UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL Monday 16 May 2005
End of mandate report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Peter Tesch Charge d’Affaires Australian Mission to the United Nations
(Check against delivery)
Madam President
Thank you for convening this open meeting of the Security Council on Timor Leste. I also wish to thank Assistant Secretary-General, Hedi Annabi, for providing the Council with the briefing on the Secretary-General’s end of mandate report on UNMISET.
As underlined in the Secretary-General’s report, Timor Leste has come a long way off a very low base since achieving independence three years ago. Much has been done to build the necessary institutions and skills to allow Timor Leste to move towards self-sufficiency. The successful conclusion of UNMISET’s peace-keeping mandate in a few days’ time, on 20 May, is testament to the progress that has been made and signals a new phase in Timor Leste’s development as a democratic and peaceful nation. Australia congratulates Timor Leste on its remarkable progress.
There is no doubt that the UN, in partnership with the donor community, has played a key role in restoring security and stability in Timor Leste. The UN’s engagement in Timor Leste will be a case-study of how the UN can work and how it can make a difference. The UN should be proud of its efforts in Timor Leste and we readily and gratefully acknowledge all those who have contributed to the success. However, a great deal of the credit must also go to the people of Timor Leste and their leaders for their determination and hard work to consolidate the gains they have made over the last five years. The help and goodwill of the Indonesian people and their government has also contributed greatly to this end.
We also wish to commend the efforts of the Governments of Timor Leste and Indonesia in developing productive relations and a cooperative approach to border management issues.
Madam President
Australia has been at the forefront of international efforts to support Timor Leste’s transition to an independent and secure state. We coordinated and led the original multi-country INTERFET mission to restore law and order in September 1999. We have supported and contributed to all subsequent missions, from UNTAET to UNMISET. We remain one of the largest bilateral donors in Timor Leste, having provided $400 million in assistance since 1999.
But clearly much more remains to be done to assist Timor Leste to achieve self-sufficiency. Australia therefore welcomes Security Council resolution 1599 authorising a special political mission – UNOTIL – as a successor mission to UNMISET. UNOTIL will play an important role in continuing the transfer of necessary skills to Timor Leste’s institutions. At the same time, the international community must remain engaged in Timor Leste. In particular, further support must be provided to develop Timor Leste’s police and security forces and the law and justice systems. Only through improvements in these critical areas can Timor Leste achieve its long-term development goals.
Madam President
As we mark the end of UNMISET’s mandate, it is appropriate to reflect on the significant contribution the UN has made in Timor Leste and the progress Timor Leste has achieved. However, we should not overlook the fact that the process of nation building is not complete. The United Nations and the international community must remain committed to Timor Leste over the longer term. Australia for its part will continue its long tradition of support for Timor Leste to ensure its transition to a secure and self-reliant statehood. As a neighbour and friend, we can be relied upon to continue that effort.
Thank you