LETTER ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN FROM EAST

UNCLAS DILI 000160 USUN FOR KATE COOK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC AMGT SUBJECT: LETTER ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN FROM EAST TIMOR PRESIDENT XANANA GUSMAO ¶1. (U) Post received a letter from President Xanana Gusmao addressed to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on April 7, 2005, who has requested the Embassy's assistance in forwarding it to the Secretary-General through the US Mission to the UN in New York. ¶2. (U) Following is the text of the letter: Begin text: 25 March 2005 Excellency, As I write to you now, I remember, as clearly as though it were just yesterday, the numbing pride I felt standing side by side with Your Excellency on 20 May 2002 and hearing our National Anthem marking the moment when the independence of Timor- Leste was restored and it became the newest independent state of the new millennium. The solidarity demonstrated by so many members of the international community on the day marking the Restoration of Independence, and indeed its continued support during our march to self rule, will always remain a cherished memory for me and for the Timorese people. We are truly grateful for the extensive assistance provided by the international community, particularly through the United Nations, over the last several years. However, as the mandate of the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) draws to a close, we believe that continued support though a UN presence for one more year would prove to be critical in ensuring our continued progress towards stability, peace, and development. Prime Minister of Timor- Leste H.E. Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri had written to your Excellency some weeks earlier as you were preparing your most recent report on UNMISET to the Secretary Council highlighting these critical requirements, particularly the realistic but minimal need continued deployment of 40 Military Liaison Officers, 58 civilian trainers and 62 police trainers, supported by a coordinated and coherent structure, that would secure the gains achieved in the last three years since the Restoration of Independence. I understand that in your report to the Council dated 18 February 2005, you felt that a somewhat smaller UN presence would be sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. Exellency, I firmly believe that with the continued assistance of the United Nations, my country will be able to maintain a position of strength as it continues its steady march towards the peaceful and prosperous future it has fought so long to achieve. At such an important period in its development, I feel confident that with your support, appropriate means would be found through the Security Council to provide the minimal support necesary in a coordinated, qaulitative and assured manner to keep Timor-Leste safely on the road to democracy, peace and development. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao President of the Democratic Republic of Timor- Leste His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan Secretary-General of the United States End text. ¶3. (U) The orginal letter will be sent to Kate Cook on April 8, 2005 via unclassifed pouch. ¶4. (U) Post appreciates USUN's assistance in forwarding the letter to the Secretary-General. REES NNNN