Statement
By
Mr. Sigit Wardono
Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Indonesia

On Agenda item 129
Financing of the United Nations Transitional Administration in
East Timor And
of the United Nations Mission of Support in
East Timor

New York, 13 May, 2003

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

The Security Council Resolution 1410 (2002) has stipulated that the broad mandate of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor is to provide international assistance to the young nation in order to pursue the task of nation-building in a steady and orderly manner. Indonesia has supported the work of UNMISET in carrying out the objectives set down in the plan for the implementation of UNMISET’s mandate.

My delegation is encouraged to note the progress UNMISET has made so far, as the reports before us show. The Timorese Government and people have gradually enhanced its public administration. Timor Leste has made efforts to become part of the international community as well as an active member of the regional forum. The Indonesian delegation notes the support of the international community in making Timor Leste’s transition to a fully functioning state a peaceful and safe process. In this regard, my delegation is prepared to contribute in whatever ways we can.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the proposed budget for UNMISET, my delegation could go along with most of the ACABQ recommendations. However, we would like to touch upon a specific issue on which my delegation wishes to seek more clarification. In para 19 of the ACABQ report contained in document number A/57/772/Add.11, my delegation notes that the proposed increase in the staffing of the Serious Crime Unit is 69 additional posts bringing the number from 60 to 129. Of these additional posts, 5 are Professional posts, 3 are General Serives, 45 are national and 16 are United Nations Volunteers.

The Secretary General’s report contained in document A/57/689 does not clearly show this proposed increase and the objectives of this increase. We therefore wish to be informed during informal meeting as to why this unit needs to be enlarged to such an extend.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to this particular subject, my delegation wishes to state that increasing the number of staff at the Special Crimes Unit runs counter to the Mission’s plan of gradually decreasing its operations. The international community should work to support the steady exit of all parts rather than building up – and more than doubling the staff – of one of its operations.

Furthermore, the efforts of UNMISET in general and the efforts of the Special Crimes Unit in specific have been designed to support the Government of Timor Leste at the national level. The transitional operations of UNMISET have been and should continue to be directed towards increasing the capacity of the new state to function as an independent government. Special attention should be directed toward increasing capacity building, improving human resource management, building expertise in administrative and judicial systems, and steadily enhancing the systems of internal governance within Timor Leste. The Special Crimes Unit should remain an office with a national jurisdiction. In this regard, my delegation would like to emphasize the recommendation of the Advisory Committee that UNMISET and its partners in Timor Leste [quote] “collaborate and coordinate their efforts with a view to ensuring that a durable law and order capacity is established” [end quote].

Mr. Chairman,

In the first year of the independence of Timor Leste, we have seen increasingly strong bilateral relations between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Timor Leste. The two countries will continue to pursue a positive relationship based upon a forward-looking attitude. In this regard, the Government of Indonesia strongly supports Timor Leste and has shown its steadfast willingness to be part of international efforts to protect and develop the new state. It is the wish of the Indonesian delegation that the international community renders its support to strengthen the existing relations between our two nations.

I thank you.