United Nations S/PV.4522

Security Council Provisional Fifty-seventh year

4522nd meeting Friday, 26 April 2002, 10 a.m. New York

President: Mr. Lavrov ...... (Russian Federation)

Members: Bulgaria ...... Mr. Tafrov Cameroon ...... Mr. Belinga-Eboutou China ...... Mr. Wang Yingfan Colombia ...... Mr. Valdivieso France ...... Mr. Doutriaux Guinea ...... Mr. Fall Ireland ...... Mr. Corr Mauritius ...... Mr. Koonjul Mexico ...... Mr. Aguilar Zinser Norway ...... Mr. Strømmen Singapore ...... Mr. Mahbubani Syrian Arab Republic ...... Mr. Wehbe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ..... Mr. Eldon United States of America ...... Mr. Williamson

Agenda

The situation in East Timor Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (S/2002/432 and Add.1).

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the interpretation of speeches delivered in the other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room C-178.

02-35467 (E) *0235467* S/PV.4522

The meeting was called to order at 10.20 a.m. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, and in the absence of Adoption of the agenda objection, I shall take it that the Council agrees to extend invitations under rule 39 of its provisional rules The agenda was adopted. of procedure to His Excellency Mr. Xanana Gusmão, President-elect of East Timor, and His Excellency Mr. The situation in East Timor Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri, Chief Minister of East Timor. Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East There being no objection, it is so decided. Timor (S/2002/432 and Add.1) On behalf of the Council, I extend a warm The President (spoke in Russian): I should like welcome to the President-elect of East Timor, Mr. to inform the Council that I have received letters from Xanana Gusmão and to the Chief Minister of East the representatives of Australia, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Timor, Mr. Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri. I request the Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Associate Chief of Protocol to escort them to their Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand and seats at the Council table. Ukraine in which they request to be invited to The Security Council will now begin its participate in the discussion of the item on the consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is Council’s agenda. In conformity with the usual meeting in accordance with the understanding reached practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to in its prior consultations. invite those representatives to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance Members of the Council have before them with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 document S/2002/432 and Add.1, which contains the of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor. There being no objection, it is so decided. I should like to welcome the presence of the At the invitation of the President, Mr. Stuart Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, to (Australia), Mr. Fonseca (Brazil), Mr. Maquieira whom I give the floor. (Chile), Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt), Mr. Naidu (Fiji), Mr. Widodo (Indonesia), Mr. Motomura The Secretary-General: We are approaching a (Japan), Mr. Zainuddin (Malaysia), Mr. MacKay historic moment for East Timor and, indeed, for the (New Zealand), Mr. Seixas da Costa (Portugal), United Nations. It is with considerable emotion that I Mr. Sun Joun-yung (Republic of Korea), Mr. Arias join you in welcoming the elected leaders of the people (Spain), Mr. Kasemsarn (Thailand), Mr. of East Timor — President-elect Xanana Gusmão and Kuchinsky (Ukraine) took the seats reserved for Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri — who will participate in them at the side of the Council Chamber. this debate, and to whom, in less than one month’s time, the United Nations will joyfully hand over full The President (spoke in Russian): In accordance responsibility for the destiny of their country. with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, and in the absence of objection, I shall Since the tragic events of September 1999, which take it that the Council agrees to extend an invitation followed the democratic decision of the East Timorese under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to people to seek independence, the United Nations has Mr. Hédi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General for been working hard to build a sustainable national Peacekeeping Operations. administration, in close partnership with Member States and, most importantly, with the East Timorese There being no objection, it is so decided. themselves. I invite Mr. Annabi to take a seat at the Council It may have seemed improbable to some at that table. time that East Timor would become a viable State within two and a half years. But I believe history is about to confound the sceptics. Credit for this should

2 S/PV.4522 go first and foremost to the East Timorese people, who I am confident that the Timorese will continue to have shown great courage and perseverance in develop their own sources of revenue and to manage rebuilding their country. their resources prudently, in keeping with their track record thus far. But East Timor will continue to need They have risen to every challenge that has financial and budgetary assistance. Moreover, confronted them and have unfailingly demonstrated sustainable growth will require investment from the their commitment to democracy. There are still private sector, both domestic and foreign. I urge all daunting challenges ahead, but with a determined and Member States to do their utmost to encourage it. dedicated leadership in place, and a strong constitutional foundation, I believe they can now face Good relations with its nearest neighbours will be the future with confidence. essential to East Timor’s future stability. This will include close cooperation with Indonesia, in order to We, the international community, can also take ensure timely agreement on the delimitation of the pride in the contribution we have made. After the swift border, on the situation of the remaining refugees in restoration of order by the international force, West Timor and on cooperation in prosecuting those authorized by this Council, the United Nations itself accused of the serious crimes committed in 1999. was given a mandate of unprecedented scope under resolution 1272 (1999), adopted on 25 October 1999. Confidence is vital, and the best way to provide it is to continue the strong partnerships that have brought Since then, peace has been secured, and basic East Timor this far. I trust this will continue throughout governmental structures and laws have been put in the mandate of UNMISET, and beyond. place. A sense of normality has returned. Children are attending schools, roads are being built, buildings I hope to be present in person for the reconstructed, health systems established, and new independence ceremonies on 19 and 20 May, and I businesses are opening up every day. must say I look forward to that historic night with some excitement. It will mark the climax of the East The citizens of East Timor have turned out in Timorese people’s historic struggle to assert their right overwhelming numbers to vote in the Constituent of self-determination, which I have no doubt will be Assembly and presidential elections. Most celebrated in song and story for centuries to come. encouragingly, in the last few months increasing numbers of refugees have returned. As Secretary-General, I am proud of the part the United Nations has played in that struggle, and I am But all this is only the start. The Government of especially pleased that we are now in this last phase. I East Timor faces enormous tasks before — and, above pledge that this will mark not an end, but a new all, after — 20 May. It must not be left alone. The beginning, and that the United Nations stands ready to international community must ensure that the play its full part alongside the independent nation of investment it has made does not go to waste. It will East Timor. still have a crucial role to play in helping the Timorese to consolidate their new institutions. That is why I very The President (spoke in Russian): I thank the much hope the Council will approve the detailed Secretary-General for his statement. proposals for a follow-on peacekeeping presence I give the floor to Assistant Secretary-General contained in my report. Hédi Annabi to introduce the Secretary-General’s In the initial stages, this mission — called the report. United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Mr. Annabi: Mr. President, at the outset I wish to (UNMISET) — will provide support in three areas that join the Secretary-General in welcoming President- are critical for the stability and viability of the new elect Xanana Gusmão and the Chief Minister of the State: public administration, law and order, and East Timorese Government, Mari Alkatiri, who are external security. That support will be reduced here with us today to participate in this important gradually over two years, as the role of the United meeting. Nations becomes one of providing normal development assistance.

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The Secretary-General has highlighted some of to flow into the economy, but not until about three the achievements of the last two and a half years and years from now. Until then, it is imperative that the the requirement for a United Nations role post- international community continue to provide budgetary independence to the ensure the security and stability of support to the young Timorese public Administration. the young Timorese Administration. I would like to The plan for an integrated peacekeeping mission elaborate further on the development and objectives of post-independence, to be known as the United Nations the plan for the successor mission that is presented in Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), was the Secretary-General’s report dated 17 April 2002, developed over the past 12 months and draws on which Council members have before them. lessons learned from UNTAET and other missions. The As Council members may recall, United Nations most fundamental lesson is that, in order to have a Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) lasting impact which makes the best use of limited administration of East Timor started with an almost resources, there must be a comprehensive benchmark- exclusively international staff in October 1999. based strategy that must be implemented in a coherent UNTAET then progressively transitioned into a shared manner and with a close partnership among the United international East Timorese Cabinet and Nations, Member States and our Timorese colleagues. Administration during the first Transitional With this in mind, UNTAET, together with the East Government. The Government of East Timor has been Timorese, identified the requirements for 100 core run for the past eight months by an all-Timorese functions to support the Government after Council of Ministers. The executive, legislative and independence, defined an exit strategy and took judicial branches of Government are beginning to measures to enable recruitment against these functions function, and East Timorese civil servants and line by independence. Similarly, with respect to the police, managers are now serving in all sectors. East Timorese we identified the requirements to develop a police police officers continue to be trained and to serve side structure based on the law enforcement needs and by side with their United Nations counterparts. budgetary realities of East Timor, and we agreed with In short, there are now in East Timor the basic the Timorese leadership on a development plan that is elements — although they are still fragile — of State linked to specific benchmarks and provides for a and public administration. progressive reduction of United Nations police personnel. To implement UNTAET’s mandate, the United Nations had to adjust its way of doing business. We are As members of the Council are aware, President- grateful, in particular, for the flexibility that the elect Xanana Gusmão and Chief Minister Alkatiri General Assembly and its Advisory Committee on recently wrote to you, Mr. President, requesting the Administrative and Budgetary Questions have shown establishment of a follow-on mission in East Timor and in allowing for the provision of central support services expressing their concurrence with the plan presented by for government, such as information technology, the Secretary-General in his report. telecommunications and district services. As the Secretary-General has noted, the follow-on Our procedures for recruiting international staff mission would support three areas that are critical for had to be changed in order to obtain personnel with the the stability and viability of an independent East technical expertise and experience required to run a Timor, namely public administration, law and order, public administration. This has not been easy. There and external security. The follow-on mission would be were initial shortcomings. Recruitment authority was gradually withdrawn as East Timorese institutions eventually delegated to UNTAET, which allowed for develop the capability to carry the burden alone. The direct consultations with senior Government officials details of how this support is to be provided are on the recruitment of appropriate international staff. included in the implementation plan presented in the report. Notwithstanding the significant progress made, certain elements set out in UNTAET’s mandate have In the area of public administration, the mission not yet been fully achieved. Government structures are would support critical Government functions through not yet fully functional or financially sustainable. the provision of 100 international experts under the Significant benefits from the Timor Sea are projected assessed budget. It is foreseen that the mission would

4 S/PV.4522 phase out this assistance in essential services and to the The third area in which support will continue to legal system by November 2003 and in financial and be needed after independence is external security. The central services, as well as internal systems, by May East Timor Defence Force is still in its early stages of 2004. development and subject to sustained bilateral support, it is not expected to attain full operational capability Continued civilian assistance will also be until January 2004. In the meantime, as requested by provided to bring to justice the perpetrators of serious the East Timorese leadership, the United Nations will crimes committed in 1999. Investigations into the continue to be responsible for the maintenance of the priority cases are expected to be concluded by the end external security and territorial integrity of East Timor. of the year, and the number of international An agreement specifying the modalities for investigators will be downsized accordingly. coordination between the United Nations peacekeeping Prosecutors, however, will need to continue to be forces and the East Timor Defence Force (ETDF) is in available as these cases proceed through the judicial preparation and is also expected to be signed by the system. Government and the United Nations at the time of Regarding law and order, progress in the independence. As the East Timor Defence Force development of the East Timor Police Service has been develops its operational capability, it will gradually impressive, and a total of 1,800 Timorese police take on responsibility for external security. However, it officers have received basic training and are now is expected that in the meantime United Nations and working alongside their United Nations counterparts. East Timorese military forces will operate under Another 1,030 police officers are to be trained to reach separate chains of command and areas of operation. the target strength of 2,830. The Secretary-General’s report provides a As requested by the East Timorese leadership, the detailed plan to downsize the peacekeeping force in United Nations police will continue to provide four phases, over a period of two years. Annex IV of executive policing and to support the development of the report shows the projected timeline according to the East Timor Police Service. At independence, the which each phase will occur, subject to the attainment United Nations plans to enter into a formal agreement of certain predetermined benchmarks. In that regard, with the Government on the operational arrangements the timely conclusion of an agreement on the border for the police forces. These arrangements, which are between East Timor and Indonesia will be critical. currently being discussed with the Transitional Should such an agreement be reached, as we hope it Government, provide for the gradual handover of day- will, before the end of 2002, it may even become to-day policing responsibilities in the districts — possible to accelerate the downsizing of the force in the subject, of course, to clearly defined criteria. border area, as well as to accelerate the reduction of its overall strength. The first handover is scheduled to take place on Independence Day, on 20 May 2002, when an East However, I cannot emphasize enough that the Timorese district commander will assume material and financial support of bilateral donors for responsibility for Aileu district. The final handover is the full establishment of the East Timorese police and expected to occur in January 2004, when the military are essential, and that they require urgent headquarters structure will be fully commanded by the action. While training and governance mechanisms will East Timor Police Service. Until all 13 districts are be put in place with the support of the Mission, there handed over, all police officers, including East will be a need to ensure that the police and military Timorese commanders at the district and unit level, institutions of East Timor are adequately equipped and will operate as a joint service under the command of resourced through generous bilateral contributions. It the United Nations Police Commissioner, who will must be understood that the timely implementation of report to the Special Representative of the Secretary- the hand-over to the East Timorese police is linked to General. This will ensure a coherent police service, the logistical capabilities of the Timorese police and combining East Timorese and international police that increased donor support could allow the reduction working side by side, that is able to operate smoothly to occur at a more rapid pace. The same logic of course and to discharge effectively its responsibilities for the applies to the ETDF. maintenance of law and order.

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In addition to assistance to police and military Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio forces, there is a need for continued bilateral support to Vieira de Mello, for his admirable leadership of East Timor to strengthen the institutions and structures UNTAET and for his dedication and hard work of Government and to put into effect the programme alongside the East Timorese people during the past two for the medium- and long-term development of the and a half years. Finally, last but not least, I would like country. While the proposed Mission will focus its to pay special tribute to all the staff of UNTAET and its efforts on consolidating a stable environment in East partner organizations for their outstanding contribution Timor, there will be a continuing need for other United in helping East Timor to overcome its tragic past and Nations entities, as well as bilateral and other donors, enabling it to join the community of nations and, soon, to assist the people of East Timor in developing a the United Nations Organization as a full member. sustainable economy. The commitments made by The President (spoke in Russian): I thank Member States at the next donor conference, which is Mr. Annabi for his introduction. to be held in Dili on 14 and 15 May, will be essential to sustain and develop the existing basic administrative I now give the floor to the President-elect of East structures. We urge Member States to channel their Timor, His Excellency Mr. Xanana Gusmão. assistance to support the 200 priority posts for social Mr. Gusmão: I would like to thank you, and economic development and poverty reduction, Mr. President, for the invitation to address this which will rely on voluntary contributions. important meeting devoted to East Timor. The Considerable emphasis has been placed on Secretary-General has already presented a coordinating the activities of the wider United Nations comprehensive review of the latest developments, and system, bilateral donors, civil society and the national the Chief Minister, Mr. Mari Alkatiri, is also here to development plan of the East Timor Government itself. complement this report with an update. As indicated in the Secretary-General’s report, the Before talking about the current stage leading implementation plan for UNMISET provides for close towards formal independence, allow me to touch on coordination of the United Nations family, including some earlier key events pertaining to the question of the Bretton Woods institutions, as well as bilateral East Timor. They are well known to everyone here, of donors, non-governmental organizations and the course, but I wish to briefly reflect on where we came private sector. To facilitate this coordination, it is from before we reached this phase, where formal envisaged that the Resident Coordinator will be independence is about to be granted. appointed Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General — as has been done with some The process towards a peaceful solution for East success elsewhere, such as in Sierra Leone, for Timor was clearly defined 20 years ago, when the example. That will ensure that the international General Assembly adopted resolution 37/30, in 1982. community can maximize the benefits of its collective The Secretary-General was given the authority to resources and will enable the United Nations gradually initiate the necessary measures, including calling upon to transition from UNMISET into a role of traditional all interested parties to work together towards the development assistance, over the two-year period implementation of the spirit and the letter of the proposed in the report. resolution. In closing, and with the permission of the After 18 years, in May 1999, the United Nations Secretary-General, I would like to pay tribute to all and the Governments of the Republic of Indonesia and those who have been instrumental in allowing us to the Portuguese Republic signed the 5 May accord. That make the progress that has been achieved so far. accord enabled the United Nations Mission in East Foremost in our minds, of course, are the East Timor (UNAMET) to be set up to implement the first Timorese and their unflagging commitment and phase, which was the popular consultation held on 30 cooperation. In particular, I should recognize the August 1999. The referendum finally allowed us to extremely able leadership of President-elect Xanana exercise our right to self-determination. As expected, Gusmão and Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri and their our people opted overwhelmingly for independence, colleagues in the Government and Constituent for freedom and for democracy. The 5 May accord Assembly. Our deep gratitude also goes to the Special envisaged that, regardless of the outcome of the vote,

6 S/PV.4522 the United Nations would take over administration of challenges still exist, especially at the senior level, in the territory. building the capacity of our people to maintain effective, transparent and accountable government. The violence that followed the announcement of the results of the vote was beyond belief. As a nation We are now about to become independent. As and people, over a period of 24 years of occupation we reported by the Secretary-General, a constitution was endured extreme and systematic violence, but nothing adopted by an elected Constituent Assembly and, on prepared us for the violence of September 1999. Within the basis of that constitution, we have just held a short period, people were killed and our country was presidential elections. We now have the three basic looted and burned. Thousands of people fled from their institutions of sovereignty: the executive, the villages and towns to the mountains, and many more parliament and a president. were forced to cross the border into Indonesia. Our second Transitional Government was set up For our people, that was an eclipse of freedom. after the election of a Constituent Assembly on 30 The international community witnessed the violence August 2001. With very limited resources, the and destruction and acted forcefully to stop it. We are Government is likely to face extreme difficulties in particularly indebted to the Security Council and to all implementing its programmes unless financial support the countries that helped to take that decisive decision. and the appropriate expertise from the international The diplomatic and military actions taken by the community are forthcoming. The Chief Minister, Mr. international community proved to the world that it had Alkatiri, can explain the details of those matters. There the capacity to end widespread violence against a is a plan to provide international experts for 100 core defenceless people. Through the International Force in functions, which have been identified by UNTAET and East Timor (INTERFET), many countries came the Government as critical to the viability of the together under the overall command of Australia to Government and to political stability. That support is help control the situation. Operation Stability was a important. success. The Government has been actively involved in INTERFET was not envisaged in the 5 May the process of preparing the first national development accord, but it was necessary to save the accord itself. plan for East Timor. Civil society has also been By doing so, it also helped to honour the involved in that process through the Civil Society responsibilities and the undertakings of the Consultative Commission, which administered a Government of Indonesia based on the 5 May accord. countrywide consultation. The aim of the consultation INTERFET allowed the second phase of the accord to was to ensure that the national development plan would be implemented. The United Nations Transitional reflect the needs and aspirations of our people. I was Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was formed personally involved in the exercise, as the Head of the to carry out the second phase on behalf of the Security Commission. That particular exercise enabled almost Council. With the support of the peacekeeping force, 40,000 people to participate directly in planning for the UNTAET’s mandate was to create the democratic future. They presented their own vision and institutions of Government. expectations and outlined their own priorities. The report on the aspirations and priorities identified by the In the last two years, UNTAET has given primary people is now in the hands of the Government. emphasis to the maintenance of security and the Education and health were identified as areas of major establishment of the rule of law. The development of concern and will be at the top of the list of priorities. the East Timor Police Service and the East Timor Defence Force has been an extraordinary achievement. The development plan will be released before We are now certain that we are heading in the right independence. It will be an important document not direction, but we acknowledge that much more needs only to guide the Government and civil society in to be done, especially in the administration of justice. developing the nation, but also to guide the international community on how best it can continue to Other areas of critical importance, such as help us support our major goals of reducing poverty education, health, agriculture and fisheries, still require and promoting economic and social development. strong support in terms of finance and human resources. The civil service is evolving, but many

