena Pires — who has been playing an important role in women’s empowerment in Timor-Leste — was elected as one of 23 experts to serve on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. On 21 September, the plenary of Parliament began consideration of the draft laws on reparations and on the institution to follow up on the work of the Commission of Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Truth and Friendship Commission. Parliament engaged in a consultation process that incorporated a range of actors, including other State institutions, civil society, religious leaders and victims’ organizations. Unfortunately, on 29 September Parliament postponed the debate, and I hope that all parliamentary benches will come to the consensus necessary to expedite further consideration of the bills. These drafts are important because of their substance and because of the process that guided their development. Parliament made efforts to ensure that the wide range of views was taken into account, holding public hearings with groups including other State institutions, religious faiths, victims’ organizations, human rights organizations, community representatives and other civil society organizations. On 20 September, in a speech made at the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) review summit (see A/65/PV.4), President José Ramos-Horta highlighted some of the gains Timor-Leste had made towards the MDGs and spoke of the need to fast-track achievement towards the MDGs. These gains have been underpinned by macroeconomic stability and high growth rates. Hopefully, the Strategic Development Plan will be an instrument to further promote human development and pro-poor growth, as well as to minimize inequalities between urban and rural areas. In our discussions with Timorese authorities, we continue to emphasize the need to address the issue of high youth unemployment and the need for their absorption, initially by the public sector. The President has taken up issues of sustainable development in the international sphere, including his 16 February proposal with the Government of Maldives for climate- change initiatives that will contribute to sustainable development and poverty eradication in Asia. On 17 September, I held a meeting with President Ramos-Horta and the Government at which we agreed to the establishment of a joint mechanism that will guide UNMIT’s transition planning. Its first quarterly meeting will be held in late November. This mechanism is intended to ensure that the transition process is consistent with Government strategies, such as the Strategic Development Plan, and that there is a smooth transfer of UNMIT functions to State institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, other international partners and civil society. I understand that Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will brief the Security Council at its next meeting on Timor-Leste in February 2011. That is a strong indication of his Government’s commitment to working together on planning the future activities related to the transition of UNMIT. I want to emphasize that transition is a reconfiguration of the Mission’s activities within its mandated areas to ensure that, when UNMIT does withdraw — and it will — it has done everything possible to ensure the future success of State institutions. This will include a growing emphasis on capacity-building, not only in policing but in all areas of UNMIT’s mandate. Capacity-building by our partners will help facilitate the transfer of UNMIT functions to State institutions and civil society. Capacity-building for UNMIT’s national staff will help prepare them to contribute to the future of Timor-Leste. UNMIT is already implementing capacity-building strategies for national staff with this goal in mind. Another issue to be addressed by the high-level mechanism is the possible transfer of UNMIT assets to State institutions. If that does take place, it will require coordinated planning in order to ensure that appropriate systems and budgets are in place for the continued maintenance of assets. The mechanism will also examine ways to mitigate any possible negative economic impact of UNMIT’s withdrawal. Timor-Leste is entering a crucial period that will help determine whether it has overcome, in a sustainable manner, the political and institutional weaknesses that contributed to the events of 2006. Given the progress to date and the steadfastness demonstrated by the national leaders of Timor-Leste, in particular the President and Prime Minister, I believe that work is under way that will contribute to Timor- Leste’s stability. In that regard, the responsible stance of the opposition is also noteworthy. UNMIT’s transition plan through 2012 will be an essential part of this. I wish to thank the Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, Finn Reske- Nielsen and Shigeru Mochida, and all of the personnel of UNMIT and the United Nations country team, who have made such important contributions to Timor- Leste’s progress. I also wish to thank the international security forces for their continued support to UNMIT, including with respect to the maintenance of a stable security situation in Timor-Leste. Of course, none of this progress would have been possible without the continued determination of the people of Timor-Leste.

I thank Ms. Haq for her briefing. I now give the floor to the representative of Timor-Leste.

First, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and to thank you for giving me the opportunity to address the Council today. I would like to commend the Secretary-General for the report before the Council (S/2010/522) and for the comprehensive briefing just provided by his Special Representative, Ms. Ameerah Haq. My delegation wishes to express its appreciation for the leadership of the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and Deputy Special Representatives and for their contribution to the successes achieved to date. In that regard, we were greatly saddened in March by the untimely passing of Deputy Special Representative Takahisa Kawakami, who worked tirelessly to support the security sector. We look forward to fruitful collaboration with his successor, Shigeru Mochida. When Special Representative Haq addressed the Security Council in February 2010 (see S/PV.6276), she stated that Timor-Leste had reached a new stage in which current leaders were working to consolidate gains of the past and ensure a smooth transition to the recovery and development phase. Today, the same message has been echoed and Timor-Leste continues on that path of consolidation, as evidenced in the progress reported in key areas such as the ongoing handover of policing responsibilities in 10 out of the 13 districts; the promulgation of the national security legislation package; the finalization of the National Strategic Plan, in consultation with the wider community; the drawdown of the international stabilization force in response to the more stable and improved security environment; the overall improvement in the socio-economic outlook and the very important ongoing national dialogue, which is forward-looking and premised on the need to find sustainable solutions to the multiple challenges we face. Those are examples of some of the accomplishments of the past year. However, we continue to face many challenges. In order to build on that momentum, Timor-Leste requires the support and continued engagement of the international community as we embark on this very important next phase. The events of 2006 are a stark and unfortunate reminder of the fragility of peace when the institutions of the State are nascent and capacities need to be developed and further strengthened. Consequently, in his statement to the General Assembly this past September, President Ramos-Horta stated: “In only eight years and in spite of the overwhelming challenges facing us, we have navigated out of the storms to a new period of peace, stability and economic growth. “Timor-Leste is a least developed country, affected by pervasive poverty. We are still a fragile country, partly because we are only eight years old, and being an infant country, all the institutions of the State are young and fragile.” (A/65/PV.17) Peace and stability, economic growth and poverty reduction and justice and the promotion of human rights are therefore the main tenets of this current phase of Timor-Leste’s nation-building agenda. We need to consolidate gains and further improve opportunities. As indicated in the report of the Secretary- General, the situation in Timor-Leste has remained calm, including in the 10 districts where the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) has resumed executive policing responsibilities. This is due to the increasing capacities of the PNTL, the continued police presence of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the assistance provided by the international security forces of Australia and New Zealand. The Government is committed to continuing momentum in the resumption process, while adhering to the mutually agreed criteria and timeline. In that regard, the Secretary of State for Security is committed to resolving, in a timely manner, the remaining cases of uncertified PNTL officers. My Government is also committed to providing the necessary planning and budgetary support to ensure that PNTL logistical and capacity needs are met in accordance with our means. We are now looking beyond the resumption process to a new stage in the strengthening of the PNTL, with intensified efforts to develop a sustainable national capacity and institutional development. This will be greatly facilitated by a continuing UNMIT police presence in all districts and units in sufficient numbers to provide further training, mentoring and advice to the PNTL. We also strongly support the addition of 19 civilian UNMIT posts to provide further opportunities for the development of PNTL capacities. In this regard, it is important that the recruitment process for these posts be expedited to ensure early deployment and that, in the selection process, the best skill sets are identified to suit the situation on the ground. As a result of the increased stability and strong partnerships with the international community, the Government has been able to deliver on its commitment to ensuring socio-economic development and reducing poverty. Moreover, the Government is committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In this connection, we are pleased to note that a number of socio-economic indicators demonstrate that our commitment to development is indeed producing results through the prioritization of expenditure in public infrastructure projects in an effort to stimulate the economy while reducing poverty and improving the lives of the people. For example, poverty throughout Timor-Leste has been reduced by 9 per cent. Also, a recent study has concluded that that there has been a drop in the fertility rate from 7.8 to 5.7, in the infant mortality rate from 60 to 44 per 1,000, and in the under-five mortality rate from 83 to 64 per 1,000. Timor-Leste has one of the youngest populations in the world, with nearly 60 per cent of the population under 25 years of age. To comprehensively address this issue, the Government is developing policies and programmes to generate jobs. As we are all aware, high levels of youth unemployment in post-conflict settings has posed and continues to pose challenges in the peacebuilding context. My delegation is mindful of this and acknowledges that our young people are among the most disaffected and disadvantaged group in our society. They have yet to reap the dividends of our hard-won freedom, which they eagerly expected and fought for. They need to be integrated through stronger participation in our nation-building efforts. In this regard, it is critical that the Government be proactive in the pursuit of appropriate, creative and innovative solutions to address this. The Government is also committed to promoting and protecting human rights. Recent developments that have led to a strengthening of the justice sector include Government-provided training, workshops and mentoring for the Office of the Provedor. All these measures have increased accountability and access to justice in rural and urban areas alike. Similarly, we look forward to working closely with UNMIT and the United Nations agencies in implementing our Justice Sector Strategic Plan, based on the recommendations of the independent comprehensive needs assessment of the justice sector. This includes ensuring adequate legal protection of women and children. As part of our commitment to implementing gender responsive policies, my Government, through the Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality, is making concerted efforts to ensure that such policies are mainstreamed across all line ministries through the establishment of gender focal points. The adoption of the law against domestic violence is also testament to this commitment to advancing the rights of women. We are also very proud to have recently had Ms. Maria Helena Pires elected to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and we are confident of the mutual benefits to be gained both in Timor-Leste and in the work of the Committee during her tenure there. I would like to emphasize that the progress that has been made and the development objectives to which we have committed ourselves would not have been possible without the continuing solidarity and support of the international community. We are committed to working in close collaboration with all relevant United Nations agencies and the international community on efforts to address longer-term challenges facing Timor-Leste, including the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan. The National Strategic Development Plan provides the blueprint for the next 20 years for the Government and will enable development partners to align their programmes with the identified national priorities to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of resources. The Government is committed to working closely with UNMIT through the joint mechanism that has been established to guide the Mission’s transition planning. We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders and note the importance of national ownership in this dialogue process. It is only through a consultative and coordinated mechanism, taking into account the identified national priorities, that we can ensure sustainability of the process and outcomes. I wish to emphasize the importance we place on relations with our friends and partners in the region, where we have taken a pragmatic and proactive approach of engagement to confront issues of common interest. The recent visit to Dili by His Excellency Mr. Marty Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, to attend a ceremony to inaugurate a new cross-border card system aimed at facilitating travel between communities along our common border, family visits, and access to traditional markets, is testimony to the strength of and importance both countries place on our bilateral relations. And our relations with Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal on issues of security and economic development, including in the petroleum sector, remain strong. Before closing, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that we Timorese remain optimistic and positive about our future. We cherish the progress made over the past decade in terms of institution-building, the provision of at least basic education and social services to an increasing number of our citizens, and the creation of economic opportunities outside the rural areas. At the same time, we are acutely aware of the many steep challenges ahead of us and the work that remains. We will be able to do this only in partnership with our friends in the region and with the members of the Security Council and the United Nations. Allow me therefore to express, on behalf of the Government and the people of Timor- Leste, our sincere gratitude for the continued and steadfast support of the United Nations and our international partners. It is with this in mind that we ask the members of the Council and the international community to continue their engagement and to provide the necessary assistance in building a stable and prosperous Timor- Leste — a predictable partner in international relations, firmly embedded in the partnerships in its region, and a beacon of human rights at peace with itself.

