Statement by
Dr. Desra Percaya
Representative of
The Indonesian Delegation
Before the 4744th Meeting of UN Security Council
on
The Situation in Timor-Leste

New York, 28 April 2003

Mr. President,

Permit me to express the gratitude of my delegation to you for convening this meeting. Like previous speakers before us, my delegation also welcomes the presence of Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma to introduce the report of the Secretary-General and for his comprehensive briefing to the Council.

As indicated in the report, we are pleased to learn of the progress achieved in Timor-Leste. Indeed, Timor-Leste has taken significant steps forward in solidifying its position at the regional and global levels, notably as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and ESCAP. In this regard, my Government stands ready to work together with the Government of Timor-Leste.

Mr. President,

It is also gratifying to record that our bilateral relations are steadily flourishing to serve, thus serving our common interests in many spheres, including border demarcation. Indonesia has embraced Timor-Leste as part of many regional forums and initiatives. There is no doubt that Indonesia and Timor-Leste continue to be steadfast in building stronger relations between them as two friendly neighboring countries. Our common history has taught us that arriving at a stable and mutually beneficial relationship should be based upon a forward-looking attitude.

The phase, the substance and the priorities of our relations, however, should be fully determined by us as two sovereign states. The international community and the UNMISET should be fully appreciative and supportive of this principle. After all, when UNMISET’s planned mandate ends in May 2004, the two countries, as eternal neighbors, have no alternative but to strengthen their bilateral relations. In doing so, we would eliminate the need for any third party to influence the nature and course of our interaction.

Mr. President,

Timor-Leste has been widely considered a success story for the international community. Much of the credit should go to the perseverance of the East Timorese themselves and other dedicated international personalities. One cannot forget, however, that the non-existence of favorable cooperation and an unwillingness to be reconciled make it difficult for other peacekeeping operations to emulate this success.

Rather than supporting the distinctive and laudable situation between our two nations, some quarters tend to disregard it and even attempt to inflict other agendas on us that would surely disrupt our shared vision.

As the first anniversary of Timor-Leste’s independence approaches, it is high time for the international community to permit a more progressive transfer of operational responsibilities to East Timorese. UNMISET, to be faithful to its name and mandate, is to provide assistance to a sovereign entity, as stipulated in resolution 1410 (2002). We believe that UNMISET, as a true peacekeeping mission, will honor its exit strategy and not reluctantly surrender it on the basis of a ‘careful assessment on the ground.’

Mr. President,

My delegation cannot but note with concern prejudices expressed in the report on certain issues, in particular concerning security at the border and justice. My Government’s position and strong commitment in these endeavors need no reiteration.

In view of the efforts of both Indonesia and Timor-Leste to develop good and friendly relations, the steadily growing relationship between the two countries is far too important to allow any issue that might arise to disrupt this relationship. As our bilateral relations continue to flourish at all levels, we call on the international community, as well as the United Nations, to support them.

Thank you.