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We now have a constitution. It provides The building of democratic institutions has also guarantees of human rights for our people. In terms of been a process led by the United Nations through the philosophy of the United Nations, our constitution UNTAET, working with the Timorese leadership, as provides an example of how the fundamental elements envisaged in the Security Council resolutions. So far, it of human rights can be incorporated into a constitution. has been a success. For a nation in the making, delivering those guarantees The challenge now for the Timorese, and also for to individuals and to the nation is a gigantic challenge. the United Nations, is how to consolidate the core How are we going to respond to the basic needs democratic institutions. The need to enhance the of our people in terms of employment, basic health and capacity and transparency of political institutions and the right to education? How are we going to respond to of the administrative apparatus is a critical challenge. basic human rights in terms of employment, working Appropriate development in the areas of law and order conditions and equal opportunities for both genders? is another. To maintain and sustain security and How are we going to nurture and sustain integrated stability, which are the most important conditions for democratic processes? Those are all real challenges, national development and democracy, are two not only for us, the Timorese, but also for the United intertwined processes that must be carefully nurtured. Nations. We will face a real test after the declaration of Our struggle for freedom was a litmus test for the independence on 20 May. That is when capacity- process of resolving conflict through peaceful means. building begins in earnest. A central issue is how are Our freedom, won through years of sustained resistance we going to manage the legislature in order to on many fronts and finally becoming a reality through elaborate laws to regulate an environment conducive to the 5 May accord, was sealed in the ballot box in the sustaining economic development. The other real popular consultation held on 30 August 1999. That was challenge is how the United Nations and the people of a turning point in our history. I wish to reiterate the fact East Timor can continue to work together in the post- that the successful implementation of the popular independence era to enhance the capacity of the consultation was a product of the United Nations institutions of East Timor after it becomes a democratic working creatively with the people of East Timor. The State. Support from the international community, commitment of the entire Security Council to East including technical advisers to support key Timor and the personal commitment of the Secretary- Government functions, will be essential for some time General, Mr. Kofi Annan, were certainly a force in that to come. process. Our people will never forget the Council’s In short, our struggle for freedom and help. independence evolved from the cold-war era into the The experience of the administration of UNTAET new millennium. Our independence is the product of holds rich lessons for the future. Future United Nations the sustained determination of our people, combined administrations in post-conflict situations will be much with active cooperation with the international richer if the lessons from East Timor are incorporated community at all levels. Our future success will also into the design and implementation of United Nations depend on the continuation of that determination and plans. cooperation. I appeal to the Security Council and to the Secretary-General to continue to support us in the The successor mission, the United Nations challenging years ahead. Our success is your success. Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), has a For our part, as a people and a nation that emerged mandate-implementation plan with defined benchmarks from the ashes to look forward to becoming a State to be achieved within a certain time frame. For this Member of the United Nations, we shall continue to plan to succeed, it will need the support of Member embrace the principles of human rights, mutual respect, States. We welcome those plans and shall work good citizenship and cooperation at all levels between together to make sure that the objectives assigned to States and peoples. Our actions will always be oriented the successor Mission will be successfully towards sustained peace and stability. Those are the implemented. best assets we have.

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Lastly but not least, I should like to thank the participatory, in order to directly involve the people in Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his personal the decision-making process. commitment over many years to helping us, as a people The present leadership of the country has a duty and a nation, to succeed in the struggle for peace and to live up to two major expectations. The first is the freedom. expectation of the people that the Government will The President (spoke in Russian): I now give the channel their energies and creative ability into the floor to Mr. Mari Alkatiri, Chief Minister of East development of the country. The second is the Timor. expectation of the international community that the Government will do all it can to convert the aid being Mr. Alkatiri: After a quarter of a century of provided into investments that will benefit future struggle and resistance, we are now only 23 days from generations and thus increase the credibility of the achieving our objective, the international recognition country, so that it can continue to deserve the of the independence of East Timor. That it will be confidence and support of the international community. achieved on 20 May is a tribute not only to our people and their contributions to the process, but also to the As a result of the consultation process, international community and the United Nations, which Government attention will be concentrated on four kept the idea of an independent East Timor alive in the major areas. darkest hour of the struggle. First, education and the eradication of illiteracy, The support of the Security Council has been which currently stands at around 55 per cent, are fundamental over the past two and a half years, as the priorities. United Nations Transitional Administration in East Second is health, with particular emphasis on the Timor (UNTAET) and the people of East Timor worked fight against malnutrition and endemic diseases such as together to restore security and stability and to malaria and tuberculosis, as well as the provision of the establish the foundation of an independent basics of public health, including clean water and Government. It was not always easy, as there was no sanitation. Another priority is the campaign that has blueprint or manual on how to govern a country. We already started for AIDS awareness and education. learned as we went along. Third is housing, which is another priority. Now, however, we are at a stage in which East Timor is ready to govern itself. Since September 2001, Fourth is agriculture and its development an entirely East Timorese Government has been potential. This is particularly important in order to halt exercising executive authority, and while we are facing the exodus of the rural population to the city and, a major challenge to develop our public and private indeed, to reverse that trend. institutions as well as their social and communitarian Our budget will be a clear reflection of those counterparts, the fundamental structures and priorities, which were identified in the national plan, institutions of the country are now in place. with a particular emphasis on service delivery and the Government and civil society have been working hard alleviation of poverty. The final budget will be together to produce our first national plan, with the approved on 30 May. objective of establishing a programme to alleviate poverty and promote the development of East Timor. I should also like to mention that the President- We have a clear idea of our priorities after the broad elect, the Special Representative of the Secretary- public consultation that preceded our planning process General and I had a long and fruitful meeting recently, and the open Cabinet meetings that the Council of and we are in broad agreement on how to go forward. Ministers has been conducting in each of the 13 The President-elect and I share the same objectives — districts of East Timor, at which the population was the well-being and advancement of the people of East able to express its concerns directly to the Timor — and we will work together with the Government. We are concerned that our style of presidency, the Government and Parliament to achieve governance should be seen not only as those goals. We will, however, still be relying on the representative — inasmuch as we are the elected support of the United Nations and of the international representatives of the people — but also as community to consolidate the progress that has been

9 S/PV.4522 made thus far and to guarantee the stability of the important step will be the negotiation of our maritime country after independence. I am referring to the need boundaries. Budget restrictions will, of necessity, limit for assessed funding for the 100 core functions that are our diplomatic representations, but we encourage vital for the continued functioning of the Government, diplomats to visit East Timor and see for themselves and for donor funding for the 200 additional functions the challenges that exist for the future, as well as the that were identified, with the assistance of the United considerable progress that has already been made with Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the generous assistance of United Nations Members. necessary for social and economic development and We are aware that various countries have expressed an poverty reduction. interest in establishing diplomatic relations with East Timor on Independence Day and we are studying how In order to implement the national development it will be humanly possible to bring this about in the plan, international support is critical over the next three time that it is available. years until the first revenues can be expected from the gas and petroleum developments in the Timor Sea. To conclude, our priorities are to ensure that the Those revenues will be considered as a credit by future Government’s programmes and policies reflect the generations of East Timor to the current generation, aspirations of our people and are executed with the which will be paid back by a special development fund maximum efficiency and transparency and to maintain for education, health and infrastructure. the high standards of human and social rights that were instituted during the transition period, counting on the We will be applying to join the World Bank and active participation and support of civil society. Of the Asian Development Bank, and our application to particular significance will be the continuing the International Monetary Fund is currently being promotion of equality and women’s rights and the processed. We are working closely with the World campaign against domestic violence. Our priorities are Bank to establish a mechanism to channel donor funds also to plan for integrated and sustainable to a budget support facility that will help to bridge the development, with the help of the United Nations gap between budget expenditures and forecast revenues agencies, the International Monetary Fund and the over the next three years. We are actively engaged with World Bank; to consolidate the very real advances that the Australian Government and the oil companies have been made over the past two and a half years, operating in the Timor Sea to resolve outstanding with special emphasis on capacity and institution- issues, and we expect to sign the treaty relating to the building; and to encourage a spirit of tolerance and area of cooperation upon independence or shortly reconciliation within the community, allied to the thereafter. application of economic, social and political justice. But these measures to ensure political and I would like to confirm our full support for the economic stability go hand in hand with the question of Secretary-General’s recommendations for the successor internal and external security. The East Timor defence mission and commit my Government to working and police forces are not yet ready to undertake those closely with the new Special Representative of the functions, and there will be a need for a continued Secretary-General to make that new mission as much a United Nations presence with an executive role in success as UNTAET. those two areas. We are aware of the importance of signing the Status of Forces/Status of Mission We have come a long way together during East agreement (SOFA/SOMA) and the agreements on Timor’s transition to independence and special thanks police and military responsibilities. Those are of are due to the Security Council for its continued fundamental importance in defining the coordination support; to the Secretary-General who, in spite of his between the Government and the Special heavy load of responsibilities, has always been Representative of the Secretary-General of the new available for advice and consultation; and, of course, to mission, in order to avoid the danger of parallel our friend Special Representative Sergio Vieira de command structures in the same country. Mello, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of East Timor. The security of our country is also linked to the establishment of good relations with our neighbours and, indeed, with all the nations of the world. One

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The President (spoke in Russian): I thank the In this context, we fully support the proposal of Chief Minister of East Timor for his kind words the Secretary-General on the establishment of the addressed to the Security Council. United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), with the responsibilities outlined in Mr. Koonjul (Mauritius): Let me start by paragraph 64 of the report. We particularly appreciate thanking Assistant Secretary-General Annabi for his the idea of a gradual devolution of responsibilities and briefing on the situation in East Timor and for powers to the people of East Timor in all sectors. This introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the is the most pragmatic and realizable objective in the United Nations Transitional Administration in East particular situation. Timor (UNTAET). We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for the important statement he made The significant role played by Indonesia in the earlier this morning. peace process and its continued support for all United Nations activities in East Timor must be highly We are very pleased to welcome once again Mr. commended. We are confident that both Indonesia and Xanana Gusmão — this time as the first President-elect East Timor will continue to consult each other in of East Timor — and Chief Minister Mari Alkatari to addressing the outstanding issues. We encourage both the Security Council. We thank them for their countries to develop close, friendly and good- statements outlining the policies that they will be neighbourly relations that will permit regional stability following to address the immediate needs of their and the optimal utilization of resources for the benefit country. Let me also seize this opportunity to of their respective peoples. congratulate them on their election and to express our best wishes to them and to the entire population that We look forward to East Timor’s joining the they are going to be leading. The election held this family of the United Nations after acceding to formal month shows once again the political maturity of the independence on 20 May, a celebration which the people, their love of peace and democracy and their whole world will be watching with great interest, joy undivided commitment to East Timor’s future. and emotion. Let me say that Mauritius will be represented at that special and historic event. We are very happy to see the positive developments in almost all sectors in East Timor. This Before I conclude, allow me to express my is a sure and steady path in the process to appreciation to Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, who is not independence. The success registered so far in the among us today, for the outstanding work making of East Timor as a nation State is the outcome accomplished by him in East Timor as the Special of the indomitable and undying spirit of sacrifice and Representative of the Secretary-General and head of dedication of its people and that of the international the Transitional Administration. His contribution in community, particularly the Security Council, which bringing peace to East Timor will become part of the has engaged itself fully in the whole process from the history of the country. He and the entire staff of very beginning. UNTAET deserve our heartiest appreciation for their laudable work in East Timor. We wish him plenty of The progress achieved should now be success in his future undertakings. consolidated and the international community should continue to accompany East Timor in its efforts. East I also take this opportunity to convey my Timor will require a sustained and high level of congratulations to Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Permanent development assistance, as mentioned in paragraph 100 Representative of India, who will now head UNMISET of the Secretary-General’s report. Top priority should and who, no doubt, has a gigantic task ahead. We are be given to external security, law and order and the confident, however, that, with his experience and great establishment of a solid and representative leadership qualities, he will be able to meet the administrative service. We must therefore ensure that challenges. Mauritius, as ever, will continue to lend its the needed help is given, especially in order to support to him and to the people of East Timor in maintain the high level of security and to build a building a viable and peace-loving State. sustainable administrative and economic base.

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Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Secondly, we believe that the structure that has My delegation is very gratified to be here in the been planned for bringing about security and stability Security Council at this extremely important moment in the new country is appropriate. We feel that the in the history of East Timor. Allow me to thank the planned linkage between UNMISET and the United Secretary-General for having addressed us on this Nations Resident Coordinator and Representative of historic occasion as we welcome Mr. Xanana Gusmão, the United Nations Development Programme is a President-elect of East Timor, and thank him and Chief positive element and will make it possible to Minister Mari Alkatiri for their enlightening harmonize and unify the United Nations contribution to statements. the new Government’s development plans, bearing in mind security aspects. We anticipate with great enthusiasm the company of East Timor as a State Member of the United Nations. Thirdly, we would like to emphasize that starting We are grateful to the Secretariat for the report and to on 20 May, the Security Council will have a different Mr. Annabi for his introduction. role to play in determining East Timor’s path. From now on, aside from the Timorese, of course, the most Today’s meeting is particularly meaningful. We active role will be taken by other agencies of the are celebrating the culmination of a historic process United Nations system, including the Bretton Woods that began over two years ago in great uncertainty and institutions, and bilateral donors that decide to commit amid multiple political difficulties. We are now seeing resources to the new country. The challenge for the the onset of a new phase that will be equally decisive new actors will be to provide the Government of East for East Timor’s history, but that can be launched Timor with a sustainable, genuine, harmonized, without the fears of the past. On 20 May, the date of coordinated and coherent contribution to development. independence for that new country and of the installation of the new Government, the Timorese and We would like to commend particularly the the international community will set out on a path that countries that have played a fundamental part in the can be successfully completed only if we jointly recent history of this new country. I am referring, for reaffirm our decisive support. instance, to the Governments of Portugal and Australia, and others whose direct participation has had a decisive Colombia welcomes the independence of East impact in installing democracy in East Timor in safe Timor. This has crystallized the supreme exercise of conditions. We would also like to recognize the the right of the Timorese to self-determination, a Government of Indonesia for having shown positive fundamental principle for peaceful coexistence among political will in cooperating with programmes for peoples. We recognize the transcendent importance of border security, humanitarian assistance and refugee this moment, and we expect to participate in the return. ceremonies planned in Dili on 19 and 20 May. In conclusion, I would like to take this On earlier occasions we examined in some detail opportunity to congratulate Sergio Vieira de Mello, the the Secretary-General’s proposals to define the United outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary- Nations presence after independence. We agree with General, for his contribution to the Timorese people the guidelines presented in the report being considered and for having shown that the United Nations can be today, including the mandate for the new United successful when the right conditions and sufficient Nations Mission of Support in East Timor political will exist. I would also like to congratulate (UNMISET). We would like to make a few general Mr. Kamalesh Sharma on his appointment to lead the comments on areas of particular interest to Colombia. new Mission of Support. We are all familiar with his First, we are in favour of the gradual manner in intellectual and professional abilities, and that is why which the transition from the United Nations we are sure that his management will be very Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) successful. to UNMISET has been planned. This is a fundamental Mr. Williamson (United States): I would like to element in guaranteeing that the new Timorese State is thank Assistant Secretary-General Annabi for his economically and politically sustainable in the long briefing. I welcome President-elect Gusmão and Chief term. Minister Alkatiri, and on behalf of the United States

