SECURITY COUNCIL
19 AUGUST 2008
THE SITUATION IN TIMOR-LESTE
Statement by H.E. Andrew Goledzinowski AM, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
(As delivered)
Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate once again in the Security Council’s deliberations on Timor-Leste.
During deliberations in February, Australia and others called on Timor Leste to take greater responsibility for its future, through political and economic reform, development of the private sector and provision of health, education and housing. We have been heartened by Timor Leste’s efforts over the past six months, and by the progress that has been made on a number of long-standing challenges, including the issues of internally displaced persons and the petitioners.
The Government of Timor-Leste responded quickly, positively and effectively to the shocking shooting attacks on President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao on 11 February. Its civil and military institutions worked together and took primary responsibility for responding. The citizens of Timor-Leste should also be commended for their unity in the wake of the attacks.
Australia would also like to praise the efforts of Timor-Leste’s partners, in particular the UN Integrated Mission in Timor Leste (UNMIT) under the very able leadership of Dr Atul Khare. It is UNMIT’s ongoing support to the Timor-Leste Government which provides the enabling environment and stability to allow the Government to move forward.
While Timor-Leste has made good progress, the Secretary-General’s Report makes clear that there is no room for complacency. Much needs to be done before its longer term stability and economic development can be assured. Meanwhile, Timor Leste will require continued strong support from the UN and bilateral partners.
In Australia’s view, nowhere is this more apparent than in the security sector. We note that the UN is working with the Government of Timor-Leste to ensure a smooth hand-over of policing responsibilities, and we welcome the criteria developed by Timor-Leste and UNMIT to gauge the readiness of the national police (PNTL) to assume responsibility. However, we strongly encourage UNMIT and Timor-Leste to ensure that the handover is undertaken in accordance with achievement of these criteria, rather than to a fixed timetable. The challenges facing PNTL should not be underestimated and will take years to address. And until the police force has been significantly strengthened, it will be vital to retain an ongoing strong UN Police presence to underpin security. Without that, other gains will be jeopardised.
Australia will continue to play a substantial role in assisting Timor-Leste. Through our leadership of the International Stabilisation Force, Australia, with the strong support of New Zealand, has helped UNMIT stabilise Timor Leste’s security environment. Australia, as a leading development partner, will continue to take a long-term approach to address the many challenges facing Timor Leste, including in relation to youth unemployment and delivery of basic government services. Given the importance of security sector strengthening, a particular focus for Australia’s enhanced engagement over the coming years will be assistance to Timor-Leste’s police and military forces.
We welcome the work to strengthen Timor-Leste’s justice sector, which remains fundamental to consolidating the rule of law and preventing the re-emergence of political violence. Australia is a key supporter of Timor-Leste’s justice system. It is important that due process and justice are favoured over impunity.
As Timor-Leste turns its mind increasingly to longer-term security and development challenges, the international community will need to remain fully engaged. Effective cooperation and coordination between donors is crucial in ensuring Timor-Leste is well-placed to address the challenges ahead.