Statements and Speeches by Ministry Representatives 2006

United Nations Security Council The Situation in Timor-Leste

Statement by HE Rosemary Banks, New Zealand Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 13 June 2006

Madame President

May I first thank the Secretary General and the Security Council for the steps they have taken to date in response to the situation in Timor-Leste. I would also like to thank Special Envoy Ian Martin for his briefing. We welcome the updates from Minister Ramos-Horta conveyed to us this morning by the Ambassador, and we hear his message that the situation is redeemable.

The situation has improved since the arrival of forces from our four countries but it remains fragile. New Zealand’s deployment in Timor-Leste currently includes 176 troops, supported by a military planning team in Australia and logistical and air transport assets. We appreciate the expressions of support for the deployment of our forces in response to the request from Timor-Leste. New Zealand is fully committed to working closely with the forces from Australia, Malaysia and Portugal, and in close coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste and UNOTIL. Such coordination and collaboration by all parties is vital.

Our immediate focus has been on restoring the law and order situation, and we have also contributed to humanitarian relief efforts. The New Zealand Government is still giving consideration to the shape and duration of New Zealand’s present deployment, but our expectation is that our forces will remain in Timor-Leste while they are needed. Options for further assistance to Timor-Leste, including a possible police contribution, are being considered by my Government.

As the situation has now changed drastically, we need time for the Government of Timor-Leste and the international community to assess options for the path forward. The input of Special Envoy Ian Martin and the needs assessment mission will be essential components, complemented by the views of contributing countries and regional partners. New Zealand stands ready to assist and participate as the team undertakes its work. We note that any future United Nations mission, and all multilateral and bilateral partners, must work with Timor-Leste to build up real institutional capacity. New Zealand supports the extension of UNOTIL’s mandate for a further period, to allow sufficient time for the needs assessment mission to visit and report back expeditiously.

Madame President

The Government of Timor-Leste has a decisive role to play throughout the process, especially given that true stabilisation can only occur once the underlying political issues are resolved. New Zealand sympathises with the major challenges being faced. Some of these result from the complex process of nation-building with its inherent vulnerabilities. We urge and encourage the Timorese leadership to address those challenges constructively, constitutionally, and in a manner that promotes trust and respect. We look forward to security and stability in Timor-Leste being returned so that confidence in the future can be restored as quickly as possible.

In closing Madame President, careful consideration needs to be given to the next steps, and not just on the security and policing side but on all the components of stabilisation and recovery. The investment by the Timorese people, bilateral partners and the international community has been significant. It is important that the UN system, and the international community, send the message of a long term commitment to supporting and assisting Timor-Leste. New Zealand remains a committed bilateral partner of Timor-Leste and we will continue to assist.

Thank you Madame President.

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