USUN TALKING POINTS FOR UNMIT CONSULTATIONS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 015562 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PREL KPKO TT SUBJECT: USUN TALKING POINTS FOR UNMIT CONSULTATIONS ¶1. This is an action request. USUN may draw from the points in paragraph 2 during a briefing before the Security Council on the UN Mission in Timor-Leste. ¶2. Begin talking points: - I would like to welcome SRSG Ameerah Haq to the UNMIT team. She joins a capable mission and we look forward to working with her. We thank former SRSG Atul Khare for his service to peacekeeping. - I would like to thank the technical assessment mission, which provided valuable insight into the current state of affairs in Timor-Leste and of UNMIT, and set forth a solid path for the future. - The successful celebration in August 2009 of Timor-Leste's tenth anniversary of the popular consultation and the subsequent months of peace are promising signs in the Timorese quest for stability. Although the situation remains fragile, we are encouraged by the progress the Timorese have made and will continue to make in partnership with UNMIT. - Today, I would like to make four points: - First, on security and stability. The United States is encouraged that security in the country has remained stable during this last reporting period. Successful local elections on October 9 are a positive sign. Municipal and national elections held over the course of the next two years, however, will test the government,s political stability and the capacity of the PNTL. The UN and development partners should remain supportive of the election process to assist in successful elections that strengthen the public confidence in the process. - We are also pleased with the transfer of policing responsibilities from UNMIT to the Timorese national police (PNTL) and the Timorese government's desire to accelerate the time line for transfer of remaining districts. The efforts of UNMIT, the Timorese national police and the dedication of bilateral donors are to be commended. As UNMIT continues to transfer policing responsibilities to the Timorese, we encourage both parties to remain diligent in delineating responsibility between the PNTL and UNMIT police. - We agree with the SYG's recommendation to extend the UNMIT mandate with the same composition, while decreasing the number of police personnel from 1,608 to 1,280 by mid 2011 and adding 19 civilian posts within the police component for specialists. We support and emphasize the Secretary-General,s recommendation that UNMIT continue high-quality, specialized training of the PNTL with thorough assessments conducted at specified intervals following the hand-over of policing responsibilities on the district level. It is equally important that UNMIT provide quality mentorship in developing not only the skills of the PNTL, but the logistical backbone that will support the PNTL. - We continue to encourage the Timorese, as they develop their national security policy, to place a high priority on delineating the roles of the police and the military, which is a key element to building enduring stability. The United States is pleased to continue to help facilitate this process through our multi-stakeholder National Security Workshops hosted by the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. We recognize the improved professionalism of the Timorese police and military. Additionally, we note Timor-Leste's progress in developing a national security policy and long range planning. - Secondly, I,d like to address the rule of law, justice, and human rights. In the quest to strengthen the judicial system, the government of Timor-Leste must not ignore the persistent need to guard against the cultivation of a culture of impunity. Although some progress was made in holding accountable those who committed offenses during the 2006 crisis, the government of Timor-Leste still has much work to do. Those who committed offenses during the 2006 crisis must be held accountable in accordance to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. Ignoring these offenses will undermine future stability and security. The judicial and executive branches of government must speak with one voice when addressing these offenses. The government of Timor-Leste must support recommendations of the Commission for Truth and Reconciliation. We encourage all partners to heed these recommendations as well. - We are pleased the Timorese have passed key legislation to support the rule of law, including the Criminal Code which addresses domestic violence as a public crime. - The third area I would like to discuss is the culture of democratic governance and dialogue. Timor-Leste has made progress in this area, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and more effective oversight from Parliament in the activities of the government. However, this is a long-term process that must be supplemented by STATE 00015562 002 OF 002 effective checks and balances across the government and a fight against corruption at all levels. The willingness of government leadership and the Fretilin opposition to engage on issues of national interest is a positive sign that we hope will continue. We are hopeful that the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Program under consideration by our government can assist Timorese efforts to combat corruption. - Finally, the issue of socio-economic development remains important in order to cement peace and stability. We continue to be concerned about the most vulnerable in Timor-Leste, the poor and displaced. The government of Timor-Leste has taken steps to address malnutrition, access to education, child protection, and reduction in unemployment. It is imperative that the government continue to address these needs, specifically in the rural areas. The international community also must continue to support economic development in Timor-Leste. The United States continues to provide support via an array of programs in health, rural economic development, and justice reform. - In closing, we are encouraged by the progress in Timor-Leste, but acknowledge that its stability and government institutions remain fragile. The technical assessment mission has laid out a solid path to continue strengthening the situation. I would like to thank the peacekeepers of UNMIT for the continued dedication to peace and security in Timor-Leste as well as their Timorese partners on the ground and international supporters. The Timorese have made great strides toward peace and stability and will continue to do so alongside strong international partners. End talking points. CLINTON