Summary: May 10, 2004: Statement to the Security Council of the United Nations by H.E. Ambassador Richard Ryan, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union. The situation in Timor-Leste (New York)
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey; the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro; and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
The European Union welcomes this opportunity to express once again our support for the remarkable achievements made since independence by the people of Timor-Leste, with the assistance of the United Nations, the support of the Security Council, and the commitment of the wider international community. In this regard, I recall and refer the Council to the EU's most recent statement on Timor Leste delivered here in this chamber on 20 February, 2004.
Mr. President,
The European Union supports the efforts of the Government of Timor Leste to consolidate the political institutions, to promote the social and economic development of the country and to uphold the rule of law while building a new nation. In particular, the European Union welcomes developments such as: the largely calm security situation; the continuing positive relationship between Timor Leste and Indonesia; the continuing development of the country's public administration; the fact that the
Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation continues to provide a community-based solution for less serious crimes committed in connection with the political conflict; and the assumption of responsibility for routine policing throughout the country by the national police force. In addition, and in the context of ending impunity and promoting a culture of accountability and transparency, the European Union notes with interest the continuing process of prosecuting those accused of serious
crimes. The European Union will continue to follow closely the relevant trials in Dili and Jakarta.
Much remains to be done in all these fields and, while the primary responsibility for a successful transition lies with the Timorese people themselves, it remains incumbent on the international community to help consolidate the progress that is so evident in Timor-Leste. In this regard the European Union looks forward to the planned conference of development partners in Dili on 19 May.
Mr. President,
The EU recognises that a critical element of the success so far has been the hard work of the men and women of the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) and we commend them, and those countries which have supported them in their efforts, for their dedication. The European Union recalls the advice of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, that the international community should consider carefully the completion of UNMISET's drawdown while also
taking stock of what has been achieved, reflecting on the remaining tasks to be completed, and deciding on the best way to fulfil the legitimate needs of Timor-Leste in the post-May 2004 period.
In this regard, the European Union thanks the Secretary-General for his most recent report on and assessment of the current situation in Timor-Leste. The EU welcomes the report's assessment that the extraordinary progress that has taken place has left no doubt as to the momentum of transfer of responsibility to Timor-Leste. In particular, the European Union welcomes the reported progress toward the adoption of legislation for key public institutions.
Notwithstanding the progress made to date, the European Union shares the Secretary-General's view that further assistance will be needed to consolidate the achievements already made. In this regard, a continuing though modified presence for UNMISET seems required. The European Union looks forward to the outcome of the Security Council's consideration of the Secretary-General's analysis and his recommendation for an extension of UNMISET for a further one-year consolidation phase, with
appropriate modifications to its mandate and composition.
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