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Cablegate: Unmit Un Security Council Debate Remarks, October

Published: Thu 22 Oct 2009 12:17 AM
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TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 8281
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 109027
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E.O. 12958: N/A
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SUBJECT: UNMIT UN SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE REMARKS, OCTOBER
23, 2009
1. This is an action request, see paragraph 2.
2. Summary and action request: On October 23, 2009, the UN
Security Council will hold a debate on the UN Integrated
Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). The Special Representative
of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for UNMIT, Atul Khare, will
brief the UN Security Council on major developments in
Timor-Leste between February-September 2009, drawing upon the
October 2, 2009 Report of the Secretary-General on UNMIT.
This debate provides an opportunity to recognize the
commitment of the people of Timor-Leste on the tenth
anniversary of the popular consultation, and to comment on
the key benchmarks of the four mandated priority areas of the
Medium Term Strategy of UNMIT. These areas include: (1.)
ensuring security and stability; (2.) rule of law, justice,
and human rights; (3.) culture of democratic governance and
dialogue; and (4.) socio-economic development. USUN should
draw upon the draft remarks in paragraph 3 below, as
appropriate, during the debate.
3. Begin points.
- Although stability remains fragile, the security situation
in Timor-Leste has improved dramatically since the political
crises and violence in 2006, 2007, and early 2008. We
congratulate the Timorese people for their accomplishments
and we wished them well as they celebrated the tenth
anniversary of the popular consultation on August 30.
Clearly, in partnership with the international police and
peacekeepers, the Timorese are on the right track.
-I would like to make four points regarding the priority
areas of the Medium Term Strategy of UNMIT.
-First, regarding security and stability: we recognize the
progress in developing national security legislation and a
national security policy. We have witnessed increased
professionalization of the Timorese police and military, and
delineation of their respective roles. This is evidenced by
their assistance in the management of security following the
February 2008 assassination attempts on the President and
Prime Minister. We are pleased with the recent transfer of
policing responsibilities in three districts and in the
Police Training Center from UNMIT to the Timorese national
police. We expect to see further improvements with increased
emphasis on strategic and long-term planning. Overall, the
hard work and dedication of bilateral donors has been
critical to success in this area.
-Second, regarding rule of law, justice, and human rights:
the progress we have seen in strengthening the judicial
system must be accompanied by strong action against a
persistent culture of impunity. The leadership in
Timor-Leste must continue to pursue accountability for
criminal offenses committed during the 2006 crisis. Without
strong action against impunity, the Timorese will be unable
to build a lasting foundation for stability and security. To
this end, we note the recent completion of an independent
needs assessment of the justice sector, and encourage all
partners to heed its recommendations.
-Third, regarding democratic governance and dialogue: we
congratulate the Timorese for the completion of peaceful
local elections, and commend UNMIT for supporting this
process. We welcome President Ramos-Horta,s initiative to
open a broad dialogue with the Timorese people on priority
issues. The independence and responsiveness of the judiciary
is a critical element for democratic governance. We
therefore urge the Government of Timor-Leste to continue its
administrative reforms, including the development of
legislative frameworks and a strategic plan for the justice
sector that also establish a system of accountability for
criminal offenses.
-Fourth, regarding socio-economic development: the United
States is encouraged by the closing of the internally
displaced persons (IDPs) camps, and also by the safe return
and resettlement of these persons. We strongly encourage the
continuation of projects aimed at social cohesion and
prevention of renewed conflict. Additionally, we acknowledge
progress in addressing the national priorities of the
International Compact for Timor-Leste, and the measures being
taken by the Government of Timor-Leste to improve access to
primary education, to decrease malnutrition, to raise
employment levels, and to increase child protection. It is
critical that Timorese leadership continue to focus on
programs and policies that reduce poverty and enhance rural
development.
-Finally, the United States would like to thank Special
Representative of the Secretary-General, Atul Khare, for his
dedication and efforts to the advancement of peace in
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Timor-Leste, as well as the commitment and hard work of the
UNMIT staff who serve alongside him.
End points.
CLINTON
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