I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council.

I would like first of all to thank Special Representative Haq for her very comprehensive and encouraging briefing today. I would also like to thank the representative of the Government of Timor-Leste, Ambassador Borges, for her statement. Over the past year, we have seen positive developments in Timor-Leste. The resumption of policing responsibility has been successfully concluded in 10 of 13 districts. In the districts where the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) has assumed policing duties, the situation remains calm and stable. In this regard, allow me to recall the dedicated work of the late Mr. Takahisa Kawakami, former Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor- Leste (UNMIT). We are determined to extend the same level of support to his successor, Mr. Shigeru Mochida, in carrying out his duties in Timor-Leste at this critical juncture. It should be noted that the most difficult phase still awaits us in completing the resumption process. It is quite regrettable that there remain many uncertified police officers in Dili district, which stands as one of the biggest obstacles to the efforts of the PNTL to assume primary policing responsibility in Dili. While reaffirming the importance of the mutually agreed criteria-based approach to the resumption process, Japan encourages the Government of Timor-Leste to address this issue as early as possible. At the same time, Japan would like to reiterate the importance of community policing, as referred to in Council resolution 1912 (2010). Based on our own experience, we believe that local security is best sustained through cooperation and trust between the local populace and police. Adequate logistics and management capability are indispensable for the police to work efficiently and effectively. Attention should also be paid to current gaps in the Mission’s activities. In that regard, Japan plans to take up this issue in its capacity as chair of the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations at its meeting on 22 October, with the participation of various troop- contributing countries, police-contributing countries and other stakeholders, such as major financial contributors and members of the international core group for Timor-Leste. It is very gratifying to see that UNMIT enjoys a reputation as one of the most successful United Nations peacekeeping missions. Japan is honoured to have dispatched two officials to Timor-Leste as military liaison officers in support of UNMIT. Japan commends the variety of services that UNMIT and the International Stabilisation Force now provide, which range from security responsibilities to emergency helicopter transportation. At the same time, such services will not be extended indefinitely. It is not too early to discuss who will provide such services after UNMIT’s scheduled withdrawal in 2012. In this connection it is encouraging that Ms. Haq has agreed with the President of Timor-Leste to establish a high-level forum involving the United Nations and the Government of Timor-Leste to discuss at regular intervals plans for the Mission’s withdrawal. Japan will support this forum and is ready to contribute to the process at any time. In that respect, Japan considers that discussion of the next extension of UNMIT’s mandate in February will be of utmost importance. In that connection, we believe that the Security Council mission to Timor- Leste planned for the end of November will provide a good basis, not only for the members of the Council, but also for UNMIT and the Timor-Leste Government as well, to consider the Mission’s exit strategy. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Japan’s continued commitment to support post-conflict efforts in Timor-Leste. Japan has continued to stand by the Timorese people since the outset of their nation- building endeavour, and I promise that we will continue to do so.

Thank you, Ambassador Haq, for your briefing on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the Secretary-General’s recent report (S/2010/522). Let me also thank you for your dedicated leadership and your commitment to solidifying peace in Timor- Leste. My Government welcomes the Secretary- General’s report on UNMIT’s important work. The United Nations and the international community as a whole played a critical role in Timor-Leste’s independence. Sustained international support will be critical to ensuring this young country’s success. The interim report provides an important opportunity to think about Timor-Leste’s needs and begin long-term planning for future United Nations engagement there. Today let me focus on five key points. First, the United States is encouraged that Timor-Leste’s security situation remains stable. We are further encouraged that this stability has continued despite a slight reduction in UNMIT’s force size. We continue to support the roles of the United Nations and the development partners in assisting the Government of Timor-Leste as it further solidifies peace and security throughout the country. As Timor-Leste continues on the path from conflict to stability we are heartened to see that it can look at long-term challenges and plan for a peaceful, prosperous future. Secondly, the transfer of primary policing responsibilities from UNMIT to the Timorese national police is critical to further cementing the country’s stability. Building local capacity is the key to peacekeeping mission success and we commend UNMIT, the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and bilateral donors for their hard work in this area. For peacekeeping missions to succeed, their mandates must match their capabilities, and we strongly support UNMIT’s efforts to ensure that its police component has the appropriate specialized skills to emphasize skills-building and institutional development. But the excessive use of force and lack of accountability continue to be of concern for the PNTL. We urge the PNTL with UNMIT’s support, to establish mechanisms to address these challenges. We recognize the improved professionalism of the Timorese police and military, and we note Timor- Leste’s progress in developing a national security policy. The United States is pleased to help facilitate that process through our multi-stakeholder national security workshops, hosted by the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. The United States is also pleased to note that, in order to help facilitate the full resumption of national policing, we will be increasing our bilateral assistance to further strengthen the PNTL over the coming years, including in the areas of community policing, criminal investigations and border and maritime policing. Developing competent and professional security institutions, police and military will be critical to Timor-Leste’s long-term success. It is critical that the Government of Timor-Leste develop clear lines of authority and areas of responsibility for its military and police. Thirdly, we are pleased by the progress that has been made towards implementing the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship. We are also encouraged by the launch of the Justice Sector Strategic Plan for Timor-Leste. These advances are critical to ensuring that the Timorese have faith in the justice sector, in continuing this act of dialogue and in furthering the national reconciliation progress. But the commutations of the sentences of those convicted in the February 2008 attacks against the President and Prime Minister contribute to our continuing concern about the danger of creating a culture of impunity. We urge the Government of Timor- Leste to address impunity and to hold individuals accountable for their actions. We also note the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission; an environment of transparency and accountability is essential to sustainable development. The United States looks forward to working with the Government of Timor- Leste through our Millennium Challenge Corporation’s new threshold programme. Fourthly, let me congratulate UNMIT on the absence of reported cases of sexual exploitation and abuse during the reporting period. We were also pleased to note UNMIT’s work with the PNTL to create and implement a training course on investigations of gender-based violence. We commend UNMIT for giving high priority to the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as for its emphasis on training its personnel. Finally, we are pleased to note that planning has begun for the transition process for UNMIT’s departure. We have seen significant progress over the last reporting period, but UNMIT continues to play a vital role. UNMIT must continue to stress local capacity-building, and the Government of Timor-Leste must continue to strengthen institutions for peace and stability, so that they can take firm root throughout the country. We encourage UNMIT and the Government of Timor-Leste to continue their efforts and to create a gradual, methodical and thoughtful transition plan. In closing, let me again thank the peacekeepers of UNMIT, as well as their Timorese partners on the ground and their international supporters, for the continued dedication to peace and security in Timor- Leste. The Timorese have made great strides towards peace and stability and we hope and trust that they will continue to do so with the presence and commitment of strong international partners.

I would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/522) and also his Special Representative, Ameerah Haq, for her briefing today and thanking her and her colleagues in the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) for their dedicated service. The United Kingdom aligns itself with the statement to be given later this morning by the European Union delegation. Like others, the United Kingdom is encouraged by the continuing stability in Timor-Leste. The security situation is calm and has shown clear and steady improvement since 2006. Once again, it is particularly pleasing to note that there has been no increase in crime or disorder following the gradual transfer of policing responsibilities back to the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL). We are encouraged by the continued progress towards the full handover of policing responsibilities. We note that there are still challenges to overcome in some parts of the country and, as the Special Representative of the Secretary- General noted, there have been difficulties with the certification of some serving PNTL officers. We therefore call on the Government of Timor-Leste to give priority to resolving those outstanding issues. It was good to hear what the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste had to say on that score. In parallel, the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) should continue to build the capacity of the PNTL and focus on providing a high standard of training, mentoring and support. In addition, the United Kingdom looks forward to a clear, phased timetable for the withdrawal of the United Nations police (UNPOL) officers. UNPOL personnel should already be drawing down in districts where they have successfully handed over to the PNTL. A sudden withdrawal in 2012 would be more destabilizing than starting the phased reduction now, which would in itself demonstrate the Council’s belief in the PNTL’s ability to re-establish itself. The Government of Timor-Leste can play an important role in this regard by ensuring that the police have sufficient equipment and logistical support. We continue to highlight the importance of tackling impunity and bringing perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide to justice. We particularly welcome the news on the progress of the follow-up to the Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and hope that Parliament will prioritize its consideration of the draft laws. We welcome the recent messages from Parliament and the Prosecutor-General speaking out against impunity, but like my United States colleague, I note with concern that the recent commutations of some sentences may send out a negative message on the robustness of Timorese justice and accountability. The wider United Nations system must now work towards addressing the nation’s longer-term needs in close collaboration with the Government of Timor- Leste. In this regard, we are encouraged that the United Nations is actively thinking about how it can best continue to support Timor-Leste, once UNMIT has left. Detailed recommendations should be developed and shared with Security Council members in due course. The 2012 elections are, of course, the most significant milestone on the horizon. The United Kingdom will continue to support UNMIT and the people of Timor-Leste throughout this transitional period. Our hope is that, once credible and peaceful elections have taken place, Timor-Leste will have a safe and secure future.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on the situation in Timor-Leste. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her briefing and I commend her for the work done in Timor-Leste. I welcome Ambassador Sofia Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, and thank her for her remarks. Brazil attaches great importance to the stability and development of Timor-Leste. We maintain strong ties of friendship and cooperation with this fellow Portuguese-speaking country. Bilateral cooperation currently covers a wide range of areas, including education, vocational training, agriculture, reform of the justice sector, military and police training and elections. We welcome the substantial progress Timor-Leste has made in the past years. The overall political and security situation is stable and a solid basis for socio-economic development is being laid down. It is also true that, “[f]urther efforts are required to overcome the political, institutional and socio-economic weaknesses that contributed to the events of 2006”, as the Secretary-General reminds us in his latest report (S/2010/522). Keeping that in mind, Brazil will continue to assist the Timorese Government and people as best we can. We call upon the international community to also continue to provide its support. Four issues deserve our particular attention today: security, elections, development and the future of UNMIT. First, with respect to the security situation, I cannot but commend the progress Timor-Leste has achieved and the indispensable support provided by UNMIT and bilateral partners. It is not a small feat that, since we last met here in February, the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) has resumed primary policing responsibilities in almost all districts and in six specialized units. More importantly, the Timorese police have been discharging their functions appropriately and efficiently. It is not a coincidence that there has been neither an increase in the crime rate nor in the number of major security incidents in districts where the PNTL has resumed primary policing activities. Nevertheless, we should not underestimate the important role UNMIT must still play in providing security in Timor-Leste. The three important districts where the United Nations police (UNPOL) has retained policing responsibilities are rather sensitive: two of them are located on the border and the third one, Dili, is not only the most populated, but also the political heart of the country. The strategy for a successful transition in these districts is twofold: enhanced security and job creation, especially for the youth. Handing over responsibilities to the PNTL must be conducted with special prudence and rigour. We are fully confident in UNMIT’s leadership and judgment on how and when to further transfer responsibility to the Timorese police. The most important political test that Timor-Leste will face in the near future will certainly be the national elections of 2012. We all expect the voting to be conducted in such a way as to solidify democratic values and strengthen Timor-Leste’s institutions and stability. UNMIT must be ready to provide the support and assistance that the Timorese Government may require. Brazil praises all political parties in the country for their continued engagement in the democratic debate, especially in Parliament, and encourages them to continue on that path, in particular during the electoral period. The third issue on which I wish to comment briefly is social and economic development. My delegation notes with satisfaction the advances that have taken place in Timor-Leste in this regard. We commend the Timorese Government for having selected basic infrastructure and energy, rural development and human resources as the national priorities for 2011, and we urge donors and partners to align their assistance behind those priorities. We also praise Timor-Leste for managing to reconcile strong economic growth with low inflation. We welcome the steep reduction in poverty levels and the progress made towards meeting key Millennium Development Goals, including the decrease in infant mortality rates. The efforts on the part of the Timorese authorities to ensure food security and prevent and combat diseases are also noteworthy. However, more international assistance will be required to assist Timor-Leste, expand food production and improve access to health and education. My fourth and last point regards the future of UNMIT, to which Brazil has significantly increased its contribution by sending several senior police officers. In a few months, we will be discussing the Mission’s mandate, which is due to expire in February 2011. That will be the time to assess the progress made, in particular in the security situation. At the same time, it will be important to consider the configuration of a peacekeeping presence that is commensurate with the remaining challenges, especially the forthcoming national elections. Brazil agrees with the careful approach taken by the Secretary-General. We should continue to draw lessons from the events of 2006, while recognizing and promoting progress on the ground. This should be coupled with a continued focus on training the PNTL, so that it can further strengthen its capacity. In conclusion, my delegation believes that the political and socio-economic progress made by the Timorese and the smooth resumption of policing responsibilities by the PNTL so far show that we are getting closer to turning UNMIT into a full success story. We must now stay the course, with prudence and determination. Completing the good work in a sustainable manner should be our collective goal. We must also renew our support to the Timorese, acting both as an Organization and as individual States. Brazil will continue to do its part.

