Security Council

6892^nd Meeting (AM)

Security Council Commends Timor-Leste for Past Decade’s ‘Remarkable Achievements’,

 

as United Nations Integrated Mission Completes Mandate 31 December 2012

 

Presidential Statement Welcomes Progress in Strengthening State Institutions,

Stresses Importance of Continued Support in Country’s Next Stage of Development

As the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) neared its 31 December 2012 completion, the Security Council this morning commended the country for the “remarkable achievements” of the past decade, underscoring the importance of continued support to the fledgling nation as it embarked on the next stage of its development.

Through a statement read out by Mohammed Loulichki of Morocco, which holds the Council’s December presidency, the Council welcomed progress in the building of State institutions, including those of security, justice and governance, as well as the holding of successful presidential and parliamentary elections in a year that saw celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the country’s independence.

Earlier this year, the Council extended the mandate of UNMIT — which it first established in 2006 in the wake of a major political, humanitarian and security crisis that erupted that year — for a final period, so the Mission could assist the country with several key tasks this year.

In this morning’s statement, the Council noted that the Government of Timor-Leste had indicated that the United Nations would continue to be an important partner and welcomed the ongoing engagement of the United Nations country team in support of consolidation of stability, sustainable development, the rule of law and strengthening human rights institutions and tackling other remaining challenges.

The meeting was opened at 10:10 a.m. and closed at 10:15 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the statement, contained in document S/PRST/2012/27, reads as follows:

“As the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) completes its mandate on 31 December 2012, the Security Council commends the remarkable achievements made by Timor-Leste over the past decade, as well as its contribution to important regional and global initiatives.

“The Security Council welcomes the considerable progress that has been made by Timor-Leste in strengthening institutional and human resources capacities of State institutions, including in the security, justice and governance sectors, which play crucial roles in safeguarding stability and promoting democracy.

“The Security Council also welcomes the successful presidential and parliamentary elections conducted in 2012, which have helped to consolidate Timor-Leste’s democratic institutions.

“The Security Council recognises the important contribution of UNMIT in promoting peace, stability and development in Timor-Leste, including through its work to strengthen the capacity of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL).  The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the Mission and the United Nations country team, under the leadership of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General.

“The Security Council applauds the Government and all Timorese for their steadfast collaboration and partnership with UNMIT and the United Nations country team since the Mission’s establishment, including during the jointly owned transition process, which reinforced, inter alia, the principle of national ownership to the benefit of all and could serve as a model of joint collaboration for other missions. 

“The Security Council notes that the Government of Timor-Leste has indicated that the United Nations will continue to be an important partner in the new phase of the development of the nation.  The Security Council therefore welcomes the ongoing engagement of the Secretary-General and United Nations country team in support of the efforts of the Government of Timor-Leste as it seeks to preserve and consolidate its peacebuilding gains and in order to promote sustainable development, the rule of law and the strengthening of human rights institutions, as well as tackle other remaining challenges.

“The Security Council underscores the importance of continued support to Timor-Leste as it embarks on the next stage of its development, beyond UNMIT, and notes the willingness of the United Nations and bilateral and multilateral partners to continue, as requested by the Timorese authorities, to play a significant role in this regard.”

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For information media • not an official record