S/PV.6205
6205th meeting
Friday, 23 October 2009, 10 a.m.
New York
The situation in Timor-Leste
Mr. Dabbashi (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Mr. Guterres, and to thank him for his valuable participation in this meeting. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Khare, for his briefing and for his very valuable contribution to peace in Timor-Leste. I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) under his leadership, which have contributed to stability and progress in Timor-Leste.
We have followed the developments in Timor-Leste with great interest, and we again welcome the continuing stability and calm in that country and the progress made towards peace, as reflected in the State authorities’ response to the recent crisis and the measures taken to restore stability and security in order to continue working towards steady socio-economic development. We note with satisfaction the closure of most of the camps for refugees and internally displaced persons without any incidents, as well as the ongoing reintegration of the petitioners of the Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) into civilian life. We note as well the adoption of administrative reform measures and anti-corruption laws.
We believe that it is important to devote greater attention to the post-reintegration phase in order to enable all citizens to earn a living and to enjoy access to basic necessities, such as water and other services, because that is one of the prerequisites for lasting stability in the country. It is evident that Timor-Leste has achieved substantial progress. However, there are still many challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, the lack of an effective land and property management. In addition, the State institutions remain fragile, including shortcomings in the justice and law-enforcement sectors. In that regard, primary responsibility for the adoption of a comprehensive approach to the four priority areas lies with the Timorese authorities. Those are security sector reform, State building and the rule of law, the promotion of a culture of democratic governance and governance, and socio-economic development, so that greater progress within the context of the medium-term strategy, in cooperation and coordination with UNMIT and the United Nations country team, can be achieved.
We note with satisfaction the efforts of President Ramos-Horta to strengthen the ongoing dialogue among the various political parties, as well as all segments of society. It is evident that the statements made recently by the various influential political parties and the measures that they have taken clearly demonstrate their respect for the rule of law and all State institutions. We hope that that constructive spirit will prevail so as to ensure that a democratic society enjoying peace and stability continues to be built.
During this period, it is important that we continue to strengthen and advance the State institutions, especially their capacities, in order to enable them to fully meet their responsibilities, in particular in the fields of security and socio-economic development and respect for the rule of law and human rights, and to ensure that understanding and tolerance prevail.
We welcome the Secretary-General’s recommendations and agree with him when he states that much remains to be done in Timor-Leste (see S/2009/504, para. 53). That is why we support his comment with regard to maintaining the strength and composition of the Mission at the current levels, and we look forward to the recommendations of the technical assessment team.