I first wish to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ameerah Haq for her informative and important briefing and her excellent work at the head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). Let me also welcome Her Excellency the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, Ambassador Borges, at this table and thank her for her important contribution to today’s debate. Austria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of the European Union later in the day. We welcome the positive developments in UNMIT’s mandated priority areas since the last debate of the Security Council on the situation in Timor-Leste eight months ago (see S/PV.6276). The closure of the last transitional shelter for internally displaced persons is a welcome development and an indicator of increasing stability in the country. The draft National Strategic Development Plan can play an important role in making returns and reintegration sustainable through economic and social development. We welcome the inclusive approach taken in the elaboration of the Plan and the efforts made to ensure that it will deliver results for the rural population. It is our expectation that the draft Strategic Development Plan will also allow for more effective international support and increased national ownership in that area. We hope that its implementation will contribute to reducing unemployment, especially among young people. Recent achievements in the field of governance, such as the establishment of the national Anti-Corruption Commission, are also to be commended. We hope that the Commission, once fully operational, will contribute to fostering the rule of law and the confidence of the Timorese people in State structures and institutions. We welcome the fact that the recently launched Justice Sector Strategic Plan for Timor-Leste takes into account most recommendations of the independent comprehensive needs assessment. We look forward to the effective implementation of that Plan. It is our hope and expectation that it will further strengthen the formal justice sector and also contribute to improved protection of women’s and children’s rights. The recruitment of women into the judiciary and the provision of training to police and justice personnel will be important measures for coping with such challenges. The establishment of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and the adoption of new legislation relating to witness protection and to domestic violence are further significant developments in that regard. Full enforcement of the new laws will be critical, in particular in view of the high number of reported incidents of gender-based violence and human rights violations committed by members of the security services, and the difficulties encountered by victims in obtaining justice. We welcome UNMIT’s support for the implementation of the new law against domestic violence, as well as on human rights more broadly, as set out in the most recent UNMIT periodic report on human rights developments in Timor-Leste. It is encouraging to see that certain steps have been taken towards accountability for crimes committed during the 2006 crisis, as recommended by the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry (see S/2006/628, para. 24). At the same time, the Secretary- General has referred to the limited number of cases brought to trial and the number of acquittals due to lack of evidence. We therefore share his view that further work is needed on the remaining challenges. Accountability for the gross human rights violations committed during and prior to 1999 also remains an area of concern. We therefore encourage the Serious Crimes Investigation Team of UNMIT to continue its important work. We very much welcome the ongoing efforts to create an institution to take forward the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and those of the Commission of Truth and Friendship. It is good to see that Parliament has undertaken wide consultations in that context. We hope that, on that basis, discussions on the relevant draft laws will soon be resumed and concluded. In the security sector, further progress has been made in the handover of primary policing responsibilities to the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) and its registration, screening and certification process. It is also encouraging to see that the resumption process has proceeded so well in line with the mutually agreed criteria. We fully agree with the Secretary-General’s view that the reconfiguration of the UNMIT police should be approached cautiously and that continued capacity-building through UNMIT and an increased focus on training and institutional development will be critical. We also believe that the accountability mechanisms of the PNTL, such as the enforcement of effective internal disciplinary measures, need to be further strengthened and monitored. It is particularly encouraging that progress has also been made in creating an overall framework for security coordination. We hope that this will lead to comprehensive security sector reform, which will lead to further clarification of the respective roles and tasks of the police and the defence forces, especially in order to offer the latter a new and meaningful role in a peacetime setting, including through increasing participation in international peacekeeping efforts. In closing, I wish to commend the Government and the people of Timor-Leste for the remarkable progress that their country has made. UNMIT is doing important work in support of Timor-Leste’s future under the able leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and will continue to do so as Timor-Leste approaches the next national elections in 2012. Looking further into the future, we must build on what has been achieved so far and carefully plan the transition to a longer-term United Nations engagement that helps to consolidate and build upon what has been achieved to date. Capacity-building should be at the centre of international efforts to further increase national ownership and ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of the Timorese nation. We therefore welcome the recent establishment of a jointly owned mechanism to plan and implement the transition, and look forward to regular updates on that work. The planned Security Council mission to Timor- Leste in late November will provide the Council with a welcome opportunity to enhance its understanding of Timor-Leste’s needs and aspirations in that regard. My country looks forward to participating in that mission.

At the outset, we would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her briefing today and for her commitment to fulfilling her mandate. We would also like to thank Ambassador Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, for her contribution. I believe that we all agree and are pleased to see that Timor-Leste has continued to enjoy an environment of security and stability, including during the current transfer responsibilities, under which the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste is gradually taking on the duties that to date have been carried out by the police component of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). With the reconfiguration of UNMIT’s mandate and the current gradual drawdown of the Mission’s police, expected to conclude in 2012, it is important to point out that this time frame must remain flexible, depending on the capacities of the national police and the security situation on the ground. The commitment shown by the country’s primary political actors and the efforts of the Governments of Indonesia and of Timor- Leste to strengthen a relationship of cooperation have contributed significantly to the stability in the country. The coming two years will be key for Timor- Leste. Without disregarding the security aspect, the reconfiguration of UNMIT must involve greater support for developing national capacities, poverty- reduction policies, economic growth and rural development. The strategic plan for the use of natural resources and attracting foreign investment will also play a key role in the socio-economic stability of the country. All these efforts, with the assistance of the international community, must focus on job creation, particularly for young people, who will ultimately steer the country’s development. Similarly, it is important to consolidate the institutional capacities of the country’s electoral bodies in order to ensure that the national elections to be held in 2012 will be carried out with the necessary transparency and credibility. Another component essential to solidifying stability in the country is the promotion of national reconciliation and lasting peace. We reiterate that this is necessary in order to resolve the crimes committed during the crises of 1999 and 2006, in accordance with resolutions 1704 (2006), 1745 (2007) and 1802 (2008). Let us remember that the position of the United Nations is that amnesty and impunity are not an option for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. We applaud the measures the Government of Timor- Leste has adopted to strengthen the judicial system, guarantee full accountability, put an end to impunity and compensate the victims of serious violations of human rights in the country. In that context, we welcome the draft bill now being discussed in Parliament on the establishment of an institution to take over from and implement the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship. Finally, we would like to recognize the work of the countries contributing to UNMIT and to stress the need to continue to plan for the transition in 2012, based on the country’s national priorities and taking into account the gradual involvement of the Peacebuilding Commission in support of international aid to the country and its national programmes.