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Government I would like to congratulate Mr. Gusmão The Secretary-General’s information about slow for his electoral victory and both of them for making progress in the judicial sector raises concern. The East Timor’s transition to democracy and independence United States has provided substantial assistance in a model of peace, hopefulness and success. that area, and we have approved another $600,000 worth of projects on the justice/accountability issue The most important thing now is to consolidate alone for the current year. Our justice-oriented grants gains and avoid instability in the next phase. For these to East Timor since 1999 have totalled more than $13.5 reasons, we endorse the recommendations in the million. We encourage East Timor to make progress in Secretary-General’s recent report and expect to support this critical sector a priority. a resolution establishing the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) soon, and certainly The Secretary-General’s report provides welcome before independence. detail on how UNMISET and the East Timorese Government will coordinate with international To ensure that, I encourage our East Timor financial institutions and bilateral donors. We have colleagues and the United Nations to finalize the always believed that the United Nations cannot, and memorandums which will govern the command-and- indeed should not, be the only game in town. We control relationships between United Nations encourage prompt implementation of, and full attention peacekeepers and police and their East Timor to, these coordination mechanisms. counterparts and institutions. We support the maximum level of coordination and cooperation while preserving Bilaterally, the United States plans to establish the usual prerogatives, privileges and immunities. We diplomatic relations with East Timor immediately after hope that the United Nations and the East Timor independence. We will speak more about our donor Government will be looking for ways to accelerate the plans during the upcoming Dili conference. But I want proposed downsizing and devolution to leave East to reassure the Council that the United States remains Timor master of its own fate as soon as possible while committed to East Timor. From 1999 to the present, we acknowledging the need to move judiciously to avoid have committed nearly $180 million in bilateral destabilization. assistance for East Timor, independent of our contributions to United Nations peacekeeping. We have Secretary-General Annan has chosen our allocated more than $26 million in bilateral assistance colleague, the Indian Permanent Representative Mr. to East Timor this fiscal year, which for us began Sharma, to be the new Special Representative of the September 2001. Secretary-General upon the establishment of UNMISET. We encourage the leaders of East Timor to Even as we prepare to approve a further two-year work closely with him and with the United Nations United Nations presence, the United States continues to leadership on the peacekeeping forces and the civilian believe that a good definition of success in East Timor political side of the implementation plan for the will be when the last United Nations peacekeepers successor mission. leave and an independent and stable East Timor stands up on its own. To get there, the United Nations and the The Secretary-General’s report talks specifically East Timorese will need to work with the widest range about the development needs of the East Timor of bilateral donors and interested agencies to ensure Defence Force and the East Timor Police Service. We that as the extraordinary measures, from finance have provided personnel and trainers to both the through peacekeeping, progressively diminish to Defence Force and the Police Service, and we expect to nothing within two years, other appropriate continue those services after independence. mechanisms of support are in place. Furthermore, we recently started a logistics contract that is providing crucial support to the Defence Force We have previously urged that the East Timorese in both Lospalos and Metinaro. We would join the help this process by avoiding political infighting, Secretary-General in noting how important the focusing on a democratic, peaceful way forward, development of these two institutions will be for East practising fiscal strictness and programme rigour, and Timor’s future and in urging yet more countries, some capturing as much as the United Nations and others can of which had constraints before East Timor became teach, and quickly, in setting the right priorities. I will independent, to look at providing assistance. repeat those urgings, because I have two such

13 S/PV.4522 important East Timorese leaders alongside me. We will circulating a draft resolution to members of the Council also continue to encourage the United Nations to stay putting that — I hope — into effect soon. on schedule with the downsizing it has set for itself, We welcome the appointment of Mr. Roque progressively devolving responsibility to increasingly Rodrígues as the new Secretary of State for Defence. capable East Timor institutions. When we have that, we We hope that this will pave the way for the early can truly talk about a United Nations success story. The signature of the status of forces agreement and United States expects to participate in the East Timor agreement as soon as possible on the command independence ceremony. authority arrangements which will exist after I cannot finish today without expressing for the independence. These should, of course, follow standard record the appreciation of the United States for the United Nations practice. I was very heartened to hear outstanding work of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Chief Minister Alkatiri register his Government’s UNTAET team. It is appropriate that we hear East interest in seeing a very early conclusion to that Timorese voices today as we talk about the future, but negotiation. it is equally appropriate that we commend and thank It is also imperative that quick decisions be made the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for his to complete the process of financing and recruiting hard work over the last two and one half years. personnel for the 100 core civilian posts for the follow- Mr. Eldon (United Kingdom): I would like to on mission. join the Secretary-General in welcoming here today The Commission for Reception, Truth and President-elect Xanana Gusmão and Chief Minister Reconciliation will play a vital role in independent East Mari Alkatiri. Timor and will relieve pressure on the formal justice As Kofi Annan said, today is indeed an emotional system. We have already heard from Assistant moment. Those of us — and there are lots around this Secretary-General Annabi about those pressures. The table today — who have been personally involved with United Kingdom has committed more than $450,000.00 East Timor over the last three years can only watch to the Commission, but we have serious concerns about with admiration the progress that the people of East the lack of progress so far. It is vital that the work of Timor have made. I think we should also record with the Commission is speeded up. admiration the assistance that has been given to them United Kingdom support for East Timor will by the international community in making that continue after independence. We have committed ₤12 progress. I am sure that Sir Jeremy Greenstock, who million, or about $18 million, to support the participated in the first Security Council mission to implementation of a sound national development plan. East Timor but who is in the United Kingdom today, We look forward to receiving details of the national would want me to repeat those sentiments on his development plan at the donor meeting in Dili on 14 behalf. and 15 May. United Kingdom funds will be provided as This meeting should not be an occasion for long budgetary support. Their release will be conditional on statements. In any case, I associate myself with the the development of a mechanism to manage budgetary statement that will be made by Spain later in the debate support from donors. on behalf of the European Union. But there are a few The Secretary-General reminded us of the points I would like to make. importance of the newly independent East Timor First, it is vital that the international community developing and maintaining good relations with its remain engaged in East Timor to support this fledgling neighbours. In this context, we welcome the nation in the early stages of independence. This announcement that President Megawati Soekarnoputri support will be particularly vital in the defence, of Indonesia intends to visit East Timor for the security and justice sectors. The United Kingdom independence celebrations. This will be a symbolically strongly supports the Secretary-General’s important step towards the development of a more recommendation to establish the United Nations mature relationship between the two countries. For the Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) for an United Kingdom’s part, Mr. Ben Bradshaw, the Foreign initial period of 12 months. We will shortly be Office Minister for Southeast Asia, will attend the celebrations on 19 and 20 May. The United Kingdom

14 S/PV.4522 will also upgrade its mission in Dili to an embassy We would like to draw attention to the need to after independence. resolve two problems that are important to the stability of the new State and the region as a whole. The first is I should not conclude without a word of heartfelt the need to accelerate the border demarcation process. thanks to Sergio Vieira de Mello for all that he has Beginning the land border demarcation process will done as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative contribute to resolving problems linked to security. in East Timor over the last two years. It is very good Secondly, we would like the United Nations to news that Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, who has continue working to bring about a return of refugees, been a most distinguished member of the community of including in the period after independence has been Permanent Representatives here, has been appointed as declared. the new Special Representative for East Timor. We hope that the post of Resident Coordinator, who will Bulgaria hopes that international assistance to double as Deputy Special Representative, will be filled East Timor will not suddenly drop off after as soon as possible to allow for a smooth hand-over of independence has been declared. On the contrary, responsibilities from the old team to the new one. assistance should be provided in such a way as to enable the country to develop a viable economy and its Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I wish own sources of income so that its people can enjoy a at the outset to thank the Secretary-General for his decent standard of living. report on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and The integration of the country into the Mr. Hédi Annabi for his introduction of the report. international community and, in particular, into the economic and political structures of the region is of I wish to warmly welcome the participation of crucial importance. In this context, we welcome the President-elect Gusmão and Chief Minister Alkatiri in trilateral consultations that took place in February the debate. We are happy to have them with us today. between the Special Representative of the Secretary- As a country associated with the European Union, General, Indonesia and Australia, as well as the Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement that will be agreements that were signed to improve relationships made soon by the representative of Spain on behalf of with neighbouring countries. the European Union. I would like to make a few brief The forthcoming declaration of Timorese comments in my national capacity. independence will be one of the great success stories of On behalf of the President of the Republic of our Organization and the international community as Bulgaria, I wish to warmly congratulate President-elect whole. We believe that the United Nations Mission has Gusmão on his election as the first President of East been able to create such a positive model for the Timor. The presidential election is an auspicious peacekeeping activities of the Organization. prelude to the independence that will be proclaimed on In conclusion, I would like to stress the positive 20 May 2002 in Dili. My delegation was very satisfied part played by Australia and Portugal in achieving this with the peaceful and transparent holding of the result. We are also gratified that the President of election. Bulgaria highly appreciates the efforts and the Indonesia, Ms. Megawati Soekarnoputri, will attend the activities of President-elect Gusmão and the political independence ceremony. This augurs well for the leadership of East Timor that is aimed at anchoring development of positive bilateral relations between democratic and human rights principles and practices those two countries. in the political life of the young country. Mr. Mahbubani (Singapore): It is not customary In this context, Bulgaria commends the for the Secretary-General to appear at regular reviews outstanding results of UNTAET’s work and wishes to of the East Timor issue; I think his presence here thank once again the Special Representative and earlier this morning was a very powerful demonstration Transitional Administrator, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, of the strong support that he and the United Nations for his remarkable work. My country welcomes the have given East Timor — support which has, frankly, Secretary-General’s proposals to continue providing brought us to the relatively happy situation that we United Nations support in the country’s post- have today. independence period.

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Perhaps nothing illustrates this better than the At the same time, the Secretary-General is also presence in the Council today of Mr. Xanana Gusmão spot-on in highlighting, in paragraph 3 of the report, and Mr. Mari Alkatiri, and we welcome them here. We that also thank them for their candid and enlightening “a number of issues that present challenges to the statements. We would also like to take this opportunity short- and longer-term security and stability of to congratulate Mr. Gusmão personally for his the new State have not yet and could not have overwhelming victory in the elections for the first been fully resolved. These range from border President of independent East Timor, and we welcome demarcation, return of refugees and regulation of the commitment of the East Timorese leaders to work commercial activity in the border area, to together. One clear demonstration of this is the letter strengthening of nascent governmental structures, that Mr. Gusmão and Mr. Alkatiri sent to the President including law enforcement and the judicial of the Security Council requesting the Council to system, as well as the consolidation of the authorize a continued peacekeeping presence in East framework for economic and social Timor. The Security Council should respond positively development.” to that letter, for, as Mr. Gusmão said earlier, “Our success is your success”. The Secretary-General concludes that By helping East Timor, the United Nations is, “It is therefore essential for the international indeed, helping itself, because it is consolidating a community to remain engaged in East Timor for major success story. It is unfortunate that the Special some time beyond independence, to ensure Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio stability and to build upon the achievements of Vieira de Mello, is not here to receive the well- UNTAET.” deserved tributes that have been paid to him this We are pleased that a strong consensus is morning. Success was not guaranteed when Mr. Vieira developing within the Council that we, the Council de Mello arrived in East Timor; indeed, the odds were members, should support the recommendations of the stacked against him. This makes his success even more Secretary-General; that has clearly been demonstrated remarkable. We also want to join our colleagues in in all the statements that we have heard so far. congratulating Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma on his appointment. We note that he is a very tall man, with a The picture is plain for all of us to see. While very distinguished record in public service; but I think East Timor has made significant progress, we cannot, he should know that he will have some big shoes to fill as of now, say that it will be a viable nation State when he goes to East Timor. immediately on independence. The lesson of the history of the past few decades is relatively clear: We also want to thank Assistant Secretary- independence, even if it comes after a hard-fought General Hédi Annabi for introducing the Secretary- struggle, may still be a relatively easy victory. Success General’s report and for his comprehensive briefing. after independence, unfortunately, has been relatively Once again, the Secretary-General has produced rare. another excellent report on East Timor; it provides an insightful analysis of the situation of East Timor just There is therefore a great deal more for the before its independence on 20 May. United Nations and the international community to do to help East Timor to fully get on its feet. The actors We are all well aware of the progress that East who have brought East Timor to where it is today Timor has made in the past two and a half years. In should not shy away from the responsibility of paragraph 2 of his report in document S/2002/432, the continuing their support for the leaders and people of Secretary-General described it as moving East Timor as they work to build a viable and “from widespread devastation to the sustainable State. This will, of course, include the establishment of the foundations for the maintenance by the United Nations of a strong administration of a new country and to the peacekeeping presence to consolidate and strengthen rehabilitation of a basic infrastructure that can stability in post-independence East Timor, as well as support economic and social activity.” the presence of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes and bilateral and other donors to provide

16 S/PV.4522 assistance for further building up East Timor’s component of 1,250 officers at the very start, which economic and social structures. will be gradually downsized over a two-year period, according to a milestone-based approach. The dangers of premature withdrawal and disengagement from East Timor are too serious for But there is one other important point that we such a move even to be contemplated. East Timor would like to stress this morning. The drawdown of could unravel, and all its achievements and the UNMISET should be based on the realities of the investments made by the international community situation on the ground, and not carried out would go to waste. The fragility of East Timor should mechanically according to some abstract timetable. We not be underestimated. As the saying goes, “Prevention cannot tell the future as we sit here. We cannot tell is better than cure” — and it is certainly much less what the situation will be like in East Timor or in its costly. vicinity a year from now. We should be sensitive and flexible as we work on the continued commitment of Peace and stability in East Timor is also crucial the United Nations to East Timor. for the peace and stability of the entire region; they are closely intertwined. How the United Nations and the There is no doubt that a significant United international community handle East Timor will have Nations security presence is essential in post- repercussions for the region as a whole. A viable and independence East Timor. While the security secure East Timor will contribute to the stability of the environment continues to improve, internal and region and help it in its efforts to consolidate its new- external threats to East Timor still exist. found independence. Clearly the whole region has a Come independence, East Timor will be — and this is stake in East Timor’s success. natural — a fledgling democracy. There is every potential for domestic law and order as well as external The Secretary-General has also made a very security problems to arise. strong case in his report, in great detail, for the proposed mandate, structure, size and planned The East Timor Defence Force and the East reconfiguration of the United Nations successor Timor Police Service are still in their infancy and will, peacekeeping mission in East Timor after quite naturally, take some time to become fully independence. The mission is appropriately called operational. This process will be even lengthier if United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor international material and financial support for their (UNMISET). full establishment is not forthcoming. Scaling down the United Nations military and civilian police presence It is noteworthy that the Secretary-General has too quickly therefore could entail the serious risk of not only maintained the proposals that had been jeopardizing the stability and security that has been gathered in support by the Security Council in its achieved due precisely to such a presence. Indeed, it is presidential statement of October 2001, but he has also not inconceivable that those who are intent on mischief added important flesh to the bones. The details could be lying low until the United Nations reduces its contained in his report show the amount of meticulous security presence. effort that has gone into the planning of UNMISET, and all those involved should be commended and As such, downsizing the United Nations military congratulated. and police presence, on the basis of clear benchmarks, is the only appropriate approach to take. We believe To the Secretary-General’s credit, it is hard to see that the Security Council should particularly bear in how his proposals can be faulted for the lack of any mind the important benchmark of the demarcation of necessary details. Each of his proposals has been more the border and the establishment of an effective border than adequately justified. What remains is for the control system. Security Council to give its unanimous endorsement of UNMISET, as proposed by the Secretary-General, to The requirement for a Civilian Support Group of fulfil the mandate and key programmes required. In a 100 core positions to be included in the civilian nutshell, it is a Mission with a civilian component that component of the following United Nations includes a Civilian Support Group of 100 core peacekeeping operation is also well justified. As stated functions and a Serious Crimes Unit; a military in the Secretary-General’s report, these core functions component of 5,000 troops; and a civilian police are critical to the viability of the Government, political

17 S/PV.4522 stability and the provision of basic services. We note brought to life the goals and aspirations embodied in also that Mr. Gusmão and Mr. Alkatiri, in the letter that the Charter of the United Nations. they both sent, also highlighted the importance of these My delegations would like to welcome the 100 civilian posts. President-elect of East Timor, Mr. Xanana Gusmão, The first few years of any nation are a testing and Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri. In doing so, my time. Hence, while the United Nations should not country would like to pay tribute to the people of East continue its Transitional Administration role in East Timor for the broad participation and smooth conduct Timor after independence, it is critical that the United of the presidential elections held on 14 April last, Nations continue to provide the assistance necessary to which represented the last stage before the declaration ensure the sustainability of the administrative of independence. I would also like to express my institutions and the completion of the required tasks. country’s support for the new authorities in discharging all of the tasks that still remain before them. When all is said and done, what the Security Council must do — and this is our obligation — is to The path that has been travelled was beset with give its clear endorsement of the recommendations of anguish; at times it was bloody, but ultimately our the Secretary-General for the establishment of efforts were crowned with success. Nevertheless, the UNMISET. This is a historic opportunity for the task remaining is an even greater one — the Council to reaffirm its pledge to make East Timor a construction of an independent nation that will be a real success story. We all know that this means a viable member of the international community. The continuing strong United Nations presence and task remains to consolidate the public administration engagement in post-independence East Timor. and to train the staff in the judiciary, so as to ensure justice and the rule of law for the inhabitants and Often questions are asked about the value of citizens of East Timor. Land ownership will also have having open debates in this chamber such as the one we to be regulated, for this will make economic activity are having today. But if the result of this morning’s much easier, and, equally important, it will also attract discussion is to redouble the commitment of the foreign investment to promote social development. Council to ensuring the success of East Timor, then I would say that the debate that we have been having this The reintegration of the former combatants is also morning has indeed been a very valuable exercise. an important element. Their access to public assistance programmes must be facilitated. My country attaches The President (spoke in Russian): I should like equal importance to the return of refugees and to their to inform participants that we will be meeting until resettlement, to the regulation of commercial activity in 1 p.m., at which point the meeting will be suspended. It the border areas, to transport agreements between Dili will be resumed at the beginning of next week. and Oecussi and between Dili and the island of Atauro, Mr. Aguilar Zinser (Mexico) (spoke in Spanish): as well as to the establishment of a framework for In the first hour of 20 May 2002, the flag of the United cooperation in different fields that will redound to the Nations will be lowered in East Timor and the flag of a benefit of the friendship between East Timor and other new nation raised as a new country attains peoples. independence. That ceremony of transition will be the My country would like to express its gratitude to culmination of a tremendous effort carried out by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East people of East Timor and by the international Timor (UNTAET) for the important role it played community. throughout the process of achieving independence. I This has been a successful experience, and it is would also like to convey special thanks and tribute to cause for rejoicing on the part of the United Nations. In the head of the mission, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, for the difficult times now facing the international his efforts as leader. We wish him success in his new community, when violence and unyielding opposition endeavours. in other regions are posing tremendous challenges for The inclusion in the new mission of civil, police the United Nations — challenges that it must overcome and military components that will be reduced as the in order to maintain its credibility — world public goals and objectives are attained properly reflects the opinion views East Timor as a success story that has vision expressed on many occasions with regard to

