UNMIT SRSG KHARE BRIEFS SECURITY COUNCIL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 000467 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC KPKO TL SUBJECT: UNMIT SRSG KHARE BRIEFS SECURITY COUNCIL ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On May 30, UNMIT SRSG Khare updated the Security Council on the recent presidential elections, the Parliamentary elections scheduled for June 30, and the future challenges in Timor-Leste. The Council was unanimous in its praise for the peaceful conduct of the presidential elections. Delegations urged UNMIT to continue work on the critical issues of security sector reform, justice and accountability, national reconciliation, and resolving the IDP situation. END SUMMARY. Khare Update -------------- ¶2. (SBU) SRSG Khare provided the Council with a summary of the recent presidential elections, noting that Timorese implementation of the recommendations of the independent Electoral Certification Team enabled the Timorese to meet internationally accepted standards. He said, however, that although the elections "were not perfect," the results were "politically acceptable" to the people of Timor-Leste. ¶3. (SBU) Cautioning that significant challenges regarding the parliamentary election still lay ahead, SRSG Khare said the potential for real or alleged electoral irregularities "is high," so ensuring the acceptance of results by the parties might pose a major challenge for the international community. However, he cited several examples of dialogue between political parties that suggested progress on national reconciliation. Specifically, Khare described the activities of the Committee on High-level Coordination, as well as regular meetings between senior UNMIT staff and the political parties. ¶4. (SBU) Khare noted "considerable progress" has occurred in the screening and retraining of the national police force in Dili, and advised that the screening of PNTL in the districts will commence soon. Despite the establishment of a Working Group on Security Sector Reform, Khare said substantive progress can only be made following the parliamentary elections. Khare emphasized that the UNMIT police, supported by PNTL and ISF, continues to bear the prime responsibility for the maintenance of public order and security throughout the country. Describing the security situation as "still volatile," he strongly cautioned that any reduction of UNMIT police before the end of the year would be undesirable. ¶5. (SBU) SRSG Khare was firm in his view that justice is a precondition for national reconciliation, and accountability cannot occur if serious crimes dating back to 1999 are not adequately addressed. He stressed the need for continued work and reform of the justice sector, and reported that he has insisted to the Timorese that all recommendations of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry need to be implemented. Although public expressions by the Timorese leadership have demonstrated political will to implement these recommendations, Khare cautioned that Timor-Leste does not yet have the "sufficient capacity" to do so. Estimating that it will take a number of years before the Timorese can fully meet the human resources and institutional needs in the justice sector, Khare emphasized that assistance from the international community is essential to ensure the stated commitment of the Timorese leaders can be realized. ¶6. (SBU) Khare expressed his view that the problem of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is likely to continue well into the next year. Now that the Timor-Leste government has accepted the long-term nature of this problem, he reported that UNMIT's future efforts will concentrate on strengthening government capacity and national ownership of the process. ¶7. (SBU) Khare said has implemented a zero-tolerance policy relating to any form of misconduct by personnel. To date, four cases of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) have been reported. Two could not be substantiated, and the other two are under investigation. The UNMIT Conduct and Discipline Unit has organized and implemented mandatory training sessions regarding SEA issues. ¶8. (SBU) Responding to U.S. concerns about ballot security for the parliamentary elections, SRSG Khare agreed that the possible changes to the Timorese election law would pose a challenge. However, he advised that these changes could minimize voter intimidation, and that ballot transportation can be transparent if the boxes are accompanied by election observers, members of media, and representatives from all political parties. Council Reaction -------------- USUN NEW Y 00000467 002 OF 002 ¶9. (SBU) Members of the Council were unanimous in their praise for the calm conduct of the presidential elections, and expressed hope the parliamentary elections will be similar. Delegations urged UNMIT to continue work on the critical issues of IDPs, national reconciliation, security sector reform, justice and accountability, and ensuring support from the international community. ¶10. (SBU) The French emphasized the importance of national reconciliation, and stressed the need for a transparency. Panama, Ghana, Congo, Italy, and the U.S. also reiterated the importance of justice and accountability. ¶11. (SBU) The Slovakian delegation stressed that security sector reform is the most critical issue facing Timor-Leste, and is an absolute precondition for establishing stability in the country. The UK stressed the importance of international contributions to Timor-Leste, and the need for the International Compact to be enhanced. Indonesia, Congo, and Russia all noted the need for international support to continue well after the Parliamentary elections have concluded. ¶12. (SBU) The South African Permrep proposed a Security Council mission to Dili in October. The Panamanians, Congolese, and Chinese echoed their support, and suggested scuh a trip would send an appropriate message of international support to the people of Timor-Leste. (Comment: There is no real support for a Council trip to Dili. South Africa likely raised the prospect because the delegation is taking the lead on the issue following Japan's departure from the Council. End Comment.) ¶13. (SBU) On May 31, Ambassador Sanders met with Khare during a courtesy call before his return to UNMIT. Khare thanked the U.S. for its continued support, and briefly mentioned his discussions with USAID requesting financial contributions for a school in Dili. He was cautiously optimistic regarding the Parliamentary elections, and judges the Fretilin party will accept a role as the minority party. Khare said the Timorese must understand that a UN peacekeeping mission is not permanent, and the international community must encourage them to meet their political, economic, and social development challenges in a mature and measured manner. KHALILZAD