Allow me at the outset to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mrs. Ameerah Haq, for her briefing and her efforts as head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) to strengthen peace, security and stability and to assist the Government and people of Timor-Leste in building their national institutions. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste for her statement. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/522) reflects recent positive developments in Timor-Leste that are the result of the sincere desire of all political parties, in the Government and in opposition, to steer their country towards stability and prosperity after long years of suffering. There is no doubt that UNMIT, which was established after the events of 2006, has been a success story for the international community. It has contributed, along with other United Nations entities, to strengthening the democratic process and building the State’s institutions. There are still a number of challenges, however, requiring a two-track approach. The first is to consolidate the important achievements that have been made so far in the areas of political stability and security, completing the building of security institutions and the judicial sector, strengthening the rule of law and inculcating a democratic culture. The second track is to work for socio-economic development in a manner consonant with the Millennium Development Goals, in order to remove Timor-Leste from the list of the world’s least developed countries and onto that of middle-income States. Lebanon reaffirms its full support for UNMIT in its work to fulfil its four major responsibilities: reviewing and reforming the security sector, strengthening the rule of law, achieving socio-economic development, and consolidating a culture of dialogue and democratic rule. In this regard, I wish to make the following remarks. First, building security institutions is a prerequisite for lasting peace, and we commend the role that UNMIT police have played in training and supporting the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste to assume responsibility for security throughout Timor- Leste. In that regard, we welcome the assessment contained in the Secretary-General’s report that the security situation remains stable, with no serious incidents or increase in violent crime reported. Secondly, we welcome the fact that President Ramos-Horta has issued regulations and instructions regarding the security sector, in addition to a comprehensive strategy for judicial reform. Thirdly, strengthening the rule of law and accountability and combating impunity is fundamental to lasting security and an issue of principle for my delegation. We support President Ramos-Horta’s initiative aimed establishing peace and national unity and at inculcating a culture of dialogue and democracy in all sectors of society. In that context, we welcome the closing of the last remaining transitional shelter for internally displaced persons. In the area of socio-economic development, we welcome the positive economic statistics included in the report, which indicate that the country’s economic growth is projected to exceed 10 per cent in 2010. We believe, however, that the steep growth in the unemployment rate, especially among young people, is a potential social time-bomb that may lead to serious security problems in future if it is not addressed. This is particularly true given that more than 60 per cent of the population is under 25, as noted by the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste. In this regard, we welcome the technical assistance that the International Labour Organization is providing to the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment. Fourthly, the elections to be held in 2012 will be an important milestone in the democratic approach taken by Timor-Leste, and we urge all political parties to participate actively in preparing for them. We also call on the international community to provide the Government of Timor-Leste with all necessary assistance in this area. We welcome Ms. Haq’s mention of the initiative to establish a joint high-level mechanism between UNMIT and the Timor-Leste authorities during the transitional period. We encourage all parties concerned to take maximum advantage of UNMIT’s expertise, and on that basis to continue the cooperation between the United Nations and Timor-Leste’s Government. In conclusion, we wish to emphasize the need for the international community to continue to provide support to Timor-Leste. We welcome the improvement in the country’s relations with its neighbouring States. We believe that it is high time for this nascent State to play a larger role in its region.

We join other delegations in thanking the Secretary-General for his latest report on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) (S/2010/522). In addition, we extend our thanks to Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, and express our appreciation for her important contribution and tireless work. We would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste and thank her for her contribution to this debate. In addition, we commend the crucial role that the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste plays in support of Timor-Leste’s efforts to achieve progress in many different areas, including in the security, political, institutional and socio-economic fields. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina would like to commend the Timorese people, Government and political parties, as the overall situation during the reporting period remained calm and stable. We are encouraged to learn that President Ramos- Horta has continued his dialogue initiative on the theme “Road to peace and national unity”, thus supporting reconciliation and peace initiatives in urban and rural communities. We believe that such efforts may serve as an important step, which we hope will have a positive impact on the lives of many in Timor- Leste. Strengthening security-sector reform is crucial for sustainable peace and security in Timor-Leste. While we welcome the resumption by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) of primary responsibilities for police operations in several districts since May 2009, we are also hopeful that the process will be finalized by the end of this year in all districts and all units. In order to achieve this goal, further institutional development and capacity-building within the PNTL are of particular importance. There must be a clear delineation of responsibility between the PNTL and the Falintil Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste. A comprehensive reform process for both should be carefully developed and completed. As stated by the Secretary-General in his report, the Timorese authorities have taken significant steps to strengthen national capacities and to enhance the effectiveness of the justice sector. We therefore particularly welcome the launch of the Justice Sector Strategic Plan for Timor-Leste. Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly believes that the reintegration of internally displaced persons is inextricably linked with both achieving and maintaining lasting peace and strengthening democratic institutions and processes. In that context, we warmly welcome the closure of the last transitional shelter for internally displaced persons. We firmly believe that only truth and justice can lead the country towards full reconciliation and prosperity. In that regard, we commend the submission of draft laws on the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship to the President of the Timorese Parliament. The more successful the fight against impunity is, the better the prospects for true reconciliation and national unity. Socio-economic problems must be addressed in an effective and coordinated manner, with all stakeholders onboard, including the private sector, civil society and foreign donors. Infrastructure projects, foreign investment and improvements in youth employment will contribute to poverty reduction and promote sustainable economic growth. Bosnia and Herzegovina is of the opinion that the general elections to be organized in 2012 will be of critical importance and a true test of Timorese democratic progress. We welcome the role of UNMIT and the United Nations Development Programme in assisting electoral management bodies to consolidate institutional capacities in order to enable them to conduct the upcoming elections with limited international support. In conclusion, we reiterate our full support for the continued and steady progress Timor-Leste is making on its path to a stable, secure and democratic society while simultaneously strengthening both its economic and developmental capacities. Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the efforts of the people and the Government of Timor-Leste and encourages them to proceed with the same determination towards a better future — a future of peace, security and prosperity.

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haq for her comprehensive briefing on the recent developments in Timor-Leste. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste for her statement. We are pleased to see that, as a result of the efforts of the Government and the people of Timor- Leste and the vigorous support of the international community, the overall situation in Timor-Leste over the past year has remained stable. President Ramos- Horta has continued with his dialogue initiative entitled “Road to peace and national unity”, and various parties have maintained the momentum of political dialogue. The Government has formulated its National Strategic Development Plan for the economic development of the country in the next 20 years. The increase in input by the Government in the areas of health and education has played a positive role in improving people’s lives. The Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) has started to gradually take over policing responsibilities and to increase its law enforcement capacity. At the same time, we should also realize that Timor-Leste still faces many challenges to develop the economy, improve people’s lives and maintain stability. In that connection, I wish to make three comments. First, to realize long-term peace and security in Timor-Leste, various political factions should continue to seek to resolve their differences through democratic dialogue. In order to effectively respond to the various challenges Timor-Leste faces, it is crucial for the various parties, especially the Government and the Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste, to put aside their differences and engage in full cooperation. We appreciate the efforts by President Ramos- Horta and Special Representative Haq to promote dialogue among various parties. We call on the country’s stakeholders to make the interests of the nation and the people the top priority, seize the current favourable opportunity to restore peace and achieve development and lead the people of Timor-Leste in focusing on promoting the national process of peace and reconstruction. Secondly, in order to achieve long-term peace and security in Timor-Leste, it is necessary to constantly improve the country’s own capacity to maintain security and stability. We support the PNTL in continuing to take over policing responsibilities. At the same time, in the course of its drawdown and reconfiguration, the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) should also give full attention to policing needs in various parts of the country. While ensuring the security and stability of the country, UNMIT should, in accordance with the local situation and the views of various parties, focus on helping the PNTL to enhance its own law enforcement capacity and expand training for Timor-Leste police. Thirdly, to achieve long-term peace and security in Timor-Leste, it is necessary to make great efforts to develop the economy and improve people’s lives. We support the Government in continuing to strengthen social stability while also focusing on its development efforts on infrastructure and human resources capacity- building and working to develop the economy and improve the employment rate of the population, so as to fundamentally eliminate factors that cause social instability. The international community should continue to provide various forms of assistance in line with the development strategy of the country in order to speed up the country’s process of peaceful reconstruction. China appreciates the work done by Special Representative Haq and UNMIT and supports the Mission in continuing its hard work in accordance with the mandate given to it by the Council. We hope to see the final smooth withdrawal by UNMIT from Timor- Leste, which will set an example for United Nations peacekeeping operations in formulating and implementing exit strategies. After the withdrawal of UNMIT in the future, the United Nations should continue to provide assistance to Timor-Leste in line with the wishes of the Government.

We are grateful to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ameerah Haq for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) (S/2010/522). We thank Mrs. Sofia Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, for her substantive statement. We are pleased with the stabilization of the military and political situation in Timor-Leste and the progress made in key areas of country’s development. Undeniable credit for this situation goes to the leadership of Timor-Leste and of the United Nations Mission. The political forces of Timor-Leste demonstrate responsibility and commitment to the process of national dialogue and reconciliation, based on democratic principles. Further constructive development of the political dialogue — and of the political process in general — is paramount, particularly in the context of the general elections slated for 2012. The relatively stable situation is making it possible to address long-term challenges. Nevertheless, the progress made needs to be further consolidated. The institutions of governance of this young nation are being formed, and there are still serious socioeconomic problems. Given the range of problems, the country continues to need the support of the international community. In that context, strengthening the national security forces is paramount for the restoration of stability and is an important indicator of how independent the country is. We are closely following the process of the transfer of responsibilities for the maintenance of law and order from the United Nations Mission to the police force of Timor-Leste. We note that there has been considerable progress in this area. However, consolidation of this progress requires the intensification of efforts to build the capacities of the police and to provide appropriate training and logistic support. In that connection it is important that the timetable for the transfer of responsibilities be based on criteria worked out with the leadership of the country as determined by the preparedness of the police units, rather than on an artificially set schedule. We support the intent of the Secretary-General to begin discussions with the leadership of Timor-Leste on issues related to the future activities of the United Nations Mission and its parameters. We look forward to further recommendations on reconfiguring the United Nations presence, which will need to take into account the realities in the country. Our position is that the upcoming Security Council mission to Timor-Leste in November will allow us to further gauge the situation and gather first-hand information on the specific challenges and needs of the country that are relevant today. In conclusion, we would like to express to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the entire staff of the Mission our gratitude for their professionalism. Russia is providing assistance to the United Nations activities in that country — specifically, Russian police officers continue to serve in the Mission.

At the outset I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing, which has given us an overview of what has taken place since 2006 and the creation of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). The representative of the European Union will shortly make a statement, and France associates itself with that statement. I wish to make a few comments. I am pleased to note that the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/522) and the statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General have characterized the situation in Timor-Leste as calm. The political and security stability in the country is a result of the responsible positions taken by the elected officials in the Government and the opposition. What better proof can there be of the political maturity gained by the Timorese and of the solidity of their young institutions. As we progress beyond tensions and violence we must keep in mind the goal of peacebuilding in Timor- Leste. From that standpoint we can only be encouraged by the controlled transfer of the duties with regard to law and order to the national police force in Timor- Leste. The transfer has been carried out in 10 out of the 13 districts without seeing an increase in incidents in those areas. The remaining transfers in Dili and in the border districts must not be carried out in haste. They must be done based on criteria established by local authorities and the United Nations. This process is accompanied by a progressive reduction in the number of United Nations police officers deployed individually and that reduction is to be pursued in 2011. The drawdown should be supported through technical assistance and training. Strengthening police capacity is a priority but we must not lose sight of the fact that in the medium term all security sectors must benefit from these efforts. Peace will only take root if the Timorese have faith in their justice system. In particular, fighting impunity for crimes carried out in the past is an essential condition for lasting reconciliation. The certification process of Timorese police officers is incomplete, and there are some 200 cases still pending. Moreover, the Secretary-General’s report points out that there has been little progress in trying those individuals responsible for crimes and human rights violations committed during the incidents of 2006. We hope that those efforts will be pursued in line with the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. We have taken note, as have others, of the decision by the President of Timor-Leste to commute the sentences of some individuals who are responsible for political violence. Although that decision is constitutional, it does not send a good signal. We therefore encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to remain actively involved in this matter, in accordance with the mandate entrusted to her by the Security Council. We have also noted the economic forecasts contained in the report. They show that there is impressive growth of 10.4 per cent, and a drop in the poverty level as well. It is encouraging that in this context the Timorese authorities have set their long-term priorities within a national development strategic plan, which is now, thanks to the Prime Minister himself, under consideration throughout the country. The year 2012 will see the end of the UNMIT mandate in its present configuration and it will also see general elections. The United Nations must be able to have on site the material and human resources required to facilitate the holding of the elections. They must take account of that important deadline in their security transfer strategy. The renewal of the UNMIT mandate in February 2011 should also lead us to reflect on the future presence of the United Nations. We are open to the modalities that must reflect the progressive assumption by the Timorese of the tasks now being carried out by UNMIT and the objective of lasting peacebuilding. The upcoming Security Council visit to Dili, in which we will participate, will be another opportunity for us to see how much has been done and to reflect on the future relationship between Timor-Leste and the United Nations. I wish to conclude by reaffirming France’s support for UNMIT and for Special Representative. Ms. Haq had just assumed her responsibilities in February 2010. Since then she has shown how skilled she is and she has met all our expectations. We need her skill and good will, because the months to come will be crucial for the future of Timor-Leste and also for the United Nations and its capacity to bring a country to peace and stability.