18 S/PV.4522 designing appropriate exit strategies, and it includes thank the Secretary-General for his statement and the the concept of strategic association between all United comprehensive and detailed report he has presented on Nations bodies and the new authorities of East Timor. the United Nations Transitional Administration in East As we have said before, we fully support the mandate Timor (UNTAET). We would also like to thank and structure proposed by the Secretariat, including Mr. Hédi Annabi for his comprehensive presentation extending assistance to East Timor to consolidate the this morning. Of course, we cannot fail to pay tribute to country’s stability and the viability of its public the efforts by the Special Representative of the administration. We fully support also the establishment Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, his of a law-enforcement body, which will conduct its team and the entire staff of UNTAET in East Timor. I activities in keeping with international human rights would also like very sincerely to congratulate our standards, and contributions to maintaining internal brother Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, who will be and external security. These are fundamental tasks that leading the future successor mission to UNTAET. We will be taken over by the East Timor Defence Force in are all familiar with his ability, wisdom, and June 2004. competency. We wish him every success in carrying out this happy mission for the East Timorese people. Similarly, I would like to wish success to the new head of the United Nations Mission of Support in East The success achieved by the United Nations in Timor (UNMISET), Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, whose arriving where we are today in East Timor should not well-known ability leads us to have full confidence in preclude our understanding that the task is not yet the success of his mission. complete. There remains a great deal to be done in terms of providing support to that country. In that To the recently elected authorities of East Timor, connection, we must commend the Special Committee I would like to convey Mexico’s commitment to on Decolonization, which worked hard for many years continue to support efforts to consolidate the new to bring about the independence of East Timor, for its State. Several Mexicans have already worked with the contribution. Independent Electoral Commission to train personnel. That Commission is now ready to take charge of future My delegation is also pleased to note the progress elections. Mexico’s Federal Electoral Institute also achieved as described in the report of the Secretary- provided some material assistance to the electoral General, in particular with regard to consolidating the process through the United Nations. political and institutional structures of the new State. That progress is reflected in the adoption of the Mexico will continue to explore ways of constitution, the election of the first President and the cooperating with the authorities of East Timor and will devolution of many executive functions to the people support the efforts of the United Nations. We undertake of East Timor. The international community must this commitment so that my country’s experience in continue to follow developments in post-independence various development areas may help achieve the East Timor in order to guarantee stability and to aspiration of the inhabitants of East Timor to an consolidate the achievements of the Transitional independent, free and prosperous country. The donors’ Administration. meeting to be held shortly will be attended by a representative of Mexico and will be an excellent Preparations are under way for the celebration of opportunity to remind the international community of Independence Day on 20 May 2002, the historic the need to support economic and social development, occasion when the flag of East Timor will be raised and reduce poverty, and guarantee the independence and when the new President will take up his functions. It is self-determination of East Timor. We hope to be worth mentioning that once East Timor enjoys security present on 20 May to celebrate the proclamation of and stability, it will make an important contribution to independence with the people of East Timor. the stability of the entire region and will complement the efforts made by the region to overcome the political Mr. Wehbe (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in and economic problems it now faces. We must Arabic): We would like to associate ourselves with the therefore view the start of bilateral and trilateral previous speakers in warmly congratulating the discussions between East Timor, Indonesia and President-elect of East Timor, Mr. Xanana Gusmão, Australia against the background of the satisfaction and Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri. We would also like to expressed by the Secretary-General at those talks. We

19 S/PV.4522 feel that a close dialogue of this type must be pursued Timorese democracy. The President and the Chief for the sake of promoting friendship among these Minister will be able to tackle with confidence the countries in the future. We greatly appreciate the words great priorities of an independent East Timor: national we heard this morning regarding the participation of reconciliation, the integration of the country into its the President of friendly Indonesia in the dialogue, as regional and international environment, and economic her participation is extremely significant. development. I extend France’s best wishes to them. My delegation supports the mandate, plan, The Ambassador of Spain will later make a principles and operational elements proposed in the statement on behalf of the European Union. We fully report for the successor mission. As for the role of the associate ourselves with that statement. I will therefore United Nations in the post-independence period, we limit my statement to a few comments. must emphasize the need to continue providing First, on 20 May, East Timor will become development assistance and to provide all the necessary independent. The United Nations will gain its 190th support in the first three years after independence. That Member. What a long way we have come in two and a will be necessary to create in East Timor a police force half years. The United Nations was able to adapt to the and a defence force able to fully defend East Timor and situation. The working groups in Dili and New York insure stability and prospects for a better future. have done a good job. The recommendations of the In conclusion, my delegation will have the Secretary-General now meet our expectations. honour of participating in the 20 May celebrations, Secondly, a genuine exit strategy has been when we all celebrate Timorese independence. We will presented to the Council. It will make it possible to be sending a delegation to represent the Syrian Arab assist the new State effectively. All the elements are Republic on that historic occasion. Let us hope that included: a specific timetable spanning two years, God blesses the people of Timor and the Government stages accompanied by measurable objectives, a of East Timor. division of competences between the United Nations Mr. Doutriaux (France) (spoke in French): I Mission, the Bretton Woods system and the would like to thank Mr. Hédi Annabi for his clear and international financial institutions. Other actors who precise statement, which provided a perfect account of are not mentioned in the report can also make their the superb work carried out by the United Nations contribution. I am thinking in particular of the regional Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) organizations, the Association of South-East Asian under the direction of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. We Nations and the Asian Development Bank. are sure that after independence, his successor — Thirdly, France will fully support the draft whom we know well, Ambassador Kamalesh resolution containing all these elements, which the Sharma — will show himself to be equal to the task. United Kingdom delegation announced it would soon I should like to welcome President-elect Gusmão. submit. But we also expect that things will not end We are deeply honoured that he has chosen New York there. The Secretariat must continue to assess the for one of his first trips abroad. The independence of situation periodically in order to make the necessary East Timor — so long awaited and so desired — will adjustments. leave the Council with just one regret: that the future The next time the Council addresses the issue of Ambassador of East Timor will replace the leaders of East Timor, East Timor will be independent. We must East Timor in the Chamber. However, the doors of the work on this new success with the authorities of East Council Chamber will always remain open to the East Timor. The international community will see its role Timorese leaders. I would also like to welcome Mr. thoroughly transformed. Less than in the past will it be Mari Alkatiri. The presence side by side today of the a task of substituting for the East Timorese authorities; President and the Chief Minister is the clearest proof of rather, there will be a greater need to assist them. Other the balance of the East Timorese institutions. actors will also see their role grow. It would be useful The impeccable manner in which the presidential to hold discussions on this with them. I propose that at elections of 14 April were carried out, with a record our next discussion an invitation be extended to rate of participation of more than 86 per cent, representatives of the United Nations Development confirmed the great political maturity of the young Programme, the International Monetary Fund and the

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World Bank to discuss the issue of East Timor, as we challenges faced by, and of the corresponding capacity have done in the past. within, the national administration. Needless to say, revisions should be made in close cooperation with the Mr. Strømmen (Norway): At the outset I would East Timorese authorities. Finally, the need to like to thank the Secretary-General, President-elect prioritize training of personnel to fill the large gaps in Xanana Gusmão, Mr. Annabi and Mr. Alkatiri for their the staff of the administration is urgent and cannot be statements to the Council this morning. Allow me also overemphasised. to congratulate Mr. Gusmão on his election as the first President of an independent East Timor, as well as the Peaceful and constructive relations between East East Timorese people and the United Nations for the Timor and Indonesia are crucial for the stability and excellent manner in which the presidential elections prosperity of the region. We are therefore pleased that were carried out earlier this month. This is indeed a bilateral relations between the two nations continue to promising sign for the future of a democratic and stable improve. The bilateral meeting in February was a East Timor. positive step in that regard. Notwithstanding this, there are still pending bilateral issues. We would here like to Norway commends the Secretary-General for his underscore the importance of the ongoing negotiations report of 17 April 2002. It contains recommendations on judicial cooperation to permit the prosecution of as to a clear and achievable mandate for the successor alleged perpetrators of serious crimes committed in mission to United Nations Transitional Administration 1999. Another urgent matter is the completion of in East Timor (UNTAET), and it provides an exit border demarcation and normalization in the border strategy with benchmarks for the gradual downsizing areas. We therefore welcome the recent launch of the of the mission. In our view, this is an outstanding border demarcation survey. example of mission planning. Moreover, the consultative planning process and the Integrated We share the Secretary-General’s assessment that, Mission Task Force have clearly contributed to the in addition to the support provided by the United comprehensive nature of the recommendations, Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) including the call for coordination to ensure a smooth and the United Nations development agencies, bilateral transition towards a framework for medium- and long- development assistance will be crucial for the term development assistance. establishment of sustainable Government structures and institutions. My Government hosted the donors Norway supports the mandate, structure and meeting for East Timor in December 2001. We now overall timetable for the United Nations Mission of stand ready to fulfil our assurances of continued Support in East Timor (UNMISET) as set out in the assistance, and we urge other countries to do the same. Secretary General’s report. We fully concur with the To facilitate future development cooperation, the view that a peacekeeping presence is necessary until Norwegian Minister for International Development, the national police and armed forces gain the capacity Ms. Hilde Johnson, intends to sign a memorandum of required to enforce the law and ensure internal and understanding during the donors conference to be held external security. At the same time, we are pleased with in Dili in May. the report’s indication that UNTAET’s presence will be reduced from the current level and that the report offers Justice, reconciliation and effective a sensible schedule for reducing the international accountability are essential elements of East Timor’s presence while transferring responsibilities to the East long-term stability. Norway attaches great importance Timorese. Sustainable transition will require the to the work undertaken by the Serious Crimes Unit and effective Timorization of all public institutions. the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. Accordingly, my Government provides Under the current circumstances the both human and financial resources to those establishment of a well functioning public institutions, and we support the Secretary-General’s administration continues to be the greatest challenge proposal to accord efforts within the justice sector high for the United Nations in East Timor. This is also a key priority, including after independence. Nevertheless, prerequisite for the new State’s long-term stability. The the lack of qualified personnel continues to be a matter proposed downscaling should therefore be undertaken of concern. In that regard, we welcome the short-term on the basis of an in-depth assessment of the measures undertaken by the Special Representative of

21 S/PV.4522 the Secretary-General to reduce the current backlog in well as the entire staff of the United Nations the appeal court. In the longer run, however, the Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), international community will need to work to support local elected officials and, above all, the people of East much-needed capacity-building in the justice sector. Timor. I should also like to congratulate our friend, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, for his nomination to I should like to conclude by congratulating the post of Special Representative of the Secretary- Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and by General. My delegation has no doubt that he will expressing Norway’s appreciation for the outstanding succeed in his efforts, given his outstanding qualities way in which he has led the Mission since 1999. We and his extensive experience. would also like to welcome the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. The establishment of the Constituent Assembly, Kamalesh Sharma, and to wish him every success in the adoption of the Constitution and the election of Mr. his assignment. Finally, I should like to applaud the Gusmão, which mark the culmination of the efforts of leadership and people of East Timor for the impressive the people of East Timor in their struggle for progress achieved thus far and to assure them that my independence, represent a decisive stage in the peace Government will continue to support their efforts to process and in the democratization and reconstruction consolidate the foundations of a stable and fully of the country. functioning democratic State. My delegation welcomes the progress made in Mr. Fall (Guinea) (spoke in French): This East Timor. However, in the context of the challenges meeting of the Council is taking place at a particularly that will have to be met to ensure a stable and important and encouraging time in the history of East prosperous East Timor, we should like to stress the Timor. My delegation welcomes in particular the following observations. Cooperation among the leading presence of Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Mr. bodies should be encouraged. Support should be given Mari Alkatiri — President-elect and Chief Minister, to the actions of the Council of Ministers in the areas respectively, of East Timor — and thanks them for of justice, security, health, education, economic and their very encouraging statements on the positive social development and defence. Steps should be taken development of the situation in their country. to avoid duplication between the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Mr. Gusmão represents the conscience of a new Reconciliation and Repatriation Liaison Team within East Timor, and that conscience is found in the words the framework of refugee management. The various of wisdom that he expressed at the end of 1999: East Timorese, Indonesian and Australian parties, “I advocate dialogue, reconciliation and, together with the United Nations, must continue once justice has been done, pardon. Ten years dialogue on issues of common interest. We encourage from now, we will be able to say: it is the past.” them to shoulder their responsibilities with a view to facilitating the development of East Timor and to My country, Guinea, awaits with interest and promoting security and stability in the region. enthusiasm the accession of East Timor to independence on 20 May 2002, which will also mark With regard to the socio-economic development Mr. Gusmão’s inauguration. My delegation is of East Timor, my delegation believes that bilateral and convinced that he will always remember the words that multilateral assistance remains indispensable, with a I have just cited. We wish him every success in the particular emphasis on education and health. noble and delicate mission that awaits him, and we Furthermore, the dual objectives set out by the assure him of our support. Planning Commission — encouraging strong economic growth and reducing poverty — should be supported. East Timor’s independence will be a historic event and a great victory for the United Nations, whose In that regard, we hope that the donors meeting to contribution was crucial throughout the transition be held in Dili on 14 and 15 May 2002 will represent process. My delegation would like to pay a well- an opportunity to respond positively to the financing of deserved tribute to all of those who have contributed the national development plan, the medium-term fiscal enormous efforts to achieve that success. We are framework and the annual budget for 2002-2003. thinking in particular of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello as Moreover, my delegation is convinced that the

22 S/PV.4522 international community will remain committed to East 1999, the actions of the Council and the United Nations Timor after independence to consolidate the gains in East Timor will enjoy a happy ending on 20 May already made. In that regard, we encourage continued with the advent of the independence of East Timor and reflection by the New York and Dili planning teams, the swearing-in of President Gusmão. and we support the role of the United Nations as Today’s success would not have been possible described in chapter III of the Secretary-General’s without the efficiency, dedication and tenacity of the report. civilian and military components of the United Nations My delegation believes that all projects of the Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). agencies and funds of the United Nations system Cameroon extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere should attach high priority to capacity-building, the congratulations to them all. development of human resources, the strengthening of I should like to take this opportunity to associate institutions and the elaboration of consistent policies. myself with the sincere tribute paid to Mr. Sergio However, we think that the development of the Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the situation and experience in the field will enlighten us Secretary-General and head of UNTAET, for his work best as to possible additional action to be taken by the and outstanding success. I wish him much happiness international community. and success in his new activities. My delegation notes with interest that the The results achieved in East Timor since 1999 continuation of United Nations action in East Timor and, in particular, over the past few months are most will be possible only with adequate financial means. telling. They include a multilateral financial Therefore, we hope that the General Assembly will mobilization of well over $1 billion; peace in the attach particular attention to this issue in examining territory; the relaunching of economic activity; the both the proposal to end UNTAET and the proposed establishment of a Transitional Government; and, last budget for UNMISET for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 but not least, the presidential election of 14 April. June 2003. These are all historic milestones marking the Finally, my delegation fully supports the relevant emergence on the international stage of a new nation. observations made by the Secretary-General in his All of these achievements must be consolidated. The report. In particular, we endorse the establishment of fact that the Timorese are now masters of their own the successor mission for an initial period of destiny should not lead the international community to 12 months. abandon its role in assisting them. Mr. Belinga-Eboutou (Cameroon) (spoke in The highly relevant paragraph 4 of the Secretary- French): At the outset, I should like to welcome the General’s report in document S/2002/80 says, in part, presence here today of Mr. Xanana Gusmão, President- that: elect of East Timor. I am pleased to extend our “the comparative fragility of the political congratulations to him. In a few weeks, he will be foundations of this new country, its very limited sworn in as the President of East Timor. I am sure that pool of professional and administrative expertise, he will continue to embody the lines of Horace: “To lack of strong independent security mechanisms have begun is to be half done; dare to know. Start!” and nascent state of economic development mean I should also like to welcome the presence of Mr. that East Timor will continue to require Mari Alkatiri, Chief Minister of the Transitional significant assistance from the international Government and head of the majority in Parliament. community well after independence, in order to We have learned a great deal from his important ensure stability and realize the potential for statement. progress that has been generated over the past two years.” Our meeting today is historic in more ways than one. It provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate The independence of East Timor, far from to international public opinion the Security Council’s entailing an end to the United Nations commitment, capacity to build and maintain peace and security. marks instead the beginning of a new phase of Launched in dramatic conditions on 15 September significant and sustained assistance from the United

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Nations in order to ensure that the results are preserved Like other colleagues, we warmly congratulate in the long term. That is why Cameroon thanks the Mr. Gusmão on his election as the first President-elect Secretary-General for his statement and for the high of East Timor by an overwhelming majority in the quality of his report. The delegation of Cameroon fully balloting held on 14 April. The successful holding of endorses the creation of the new United Nations the election was a landmark in East Timor’s progress Mission of Support in East Timor, including its towards independence and a vivid demonstration of the financial implications, and supports the other fact that the East Timorese people have taken their recommendations contained in the report. It is destiny into their own hands. We wish the East gratifying that the United Nations will keep a mission Timorese people every success, under the leadership of in East Timor beyond 20 May. Mr. Xanana Gusmão and the East Timorese Government, in overcoming the difficulties that lie I congratulate my friend and colleague ahead of them, so that newly born East Timor can Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma on his nomination by embark on the path towards stability, democracy and the Secretary-General to succeed Mr. Vieira de Mello. sustainable development. It is perfectly clear that Mr. Sharma, as a man of great experience, attentiveness and persuasiveness and As a fledgling State, East Timor will face therefore of great human value, will be able to provide multiple challenges in terms of political, economic and the Timorese with all due support and to assist them in social development for an extended period of time, persuading the donor community — within which, even after its independence. It will require continued fortunately, he has many friends — to continue, attention and assistance on the part of the international increase and strengthen its financial and technical community. Therefore, the United Nations must assistance to that young country. maintain a certain level of presence in East Timor. This is now the common view of all members of the I hope that our friends from East Timor will Council. continue to keep their country’s noble mission in mind through the spirit of dialogue, openness, tolerance and In light of the development of the East Timorese joint management that they have clearly displayed in situation, the Secretary-General proposed the recent weeks, to the satisfaction of all. I wish them all establishment of the United Nations Mission of the best. Support in East Timor (UNMISET) as the follow-up mechanism of the United Nations Transitional In conclusion, I reiterate my country’s great Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and he has pleasure at seeing the approach of independence for elaborated in detail on the scale of its mandate and its East Timor on 20 May. That date is also Cameroon’s structure. He has put forward a mandate national holiday. This year, our countries will be implementation plan and specifically identified three celebrating on 20 May; beginning in 2002, each year major tasks for UNMISET. He also sets out a very our countries will display their patriotic fervour on the clear exit strategy for UNMISET. Emphasis is placed same day. In anticipation of 20 May 2002, on enhancing East Timor’s capacity-building, with a Cameroon — impatiently awaiting the reception of view to helping East Timor undertake, as soon as East Timor into the great family of nations — assures possible, nation-building in the areas of administration, Mr. Gusmão of its resolve to enjoy relations of trust justice and security. The ideas contained in the report and close cooperation with his country. of the Secretary-General are well thought out and meet Mr. Wang Yingfan (China) (spoke in Chinese): the urgent needs of post-independence Timor. We agree The Chinese delegation warmly welcomes President- with his proposal, and we hope that the Council will elect Xanana Gusmão and Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri adopt a relevant draft resolution as soon as possible so to New York to participate in our meeting today. We as to ensure that UNMISET can carry out its work in a thank them for their statements. timely manner. We also wish to thank the Secretary-General for In discussing UNMISET’s mandate, we would his statement and Assistant Secretary-General Annabi like to express our profound appreciation and gratitude for his briefing and introduction of the Secretary- to UNTAET for the outstanding contribution it has General’s report. made to the independence of East Timor. We would especially like to thank Special Representative Vieira

