BlogsEventsFeaturesImage galleriesMediaMFAT speeches2006200720082009201020112012Media contact informationMedia updateMinisters releasesPublications
Mr President
I would like to thank the Secretary General for the latest report on the situation in Timor Leste and for his recommendations for the United Nations’ future involvement.
New Zealand commends the progress that has been made to date in Timor Leste through the work of the Timor-Leste Government and UNOTIL and through the commitment of international donors who continue to support these efforts. But as we have witnessed over recent days in Dili, Timor Leste remains fragile. We are grateful for the presentations given this morning by the Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ramos Horta, and by the Secretary General’s Special Representative, Mr Hasegawa, to up date us on the current situation in Timor Leste. These developments underline the crucial role of the international community in continuing to provide support.
New Zealand supports the extension of the United Nation’s mandate in Timor-Leste and the establishment of a new Special Political Mission with a specific focus on assisting Timor-Leste in the period leading up to next year’s elections. On that basis, New Zealand supports the shape and scope of the Mission as recommended by the Secretary General.
The UN role in Timor-Leste is in transition; from the full-scale operations of the past, to the current UNOTIL arrangements, and now to the proposed integrated UN office. However, neither the current arrangements, nor the proposed integrated mission can guarantee domestic peace and security in Timor-Leste.
Engagement by bilateral partners, and by appropriate multilateral agencies, will be paramount in supporting the rule of law and in building the institutions of democracy in Timor Leste. This includes training and support for the police and the military, as well as helping the government of Timor Leste to achieve its social and economic development goals.
Mr President
New Zealand has also consistently supported 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. We look forward to the report on Justice and Reconciliation that the Secretary General has indicated he will be providing to the Security Council, including possible support by the UN.
New Zealand is a committed bilateral partner and we will continue to provide assistance in training and support for the police, the military and the government of Timor Leste through our Overseas Development Assistance and Defence Force Mutual Assistance Programme.
Looking ahead, the specialised agencies will eventually become the long-term cornerstones of the UN presence in Timor-Leste. With that in mind, we call on those agencies to work with the proposed integrated UN office in Timor-Leste to ensure a coordinated, system-wide approach to the eventual transition.
In closing Mr President, we share the hope that the situation in Dili returns to normal as quickly as possible, and that reason, wisdom and cool heads prevail. At this time it is important that the UN system, and the international community, sends the message that it is committed to supporting and assisting Timor-Leste for the long term.
Thank you Mr President.