I also would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her comprehensive statement and her invaluable contribution to the peace process in Timor-Leste. I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences for the demise of Mr. Takahisa Kawakami, Deputy Special Representative for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, Mrs. Sofia Borges, and thank her for her presentation. I would like to limit my remarks to the issues of political development, humanitarian and social development and the security and judicial system. We welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/522) and the climate of calm and stability in Timor-Leste during the reporting period. That situation has undoubtedly facilitated the focused implementation of the Government’s National Strategic Development Plan. The continuous operationalization of the Plan — and its transformation into a series of medium-term development plans within an agreed time frame — is highly commended. We urge donors to provide the assistance required to cover the deficit in the Strategic Plan and also to provide long-term predictable support. Investments in the three economic pillars identified by the Government, namely, agriculture, natural resources and tourism, if properly harnessed, will engender economic growth and accelerate the pace of development in the country. Indeed, the prospects of transforming Timor-Leste from its present status as a low-income country to high-income status in the next 20 years is realizable if the Government steadily implements the Plan. The constructive interaction between the various political parties and major stakeholders in guaranteeing peace, harmony and continuity in governance is commended. We note in particular the Government’s “Road to peace and national unity” initiative, which has helped to foster dialogue and reconciliation among the parties. We welcome the pronouncements of the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente (Fretilin) urging the parties to approach the future with renewed determination to achieve peace, stability and development. The parties should be guided by those pronouncements while undertaking the review of the voter registration process and strengthening the electoral bodies for the 2012 elections. We also welcome the resolve to assign a greater role to women and youth in governance, as that will allow for the incorporation of a balanced gender perspective in the decision-making process. It will also promote implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as Council resolution 1325 (2000), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and resolution 1704 (2006). The Government’s two-year training initiative for members of the Youth Parliament will equip young people with the leadership and other skills needed to make meaningful contributions on key policy issues. The contributions of United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF in that regard are appreciated. On the humanitarian and social development aspects, although Timor-Leste is no longer facing a humanitarian crisis, the devastation caused by the recent widespread flooding and landslides should be given adequate attention. We commend the efforts of UNMIT, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme to provide food and technical and logistic support to the Government and people of Timor-Leste. The international community should not let up in strengthening its response capacity to address that natural disaster. With regard to security, we welcome the stable situation in the country and the increased policing responsibilities of the national police (PNTL) in four more districts. To achieve the timeline for the full transfer of policing responsibilities to the PNTL, especially in the remaining three districts, the capacity needs of the force should be met through training, mentoring and senior development. The PNTL should continue to take measures to build trust and confidence with the people. Effective disarmament mechanisms, command and control structures, weapon control mechanisms and planning processes, as well as adequate logistic support, are so critical for the creation of a strong and effective PNTL. Human rights violations, impunity and gender-based crimes by members of the security services impinge on the credibility of the services and should be addressed. We note the Government’s anti-corruption efforts, including the Anti-Corruption Commission and the appointment of an Anti-Corruption Commissioner and two deputies. We commend UNMIT for posting international and national advisers to the Commission to bolster its efforts. We support the ongoing gradual phased drawdown of UNMIT police and look forward to the next assessment, which will determine the final drawdown phase. With the expiration of the recruitment notices in September, the United Nations must confront the challenges of recruiting qualified United Nations police to advise and train PNTL officers. We also look forward to the Council’s upcoming visit to Timor-Leste, which will provide an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of the challenges facing UNMIT. In concluding, we wish to comment UNMIT and the United Nations country team for their continued support to the people and Government of Timor-Leste.

At the outset I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/522) and his Special Representative, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her comprehensive briefing to the Council. We support her efforts and the key coordinating role of the United Nations in Timor-Leste. We express our condolences at the passing away of Mr. Takahisa Kawakami. We welcome Ambassador Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, and thank her for her intervention. Like others, we are very pleased to note that the security situation has remained relatively calm and stable. I want to commend that the Timorese people, Government and political parties for showing restraint and for their continued efforts at dialogue. The Timorese have wisely used this considerable stabilization by addressing long-term key issues, such as the adoption of the National Strategic Development Plan, the Justice Sector’s Strategic Plan for Timor- Leste, and the creation of an Anti-Corruption Commission. In the same vein, it is praiseworthy that in 10 of the 13 districts primary policing responsibilities have been handed over by the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) to the Timorese national police. We are also pleased to note that the resumption of primary police responsibilities by the national police (PNTL) has not led to an increase in criminal activity. We welcome the further progress achieved in the registration, screening and certification programme for the PNTL. It seems, however, that there are quite a few logistical and training requirements that have to be met in order to complete the handover process. We carefully note the drawdown foreseen for the end of June next year, which will reduce the UNMIT police by almost 20 per cent — from 1,023 to around 800 officers. As conditions improve and stability continues, it is quite logical to start thinking about the transition period and the eventual exit of UNMIT. However, we believe that things should not be rushed and that UNMIT’s mandate and force composition should not be further altered, as the 2012 elections will be a crucial test for the stability of the country. In that regard, we believe that it is of the utmost importance that the Timorese Government — but also the police- contributing countries and donors — focus their efforts on building the capacity of the Timorese police force in particular and of State institutions in general. Likewise, we continue to concur with the Secretary-General’s call for defining a meaningful role for the Timorese army in a peacetime setting. In February last year we suggested in the Council that the army could be oriented and trained to contribute to peacekeeping operations. Thus we are pleased to note that the Government has embraced that idea and that the UNMIT military liaison officers conducted a mentoring programme for Timorese officers. We believe that UNMIT and Timorese authorities should continue to work along those lines. Although the growth projected for Timor-Leste is impressive, the Government and the parties should be aware that further efforts are needed to overcome the political, economic and social challenges that contributed to the 2006 crisis. In particular, the high rate of unemployment among the youth is not only worrisome for the economic development of the country but continues to pose a possible risk to the country’s security. Given the progress achieved so far, we are confident that Timor-Leste will eventually overcome all the challenges. However, that requires continued national dialogue and unity. We also believes that Timor-Leste requires ongoing support from the international community in its quest for peace, stability and prosperity. We thus encourage an assessment of the situation in the transitional period until the 2012 elections in order to define the best format for the United Nations presence after the completion of UNMIT’s mandate. In that regard, the Security Council visit to Timor-Leste next month will surely be useful, and we look forward to participating. On the other hand, it goes without saying that we should listen carefully to the views of the Timorese, as this quest for stability is a nationally owned process. Turkey contributes police officers to UNMIT and will continue to support the United Nations and Timor- Leste. I would like to conclude by wishing continued success to the Timorese people and Government.

