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I would like to thank the Secretary-General for preparation of this progress report.
Once again, we commend the progress that has been made in Timor-Leste through the work of UNMISET, the Timor-Leste government, and through the commitment of international donors who continue to support these efforts. In particular we congratulate the government of Timor-Leste for its continuing determination in addressing the significant challenges it faces as a small emerging nation, with limited resources and capacity.
Looking at the key achievements over the last few months we are pleased to note the progress made in developing key state institutions and security agencies, including the adoption of important legislation. We are also pleased to note that good progress has been made in respect of delineation of the land border between Timor-Leste and Indonesia and look forward to final agreement being reached in the near future. Similarly we look forward to positive further negotiations between Timor-Leste and Australia regarding the maritime boundary.
Looking forward, we fully support the recommendation of the Secretary General that the current objectives, configuration and mandate of UNMISET should be continued as currently structured until May 2005. We see the coming months as a consolidation and transition phase as identified in the Secretary General’s report, it will be necessary for UNMISET to ensure that the remaining time is well used, to ensure a smooth handover of remaining functions to the Timor-Leste Government and where appropriate, to ensure that necessary assistance is available from bilateral and multilateral partners.
As part of this transition strategy, we hope that the Security Council, together with UN agencies and donors, will give particular thought to the shape of support that will be required when UNMISET necessarily comes to an end. It is paramount, Mr President, that we have in place a robust strategy to ensure a successful transition from conflict resolution and peacekeeping to consolidation and nation building. We are pleased to note that following the last meeting of the Security Council the SRSG constituted several working groups bringing together all parties, including the Government of Timor-Leste, UNMISET, UN agencies, Bretton Woods institutions, NGOs and donor partners to look at what steps are necessary to manage the transition. We look forward to continued cooperation and strategising along these lines.
Mr President,
I would also like to highlight that a transition strategy will be very important in the justice sector. New Zealand remains a strong supporter of the work of the Serious Crimes Unit and Special Panels, which are essential components of an internationally-supported process to see justice served for crimes committed in East Timor in 1999. Those responsible for the crimes committed in 1999 must be brought to justice in a manner consistent with the standards of international law. The international community cannot tolerate an environment of impunity. New Zealand therefore welcomes all efforts to continue to address this issue and we look forward to the Secretary General’s thoughts on the most effective arrangement to address the challenges involved.
In closing Mr President, Timor Leste has made great strides. As I said at the beginning of my statement, we congratulate the government of Timor-Leste for its determined efforts as it emerges as a nation. As we move into a new phase of consolidation and transition, continued support from the international community, and particularly the United Nations, will be vital for Timor-Leste’s future.
Thank you Mr President.
