UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
The Question of East Timor
Statement by H.E. Ms Penny Wensley, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
25 October 1999
Mr President
It is with great pleasure that I address the Security Council following the adoption of this resolution authorising the establishment of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). This resolution is a crucial and historic step towards realising the desire of the East Timorese people for independence, as reflected in the outcome of the UN-organised ballot of 30 August.
As the transitional authority for East Timor, UNTAET is charged with the heavy responsibility of overseeing East Timor's transition to a new, independent state. In implementing this mandate, the challenges facing UNTAET are enormous. They go well beyond the immediate and critical tasks of reconstructing East Timor's physical infrastructure and of addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced people across East Timor. UNTAET, in close consultation with the East Timorese, must also build the foundations for a democratic and stable state: a constitution, a legal system and judiciary, a police force and a civil service.
The Secretary-General's comprehensive report outlines the magnitude of this task. We have no doubt that, drawing on its experience of nation-building elsewhere in the world, the UN will achieve these goals and create the economic and social foundations for a well-managed, stable and democratic state. Australia is fully committed to assist in this task.
UNTAET's mandate will culminate in a democratic election in which the people of East Timor will choose their first government and formally take their place in the community of nations. Australia looks forward to that day.
Mr President
Australia shared the international community's distress at the post-ballot violence in East Timor. At the request of the Secretary-General, Australia accepted the leadership of the multinational force tasked with restoring peace and security, protecting and supporting UNAMET, and facilitating the vital work of humanitarian agencies. Fifteen countries have now joined Australia in contributing forces in East Timor. Australia wishes to acknowledge gratefully the ready cooperation it has received from regional and other members of the international community in mounting the INTERFET operation, and enabling its early success. As the Council is aware from the INTERFET Commander's periodic reports, security has been restored to most of East Timor, humanitarian agencies are now able to conduct their work, and the East Timorese people have begun to return to the homes from which they were driven.
Consistent with the terms of today's resolution, Australia looks forward to the time when the multinational force in East Timor will hand over its duties to the military component of UNTAET. Australia is fully committed to continuing its active role following the handover to the UNTAET force. But we also see the maintenance of peace and security in East Timor as an ongoing responsibility of the international community. Australia urges the member states of the United Nations to take early decisions to contribute to the UNTAET peacekeeping force, or lend their support in ways best suited to their individual circumstances.
Mr President
Australia commends the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly which on 20 October agreed by consensus to revoke its 1978 decision incorporating East Timor into Indonesia. The decision attests to the emerging democratic spirit in Indonesia since the 7 June general elections. Australia understands that this was a difficult decision, but the historic result upheld Indonesia's responsibilities under the 5 May Tripartite Agreement. The decision marked the end of a painful national and international issue, and Australia sincerely hopes it marks the beginning of a new and positive relationship between the peoples of Indonesia and East Timor, and reconciliation among the people of East Timor.
It would be remiss of me not to note that the decision on East Timor was closely followed by the election of Abdurrachman Wahid and Megawati Soekamoputri as President and Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia. Their election is part of the ongoing movement of political reform in Indonesia, and constitutes an important contribution not only to their country but to regional stability.
Mr President
Australia, as a near neighbour of East Timor and a responsible member of its region and the wider international community, is committed to assist UNTAET and the East Timorese people prepare for independence and rebuild and develop their country. Australia considers this a long term regional and international responsibility. It urges the international community to give early and generous support to the UNTAET trust fund. It also pledges its cooperation to the UN specialised agencies, international financial donors, bilateral donors and the NGO community in the period before the birth of an independent nation, and indeed well beyond.
Mr President
Australia congratulates all participants here today on the cooperative approach that has characterised the development of this resolution. It marks an historic day for the people of East Timor and for the United Nations' efforts to build international peace and stability.
Thank you.