EU Presidency Statement - Situation in Timor-Leste

Mr. President,

I have the honor to take the floor on behalf of the European Union. The acceding countries, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway align themselves with this statement.

Mr. President,

The European Union welcomes this opportunity to commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. In the footsteps of his predecessor Sergio Vieira de Mello, to whose memory we would like once again to pay tribute, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma is leading efforts to ensure a better future for the people of Timor-Leste through his dedication and skill in guiding the civilian, military and police components of UNMISET.

The European Union supports the efforts of the Timorese government to consolidate the fragile political institutions in Timor-Leste. Since May 2002, when Timor-Leste celebrated its independence, the Government has made significant progress in promoting the country's social and economic development. The EU commends and encourages the efforts to ensure and uphold democratic institutions and the Rule-of-Law while building the new nation.

We welcome the continued development of strengthened relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. The European Union looks forward to the early finalization of the border delimitation agreement following the meeting of the bilateral Ministerial Commission held in Dili at the beginning of September. We hope the cooperation will continue in the same friendly spirit on a number of other important issues, from resettlement of refugees still remaining in West Timor, border crossings and regulated markets, to the conclusion of other cooperation agreements between the two countries. The EU strongly believes that by ensuring the accountability of all perpetrators of serious human rights violations, trust in the judiciary and contribute to reconciliation will be greatly enhanced.

The United Nations continues to play an important role in the nation building of Timor-Leste. We are pleased to note that UNMISET's operations are generally progressing according to the scheduled timeframes for scaling down the mission. After review last April, the strategy already set out continues to be implemented through the progressive transfer of responsibilities to local authorities. The international community must continue to monitor the situation and developments on the ground, particularly in the areas of civil administration, justice and policing, as well as in human rights training. Cooperation and consultation with the World Bank, UNDP and other United Nations agencies can provide support for lasting and sustainable development of Timorese infrastructure and institutions. It is time that the Security Council take stock of what has been achieved. A reflection should take place in the Council on the country's needs after the withdrawal of the UN Mission in May 2004, and on the support the UN and the international community could provide to Timor-Leste next year in order to consolidate the success that the country already represents. The European Union looks forward to the Secretary-General's report to be issued in early 2004 and to his further suggestions in these matters.

Mr. President,

Many EU member States have participated in UN Missions in Timor-Leste. The EU has made considerable efforts to support the new nation, through financial assistance, humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and development cooperation. The EU as well as its member States will continue to support the consolidation of Timorese democratic institutions.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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• EU Presidency declaration on Human Rights Tribunal in East Timor  (6/8/2003)
• EU Presidency Statement - Security Council on East Timor (30/1/2002)