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