24 S/PV.4522 de Mello for his outstanding leadership and tenacious Ireland associates itself fully with the statement spirit. The experience of peacekeeping and peace- which will be delivered shortly by the representative of building accumulated by UNTAET in East Timor will Spain on behalf of the European Union. be a valuable asset for the United Nations. We It is only a matter of weeks before East Timor welcome the new assignment of Ambassador Sharma, becomes an independent State. This will be an occasion and we wish him success. of real joy for the friends of East Timor around the The Chinese people have always been friendly world, including in my country. The principle of self- towards the East Timorese people. The high-level determination is one to which we attach great delegation headed by China’s Foreign Minister, Tang importance. This, combined with strong support in Jiaxuan, will participate in East Timor’s independence Ireland for the people of East Timor, has ensured that ceremony to share in the exuberance of the East developments there have been followed closely in my Timorese people. China would like to establish and country for many years. develop normal State-to-State relations with East The main task before us today is the Timor, on the basis of the principles of mutual respect consideration of the Secretary-General’s recent report of sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non- on the United Nations Transitional Administration in aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, East Timor (UNTAET). In particular, we need to equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. address the plan for the successor mission, the United In the process of independence for East Timor, Nations Mission of Support in East Timor China has provided assistance, to the extent of its (UNMISET). My delegation welcomes the fact that the ability, including material donations and the training of Secretary-General’s approach to future United Nations administrative personnel. As pointed out in the involvement in East Timor remains fully consistent Secretary-General’s report it will still be essential for with the strong proposals he first outlined last October. the international community to provide assistance to We believe that the Secretary-General justifies these East Timor even after its independence. The Chinese proposals well in his most recent report. We agree that Government will work in close coordination with the the continued United Nations presence should be a United Nations and, together with the rest of the robust one. international community, continue to work towards the The report is clear in pointing out the very real social stability and economic development of East needs of East Timor in the area of public Timor. administration, internal security and law enforcement, Mr. Corr (Ireland): I would like first to thank the and external security and border control. There is an Secretary-General, President-elect Gusmão and Chief enormous capacity-building challenge — the Minister Alkatiri for their important statements this construction of institutions of State from the very morning. Ireland warmly congratulates the President- foundation up — which can be met only by strong and elect on his election. We also wish to congratulate the sustained international support. people of East Timor for the way in which they have In this respect, Ireland is generally content with taken ownership of democratic structures, substance the phased timetable of the United Nations follow-on and spirit. operation. This is not the occasion to enter into detail. I would also wish to join other colleagues in However, the timetable recognizes that there is still expressing warm thanks to Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, plenty of work to do, and we believe that it provides the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, for the for measured assessments to be made along the way. very special work he is about to complete. We welcome We further believe that, in its approach to the United the decision to appoint Ambassador Sharma as the next Nations post-independence presence, the Council Special Representative for East Timor and look should err on the side of caution and demonstrate forward to working with him. Ireland is also grateful to generous amounts of patience. Assistant Secretary-General Annabi for his The development of East Timor’s relationship comprehensive introduction of the report of the with Indonesia is of great importance to it, including to Secretary-General this morning. its economic well-being. We wish to see both countries working to improve links and to resolve outstanding

25 S/PV.4522 bilateral issues, including the delineation of the border General can now propose that we move to a new stage. and cooperation on bringing to justice those Today is, therefore, also a time to pay warm tribute to responsible for serious crimes. Ireland has welcomed all involved over the years in United Nations efforts. the steps taken by the Government of Indonesia to I also want to express the gratitude of my bring to justice the perpetrators of gross human rights authorities to the United Nations and Member States violations in East Timor. However, we can only echo for the expressions of sympathy we have received the Secretary-General’s regret that the jurisdiction of following the recent death in East Timor of Private the Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunal has not been Peadar Ó Flatharta, a member of the Irish contingent of expanded to include several significant cases that UNTAET. The tragic loss reminds us of the risks that occurred in 1999. United Nations peacekeepers assume in the service of Also of great importance is the need for the East the United Nations. Timorese people to address the internal differences that Ireland will continue its support for East Timor peaked during the violence of September 1999. The on a bilateral basis and through the multinational establishment of the Commission for Reception, Truth organizations of which we will soon both be members. and Reconciliation is a very positive step in this regard, Before then, though, we wish to reiterate our support although it will require financial and personnel support for the Secretary-General’s observations and if it is to have a substantial impact. recommendations for the United Nations continued We are watching in great admiration as the people engagement with East Timor. We believe and hope that of East Timor progress towards independence. The the Council will do likewise. In doing so, we can allow latest report of the Secretary-General gives a strong the President-elect and the Chief Minister to leave here sense of the real advances being made. It has to be today with confidence that the international community borne in mind, though, that many hard tests lie ahead. will continue to stand by and support East Timor and East Timor is one of the least developed countries in her people. the region. It needs support, as the President-elect and The President (spoke in Russian): I will not read Chief Minister emphasized this morning, and it must my statement in my capacity as the representative of receive that support. the Russian Federation. I hope that our East Timorese In this regard, Ireland is one of those already friends will understand me correctly. I fully associate involved in a range of development cooperation myself with all the kind words addressed to them here, programmes in East Timor. This has been the case and with the words of gratitude to the Secretary- since 1999, and last year we opened a representative General, Hédi Annabi, Sergio Vieira de Mello and office in Dili. Our experience there has shown us that Kamalesh Sharma. bilateral aid is crucial to the future development of East I also associate myself with the assessments Timor. East Timor has already been identified by contained in the Secretary-General’s report, which the Ireland’s development aid programme as a priority for members of the Council have also expressed. We are reconstruction and rehabilitation activity. That ready to work actively on those recommendations in cooperation aims to alleviate the material consequences order to adopt the draft resolution on the new Mission of the recent conflict and contribute towards the so that the United Nations can continue to support East immediate needs of political development and Timor following independence. institutional capacity-building, while also helping to create the conditions for an appropriate longer-term Given the lateness of the hour and commitments engagement by Ireland Aid in East Timor. that I cannot cancel, I wish to propose the following. In the light of the requests made by some of the Council As we move towards East Timor’s independence, members on my list and in the light of the fact that His we should also dwell today, as others have, a little on Excellency Xanana Gusmão must leave us very soon, I the honourable role played by the United Nations. The propose that he make a few comments in response. exceptional work carried out by United Nations When he has finished, I will have to leave the personnel before and since September 1999, together Chamber. If the members of the Council agree, then with the determination of the people of East Timor, Minister Konuzin can continue to chair the meeting have brought us to the point where the Secretary- until 1.30 p.m.

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I call on the President-elect of East Timor, The next time the Security Council meets on East Mr. Gusmão. Timor, it will probably be to approve the mandate for a United Nations mission in the country after Mr. Gusmão: On behalf of the people of East independence. We very much expect that this mandate Timor, we would like to thank the members for their will guarantee the necessary conditions for the advice, recommendations and words of congratulations fulfilment of the obligations created by the offered in their interventions. international community to the East Timorese situation. I repeat to the members that our success is, and Today seems like the right time to look back and will be, their success. We will continue to rely heavily to briefly evaluate the work the United Nations has on the Council’s support, and we assure it that in done in East Timor to date, not to benefit history, but to everything we are committed to doing our best in draw some lessons for the future. I do not think I need building the democratic State of East Timor. I thank the to go into details, as most of the facts are well known members of the Council very much for their support to us all. Throughout recent years, the Secretary- and kind words. Again, we will work together. General has presented a full account not only of United The President (spoke in Russian): The next Nations efforts and achievements, but also of the steps speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of necessary to guarantee a smooth transition to the Portugal. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table independence of East Timor. The Timorese themselves and to make his statement. have on several occasions contributed their own experience and expectations to this Council. We all Mr. Seixas da Costa (Portugal): Let me start by recognize that East Timor is in a much better situation thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this today than it was three years ago and that most of that meeting and the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Hédi improvement is due to United Nations efforts. Annabi, for his very comprehensive and useful briefing. It is easy to read in the reports of the Secretary- General how many schools have been rebuilt, how The presidency of the European Union will make many roads have been repaired, how many civil a statement after mine on the situation in East Timor. servants have been recruited, and to simply take that Allow me to add some remarks on behalf of my own for granted. It is easy to look upon that lightly, without country. realizing how much it means to East Timor, how I would like to take advantage of this occasion to difficult it was to achieve and — I need to stress this — extend a very special greeting to President-elect how complex it will be to sustain. Xanana Gusmão. We are used to seeing distinguished Calling the United Nations role in East Timor so guests seated in those chairs, some of them historically far a success is already a platitude — a success that is important in the life of their countries. The members of not without flaws or gaps, but still an obvious success. the Council may understand how pleased I am, as a We have always said that we should be careful not to Portuguese ambassador, to have the opportunity to see create a future situation in which all these efforts might here today the newly and democratically elected be jeopardized and wasted. President of a territory which for a long time my country had wanted to see free and independent. I want to take this occasion to reiterate once more Portugal’s appreciation for the excellent work of the President Xanana Gusmão, as well as Chief Special Representatives of the Secretary-General Minister Mari Alkatiri, are the legitimate voices of a throughout this entire process, from Ambassador courageous people whom my Government wishes to Jamsheed Marker and Ian Martin, to Sergio Vieira de praise and salute. Their visit to New York, on the eve Mello. It was their dedication and skills which made it of East Timor’s independence, is a tribute to the United possible to carry out the United Nations mandate in Nations contribution to their country’s cause. It is also East Timor. They did it at different times, but always a fresh opportunity to hear their important reading of under strenuous conditions. the current situation in the territory.

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The recent appointment of my colleague and About a year ago, a concept was outlined and was friend, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, as the Special subsequently developed into what we now have in front Representative of the Secretary-General for the post- of us: a clear and reasonable road map for the two independence period gives me the guarantee that this years ahead of us. We welcome the fact that this road work will be furthered with the same ability. The map provides a milestone-based approach, focused on Secretary-General will have a distinguished and specific targets and on-the-ground assessments. outstanding diplomat, a man of good will and On security aspects, I would underline the need to exceptional experience, to represent him and to be the develop and strengthen the East Timorese institutions. face and the voice of the international community in Well-trained police and defence forces that respect East Timor. We wish him all the best, and I want to human rights and civilian supervision are a requirement assure him of our full cooperation in his very not only for the sustainability of true independence but demanding task. also for guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law. The case of East Timor has very painfully earned Since the United Nations police and military will have the international community’s support. I am sure that executive as well as training functions, it will be very the Council agrees with me that the Timorese have important to clearly define arrangements guiding the proved to us that that support was totally deserved. relationship between them and the Timorese forces, Anyone who has followed the process knows that we namely, command and control mechanisms. We are in the presence of a people of incredible courage encourage the efforts under way to finalize these and tolerance, with leaders of remarkable vision and arrangements before independence. commitment. The calm situation and the fact that there have I believe we can consider the democratic process been no recent security incidents related to militia in East Timor to be exemplary. The presidential activity from West Timor should not fool us into election of 14 April was just one more instance of this. thinking that there are no risks at all to the security and However, a new democracy is not merely a question of stability of East Timor. We firmly believe that the new institutions; it is also about the capacity to face current situation is the result of the presence of a robust internal political conflicts and disagreements and to United Nations peacekeeping force and the deterrent wisely manage the difficult periods — despite the lack effect that it has had during almost three years of of resources and given the many expectations. It will operation. require an adjustment in mentality and adequate After 20 May, the international lights will start material conditions on a sustained basis if it is to bear fading over East Timor. As soon as the situation in the fruit. new country becomes one of business as usual in the Difficult to establish, a democracy is even more eyes of the international community, the Council — as difficult to sustain and to strengthen. That is why we is perfectly understandable — will be inclined to put believe that the emerging institutions in East Timor, East Timor into its archives. But what will happen if created under the responsibility of the United Nations, things go wrong, if the East Timorese leaders’ must continue to be protected and supported — not for efforts — even with the residual support of the too long, but for as long as is needed for us to be able international community — prove insufficient to tackle to say that the work of the international community and the actions of those who may be interested in its main organizations there is complete. disrupting normal life in the territory? How long will the Council take to re-engage by taking a concrete The United Nations, working with the course of action to counter such acts? Why take that international community, is responsible for keeping an risk, given the immense financial and political cost for adequate presence in East Timor and for supporting it the future that it might entail? It would also risk the after independence. Portugal welcomes the report of credibility that the United Nations has earned in recent the Secretary-General and supports its years. recommendations for the establishment of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor We are not asking the Council to consider (UNMISET). I believe it is worth underlining the creating a sort of dependent State — a permanently consistent manner in which this presence was planned. assisted administration. Very simply, we are asking for

28 S/PV.4522 the phasing-out of the military and security forces to be about the fundamental importance of justice and the undertaken on the basis of a clear assessment of judicial system in East Timor, therefore, and I do not concrete risks, not on the basis of those that are intend to take up more of the Council’s time on this. surfacing under current circumstances. In particular, we Before I conclude, I would like to express consider that no final assessment should be made, with Portugal’s appreciation for the work that the practical consequences for capacity on the ground, international financial institutions and the United without taking into account the experience of the first Nations specialized agencies have accomplished to date months after the independence. in East Timor in their different areas of expertise. We It is not my intention to try to invoke ghosts or to believe that the joint efforts of these institutions, the create artificial threats. By nature, we diplomats are Secretariat, non-governmental organizations and interested in being professional optimists but we also bilateral donors will be crucial not only for the want to have permanent reasons to remain such. That is successful accomplishment of the United Nations why I want the Council to know that it is my mandate but also for a smooth transition to a normal Government’s firm belief that there are important development framework. In this regard, we welcome potential security risks that need to be taken fully into the information in the Secretary-General’s report about account, not only with regard to the external dimension the mechanism set up for coordination among these but, increasingly, on the internal front. different actors. I do not want to create alarm or sound gloomy, In less than a month East Timor will be but I must call the attention of the Council to the independent. We will all be represented at the potential threats that exist in Timorese society that will ceremonies in Dili to celebrate with the Timorese that challenge the new Government very seriously. This is a important and historic moment. I believe that the society where opportunities for the new generation are Timorese will see that presence as a sign of the still lacking, where important sectors of the former continued commitment and support of the international resistance and the former administration still tend to community, especially the United Nations, for the feel excluded from the new social, political and future of their territory and their country. Let us not economic life, and where a possible new wave of disappoint them. refugees could trigger an immense social problem, with The President (spoke in Russian): The next public-security implications. speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of In addition, the new Government will have to Spain. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table deal with the economic and social impact of the and to make his statement. drawdown of the international community. Obviously, Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I have the the international presence will have less and less honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. weight in the local economy, and the Timorese will Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, have to adapt their lives to this new reality. But it is Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, essential to recognize that for the new Government this Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Iceland and will represent considerable additional challenges. The Liechtenstein align themselves with this statement. extent of those challenges will not be fully known until some time after independence. I would first like to welcome the President-elect of East Timor, Mr. Xanana Gusmão, and the Chief Regarding the civilian component of UNMISET, I Minister, Mr. Mari Alkatiri. Their presence in this would like to highlight once again the importance of chamber today demonstrates the democratic including the Civilian Support Group in it. I do not commitment of the East Timorese people and their need to repeat the fundamental importance we attach to remarkable achievements in moving towards these core functions in ensuring that the achievements independence and reconciliation. of the public administration are not jeopardized. We also welcome the intention to include a human rights We warmly congratulate the Special office, as well as a serious crimes unit, in the Office of Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. In Vieira de Mello, for an outstanding record as head of the past, I have spoken extensively in the Council the United Nations Transitional Administration in East

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Timor (UNTAET), while trusting that his service to the In this context, we commend the Secretary- United Nations will continue. The European Union also General for his excellent report, which builds in a welcomes the Secretary-General’s decision to appoint coherent manner on his earlier reports and gives a Mr. Kamalesh Sharma as his Special Representative for detailed description of the proposed United Nations East Timor. We are confident that he will be an successor Mission. The European Union supports the excellent head of the successor mission to UNTAET. adoption by the Security Council of a draft resolution creating the new United Nations Mission of Support in The European Union welcomes the peaceful East Timor (UNMISET), as proposed by the Secretary- elections of 14 April 2002, in which Mr. Gusmão was General. elected President by an overwhelming majority after a very good turnout. Once again, the East Timorese Both the work of UNMISET and the future of people have shown great political maturity, offering a East Timor will depend on the available resources. The perfect example of a country that has chosen European Union welcomes the proposal that the democracy as the only way towards progress and well- Civilian Support Group and the Serious Crimes Unit be being. We would like to thank the Independent included in the civilian component of UNMISET, and Electoral Commission for organizing this successful thus be financed through assessed contributions. election and to highlight the very important role played In only two and a half years, East Timor has gone by its East Timorese staff. from devastation to the establishment of the We note with satisfaction the fact that President foundations for a new country and of the basic Xanana Gusmão has stated that his main goals will be infrastructure for economic and social activity. Less national reconciliation, the establishment of than a month before independence, the new institutions international relations, political progress and economic are assuming a number of functions and responsibilities development. in areas such as public administration, security, and social and economic affairs. Still, they will require The European Union warmly welcomes the sustained support from the international community. signing of the Constitution, which will come into force The European Union and its member States are on the day of independence. We are sure that it will prepared to continue to assist East Timor on the path to provide the basis for stability, democracy, freedom, sustainable development and urges the international justice and security for the East Timorese people. community to support it. During the celebrations planned to mark East Without internal and external security, East Timor Timor’s independence, the member States of the will not succeed as an independent nation. The European Union will be represented in a manner European Union understands the need to ensure that befitting the welcome due to a new nation that is police and military institutions are adequately equipped joining the international community of States. and trained. We commend the work already achieved The European Union is strongly in favour of the by the United Nations, in cooperation with certain United Nations having a role in peacekeeping and in donors, in the establishment of such institutions, and supporting the authorities after independence, as we take note of the Secretary-General’s concern that recommended by the Secretary-General in his report. additional training and donor support will be required Given that peace is the main precondition for the after independence in order to guarantee that the development of democracy in East Timor, it is essential security forces are fully operational by January 2004. that the peacekeeping force be phased out gradually, We note the report’s positive stance with respect with due consideration to the security situation on the to the gradual diminution of militia activity, though this ground. We agree with the Secretary-General that the is a function of various factors such as a successful new United Nations Mission should provide stability solution of the refugee problem, an agreement with and viability to the emerging East Timorese public Indonesia on the demarcation of the common border, Administration, assist in the development of law and the success of the reconciliation and reintegration enforcement bodies operating in accordance with process. international human rights standards and contribute to the maintenance of external and internal security.