My delegation thanks Ms. Ameerah Haq for her briefing on the activities of the United Nations Integration Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) during the period from 21 January to 20 September 2010. We are also grateful to the representative of Timor-Leste for her important statement. My statement will primarily address the political, security and development aspects of the situation. With regard to the political situation, Gabon renews its support to the Government of Timor-Leste in its efforts to safeguard national unity through dialogue and consultation. We encourage the parties to continue their collaboration with the Government in the context of the “Road to peace and national unity” initiative. I take this opportunity to welcome the ongoing cooperation of the Alliance for a Parliamentary Majority with other political parties with a view to contributing to the establishment of a climate of durable peace in Timor-Leste. The completion of that dialogue will guarantee the long-term political and institutional stability of the country. Gabon welcomes the commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste to organize credible and transparent elections. In that regard, we commend the technical assistance provided to the Government jointly by UNMIT and the United Nations Development Programme in election organization and institutional capacity-building. With regard to security, we would like first to welcome the peaceful climate prevailing in the country. The contribution made by civil society in that regard, in particular religious organizations, is commendable. My delegation appreciates the measures taken by the Government with a view to strengthening the legal system and the capacities of the national police force. We welcome the role of UNMIT police in the process of transferring policing responsibilities to the Timorese police. We appeal for adequate financial resources from the donor community to support the training programmes for the Timorese police and to equip them with appropriate operational resources. We also support the partnership between UNMIT police and the national police in the context of the transition. In the same vein, it is important that the Government define the areas of jurisdiction of the army and the police in order to improve relations between those two entities. Given the important role that the Strategic Development Plan will play in the future of the country, we wish to commend the efforts of the Prime Minister to take into account the aspirations of communities throughout the country. My delegation encourages the Government to continue in those efforts of good governance, in particular with regard to the use of income from the petroleum sector. We urge it too to continue investing in human resources, which are so necessary for its development. I could not conclude my remarks without praising the good-neighbourly relations that exist between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, which are proof of the will of the Timorese Government to work in close cooperation with the countries of the region. We would also like to reiterate our support of the Timorese Government and people in their commitment to stability and development of their young nation. Likewise, we assure Ms. Haq of our full support, and we wish to commend her vigorous leadership of UNMIT.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Uganda. I join Council members in thanking Special Representative Ameerah Haq for her comprehensive briefing. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste and thank her for her statement. We commend the Government and people of Timor-Leste for the steady progress being made in advancing peace, stability and development, in spite of the remaining challenges. The revitalization of the economy, as evidenced by the projected economic growth of 10.4 per cent in 2010, provides a sound basis for socio-economic development. We note that the Government, with the support of the International Labour Organization, is taking steps to address the challenges of high unemployment, especially among young people, by providing skills development through vocational training. We welcome the continued strengthening of Timorese institutions. The formulation of the National Strategic Development Plan for the next 10 years is a step in the right direction. It is encouraging that the Plan is receiving feedback from the whole country, reinforcing national ownership of the Plan. The resumption of policing responsibilities by the Timor-Leste national police is welcome. It is essential that there be sustainable institutional development for the national police through training and logistical support. We welcome the measures taken by the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) to enhance police capacity. The ongoing recruitment of 19 civilian experts within UNMIT police to enhance skills-building and institutional development in the national police is also welcome. It is important that that exercise be concluded in a timely manner. Finally, we thank the Special Representative and the UNMIT staff, as well as the country team, for their good work. I resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Malaysia.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, and Uganda for having assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October 2010. We have no doubt that under your able leadership, the Council will continue to deliberate and take action on those most pressing questions regarding the maintenance of international peace and security. Malaysia has continued to follow with avid interest the progress of our neighbour, Timor-Leste. We thank the Secretary-General for his most recent report on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor- Leste (UNMIT) (S/2010/522) and the briefing provided by Ms. Ameera Haq, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Malaysia is encouraged by the recent improvement in the security situation, which augurs well for the ongoing work on the resumption of policing responsibilities by the national police of Timor-Leste (PNTL). We are also encouraged by — and congratulate the Government of Timor-Leste with regard to — the recent report, which indicates that Timor-Leste had made advances in strengthening the security and justice sectors and enhancing human rights by making the PNTL responsible and accountable for all its actions. I said to the Council in February 2010: “adherence to the rule of law is crucial to ensuring the respect of the people for its own security forces. Accountability for criminal acts must not only be seen to be paramount but must also be so, as it is the cornerstone of trust in the system.” (S/PV.6276, p. 22) Malaysia is encouraged that the ongoing process begun in May to help establish a professional and credible police force in the country has been chalking up success after success following the good work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNMIT. Today, we are witnessing the Timorese national police force resume primary responsibility for the nation’s Immigration Department, the Border Patrol Unit and the Interpol Office from the United Nations as the gradual transfer of security functions continues. We are also aware that policing responsibilities have so far been handed over to the PNTL FOR 10 districts, leaving only three districts under United Nations policing command. However, we urge the continued presence of United Nations police in those districts where the PNTL has resumed responsibilities to monitor, advise and support the national force. Following those achievements, Malaysia is of the opinion that the Government of Timor-Leste should focus more attention on the socio-economic development of the country. We urge the Government to invest in more infrastructure and facilities that could create socio-economic activities and jobs, which would benefit the local population, in particular young people. In this regard, Malaysia will continue to undertake to encourage its own businessmen and investors to consider Timor-Leste as a viable business partner. Malaysia reaffirms its continued support and cooperation to Timor-Leste at the multilateral level through UNMIT, where we have one formed police unit and 90 police personnel serving in the United Nations police. Bilaterally, we will continue to assist Timor-Leste through our Technical Cooperation Programme. We will also continue to provide training to Timorese armed forces personnel through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme. To date, we have trained 24 of the Timorese personnel under that programme. In closing, Malaysia would like to put on record our heartfelt condolences to the Government of Japan and to the family of the late Mr. Takashisa Kawakami, former Deputy Special Representative for Security Sector Support and the Rule of Law for UNMIT. The late Mr. Takashisa Kawakami contributed immensely to progress in bringing about stability and changes for the betterment of the Timorese nation.

I now give the floor to the representative of Australia.

Australia keenly appreciates the Council’s continued attention to the situation in Timor-Leste and the opportunity to speak in the debate. We are very pleased to see you presiding over this meeting, Sir. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/522) and his Special Representative, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her briefing this morning. We equally welcome the statement by the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, Ambassador Borges. We recognize the continuing importance of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), very well led by Special Representative Haq. I would, of course, also like to convey our condolences on the death of Deputy Special Representative for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law, Mr. Kawakami. As the Secretary-General’s report outlines, the Timorese Government has made very real progress in addressing the many security and development challenges that the country faces and — in particular — in further consolidating the vital legislative and institutional elements of the State. The level of political maturity that has emerged is very welcome and will continue, of course, to be decisive. In the past year, poverty has decreased by 9 per cent and the non-oil sector of the economy has averaged strong annual growth since 2008. Despite those improvements, however, as we know difficult challenges inevitably remain. Poverty is high, the health of women and children is poor, and there are limited jobs for a growing population. In particular, youth unemployment is rising, risking violence and social instability. As we said to the Council in February (see S/PV.6276), youth unemployment is a decisive issue. Also rising is the level of urbanization, which is equally a potential factor for social instability. For these and other reasons, it remains critical, of course, that the international community continue to support capacity-building in Timor-Leste’s institutions, particularly in the security sector and in regard to governance. National elections, scheduled for 2012, will be a key milestone, but may also prove to be a challenge, as we know, for the developing institutions in Timor-Leste. It is important, therefore, that UNMIT drawdowns be conditions-based and take into account prevailing capacities. It is also important to take a long-term view of any proposals to change the UNMIT mandate or budget. Planning for the long-term viability of Timor-Leste should take precedence over short-term budget considerations. We welcome greater Timorese responsibility and control over policing. The resumption of primary policing responsibility by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) in most districts and units indicates that the PNTL is moving very much in the right direction. Australia encourages the continued handover of policing responsibility once the remaining districts meet the agreed conditions. The Secretary-General’s report also highlights that the certification process for the PNTL is still not concluded and needs to be addressed to enable the handover process to be completed. We also join the call for the Timorese Government to take into account seriously, in its budgetary and planning processes, the PNTL’s logistical needs. Australia welcomes the United Nations efforts to ensure that the skills of the United Nations police deployed in Timor-Leste fit with the new post-handover role, and also welcomes the additional 19 civilian posts that will help strengthen the PNTL as an institution. We hope these positions will soon be filled and on the ground, doing the job they have been mandated to do. Likewise, it is important that the United Nations police continue a mentoring role, particularly to enhance the community policing aspect of the PNTL. Any drawdown in United Nations police numbers needs to reflect the security environment at the time. Further reductions will reinforce the need for United Nations personnel to have the necessary technical and training skills for effective and sustainable capacity-building. Australia, through the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and our contribution to the United Nations police, will of course continue to support the Timorese Government and UNMIT in maintaining security. We note that, since February 2008, there have been no serious security incidents in Timor-Leste requiring intervention by the ISF. With the support of the Timorese Government, Australia and New Zealand have drawn down their contributions to the ISF to approximately 460 personnel. Australia continues to review its contribution to the ISF, consistent with the security environment. Future personnel reductions will be made only in close consultation with the Timorese Government, the United Nations and other international partners. Australia recognizes the importance of building Timor-Leste’s capacity to provide for its future security. We are working directly with Timor-Leste to improve the capacity of its security forces through substantial bilateral programmes to train the PNTL and the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste. Aside from continued security, it is of course vital to ensure continued economic development and improvement occurs in the lives of ordinary Timorese. Australia has heard the Timorese Government’s clear message that the people of Timor-Leste must drive their own development agenda. To this end, we acknowledge and welcome the release of the draft Strategic Development Plan. We especially recognize the impressive process of consultation undertaken personally by Prime Minister Gusmão in its development. As the largest donor in Timor-Leste, we stand ready to support the Government’s efforts to secure a stable and prosperous future. This year, we will deliver over $100 million in aid to Timor-Leste. Our support will help create employment by assisting Timor-Leste to improve agricultural productivity, infrastructure, vocational education, private sector development, and, importantly, such labour intensive works as road maintenance, which give jobs to young people. It will also support the delivery of health and education services, and the Government’s efforts to improve its own accountability. Australia welcomes Timor-Leste’s strengthening of its regional relationships. Timor-Leste chaired the recent Australia-Indonesia-Timor-Leste trilateral meeting of foreign ministers during leaders’ week in New York last month. Australia values highly the regular trilateral dialogue, which reflects the strength of our shared history and achievements and provides a very genuine opportunity for strengthening our joint cooperation. We particularly welcome the proposed visit of the Security Council to Timor-Leste. We are confident that the Council and all of us will benefit from a contemporary on-the-ground assessment. We also look forward to updates from the Secretary-General on UNMIT’s transition planning, and to working very closely in its development with the Timorese Government. The 2012 elections must be a key element in our thinking about transition. In conclusion, progress has been made and continues to be made. More needs to be done, both for economic development and security sector reform. As we know, the elections in 2012 will be a crucial marker. As the Secretary-General’s report notes, further efforts are required to overcome the political, institutional and socio-economic weaknesses that contributed to the events of 2006. For its part, Australia remains irrevocably committed to working for a successful future for Timor-Leste and to our partnership with the Government and people of Timor- Leste to achieve this historic purpose.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October, and to express my appreciation to you and the other members of the Security Council for this opportunity to address the Council on issue of the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT). I would also like to express our appreciation to Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor- Leste and head of UNMIT, for her useful and timely briefing. Allow me also to extend my appreciation to Ambassador Sofia Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, for her presence here and for the statement she delivered earlier. As an active member of the core group on Timor- Leste, the Philippines welcomes the recent positive developments emanating from that country. At present, the Philippines contingent in UNMIT and United Nations police has a total of 137 personnel serving in the country, 14 of them women. As the drawdown plan is carried out in the coming months, many of them will of course look forward to successfully finishing their tour of duty and leaving Timor-Leste and its people on the path to peace and stability. As indicated in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/522), the general political and security situation in the country has improved substantially. There is now intensified focus on measures and initiatives needed to sustain stability, deepen democracy and the rule of law, reduce poverty and strengthen civic and judicial institutions. The Timorese Government, political parties, civil society, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders have joined hands to address crucial development and governance issues. On the economic front, the news is upbeat. Timor-Leste’s economy is bullish and projected to grow by an impressive 10.4 per cent this year. That will no doubt strengthen the foundations of the country’s economic base. There has been a slight decrease in the crime rate, as compared to previous months. The Philippines is pleased to note that the overall crime rate does not pose a serious threat to the current law and order situation. The situation in that regard has allowed UNMIT to gradually reduce the number of its police officers, thereby allowing the national police to take a more active role and greater responsibility. The Philippines welcomes the planned visit of the Security Council to Timor-Leste, which is being organized by Japan for November. The visit will no doubt provide Security Council members with first-hand information about the country. Their presence there will further reinforce the commitment of the United Nations to helping the country to achieve peace, stability and progress. While we are encouraged by the good and encouraging news, the Philippines maintains guarded optimism over the overall situation. Beneath the current situation there still lie certain concerns that must be addressed with greater vigour and determination in the short term. Foremost among these is the ability of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) to take over the role of UNMIT and the United Nations police. Handing over primary policing responsibilities to the PNTL will require sustained and concentrated efforts to ensure that it will provide a strong foundation for long-term institution- and capacity-building. Strengthening civilian oversight and management capacities over State security forces is equally critical. In sum, there is still more work to do. The latest positive developments have emboldened UNMIT to implement a downsizing plan throughout 2010, in close coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste. As the situation continues to improve and as we see the readiness of the Timorese Government and people to take responsibility for their own peace and security, what will remain for UNMIT to do is to sketch an exit strategy that is realistic, practical, transparent and cost-effective. As we clearly saw in 2006, the premature disengagement of UNMIT could produce catastrophic consequences for Timor- Leste. Even closer coordination among UNMIT, the Timorese Government and all stakeholders is needed as the UNMIT mandate expires. At this point, I wish to assure you, Mr. President, and all of our partners in the United Nations, especially the core group on Timor-Leste, that the Philippines stands ready to do its part to contribute to the success of UNMIT and to the ongoing and future peacebuilding efforts in Timor-Leste.

