TIMOR-LESTE: UN SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL

UNCLAS STATE 088192

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPKO UNSC TL
SUBJECT: TIMOR-LESTE: UN SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL
STATEMENT


1. (U) USUN is authorized to support adoption of a
Presidential Statement on Timor-Leste, to be issued following
Security Council consultations on August 19, 2008. The text
of the Statement is in paragraph 2. If there are any
substantive changes, USUN should seek further guidance.


2. (U) Begin text of Presidential Statement:

The Security Council welcomes the report of the
Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Mission in
Timor-Leste (S/2008/501),as well as the briefing by the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for
Timor-Leste, Mr. Atul Khare on 19 August 2008.

The Security Council commends the political leadership and
State institutions of Timor-Leste for their rapid, firm and
responsible manner that respected constitutional procedures
of the country, in response to the deplorable events of 11
February 2008. The Council acknowledges that while progress
has been made in the overall security situation in
Timor-Leste since the events of May-June 2006, the political,
security, social and humanitarian situation in the country
remains fragile.

The Security Council welcomes the continued efforts to foster
dialogue and national reconciliation in Timor-Leste through
various mechanisms, in particular the expanded High level
Coordination meetings, the Trilateral Coordination Forum as
well as the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General,s continued good offices.

The Security Council reaffirms the continued importance of
the review and reform of the security sector in Timor-Leste,
in particular the need to ensure clear separation of internal
and external security roles and responsiblities between the
national police (PNTL) and the military (FFDTL); to
strengthen legal frameworks, and to enhance civilian
oversight mechanisms. The Security Council recognizes
efforts made by the national authorities and UNMIT for the
reconstitution of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL),
and welcomes the report of the expert mission on policing to
Timor-Leste of 16 May 2008 (S/2008/329). The Council
underlines that the building of an independent, professional
and impartial national police service in Timor-Leste is a
long-term process, that national ownership is a central
element in this regard, and that UNMIT has a key role in
helping to ensure that PNTL is ready and able to resume its
policing responsibilities.

The Security Council further reaffirms the importance of
ongoing efforts to reach accountability and justice, and
underlines the importance of the implementation of the
recommendations of the United Nations Special Commission of
Inquiry report of 2006 by the Government of Timor-Leste. It
welcomes the conviction of the leaders of Timor-Leste on the
need for justice and their determination to act against
impunity. The Council underscores the importance of the
promotion and protection of human rights.

The Security Council recognizes the need to address
socio-economic challenges in Timor-Leste. In this regard, the
Council welcomes the launching of the National Priorities for
2008 by the Government of Timor-Leste, including public
safety and security; social protection and solidarity;
addressing the needs of youths; employment and income
generation; improving social service delivery; and greater
transparency and effective government.

The Security Council reaffirms its full support for UNMIT in
its work, and appreciates the continued efforts by the
Secretary-General and his Special Representative to ensure
the full implementation of the mandate of UNMIT.

End text.
RICE