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After months of slow progress, recent refugee realized there and followed in other afflicted regions of returns are encouraging. This reflects confidence in the the world. present situation and optimism for the future. We hope The President (spoke in Russian): The next that this trend will be consolidated. To this end, it is speaker on my list is the representative of Australia. I important that a prompt and fair solution be found to invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to the problem of resettlement either in East Timor or make his statement. Indonesia. Mr. Dauth (Australia): My prepared remarks The European Union welcomes the efforts of the invite me, in my first paragraph, to acknowledge the Government of Indonesia to resolve this question, presence in the Chamber of Mr. Xanana Gusmão and namely its decision to pay the pensions of former civil Mr. Mari Alkatiri, but unfortunately the arrangements servants, police officers and members of its armed today for non-members to speak do not allow me to forces in East Timor until Independence Day. We hope commence my remarks in that way. I have to say that that those payments will commence before this is disappointing to my country, particularly given independence. We encourage Indonesia and the the contribution we have made in respect of East international community to continue to support the Timor, that we are getting what I regard as a less-than- Consolidated Appeal for East Timor refugees. appropriate opportunity to participate in the Security The European Union urges Indonesia, together Council debate about East Timor. I am sorry to make with East Timor, to resolve pending issues between the that remark, but I do regret that the organization of two countries, including judicial cooperation and a new Council business today has led to this result. border regime. The successful presidential election in East Timor The European Union strongly encourages the on 14 April was a major step in the final stages of East future East Timorese Government to respect human Timor’s transition to independence. Our consideration rights and to continue to improve the human rights of East Timor in the Security Council today, and the situation, as well as to ensure that all future legislation decisions to be taken by Council Members in the is consistent with international human rights standards. coming weeks, are further critical elements of this In this regard, we welcome efforts to strengthen the process. These decisions will have a direct and East Timorese judicial system, including the Serious significant impact on the international community’s Crimes Unit, so that justice and the rule of law can continuing role in East Timor and on the long-term become a reality in East Timor. future of the new nation. We welcome the important steps taken by the I thank the Secretary-General for his presence Government of Indonesia to bring to justice the this morning, and I particularly thank my friend perpetrators of gross human rights violations in East Assistant Secretary-General Annabi for his Timor, but we share the Secretary-General’s regret that comprehensive briefing on the Secretary-General’s the jurisdiction of the Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunal report. The report shows how far East Timor’s has not yet been expanded to cover all districts and the transition has come. While much remains to be done, period from January to October 1999. The international the United Nations Transitional Administration in East community will continue closely to follow Timor (UNTAET) has built a sound foundation for an developments in this field in Indonesia. effective, viable and democratic independent nation. This is due in no small part to the enormously valuable As 20 May 2002 draws near, we are closer to and tireless contribution of the Secretary-General’s welcoming East Timor as a new State Member of the Special Representative, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. I United Nations. Three years ago, its name was take this opportunity again to extend to him personally, synonymous with conflict and human suffering. This and to all members of UNTAET, Australia’s thanks for success is the fruit of courageous determination on the their dedication to laying the groundwork for the future part of the East Timorese people, the generous independent East Timor. commitment of the international community and the will to achieve peace through dialogue and Turning to the future, the Secretary-General’s reconciliation. Let us hope that this example is fully report underlines that at independence a number of critical elements of the new State of East Timor will

31 S/PV.4522 remain fragile. Without a continued international situation, with long-term needs assisted by United presence and commitment, the progress achieved so far Nations agencies and other donor assistance. will be at risk. Realization of that goal will depend not only on The Secretary-General has presented us with a assessed funding for the duration of the successor comprehensive, practical and responsible plan for a mission, but also on sustained long-term support from United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor the international community. For its part, Australia has (UNMISET) after independence. If it is carefully made a significant contribution. In addition to our implemented, this plan, which Australia fully endorses, share of assessed contributions, we have spent $1.4 will provide the best possible chance for a stable, billion (Australian) on our military contribution from democratic and effective independent East Timor. July 1999 to June 2001, and we have committed $150 million (Australian) for the four years from July 2000 Australia supports the Secretary-General’s to help with reconstruction and development in East recommendations for a successor Mission covering the Timor. four key components of peacekeeping, civilian police, a Civilian Support Group and an Office of the Continued international support will be critical to Secretary-General’s Special Representative, and funded protect the considerable investments made so far and to from assessed contributions. We also support the promote East Timor’s long-term development. In Secretary-General’s clear exit strategy, which addition, as the Secretary-General has stated in his envisages the progressive downsizing of all core report, the achievement of key milestones during the components over a two-year period, against the coming two years will be greatly accelerated by strong achievement of clear milestones. donor support, particularly in the critical areas of establishing the border and customs service, resourcing With regard to the security components of the and equipping of police and military institutions and new mission — and this is a point that I particularly the establishment of an adequate justice system. The wanted to stress today in, as I said, more more that international donors can support these key comprehensive circumstances than the ones in which I steps, the faster the successor Mission will be able to find myself speaking — we appreciate the Secretary- achieve its milestones, and the more efficiently the General’s advice that discussions are under way to United Nations presence can be reduced. Australia will finalize plans for command and control of the security continue to do its part both through the United Nations forces in East Timor after independence. We strongly and bilaterally, to support East Timor’s transition and support the continued constructive work to develop, in future development. We urge our fellow Member States as precise detail as possible, these arrangements. We to do likewise. also believe that it is critical to continued international confidence in East Timor that the arrangements operate The Secretary-General’s recommendations for in accordance with the standard United Nations UNMISET provide the details and strategic planning procedures, and that the new Government approach this required to enable an effective transition from particularly sensitive area of administration in a highly UNTAET to the post-independence period. We urge the cooperative spirit. If they do not do so, there is a Security Council to use this information to make sound significant risk that international support for the decisions on a solid and comprehensive mandate for fledgling State will erode. the successor mission that will guide East Timor through its first two years of independence. The successor mission in East Timor must not operate in isolation from the broader international We have in our grasp all the makings of a United effort to assist East Timor. We therefore welcome the Nations success story. The Security Council is in a Secretary-General’s description of the relationship position to maximize the chances for a stable and between UNMISET, the wider United Nations system viable future for East Timor and its people. We must of agencies, funds and programmes, and the national not let these opportunities pass us by. development plan of the East Timor Government. This The President (spoke in Russian): I should like coordinated approach will lay the basis for East to remind the Council that the formula that was chosen Timor’s eventual transition to a normal development for the continuation of this meeting of the Security

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Council was adopted at the insistent request of a The Government of Japan has been making number of delegations. efforts to play a leading role within the international community in supporting East Timor. Indeed, it is The next speaker inscribed on my list is the already the largest donor in terms of actual representative of Japan, who will be the last speaker at disbursements. The Japanese Government has already this meeting. I invite him to take a seat at the Council extended $120 million for reconstruction and table and to make his statement. development as well as for humanitarian assistance on Mr. Satoh (Japan): I, too, want to express my the basis of our pledge to provide, over three years, disappointment at the way this meeting was arranged. $130 million to this end — a pledge we made at the It is very disappointing that, although we are one of the first donor conference we hosted in Tokyo in December major contributors, we have to speak in the absence of 1999. the future President and others. I hope you will In addition, an engineering group of 680 troops, consider this again, Mr. President, although I do not including female members of Japan’s Self-Defence want to spend too much time on this. Forces, has completed its deployment in East Timor First of all, on behalf of the Government of this month to participate in the United Nations Japan, I would like to congratulate Mr. Xanana peacekeeping operations. They will engage in the Gusmão on his recent election as the first President of construction and repair of roads and bridges, which are independent East Timor. I would also like to pay also expected to contribute to the reconstruction and tribute to Mr. Mari Alkatiri, who has been serving as development of East Timor. the Chief Minister of the Transitional Government of What the United Nations Transitional East Timor and who, with independence, will continue Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) has achieved to assume important duties for nation-building in East in East Timor is a success story of which the United Timor. Furthermore, I would like to extend once again Nations should be proud. We cannot overemphasize the our congratulations on the successful presidential important role UNTAET has played over the past two election held in East Timor on 14 April. The and a half years in assisting East Timor’s progress international community, including the observation towards independence. I would therefore like to team dispatched by the Government of Japan, assessed express the Japanese Government’s admiration and the election as having been held in a free and fair appreciation to the Special Representative of the manner. The success of the presidential election, Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, and to following the Constituent Assembly elections held in the other members of UNTAET for their leadership and August last year, is further testimony to the firm dedicated efforts throughout this period. commitment of the people of East Timor to democracy. I also welcome the report on East Timor which In his congratulatory message to President-elect Secretary-General Kofi Annan submitted to the Gusmão, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi expressed Security Council on 17 April. The Government of the hope that Mr. Gusmão, in solidarity with the Japan supports the plan described in the report Government and people of East Timor, would tackle concerning the mandate, structure and timetable of a the tasks required to build a self-reliant nation. Prime United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Minister Koizumi also expressed the intention of the (UNMISET). The Japanese Government also supports Government of Japan to continue to extend to East the recommendation of the Secretary-General that the Timor as much support as possible. Security Council adopt a resolution giving a mandate This coming Monday, Prime Minister Koizumi to UNMISET for its initial period of one year. will visit East Timor. That visit is aimed at conveying It is clear to everyone that after independence directly to the leaders and the people of East Timor the East Timor will face a number of difficult challenges. Japanese people’s message of congratulations and their With this recognition, I would like to point out that it is determination to assist East Timor. The Prime Minister important for the leadership of East Timor to lead their is looking forward to meeting Mr. Gusmão and Mr. country in solidarity; that it is important for the people Alkatiri in Dili and to discussing with them the future of East Timor to participate in the efforts for nation- of East Timor as well as the political stability and building, taking on their country’s development as a economic development of the Asia-Pacific region.

33 S/PV.4522 matter of their own responsibility; and that it is important role in the international efforts to support important for the international community to continue East Timor. its support for East Timor. I would like to emphasize in The President (spoke in Russian): There are particular that the support of the international speakers remaining on my list. With the agreement of community and the development of good cooperative the members of the Council, I intend to suspend the relations between East Timor and neighbouring meeting. The date of its resumption will be announced countries are indispensable for the stability and in the Journal. prosperity of East Timor. The meeting was suspended at 1.35 p.m. The Government of Japan, for its part, is determined to spare no effort to continue to play an

34 United Nations S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1)

Security Council Provisional Fifty-seventh year

4522nd meeting Monday, 29 April 2002, 3.30 p.m. New York

President: Mr. Lavrov ...... (Russian Federation)

Members: Bulgaria ...... Mr. Tafrov Cameroon ...... Mr. Belinga-Eboutou China ...... Mr. Wang Yingfan Colombia ...... Mr. Valdivieso France ...... Mr. Doutriaux Guinea ...... Mr. Fall Ireland ...... Mr. Corr Mauritius ...... Mr. Koonjul Mexico ...... Ms. Lajous Norway ...... Mr. Strømmen Singapore ...... Mr. Mahbubani Syrian Arab Republic ...... Mr. Wehbe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ..... Mr. Eldon United States of America ...... Mr. Williamson

Agenda

The situation in East Timor Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (S/2002/432 and Add.1).

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the interpretation of speeches delivered in the other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room C-178.

02-35680 (E) *0235680* S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1)

The meeting resumed at 4 p.m. the President-elect. During the earlier part of this meeting, held last Friday, his presence, together with The President (spoke in Russian): I should like that of His Excellency Mr. Mari Alkatiri, Chief to inform the Council that I have received a letter from Minister, honoured all of us. My delegation is fully the representative of the Philippines in which he confident that, with his proven leadership, President- requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of elect Gusmão will set his country on the path to long- the item on the Council’s agenda. In conformity with term peace and prosperity. the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the During the course of building an independent Council, to invite that representative to participate in State, the United Nations has played a pivotal role the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance through the United Nations Transitional Administration with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 in East Timor (UNTAET), whose work covers not only of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. security and political dimensions but also social and There being no objection, it is so decided. economic development. The Mission embodies the aspirations of the international community to peace, At the invitation of the President, Mr. Yuchengco freedom and democracy. My delegation believes that (Philippines) took the seat reserved for him at the its success in East Timor more than vindicates the side of the Council Chamber. relevance and strengths of the United Nations in The President (spoke in Russian): The next current international affairs. In that regard, we truly speaker on my list is the representative of the Republic commend the dedication of the Secretary-General, his of Korea. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table Special Representative, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, and to make his statement. and their staffs. Mr. Lee (Republic of Korea): First of all, I The Republic of Korea is proud to have taken an should like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening active part in the international efforts for nation- this open debate on East Timor. I should also like to building and for reconstruction in East Timor. We have express my delegation’s appreciation to Secretary- been contributing a significant number of peacekeeping General Kofi Annan for his introductory statement and forces to the military component of UNTAET since its to Assistant Secretary-General Hédi Annabi for his inception, thus helping to ensure a stable security briefing on the Secretary-General’s report (S/2002/432 environment for a smooth transition to independence. and Add.1) earlier in this debate, last Friday. Bilaterally, the Republic of Korea has continued to extend humanitarian and development assistance to We are gathered here today to share our profound East Timor. Furthermore, since June last year we have delight at what we, the international community, have maintained in Dili a permanent diplomatic presence, achieved in East Timor over the past two and a half which will be upgraded to the embassy level. years and to ensure that that tremendous achievement is a sustainable one. Having overcome a history of With regard to the Secretary-General’s report as it devastation, East Timor now stands as a budding relates to the successor mission to UNTAET, the independent State, the formal launching of which is Republic of Korea fully supports the proposal to less than a month away. Over the past few months, we establish a United Nations Mission of Support in East have witnessed such historic milestones as the adoption Timor (UNMISET), a key element of which is a of the country’s Constitution and the election of its first milestone-based approach towards the Mission’s President, setting the stage for an independent East gradual withdrawal over a two-year period. Timor. At this point, my delegation would like to At this juncture, let me express, on behalf of the congratulate Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma on his Government and the people of the Republic of Korea, appointment as the new Special Representative of the my warmest congratulations to the leaders and the Secretary-General for East Timor. His charm and people of East Timor on having fulfilled their yearning competence are well known in the diplomatic for a free, independent State despite enormous community in New York. hardships and challenges. Our special congratulations My delegation is also in full agreement with the go to His Excellency Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Secretary-General’s observation that, given the

2 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) remaining challenges to security and stability as well as The proposal for UNMISET signals both a the fragile economy, it is essential that the international beginning and an end. For the past two years, the community remain engaged in this new State. Now is Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Sergio the time, not for complacency, but for renewed Vieira de Mello, and his team have worked in attention and support to East Timor. partnership with the East Timorese people to bring East Timor from a post-conflict situation to the eve of Having taken a keen interest in the historic independence. The staff and leadership of the United process of nation-building in East Timor, we eagerly Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor anticipate the inauguration of the Government of the (UNTAET) have earned our respect and admiration, Democratic Republic of East Timor on 20 May, and we and we thank them for the commitment and hard work. very much look forward to working closely with the new Government as it joins the global family of The job, of course, is not yet finished. The nations. Once again, I should like to convey the wish of transition to a stable, just and secure East Timorese the Government and the people of the Republic of society requires a continued role for the United Korea for continued peace and prosperity in East Nations. We welcome and endorse the Secretary- Timor. General’s comprehensive proposal for the establishment of UNMISET to assist the East Timorese The President (spoke in Russian): The next people and leadership. The Secretary-General’s speaker on my list is the representative of New proposals provide a clear exit strategy for the peace Zealand. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table support component of United Nations presence. and to make his statement. The downsizing proposals for military, police and Mr. MacKay (New Zealand): Thank you, civilian elements of UNMISET are based on realistic Mr. President, for organizing this meeting on the needs assessments and follow the concept endorsed by situation in East Timor. We listened with great interest the Council last October. The proposals reflect the fact to the comments made on Friday by Secretary-General that East Timor is entering a new phase in its transition Kofi Annan, President-elect Gusmão and Chief to a fully functioning sovereign nation. We look Minister Alkatiri. We join with others in noting that the forward to the normalization of development assistance leadership of the President-elect and the Chief Minister based on close coordination with the new Government will shape East Timor’s future. Their leadership will be of East Timor by United Nations agencies and other crucial in building on progress made over the past two multilateral, regional and bilateral donors. years towards establishing a properly functioning, democratic and independent country. New Zealand Like the United Nations, New Zealand’s focus expresses both to East Timor’s leaders and to its people will move from peacekeeping to development our warmest congratulations and the renewed assurance assistance. At the end of this year, we will withdraw of our continued support for East Timor as a regional our battalion and helicopter support as part of the neighbour and friend. United Nations exit strategy. New Zealand’s contribution to UNTAET has involved a substantial The Secretary-General’s proposal for the component of our defence forces. We will continue to establishment of the United Nations Mission of support other United Nations missions through the Support in East Timor (UNMISET) represents a provision of troops. Our police, customs and watershed for East Timor and its relationship with the corrections personnel have already left East Timor, but international community. On 20 May, New Zealand, we will continue to provide training and development together with the rest of the United Nations family, will assistance in these areas. celebrate East Timor’s independence in Dili. It will be a joyful and historic occasion. In recognition of the New Zealand looks forward to a maturing importance of that event, New Zealand will be bilateral relationship with East Timor based on an represented by our Prime Minister. We hope that agreed development framework and common regional shortly after independence, we will welcome East interests. We join other speakers from last week in Timor as the newest State Member of the United noting with concern the difficulties in the justice Nations. sector, including prisons, and endorse the appeal for progress in resolving these problems. There are major