I now give the floor to the representative of New Zealand.

I thank Ambassador Borges and Special Representative Haq for their presentations, and the Secretary-General for his encouraging but balanced report (S/2010/522) on the situation in Timor-Leste. I also wish to convey New Zealand’s condolences to the Government and people of Japan and to the family of former Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Kawakami on his untimely passing. On this occasion, I am accompanied by His Excellency Mr. Tim McIvor, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste faces a critical period of transition from a situation of fragility and instability to one focused on long-term development and the challenges of the future. The choices and investments that are made over the next 18 months will determine whether the nation-building of recent years will be sustained and have an impact on Timor-Leste’s future political, economic and international outlook. In short, the coming 18 months present a challenge to which we must collectively respond, and an opportunity that must not be squandered. The Secretary-General’s report evidences the considerable progress of the past six months across all areas of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). The security situation has remained calm, enabling a drawdown in the International Stabilisation Force. There has been real progress towards the full transfer of executive policing authority to the Policia Nacional de Timor- Leste (PNTL). Double-digit growth has continued, enabling progress in addressing poverty, and there have been further advances in building the capacity and effectiveness of core State institutions. We now see an increasingly confident country determined to chart its own future course. That is nowhere more evident than in the drafting of the National Strategic Development Plan, which includes a programme of nation-wide consultations personally led by the Prime Minister. All of that is cause for optimism, but over the next 18 months we must preserve those gains and deliver further progress in key areas. We must ensure that the coming election consolidates the stable democratic political culture that has emerged in recent years, and that the institutions established to support effective public management and guard against corruption have sufficient resources and political support to execute their duties effectively and impartially. Timor-Leste will increasingly take the lead in addressing those challenges, with support from the international community. We need to give careful thought as to how best we can support those efforts. Planning for a post-UNMIT Timor-Leste must begin now, because UNMIT’s mandate for 2011 must reflect key aspects of the transition. We are therefore pleased that discussions have begun with the Government for the joint management of that transition, including the establishment of a high-level steering group. We stress the importance of drawing in other international partners, in due course, to ensure the effective coordination of international support in this critical period. Transition management will be particularly crucial in the security sector. Over the past year, considerable progress has been made in building the capacity of the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor- Leste (F-FDTL) and the PNTL, and in establishing the legislative, policy and operational frameworks for defence and security. We can now with some confidence envisage a time when Timor-Leste will be able to provide for its own security without a United Nations police or international security forces presence. We do not know exactly when that will be, but we do know that UNMIT and the International Stabilisation Force will be there to provide support through to the 2012 elections. Whether they have a role beyond that must be decided by the Government in consultation with the international community. It is vital that serious planning begin now to ensure a smooth transition and a withdrawal that does not negatively affect the security or economic situation. In this regard, completion of the transfer of executive policing authority to the PNTL will be crucial. Impressive progress has been made over the past year, with district-by-district handovers moving much more smoothly than was expected, but challenges remain, particularly in Dili. Significant issues remain to be resolved. In particular, we urge an early resolution to the status of uncertified officers who have been accused of serious crimes. New Zealand fully shares the Secretary- General’s concerns in that regard. It is important that this be resolved, not only for transferring police authority, but also for maintaining the longer-term integrity, reputation and effectiveness of the PNTL. The requirement to build the operational capabilities of the PNTL in key areas is also important. This needs enhanced investment by the PNTL in developing those capabilities, and careful planning to ensure they are sustainable. The United Nations can make an important contribution here, particularly in deciding how to dispose of its assets during the drawdown process. Its planning must be carefully coordinated with the PNTL and the donor community, and provision must be made for the long-term maintenance and use of transferred equipment. One practical contribution the United Nations could consider would be to train mechanics to maintain and repair motor vehicles. In fact, the United Nations should consider transferring the UNMIT transport and workshop facility in Dili to the PNTL. With the transfer of executive policing authority, the role, size and composition of United Nations police must also change, as must its relationship with the PNTL. Deploying experts will be crucial, so we urge the early deployment of the 19 additional civilian advisers who were approved in the most recent budget. As this transition unfolds, it will be important that Mission planners retain flexibility to ensure that UNMIT adapts to the changing environment and that, once policing has been transferred, the PNTL is seen to be exercising the authority it has received with support and assistance from the Mission. New Zealand is playing its part in supporting the development of the PNTL. For some years, our police have successfully worked with their PNTL counterparts to build an understanding of community policing. Integrating police into their communities and building trust between communities and police are essential to building an effective modern police force — so much so that the Timorese Government has highlighted assistance on community policing as a priority on a bilateral basis. Over the past year, there has been significant progress with key security sector reforms. The Government has approved new defence and security laws; a draft national security policy is now with the Council of Ministers; and there are signs of clearer demarcation of the roles of the PNTL and F-FDTL. With the Government having articulated its vision for the security sector, the focus of the Mission and other international partners should now shift to capacity-building, assistance and support. The United Nations is providing advisers in the defence and security administrations — assistance that will remain necessary for some time yet. But international personnel, in our view, should be working to make their presence unnecessary, rather than becoming entrenched in line positions. Bilateral partners will also have a role to play in the next phase of international assistance to Timor- Leste, and we urge those partners to work closely with the Timorese Government in that regard. As assistance shifts from security to other priorities, New Zealand is committed to aligning its support with Timor-Leste’s national development priorities, including the Millennium Development Goals. New Zealand believes that the United Nations can be rightly proud of its contribution to Timor-Leste, but must now look to manage the transition in a manner that honours that contribution, and must plan for a post-UNMIT future where its support is focused on Timor-Leste’s priorities and where the United Nations can best add value. New Zealand again assures the Council of its ongoing commitment to Timor-Leste, its people and its leaders, as well as to Ameerah Haq and to UNMIT, as they face this exciting and challenging transition. They all have our support.

I now give the floor to Mr. Pedro Serrano, head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Mr. Serrano: Let me thank you, Mr. President, for giving the floor to the European Union. The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this declaration. I want to start by greeting the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, Sofia Borges, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ameerah Haq, and by expressing gratitude for their insightful briefings on the situation in Timor-Leste — a situation that, as we can also read in the excellent report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/522) before us, has continued to improve steadily in many ways. During the reporting period, we saw yet another milestone: the closure of the last transitional shelter for internally displaced persons. With the humanitarian phase brought to a close, the country is now able to fully focus on consolidating peace and justice and on eradicating poverty. It will find the European Union not on the sidelines, but by its side. Timor-Leste can count on our assistance in the future. I will structure my remarks on current and future challenges according to the four priority areas of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), the well-led Mission that is supporting Timor-Leste. These are review and reform of the security sector, strengthening the rule of law, economic and social development, and promoting a culture of democratic governance and dialogue. First and foremost, on security, the importance of a professional, impartial and accountable national police service cannot be stressed enough. Although there is still a premium on prudence, the handovers to the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) have so far been encouraging, with crime rates roughly at the same levels as before. UNMIT capacity-building of the PNTL remains crucial if such progress is to take hold over the long term. Of course, there is more to security than policing. The important comprehensive security sector reform involves not just security and defence forces, but also border control, customs and the justice sector. That brings me to the second priority: the rule of law. The increased budget allocation and the Justice Sector Strategic Plan show the commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste to this crucial sector. The performance of the justice sector has improved and accountability is on the rise. Nevertheless, impunity remains an issue. Causes for concern are ongoing human rights abuses by the security forces themselves and the high number of reported incidents of gender- based violence. While clamping down on today’s violations, we should never lose sight of what happened yesterday. Redressing past human rights abuses helps to re-establish and reinforce the rule of law and should therefore remain a priority. We welcome and encourage the ongoing efforts to create an institution that would take forward the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, as well as those of the Commission of Truth and Friendship. It is our hope that the Timor-Leste Parliament will soon resume and wrap up discussions on the relevant draft laws. Third, on socio-economic development, Timor- Leste is recovering from the economic setbacks of the past, with poverty having dropped by an estimated 9 per cent in the past three years. The careful management of oil revenues and the new National Strategic Development Plan could together serve to jumpstart economic growth and poverty reduction. The Government is to be commended for conducting such wide-ranging consultations on the plan. We are looking forward to receiving the final version, so that we can align our assistance with it. These are the issues that we believe the plan should prioritize: fostering long-term rural development, reducing unemployment, especially among young people, and improving social services, especially health and education. Fourthly, on governance, the Government of Timor-Leste has made great strides. Public finance management has been reformed, leaving the State more transparent and more accountable. A Civil Service Commission and an Anti-Corruption Commission were put in place. The Anti-Corruption Commission must now become truly operational. The establishment of an independent technical secretariat, an independent procurement commission and the Audit Court also constitute important future steps. In closing, the general election scheduled for 2012 will be an important milestone for Timor-Leste’s democracy. In our view, the presence of UNMIT in the country should be maintained at an appropriate level during the critical election year. In the meantime, we believe the preparation of an operational strategy to transform UNMIT from a peacekeeping into a peacebuilding mission deserves special attention, with the exact details to be worked out between, of course, the Timor-Leste Government and the United Nations. That is why we commend them for creating a joint committee to execute the mission’s transformation with care. And that will entail taking into account the reality on the ground, as well as potentially negative effects on the local economy. We look forward to receiving regular updates on the committee’s work. Beyond 2012, the international community’s commitment to Timor-Leste needs to be different, but no less strong. The European Union will continue to be guided by a proverb from Timor-Leste: “Solidariedade nos bons e maus momentos”, or in other words, solidarity in the good and bad moments.

