Statement by H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa Mr. President, I would like to join previous speakers in thanking the USG for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, for his informative briefing, as well as the Secretary-General for his report. My delegation also deeply appreciates the important statement by the Permanent Representative of Timor Leste. The recent news of the armed attacks against President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao cause us profound concern and pause. We hope that President Ramos-Horta makes a swift recovery and will be able to resume his duties at an early date. We unreservedly condemn these attacks. They constitute
nothing less than an assault on Timor Leste’s democracy. These latest deplorable events underscore the need for the continued support and engagement of the international community. The challenges that lie ahead for Timor-Leste are enormous and require full range of resources that the international community can bring to bear. Mr. President, The Security Council mission to Timor-Leste of last November provided us with a window into current situation in the country and a lucid and candid assessment of the key concerns and issues that are facing that country. Together with the current report of the Secretary-General, they provide basis for us to recalibrate the priorities and approach of the UN mission’s programs and activities in the country to better suit the current realities and help reverse the setbacks in the country that have occurred since 2006. By far the most critical issue in the country would appear to be the restoration of peace and security and building sounder foundations for long term stability. In this regards, it is extremely important for the United Nations mission in Dili to continue, as a matter of high priority, to support Timor-Leste in fully addressing the unresolved root causes of the 2006 crisis, including political divisions; weak institutions in particular the national police and the security forces; and poverty and unemployment especially among the youth. It is also equally important for the UNMIT to support the efforts made and the approach adopted by the Government of Timor-Leste in resolving some grave issues remaining from the 2006 crisis which continue to contribute to a fragile security situation in the country such as the IDPs, petitioners and fugitives. We appreciate the SRSG’s good offices efforts
to enhance dialogue among the leadership and facilitate a consensus
approach in addressing these various problems.
On practical term, it is important for UNMIT to focus on supporting the Government of Timor-Leste’s program on short term priorities contained in its 2008 budget. Their effective implementation would have durable impact on stabilization in the country. We place importance on UNMIT’s continued role in cooperating and coordinating with the United Nations agencies, funds and programs and other relevant partners to support the implementation of the Government’s National Recovery Strategy. On related issue, we also appreciate the role played by UNMIT in supporting the “compact” process in Timor-Leste, and in cooperation with development partners, supporting the Government’s program to promote development and to address poverty and other socio-economic concerns, including unemployment, which continue to be the major causes of instability in the country. Another important note is the issue of expediting the security sector reform. We support the Secretary-General’s plan to gradually transfer the responsibility for the police operation from the UN police to the National Police of Timor-Leste and give emphasis on training and mentoring assistance from the UN police. There is also a great need for UNMIT to support the national capacity-building efforts and to shore up the ability of the government and other state institutions to function in their proper roles. This includes the need to strengthen the full range of political, judicial, and economic institutions and infrastructure, so that democratic governance can thrive. As a general note, we place high importance of ownership and leadership of the government and people of Timor-Leste in the planning and the implementation of the United Nations assistance in this regard. In light of these considerations, therefore, Indonesia supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General on the extension of the UNMIT’s mandate for the period of 12 months.
We are pleased to inform you that Indonesia and Timor-Leste continue to enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship. We also witness continuing superb rapports among leaders of both countries. The Government and people of both countries continue to deepen and expand cooperation on the basis of forward-looking and reconciliatory principles. In conclusion, we wish to reaffirm my Government’s strong commitment to continue to assist Timor-Leste, on bilateral basis, in achieving peace, stability, and prosperity for a democratic Timor-Leste. I thank you.
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