3 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) tasks ahead in these areas in particular, and New in the crucial years immediately after independence. Zealand stands ready to assist. His presence among us on the first day of this debate was an opportunity for the United Nations and the The Security Council has played a vital part in international community to pay tribute to his leadership supporting East Timor since the post-ballot crisis in role. Brazil joins its voice in greeting this extraordinary 1999. UNMISET represents the final phase in that role, leader of the East Timorese people. We were also with a specific downsizing plan linked to achieving pleased to have among us Chief Minister Alkatiri. We specific milestones. The Secretary-General’s proposal admire his determined and dedicated leadership, which details a sound, realistic and focused mission. We will continue to be crucial as he takes up the position encourage the Council to endorse its establishment, and of Prime Minister. in doing so, to entrench what has been achieved while acknowledging what remains to be done. The foundations of the future State of East Timor have now been established. Nevertheless, the tasks and The President (spoke in Russian): The next the responsibilities of the United Nations in East Timor speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of are by no means over. We are approaching not the end Brazil. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table of United Nations engagement in East Timor, but rather and to make his statement. a new beginning that will require continued political Mr. Fonseca (Brazil) Thank you, Mr. President, commitment. for organizing this open debate on East Timor. At this critical moment, it is important to convey As the mandate of the United Nations a clear message of encouragement and unflinching Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) support for the East Timorese people. Independence draws to a close, we have good reason to feel proud of Day, on 20 May, will mark the launching of a new the United Nations. phase in which our steadfast cooperation and support in a vast array of critical areas will be required to I want to pay tribute to my fellow countryman, underpin the exercise of sovereignty by the East Sergio Vieira de Mello, who will be soon stepping Timorese. down as Special Representative and Transitional Administrator. Under his competent and steady The magnitude of the challenges facing this new guidance, UNTAET turned out to be one of the most nation calls for a generous pledge of assistance from successful achievements of the United Nations. We are the international community. We must ensure a smooth grateful for what Sergio and his staff were able to and seamless transition to independence, so as to accomplish together with the people and the leadership preserve stability and security, as well as continuity in of East Timor. It is the spirit of sacrifice of highly the public administration. This will require securing a motivated international civil servants like him which predictable source of funding. makes this Organization great and provides a vivid Brazil supports the establishment of a successor example of what the values enshrined in the United mission to UNTAET, as proposed by the Secretary- Nations Charter are all about. General, comprising military, civilian, and civilian The Security Council will soon establish a new police components. We will continue to participate in mission in East Timor, to be headed by our esteemed this effort not only with our troops, but also through colleague, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, of India. We the programmes developed under the umbrella of the all admire his personal qualities, skills, intelligence and Brazilian Agency for Cooperation. dedication to the cause of the United Nations. The East Given the limited pool of professional and Timorese people could not rely on a better friend as administrative expertise in East Timor, it is particularly they undertake their journey as an independent country. important that the civilian component include the 100 Brazil is delighted to join in celebrating the key functions within the administration to guarantee successful presidential elections held in East Timor. continuity and ensure on-the-job training for East Xanana Gusmão had his charismatic leadership Timorese officials. Moreover, the downsizing of the confirmed and blessed at the polls. His tenacity and military and the civilian police components must be unmistakable commitment to democracy, peace, commensurate with the capacity of the East Timor tolerance and reconciliation will prove to be essential Defence Force and the East Timor Police Service to

4 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) provide external and internal security. I am confident We offer our best wishes for the progress and that stability will be preserved in East Timor as happiness of the East Timorese, and we are looking democratic institutions mature and reconciliation forward to working side by side with them in the efforts gain momentum. community of the United Nations as well as in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. We must base decisions concerning the level of the force and the duration of its presence on a clear The President (spoke in Russian): The next assessment of the concrete needs of the future speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of sovereign State of East Timor. No one wants an open- Chile. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table ended mission in East Timor, let alone the perpetuation and to make his statement. of dependency. A clear exit strategy is necessary, one Mr. Valdés (Chile) (spoke in Spanish): I should that takes into account the need for capacity-building like, on behalf of the delegation of Chile, to thank you, and does not jeopardize the progress achieved so far. Mr. President, for having convened this public debate Our enthusiasm about East Timor’s independence on the mandate of the United Nations Transitional must not lead us to lose sight of the huge problems that Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), thus await the future Government just around the corner. providing us with an opportunity to express once again East Timor is a developing country, mired in poverty our view on a process of self-determination with which and in desperate need of international assistance. The we feel very closely identified. It is also gratifying to high unemployment rate is unlikely to be reversed in have the opportunity to speak during your presidency, the short run. The so-called windfall of gains from the Sir, as the Russian Federation has staunchly supported exploitation of oil and gas in the Timor Gap will not UNTAET since the very beginning of this difficult and come tomorrow or the day after. This is an area that successful endeavour. requires investments that will only mature over time. Since 1961, Chile has been a member of the In this context, it becomes even more pressing to Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the continue to bring income-generating projects into Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of operation, maintain the flow of international aid and Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. In create the conditions for sustainable development and that forum, as well as in others, it has worked hard in good governance. In addition, it is essential to retain favour of the principle of the self-determination of non- the current level of public services after independence. self-governing territories on the agenda of the United The deterioration of such services would hurt the most Nations. vulnerable and could constitute a blow to public We therefore fully appreciate the real significance confidence in the future State. for the people of East Timor of having achieved, after To put it in a nutshell, the international so many years of struggle, the right to decide freely, community as a whole must continue to provide and within a framework of respect for democratic generous support for the rehabilitation, reconstruction values, the form of government that will determine and development of East Timor. their first steps as a viable and independent nation. Independence Day will mark a new era in East We welcome the climate of peace and order that Timor and represent the fulfilment of the legitimate characterized the recent electoral process, which aspirations of an admirable people. It will also be a culminated in the election, by a large majority, of the moment to reflect on the multiple challenges that lie presidential candidate Mr. Xanana Gusmão, to whom ahead in making the independent State of East Timor we again extend our most sincere congratulations and work for each and every one of its citizens. Brazil is wish every success in the discharge of his important sure that democracy will flourish through the vibrant functions. participation of the people in the affairs of the Chile shares the view expressed by the Secretary- community. Democracy must be nurtured by the sense General in his most recent report that, even given the of empowerment that comes not only with civil and substantial progress that has been made in political rights, but also with economic and social consolidating the political and institutional structure of improvement. East Timor, the process will remain fragile when

5 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) independence is declared on 20 May and will require The next speaker inscribed on my list is the the assistance and solidarity of the international representative of Egypt. I invite him to take a seat at community. the Council table and to make his statement. Because of that, the international community Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): It is must assume its inescapable responsibility to prepare a pleasure for me to sit next to our brother and good the people of East Timor to exercise its most cherished friend, Mr. Annabi, as well as next to the delegation of and fundamental rights within a framework that Colombia. guarantees freedom and democracy. A future United The Council is meeting today to celebrate a Nations presence, if possible for a period of no more unique event — an event in which the international than two years, with a clear mandate and with the community has participated with a view to fulfilling consent and active support of the East Timorese the principles and purposes of the United Nations people, seems to be the best way to achieve that end. Charter and to achieving peace, equality and justice Chile therefore supports the establishment of the among peoples. The independence of East Timor will United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor complete a very important political process in that (UNMISET) and welcomes the proposal of the territory — a process of reconciliation to which many Secretary-General to establish a comprehensive plan influential actors have contributed, in particular for implementing the mandate of the mission, which, as Indonesia and many national Timorese leaders. That the Council knows, will focus on three main effort has resulted in independence, and has made it programmes, dealing with stability, democracy and possible for the Timorese people to overcome a very justice; internal security and law enforcement; and difficult period in its history and to build a new State in external security and border control. a climate of good relations and peace with its neighbours. We cannot fail to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the help and constant guidance that the We agree with the Secretary-General’s logical Security Council provided throughout this process. We analysis, as expressed in his recent report on East value in particular the commendable work done by the Timor, which refers to the numerous challenges that Special Representative of the Secretary-General for could be faced in the post-independence period. There East Timor and Transitional Administrator, Mr. Sergio is thus a need to act quickly in order to guarantee Vieira de Mello, and by the Senior Minister for Foreign stability and efficient development for the new State. Affairs of the Transitional Cabinet, Mr. José Ramos The Secretary-General’s report lists those challenges as Horta. We wish Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, the border demarcation, the return of refugees, the newly appointed Special Representative of the regulation of commercial activities in the border area, Secretary-General, every success in discharging his the strengthening of nascent governmental structures, challenging new functions, and we reiterate our including law enforcement and the judicial system, and willingness to cooperate with him. the consolidation of the framework for economic and social development. Even as I speak, a Chilean squadron of helicopters assigned to East Timor is reaffirming, However, all these factors have to be through its actions, our commitment to see through to a accompanied by the complete respect of the successful conclusion the process of political transition international community for the independence of East there. Likewise, in a spirit of cooperation and Timor, for non-interference in its internal affairs and selflessness, we will respond, within our means, to the for the guarantee of freedom of action and freedom of appeal for any cooperation that may be required for the choice for the Timorese people represented by its reconstruction of what will be the first new nation of elected leadership. The international community must the millennium. also respect East Timor’s free choice of its future and the model it will follow in its international relations. The President (spoke in Russian): I thank the This independence will, without a doubt, safeguard representative of Chile for the kind words he addressed stability and the achievements of the Transitional to the Russian presidency. Authority.

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The security situation continues to represent a and the success stories of an independent and clear challenge vis-à-vis the achievement of complete democratic East Timor. In welcoming the newest stability in East Timor. Consequently, we support the democracy to the fold, Fiji will be sending our Minister principle of continuing the United Nations mission and and our Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs to join reducing its size after independence. This would help the people of East Timor in celebrating their history. provide the most appropriate conditions to guarantee This debate must welcome the achievements in security for the new, emerging State. East Timor to enable the Security Council to better My delegation subscribes to the mandate set out focus on remaining challenges before it and before the in the Secretary-General’s report, namely, to give the United Nations system. Today we witness a nation that administrative support and assistance necessary for the has been rebuilt in record time. Two and a half years is establishment of legal structures so that the country can an unimaginable time frame for a nation so devastated maintain internal and external security. to gain the wisdom that would help it to reverse track and move solidly towards democracy and towards The success of the efforts by the international observance of the rule of law and human rights community in East Timor clearly reflects what success standards. is possible when there is the international will. That is the will to promote and strengthen the principles of the Despite visible gaps in the new nation’s United Nations Charter, namely, saving succeeding development roadmap, which are set out in the report generations from the scourge of war, respecting human of the Secretary-General, Fiji acknowledges the spirit rights and the rights of the individual, establishing of cooperation and maturity in her people. These justice and complying with obligations under attitudes and the determination of the East Timorese international law. people have helped the United Nations facilitate a transitional administration. Egypt attaches special importance to East Asia, with which we enjoy strong relations due to our long- The promulgation of the constitution in March standing diplomatic relations with that region. We 2002 has set the foundation for governance of East welcome warmly the emergence of a new, friendly Timor when it gains independence in May 2002. State joining the international community, a State Another critical task for the fledgling nation has been whose people have worked hard to ensure peace, the conduct of the presidential elections. This historic equality and justice, and whose will has finally event recorded a very high voter turnout, was incident- triumphed. free, and was ably managed and conducted by an experienced Independent Electoral Commission. Both The President (spoke in Russian): The next presidential candidates deserve praise for the mood of speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of unity they displayed at the start of the polls, which Fiji. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and must have generated optimism and goodwill in the to make his statement. voters and in the election process. Mr. Naidu (Fiji): We congratulate the Russian The commencement of the joint reconnaissance Federation on taking up the Security Council this week along the West Timor border marks growing presidency this month, and we thank you for this cooperation between all parties. This gives us hope that opportunity to make a short statement. common land borders will be fully delineated by the Had we spoken on Friday, we would have had a end of the transition period, as was envisaged in the chance to personally thank and welcome Chief drawdown plan. Minister Alkatiri at this meeting and also to We agree that infrastructure rehabilitation must congratulate Mr. Xanana Gusmão, President-elect of take place in parallel with community development East Timor. Nevertheless, I am sure the message will initiatives. The promotion of human rights, the be conveyed to both of them. protection of the environment and the advancement of It is a fitting tribute to East Timor that her first women are three important pillars in this national democratically elected President takes up this revered development. These are also key targets of the calling with a landslide victory. The May 20 Millennium Development Goals. We look forward to Independence Day will showcase the new President the finalization of the United Nations Development

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Assistance Framework for East Timor in May. This accomplishments. On that note, Fiji joins the long list framework can synthesise national development goals of those voicing support for the Secretary-General’s with the forms of assistance that are available from the proposals and for authorizing the establishment of the United Nations system. We can be confident that such United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor optimal matching of goals with resources will (UNMISET) for an initial period of two years. We do accelerate the necessary economic, financial and fiscal not wish to foreclose any future need to extend that recovery, which the Secretary-General has highlighted time frame, should the mission fall below post- as crucial for the delivery of services by the national independence development goals and targets. Fiji is of institutions. the firm view that supporting hands are indispensable to an infant taking its first steps. New energy clearly emanates from the work of the Commission for Reception, Truth and The United Nations must continue to guard its Reconciliation, which is consulting on its mandate with partnership in this success story. East Timor must the community — including former political remain on the United Nations agenda, notwithstanding prisoners — over its various tasks to bring justice to other pressing global crisis situations. This position the aggrieved and to prevent future human rights well accords with the United Nations goals of violations. The increased numbers of refugees peacekeeping, peacemaking and conflict prevention, returning from West Timor recently signal growing and with their requisite paradigm. In that light, we are confidence in this and other developing national pleased to note that the key areas of focus for processes. UNMISET will be stability, democracy and justice; internal security and law enforcement; and external Mindful of the huge gaps in the status of the security and border control. Periodic reports from security framework in East Timor, we are heartened by UNMISET will keep the United Nations apprised as to her courageous step this week in hosting a trilateral how the successor mission is supporting the police meeting on regional security with Australia and independent Government of East Timor. That can help Indonesia. Common concerns over human trafficking, the United Nations to better gauge how the weak areas drug smuggling and other cross-border crimes led to an are responding to rehabilitation, support strategies or agreement to further trilateral police cooperation. interventions. Having noted some random developments in East Last but not least, we must give credit to Timor, we balance our observation with a realistic Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. His perseverance and appreciation of the major areas of need come 20 May outstanding leadership made UNTAET a true success and the end of the United Nations Transitional story. We can be certain that the successor mission, Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). UNMISET, although far smaller in scale, will take our With the International Criminal Court now a collective mission to even greater heights under the reality, East Timor will draw its substantive law capable command of His Excellency Ambassador provisions and regulations principally from the Court’s Kamalesh Sharma, who takes up the post with Fiji’s statute to deal with the serious crimes and atrocities best wishes and total confidence. that occurred in East Timor after the referendum. The The President (spoke in Russian): The next success of this initiative depends on an effective and speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of able criminal justice system, an area that is really Malaysia. I invite him to take a seat at the Council handicapped. The institutions and judicial complement table and to make his statement. need strengthening — in particular the Dili District Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over these Mr. Zainuddin (Malaysia): My delegation serious crimes. The justice system is therefore our commends you, Mr. President, for convening this proper area of focus for strategic intervention to important open meeting on the situation in East Timor. enhance local and international confidence in it. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in documents S/2002/432 and The Secretary-General has detailed other specific S/2002/432/Add.1, and Mr. Annabi, Assistant areas of need where multilateral, bilateral, inter-agency Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for his and private partnerships will continue to be in high comprehensive briefing to the Council last week. My demand if East Timor is to sustain its