I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to you, Sir, for providing my delegation with the opportunity to participate in this important debate on the Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). As a member of the core group on Timor- Leste, South Africa remains very interested in developments in that country. We thank the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste for her statement and join other speakers in honouring the memory of the Deputy Special Representative Kawakami. We convey South Africa’s support to his successor, Mr. Mochida. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on the activities of UNMIT contained in document S/2010/522. South Africa also welcomes the Secretary- General’s Special Representative to Timor-Leste, Ms. Ameerah Haq, and thanks her for her briefing in the Council this morning. We are particularly pleased with the Special Representative’s continued interaction with a broad range of stakeholders aimed at encouraging a sustained consultative and democratic decision-making process in Timor-Leste. It is our view that political dialogue among all the parties is the only way by which Timor-Leste can continue to strengthen its political institutions and processes aimed at making its statehood strong and sustainable. Our delegation has noted all of the areas highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report, but it also wishes to emphasize two priority areas, namely, good governance and the transition from UNMIT’s mandate. South Africa is pleased to see that the overall situation in the reporting period was calm and that it provided an “enabling environment” for the Timorese Government to give renewed attention to the challenges facing that country. The Government of Timor-Leste should redouble its efforts to strengthen State institutions. We also encourage the Timorese Government to strengthen its relationship with the Timorese people, in order to respond effectively to the needs of its population. South Africa believes that there is a direct link between development and security and that these are mutually reinforcing. In that regard we welcome the finalization of the Prime Minister’s draft strategic development plan for 2011-2030, which identifies strategic areas of growth in the Timorese economy with the goal of transforming the economy from low income to upper middle income by 2030. Especially encouraging are the intensive direct consultations the Prime Minister undertook with the population of Timor-Leste to ensure support for the project and that the plan addresses the needs of the people of Timor- Leste. For peace, security and development to be sustainable, it is essential that local communities participate in the country’s development and benefit directly. We encourage the Prime Minister to work towards the earliest possible implementation of this plan. My delegation also welcomes the President’s continued dialogue initiative on the theme “Road to peace and national unity” as an important step towards the strengthening of peace and reconciliation efforts throughout the country. This effort to promote dialogue and mutual respect is effective and should be sustained. As a result of that initiative, we have noted, for example, that the main opposition party, the Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente (Fretilin), respects the current political institutions and processes in spite of having denied the legitimacy of the current Government. Stable political societies allow for the existence of opposition groups and provide channels for those groups to freely express their concerns. This is an encouraging development, and we reiterate our support for the further development of political institutions in Timor-Leste. We call on all political parties to continue to actively demonstrate their commitment to the democratic processes in Timor- Leste, especially during the forthcoming election period. It is essential that the elections take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect. With regard to UNMIT’s mandate, South Africa welcomes the progress made in the resumption of primary policing responsibilities by the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL). It is encouraging that only a small number policing districts remain to be handed over. However, we have noted that almost all of them are located in the Dili area and that significant challenges remain with regard to certifying police officers in those districts. We are also concerned about the significant logistical challenges that face police stations. It is essential for UNMIT to hand over primary policing responsibilities, but it can only do so if the process is credible and sustainable. In addition, policing authorities in any country must be viewed as legitimate in the eyes of their communities. It is therefore essential to further enhance effective disciplinary mechanisms, command and control structures and weapons control mechanisms. We reiterate our call for increased gender sensitivity in the execution of police duties, as a high percentage of crimes result from gender-based violence. We welcome the promulgation by President Ramos-Horta of the national security legislative package, which is specifically aimed at strengthening the security and justice sectors. We have noted the Secretary-General’s call for this development to be operationalized through subsidiary legislation that will, among others, provide greater clarity on the delineation between the responsibilities of the military and civilian police. With regard to UNMIT specifically, our delegation supports the view that the reconfiguration of UNMIT should be approached in a sensitive manner, with specific focus on the need to provide sufficient support to the PNTL in terms of training, capacity- building, advising, mentoring and institutional development. Moreover, every effort should be made to complete the drawdown and handover by the deadlines determined by Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1912 (2010) adopted in February. We encourage UNMIT to continue its consultations with the Government on the transition planning. In this regard, we welcome the establishment of an oversight mechanism between the Government and UNMIT. In conclusion, South Africa welcomes the positive developments in Timor-Leste during the reporting period and stands ready to support the processes ahead as a member of the core group. We remain committed to the vision of a stable and strong Timor-Leste that can use its peace dividend for the prosperity of all of its people.

I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal.

Thank you for giving me the floor, Sir, and I wish to congratulate you on your presidency of the Security Council. We believe that it is particularly important that the Security Council stay actively engaged with Timor-Leste. In this context we welcome the visit scheduled for November. I also wish to thank our dear colleague Ambassador Sofia Borges and Special Representative Ameerah Haq for their presentations, as well as the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and valuable report (S/2010/522). Portugal naturally aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union. But, as a representative of a country that has a long, shared history with Timor-Leste and as an active member of the core group, I would like to underline some specific points. Portugal praises the encouraging achievements in Timor-Leste during this reporting period and the continuing stable environment, as a credit to Timor- Leste’s determination to long-term peace, stability and development. In assessing these achievements, it is important to acknowledge how far Timor-Leste has come in the few short years since its independence, but it is equally important not to lose sight of the significant challenges that lie ahead. Elections scheduled to take place in 2012 will test the capacity and resilience of Timor-Leste’s national institutions and the progress made towards a stable democratic political environment and culture. We are aware of the profound social and economic challenges still faced by Timor-Leste in terms of fighting poverty, building an economy that extends beyond oil, and ensuring that the young Timorese will have the skills, training and opportunities that they need to take charge of their future. Problems such as slow agricultural development, youth underemployment and lack of human resources are hampering the recovery and reconstruction process and having a fundamental repercussion on the social cohesion of Timor-Leste. These issues must be taken very seriously in the near future. On the other hand, it is encouraging that continued advances were made in all four of the mandated areas of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), including dialogue initiatives on critical national issues, the achievements on the resumption of primary policing responsibilities by the national police, the promulgation of the national security legislative package, the adoption of the Justice Sector Strategic Plan and, last but not least, the presentation of the National Strategic Development Plan. Further efforts are, however, required to overcome the political, institutional and socio-economic weaknesses that contributed to the events of 2006. The continued good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General will be crucial to facilitating the political dialogue with national political actors as Timor-Leste approaches the next general elections, which will be held by 2012. Long-term security and stability will also depend on the capacity of the Timorese institutions to function in an effective, responsible and accountable way, with due respect for the rule of law and benefiting from public confidence and support. To facilitate full and effective progress towards the full reconstitution of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), a reinvigorated partnership between the PNTL and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) is required. A clear vision of the relationship between the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste and the National Police, as well as of their respective tasks, is also crucial. In this context, we reiterate that additional steps should be taken to facilitate the closest possible coordination of the support of the international community and bilateral donors. However, no true progress will be achievable if the sustainable socio-economic development of the country is not made a priority. We support the Government of Timor-Leste in its continuing efforts to increase input into infrastructure development, education and vocational training, and we call on the international community to provide more assistance to the Government and Timorese people in those relevant fields. We are aware that a number of fundamental issues will require sustained, long-term attention well beyond the date of 2012. For this purpose, Portugal welcomes the preparation of a strategy to guide UNMIT’s transition beyond 2012. The consolidation of those goals will require the sustained engagement and support of the international community, in full respect for the Timorese people’s own choices regarding their country. Portugal remains fully engaged in supporting Timor-Leste and remains a major bilateral donor in a wide spectrum of areas, including governance and public administration, justice, education and security sector reform, and by contributing over 200 police and military liaison officers to UNMIT and fully supporting all areas under the responsibility of the Mission. The people of Timor-Leste have repeatedly shown their resolve to build a peaceful, democratic and stable society. To that end, we will maintain our engagement and solidarity with the Timorese, and we encourage and support Ameerah Haq and the entire team of the United Nations Integrated Mission in carrying out their invaluable work.

I now give the floor to Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste. Ms. Haq: First of all, I want to thank and convey my sincere appreciation to all the members of the Council for all their expressions of support for the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), for acknowledging the work done by UNMIT, and for their strong words in support of the continued progress of the people of Timor-Leste towards peace and stability. I specifically would like to thank members of the Council who expressed their agreement concerning the jointly owned planning and implementation mechanism, and I fully acknowledge the strong emphasis that was made by some members of the Council that it must be established jointly, with a strong emphasis on the national ownership of this process. We feel that an effective transition strategy will lay the foundations necessary to ensure the success of post-peacekeeping efforts as Timor-Leste moves into the peacebuilding arena. I would also like to take note of all the observations that were made with respect to the reconfiguration of UNMIT police, the expressions of caution taken against hasty handovers, which we fully appreciate, and the need for a sufficient presence in all the districts and units to emphasize monitoring, training and mentoring and the continued need for capacity-building. In this context, many representatives particularly mentioned the 2012 elections as the test of the stability and effectiveness of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL). While everyone, I think, commented very favourably on the resumption of primary policing responsibilities, we also take note of some the concerns expressed with respect to the preparation of the PNTL in laying the groundwork for longer-term development. I can assure the Council that we will continue to work with the authorities in Timor-Leste in a concerted manner on the remaining units and districts. There was also a reference to the delineation of roles between the military and the police. This kind of sector-wide reform is a complex process. It takes up a lot of time; it does not really have an end-point, but I think that the commitment to the current and ensuing legislation from the national security package must continue. We will obviously address the continuing needs of this operationalization of the laws and the issues of delineation contained therein. Many speakers raised concerns about impunity and, as we have indicated, we certainly share this concern. Primarily, as many have said, perceptions of impunity can undermine public confidence in the rule of law. I should point out that this can happen because of institutional or individual capacity challenges — for example, the difficulties that citizens have in accessing justice because of linguistic difficulties, the need for more trained court actors and the lack of infrastructure. Again, we must address this comprehensively. Many members of the Council have spoken about socio-economic development, emphasizing the need for employment and taking into account the social instability that can be caused by large numbers of unemployed young people. I also note with gratitude the continued strong indications of future bilateral support to Timor-Leste. That is crucial as we enter the transitional phase and we will continue to consult closely, obviously, and coordinate closely with the bilateral partners. Finally, much emphasis has been placed on the continued culture of dialogue and reconciliation, and I can assure members of the Council that that part of the Mission’s mandate will remain very much at the forefront. Let me thank you, Mr. President, and the members of the Council for your continued support and guidance. I think that this keen interest will be evident on the ground in the Council’s upcoming visit. We welcome that visit, and we would like to thank the Government of Japan for its role in organizing it. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Japan for its role as Chair of the core group. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Portugal and South Africa, two very active members of the core group, on their election to the Security Council. We certainly know that Timor-Leste will benefit from that important membership. Finally, let me thank you very much, Mr. President, for your leadership and for the tremendous support that you have brought to bear on the work that UNMIT continues to do in Timor-Leste. We continue to appreciate and seek the wise counsel and guidance of this body.

I thank Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.