Summary: January 30, 2002: Statement by H.E. Mr. Inocencio F. Arias, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union at the Security Council meeting on East Timor (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries belonging to the European Economic Area, Iceland and Liechtenstein, align themselves with this statement.
It is indeed a pleasure to welcome once again the Secretary-General's Special Representative (SRSG) Sergio Vieira de Mello. We renew our deep gratitude to him as well as to the rest of UNTAET personnel for the remarkable way in which they are carrying out the Security Council mandate.
We are also very pleased to welcome the Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mr. Ramos Horta. The East Timorese people must be strongly thanked and praised. Without them the extraordinary progress achieved over the last year would have been impossible.
Mr. President,
The present year 2002 will mark the birth of a new nation that will become a Member of the United Nations. May 20 shall be Independence Day for East Timor, and a date to be remembered with pride and satisfaction by this Organization.
However, we want to stress that it will not be the last day of the United Nations´ association with East Timor. There is a need to ensure the security of the country and the viability and stability of the future Government as responsibilities are progressively transferred by UNTAET.
The European Union strongly supports the reccomendation made by the Secretary General in his Report that the mandate of UNTAET is extended until May 20.
We also welcome the proposed phasing out of the UN presence and the estimated period of two years after independence for a successor Mission.
The EU has already endorsed the reccomendations of the Secretary General for an integrated mission. We recognise the consistency of the SG´s latest report with the proposals he set out in October last. In this regard, we look forward to further specific proposals in due course.
Mr. President
Since the last Report of the Secretary General was made public in October 2001, the pace of progress towards independence has accelerated.
The security environment has improved. A new Constitution is currently being intensely discussed by the Constituent Assembly with the assistance of, among others, the European Union. Presidential elections will take place on April 14.
We congratulate UNTAET and the East Timorese for the increasing number of functions and responsibilities that the East Timorese institutions are assuming in areas such as Public Administration, Security and Social and Economic affairs.
We acknowledge the crucial role that is being played by the Indonesian Government under the leadership of President Megawati Sukarnoputri. Relations with Indonesia are gradually improving, although important issues such as cooperation in serious crimes investigations and Human Rights violations, payment of pensions, or the definition of the common border are still pending.
Mr. President,
Despite these achievements, challenges to a successful transition are still present.
Recent reported incidents of political violence should be a reminder of the need to provide for adequate channels for expressing political dissent and competition. The full and peaceful integration of political currents through Political Parties shall be of the essence for the success of the transition to democracy.
In elections held in August of last year the East Timorese people showed their political maturity. The April 14 elections should be prepared and held in a similarly peaceful and transparent way.
Despite the persistence of a long-term threat from militia over the border with Indonesia, we note that the SG report deems it feasible to plan for a gradual assumption of security responsibilities by the East Timorese institutions.
We support the Secretary General´s proposal to reduce the Military and the Civil Police components of UNTAET by independence. We note his comments on the fact that the prevailing security situation as well as the provision of adequate training and means to East Timor Defence Force and Police Service shall directly affect the downsizing plans.
Mr. President,
Success in East Timor is very much about reconciliation.
During the past months refugees have continued to return, although there are still many in West Timor camps. Efforts should continue to be made in order to promote cross-border contacts, increase confidence and resolve the issue of pensions.
But reconciliation should be cemented by Justice. We welcome the very recent launching of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. The continuation of the work carried out by the Courts and the Office of the General Prosecutor will be important steps in this direction.
The European Union continues to call upon the Government of Indonesia to ensure the speedy implementation of fully mandated Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunals, in accordance with international standards, with a broadened jurisdiction to cover all human rights violations. In this regard we welcome the appointment of new judges for the Ad Hoc Human Rights Court by the Government of Indonesia and recall the urgency of making the Court operational. We trust that cooperation in judicial matters with
UNTAET will see similar progress in the future. The EU is ready to provide technical assistance both to Judges and Prosecutors of the Ad Hoc Court.
Mr. President,
A parallel evolution should take place in the economic and social services areas. The Secretary General´s report bears some good news, as we see that economic activity is expanding. The International Community has a role to play to support the economy of East Timor. It is now time to move towards a relationship based on development goals. The donor community should further support East Timor beyond independence.
A fair and efficient collection and investment of revenues from natural resources will be essential. As East Timor becomes less dependent on international donors a stable East Timor based on sound institutions and peaceful relations with its neighbours will be attractive for investors.
Mr. President,
As we see other countries in the world falter in the wake of conflict or natural disasters, we would hope that the success of East Timor will be less of an exception and more of a precedent.
May 20 may well become a significant milestone in the often difficult history of United Nations Peacekeeping. We are learning the hard way, through trial and error or, should I say in this case, through trial and success.
In May a new State shall be born, and the UN, that is, all of us, will have reason to be proud. It is now up to all of us to bring this process to fruition and to help our new sibling stride safely into a demanding world, but full of promise.
Thank you Mr. President.
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