8 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) delegation also wishes to thank Mr. Xanana Gusmão and sustained support of the rest of the international for sharing developments in East Timor with us. My community. Malaysia is confident that the friends of delegation congratulates him on his recent election to East Timor will lend the necessary support to the become the first President of an independent East United Nations in the early years after independence. Timor. We were also pleased to listen to the briefing As a regional neighbour, Malaysia will play its part in made to the Council last week by the Chief Minister of assisting the people of East Timor in their efforts to East Timor, Mr. Mari Alkatiri. build a progressive nation, within its ability to do so. The work of the United Nations Transitional The two-year period provided by the continued Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is nearing its presence of the United Nations will enable the completion. In a short span of time, UNTAET has institutions that are being built in East Timor — managed to lay down the necessary fundamental especially the civil service — sufficient time to be structures for an independent nation. In that regard, we further consolidated and strengthened. This intervening commend the men and women of UNTAET for their period is essential for the East Timorese people to efforts. We also wish to join others in expressing our acquire the necessary skills and experience, especially appreciation to the Special Representative of the in the core functions in which local expertise is Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, for his lacking, so as to ensure a functioning and effective remarkable contribution. governmental machinery in the post-United-Nations period. The successful presidential elections, the adoption of the Constitution of the Democratic My delegation notes with concern the observation Republic of East Timor and the handing over of most made by the Secretary-General that the development of executive and operational functions to the East a professional and effective public administration will Timorese further consolidate the East Timor remain a major challenge in the coming years. The fact independence process. The process will culminate in that less than 50 per cent of management positions high-level ceremonies and celebrations to mark have been filled thus far is a major concern. The independence on 20 May 2002. Malaysia looks forward successor mission will have to explore ways to identify to welcoming East Timor to the United Nations. qualified candidates to fill those critical posts. The approach of training and mentoring potential Malaysia would like to reiterate its support for candidates is a step in the right direction, and should the proposal of the Secretary-General for a continued complement the identification of qualified East United Nations presence for two years after East Timorese. Timor’s independence. The continued presence of the United Nations beyond the completion of the political My delegation also notes that 71 candidates have transition is important to ensure the smooth been recommended for recruitment to fill the critical implementation of the arduous process of nation- 100 core functions as highlighted in previous reports. building. The envisaged integrated successor mission Those are critical areas where the East Timorese are to UNTAET, the United Nations Mission of Support in lacking in expertise. My delegation hopes that the East Timor (UNMISET), will enable the United candidates will be able to function well with their Nations to complete the mandate set out in Security Timorese counterparts. Their experience and skills will Council resolution 1272 (1999). be essential to help guide their Timorese colleagues. The United Nations should avoid a situation where The proposed mandate of UNMISET is pragmatic these expert personnel would face limitations in and achievable, and is in line with the concept of the imparting their knowledge directly to local civil successor mission that the Secretary-General outlined servants. It is important to ensure that policies and to the Council at its 4403rd meeting, in October last programmes are formulated on the basis of the year. Malaysia believes that this proposal will be objective situation on the ground. acceptable to the Council, as the concept was already endorsed by members of the Council as reflected in its The process of nation-building and reconciliation presidential statement issued following that meeting is a highly complex and sensitive matter. The return of (S/PRST/2001/32). We believe that the objectives of refugees is one of the important elements of that UNMISET cannot be attained without the continued process. In that regard, my delegation is pleased to note

9 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) that in March 2002 there was an upsurge in refugee statement when the President-elect and the Chief returns: in that single month it was recorded that 3,680 Minister of the Transitional Government, Mr. Alkatiri, people returned. The effort by the Office of the United were present in the Chamber. Still, we would like to Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to continue express our gratitude for their useful and very to facilitate “go-and-see” visits and border informative statements. reconciliation meetings will contribute to increasing I shall limit myself to only a few remarks on a refugee returns. The decision by the Government of number of issues of particular importance to my Indonesia to extend the deadline for assisted delegation. We cannot but mention the significant repatriation until the end of August will allow East progress made in the implementation of key elements Timorese to decide whether to return to East Timor of UNTAET’s mandate, including the transition to after its independence or to be resettled in Indonesia. independence, the establishment of a public The continuing cordial and constructive contacts administration and the creation of a stable security between the leaders of East Timor and those of its environment. We are encouraged by achievements in immediate and important neighbour, Indonesia, augur the field of economic and social development, in the well for the regional integration process. health and education sectors in East Timor and in The invaluable experience gained by UNTAET in building the civil service. East Timor should be properly documented, and My delegation welcomes the adoption on 22 valuable lessons should be drawn from it as a model of March 2002 of the Constitution of the Democratic a successful peacekeeping mission. In our view, one of Republic of East Timor, which will come into force on the most important lessons to be drawn relates to the 20 May 2002. That document provides for a unitary, need for the active involvement of the countries in the democratic State based on the rule of law and on the region, as was the case with UNTAET. The importance principle of separation of powers. of regional involvement is premised on the following considerations: knowledge of the country, shared We are particularly pleased with the successful cultural values, customs and language and an abiding holding on 14 April of the presidential elections in East interest in ensuring regional stability. The success of Timor. We highly appreciate the efforts of the United UNTAET can be attributed, inter alia, to those factors. Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and of the Transitional Cabinet to ensure UNTAET has been able to lay down the basic the holding of democratic and orderly general structures for an independent nation. UNMISET, the legislative and presidential elections. We consider that successor mission of UNTAET, will have to the adoption of the Constitution and the successful consolidate that effort by May 2004 and leave behind presidential election were extraordinary, important strong and viable structures for a new nation. We are events on the way to the independence of East Timor. confident of its ability to do so. At the same time, we agree with the Secretary- The President (spoke in Russian): The next General that once independent, East Timor will still speaker on my list is the representative of Ukraine. I require further substantial international support in invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to many areas in order to ensure security in East Timor make his statement. and the viability and stability of its Government Mr. Kuchinsky (Ukraine): We are grateful to structures. In that context, we share the relevant you, Mr. President, for convening this important recommendations contained in the recent report of the meeting. I would like to join previous speakers in Secretary-General, which outlines in clear and specific thanking Mr. Annabi for his comprehensive briefing detail the proposed structure for the United Nations last Friday to introduce the report of the Secretary- presence in East Timor after independence. General, (S/2002/432 and Add.1), which presents a We believe that the Secretary-General’s clear picture of the challenges facing us. We are recommendations for the United Nations Mission of pleased to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Xanana Support in East Timor (UNMISET) are both wise and Gusmão on his election as the first President of East carefully considered in their details. Ukraine Timor, and we wish him every success in his important wholeheartedly endorses them. In our opinion, the endeavours. Unfortunately, we could not make our proposed mandate, structure and size of the mission

10 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) will, on the one hand, ensure effective international Mr. Kasemsarn (Thailand): Mr. President, allow participation in the reconstruction of East Timor and, me at the outset to pay tribute to you and to the on the other, provide first and foremost for the active Russian Federation for your presidency of the Security participation of the East Timorese themselves in the Council this month. I should like to express my building of their country. appreciation to you for convening this timely meeting of the Security Council on East Timor right before the In that regard, we welcome the high profile that country joins the family of nations as an independent the Secretary-General has given to the issue of support State. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for for the post-independence public administration, in his proposal for a United Nations successor mission to particular its Timorization. It is our view that the the United Nations Transitional Administration in East strengthening of national justice and law enforcement Timor (UNTAET). His wise counsel that the structures and capacities will also need particular international community must ensure that the attention from UNMISET. investment it has made does not go to waste should be The second topic, which other speakers have taken seriously by the Members concerned. I would already referred to, is security in the country. I strongly also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Hédi support the strong emphasis placed by the Secretary- Annabi for his thorough briefing last Friday on General on the areas of internal security and law developments in East Timor. enforcement, as well as on external security and border We regret that we cannot enjoy the presence of control. All these issues require effective police and President-elect Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at this military structures. It is important to enable the East meeting today. However, we should like to join the rest Timorese to play an increasing role in enforcing public of the world community in congratulating him on safety and in the defence of East Timor’s borders. We having overwhelmingly won the presidential elections are of the view that the strengthening of the East on 14 April. His presence in the Council Chamber on Timorese Defence Force and the East Timorese police Friday attested to the resilience and fortitude of the should be among the priority tasks of UNMISET. East Timorese people, with whom we will join in We believe that those measures must also be part celebrating the birth of that nation in less than a of great, sustained efforts aimed at economic and social month’s time. development through the appropriate use of resources The birth of East Timor as a new nation-State is and the creation of national capacities in order to make the result of the strong political will and close proper use of those resources. cooperation of many parties: the United Nations; Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the members of the international community, particularly UNTAET staff for their efforts and to the Special the neighbours of East Timor; and, most important, the Representative, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, personally, people and the leadership of East Timor themselves. In for his able and effective leadership of the mission. We that connection, I wish to pay special tribute to the are convinced that the successor mission, UNMISET, Secretary-General, Special Representative Sergio will ensure that the gains made during the past two and Vieira de Mello and the rank and file of the United a half years are further consolidated. Let me assure Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor you, Mr. President, that Ukraine is ready to support the (UNTAET) for their tireless efforts and determination efforts of UNMISET, headed by Ambassador Kamalesh to ensure stability and security in East Timor and to lay Sharma, who will succeed Sergio Vieira de Mello as the groundwork and foundation for a democratic State. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for East Timor is thus, by all accounts, a success story for East Timor. We wish Ambassador Sharma every the United Nations, and we should all be proud of it. success. Thailand took pride in making a contribution to that success story through our participation in the United The President (spoke in Russian): The next Nations military component from the very beginning speaker on my list is the representative of Thailand. I and our provision of two Force Commanders. invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement. The recent developments in East Timor augur well for its political future and set in place important building blocks for the creation of a sovereign and

11 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) independent East Timor on 20 May. The adoption of a expertise, on a bilateral basis or through tripartite Constitution in March, and the successful conclusion of arrangements. East Timor’s first-ever presidential elections not long With regard to the military and civilian ago, are just two of the key events that give us components of UNMISET during the built-in phasing- confidence in East Timor’s future political out programme parallel with the gradual build-up of development. All those culminating events will help the capacities of local authorities, Thailand stands ensure the seamless handover of UNTAET’s ready, as ever, to contribute to UNTAET’s successor responsibilities to East Timorese and national mission. In fact, we are discussing redeployment institutions towards a full-fledged independent East options with the United Nations to meet changing Timor in charge of its own destiny, which we will security requirements in the post-independence phase. welcome wholeheartedly. I believe that all of us look forward with great Let us not be lulled into a sense of complacency, anticipation to 20 May, which will mark the joyous however. Much work remains to be done in East Timor, celebration of an independent East Timor. All are not the least of which is the strengthening of its social willing to lend a helping hand to ensure that that event and economic infrastructure so that East Timor not takes place smoothly. On a lighter note, I am told that only will be a viable economic entity but also, in time, even the Thai private sector will lend a helping hand in will fully participate in the regional and global terms of assisting in providing additional economy on an equal footing. And we should not, and accommodation facilities — a second “floating cannot, expect East Timor to do it alone. As my hotel” — to meet the demand, with many dignitaries country has stated on many occasions, East Timor, as a expected to converge on Dili on 20 May. nation-State, still needs the continued, unwavering support, assistance and cooperation of the international In conclusion, Thailand will continue to lend its community. The United Nations needs to continue to be support within its capabilities to assist East Timor and engaged in East Timor in an appropriate manner during to hope that the transformation to an independent and this critical phase of transition as well as in the viable East Timor will be a successful one. immediate post-independence phase. The President (spoke in Russian): The next Bearing that in mind, my delegation supports the speaker on my list is the representative of Indonesia. I Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a successor invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to mission to UNTAET in the form of the United Nations make his statement. Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), as Mr. Djumala (Indonesia): Today’s meeting of the described in his report dated 17 April 2002 Security Council holds special significance, as it is (S/2002/432), in order to create a secure environment being held against the backdrop of the recent conducive to the effective functioning of the nascent presidential elections in East Timor. The people and the East Timorese administration, especially after Government of Indonesia look forward to joining the independence. We hope that UNMISET will give equal East Timorese in the historic celebrations of their importance to economic security and to political Independence Day, on 20 May 2002. security. East Timor’s journey towards sovereign statehood The economic viability of a newly independent is, of course, inseparable from the successful East Timor will require strong and sustained conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations international support for the foreseeable future. Close Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), cooperation between UNMISET and the United under the leadership of the Special Representative of Nations Development Programme will also be a vital the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. In component. In that connection, we attach importance to that regard, I should also like to take this opportunity the donors conference to be held in Dili on 14 and 15 to congratulate Mr. Kamalesh Sharma as he embarks on May, and we call on members of the international his new assignment as head of the proposed United community to pledge assistance commensurate with Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (NMISET). their respective capabilities. As for Thailand, we will My delegation wishes to express its cooperation and provide technical assistance within our means in such support as he undertakes the challenging tasks ahead. fields as agriculture, public health and technical

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Since the last Council meeting on this item, development indeed for promoting regional positive cooperation at all levels of governance and cooperation. through the implementation of understandings reached Furthermore, we place great importance on joint between my Government and UNTAET/East Timor has border cooperation, as evidenced by keeping various led to the substantive progress achieved to date, most agreements. However, border agreements should not in notably the two recent important agreements. That, we any way be tied to security issues, let alone related to believe, augurs well for a forward-looking and downsizing of the military component of UNTAET’s reconciliatory relationship between the two sides. successor mission. Agreements, due to their arbitrary Having said that, my delegation deems it necessary to nature, cannot be imposed on either of the respective stress that the important aspects of a bilateral sides and have to be considered within the context of a relationship should grow and develop in line with the developing bilateral relationship. mutuality of interests of the concerned sides. At the same time, our commitment to upholding Indonesia reaffirms the need to address the justice by prosecuting human rights violations that complex multidimensional issue of refugees in a occurred in East Timor in the period leading up to and comprehensive manner. While more than 8,000 immediately following the popular consultation held in refugees returned to East Timor during the period August 1999 was reflected in the beginning of the January to April 2002, about 50,000 remain in the proceedings of the Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunal on province of East Nusa Tenggara. The basis for a 14 March 2002. On the eve of the trials, my comprehensive solution to the refugee issue is the 27 Government adopted two important regulations November 2001 joint appeal of the Government of the governing witness protection and compensation for Republic of Indonesia and the United Nations on victims and human rights abuses. solutions for East Timorese refugees. The expedited resolution of this matter would be in the best interest of In my delegation’s view, such considerable all parties concerned. Thus, my Government believes progress attained specifically for the effective that we should move beyond rhetoric and platitudes functioning of the Tribunal should be received and request the international community to respond positively, as it undeniably attests to the sincere efforts positively to the joint appeal. of the Indonesian Government and parliament, judicial institutions and civil society alike to implement this Moreover, refugee returns in large numbers have judicial process in a prompt and fair manner. Let us been made possible by effective security at borders. therefore respect the independence of the national More importantly, good cooperation between the judicial system, let it take its course, and refrain from Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) and UNTAET has impromptu and hasty judgements. Furthermore, we been a key component in assuring security, as reflected welcome bilateral and international assistance to in the Secretary-General’s report. The latter should enhance the capacity of the human rights courts, as was have been the report’s focus, rather than irrelevant and recently provided by France. unnecessary references to “militias”, because using such terminology gives an inaccurate impression that As a new chapter opens in the lives of the East lawlessness exists at the border, and this is simply not Timorese people, my Government is committed to the case. adopting a forward-looking approach based on cooperation and partnership, rather than on dwelling on Similarly, we believe that the report should have issues of the past. To this end, Indonesia extends its stressed the good cooperation between Indonesia and support for the efforts of the new Government in Dili UNTAET, with the holding of regular working-level and its endeavours for good governance, which, among meetings to deter criminal activity, instead of depicting other things, should include adopting relevant criminal activity absent any concrete evidence. Just legislation to decide status of land and property rights recently, on 24 April, trilateral talks on regional in East Timor, and respect for basic rights of the East security issues were held between Indonesia, Timorese people regardless of their political UNTAET/East Timor and Australia, aimed at deterring persuasions, the rule of law, the smooth functioning of cross-border crimes such as drug smuggling, money- the administration and sustained efforts undertaken to laundering and people-smuggling. This is a significant promoting reconciliation among its people.

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Finally, Indonesia reaffirms its readiness to work, reconstruction, as outlined in paragraphs 43 to 57 of in a spirit of cooperation, partnership, harmony and his report. amity, towards building a peaceful, unified and My Government has continuously expressed its sustainable society in East Timor. support for a strong United Nations presence in East The President (spoke in Russian): The next Timor after its independence and has supported the speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of the Secretary-General’s proposals for a successor mission Philippines. I invite him to take a seat at the Council made last January. Today we reaffirm that support, table and to make his statement. specifically with respect to the structure and programmes of UNTAET’s successor mission, the Mr. Yuchengco (Philippines): It is my pleasure, United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Mr. President, to address the Security Council at this (UNMISET). historic meeting under your able stewardship. I wish to thank you for convening this important meeting. The proposed gradual downsizing of the civilian, police and military components in a span of two years I also wish to convey my Government’s profound and the hand-over of their functions to the Timorese felicitations to President Xanana Gusmão on his fall squarely with the “ownership principle” and the overwhelming victory in the first presidential election capacity-building we envisioned for East Timor. of East Timor. The unwavering support conferred by the Timorese on his leadership is phenomenal and well In a bilateral context, my delegation is pleased to deserved. The peaceful and orderly conduct of the inform the Council that a human resources elections speak well of those behind it, especially the development package for the Timorese is being worked United Nations Transitional Administration in East out between my Government and other donor nations. Timor (UNTAET) and its leadership, the International The Philippine Government is also participating in Electoral Commission and, not least, the Timorese regional cooperation projects to assist East Timor people, to whom we pay tribute and admiration for within the framework of the Association of South-East their determination to chart their own destiny. Asian Nations. In less than a month, the international community If we are to see the completion of what has been a will welcome a new nation. We have witnessed the United Nations success story, the international transformation of East Timor from conflict to an community must remain vigilant in demonstrating and independent State. In this regard, we commend sustaining its support for East Timor, bearing in mind UNTAET, in particular the Special Representative of that its security is fragile and that nation-building is a the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. But, complex process. above all, we must laud the Timorese for their great Finally, allow me to thank the Secretary-General efforts. However, much remains to be done. We and his representatives for their continuing welcome the new Special Representative, Mr. commitment to peace and democracy in East Timor. Kamalesh Sharma, who will continue the excellent work of Mr. Vieira de Mello. The President (spoke in Russian): I shall now give the floor to Mr. Annabi to respond to comments. The Secretary-General’s report presented a graphic scenario of the state of play in East Timor and Mr. Annabi: My colleagues and I have taken of the direction in which it is sailing. The report careful note of the words of appreciation regarding the indicates that while the road to East Timor’s birth was work of the United Nations Transitional Administration smooth and that some fundamental structures are in in East Timor (UNTAET) and of Sergio Vieira de place, the challenges ahead are daunting, as with any Mello on behalf of the people of East Timor. I will new State. If there is any common thread that can be gladly convey them to Mr. Vieira de Mello. I am also drawn, it is the fact that the international community very grateful for the support expressed by all members more than ever must stay on course in supporting East of the Council and other Member States for the Timor, at least for the next few years. The areas in Secretary-General’s report and for his proposals which the international community could offer regarding the establishment of a follow-on mission to assistance are vast, and the Secretary-General has UNTAET. That support is very much appreciated and identified them, notably the eight programme areas for will, I am sure, facilitate the timely establishment of

14 S/PV.4522 (Resumption 1) the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Council has thus concluded the present stage of its before the independence of East Timor on 20 May. consideration of the item on its agenda. The President (spoke in Russian): There are no The meeting rose at 5.25 p.m. further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security

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