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UN:
TIMOR-LESTE FACES SERIOUS CHALLENGES DESPITE RECENT GAINS, SECURITY
COUNCIL TOLD: 06/12/2007 (MaximsNews Network)
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UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network /
- 06 December 2007 --
While Timor-Leste has recovered well from the
violent crisis that engulfed it last year, it continues to grapple with a host
of challenges including the fate of about 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs)
and widespread poverty, the head of a recent United Nations Security Council
mission to the tiny nation said today.
“The
challenges of governance and the legacy of the 2006 violent crisis and its
aftermath continue to haunt the country’s political leadership and affect the
people of Timor-Leste,” South African Ambassador Dumisani S. Kumalo stated, as
he briefed the Council on the 24 November to 1 December visit to the country
which the UN helped shepherd to independence in 2002.
During
their visit, the Council team – which also included delegates from China,
Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Russian Federation, Slovakia and United States
– gained first-hand knowledge of the issues the country has to address,
meeting with a wide range of people from Government, civil society and the UN
family.
Mr.
Kumalo noted that the general and security situation in Timor-Leste remains calm
and stable, although fragile. The country held successful presidential and
parliamentary elections earlier this year, all 15 political parties were working
together and civil society seemed to be flourishing.
But
Timor-Leste still faces enormous challenges associated with political
differences among leaders in resolving critical issues, and difficulties
associated with widespread unemployment and poverty.
Mr.
Kumalo noted in particular the unresolved issues of the so-called
“petitioners” – former soldiers who deserted the army – as well as the
IDPs, who are currently settled in about 53 camps. “In the short-term, it is
crucial that the Government of Timor-Leste, with the support of the United
Nations and the international community, work together to improve the living
conditions of the IDPs,” he stated.
In
addition, the mission found that Timor-Leste faces challenges related to weak
institutions, lack of capacity and difficulties in governance, and the security
and justice sectors needed strengthening.
“Despite
these challenges, the mission left Timor-Leste convinced that the country is on
the right path of regaining its role as a peaceful, stable, united and
prosperous country,” Mr. Kumalo said.
He added
that everyone the mission spoke with agreed on the importance of the continued
presence of the UN in the country, including that of the UN Integrated Mission
in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).
Echoing
the assessment of the Council mission, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste said that
while considerable progress has been made since the April 2006 crisis, the
challenges facing his country are “enormous.”
“Though
the atmosphere of general improvement of peace and security is welcome, it
should not be replaced by complacency or another premature celebration,” said
Nelson Santos.
He
assured the Council that the Government and people of Timor-Leste are doing all
they can to consolidate peace and stability, “in order to firstly free our
people from poverty and to secondly, but not less importantly, absolve the
United Nations from its responsibilities in this regard.”
Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon will visit Timor-Leste as part of his trip to Asia in the coming
weeks. He plans to visit UNMIT, meet with Government officials and address the
National Parliament, as well as stop at camps for the internally displaced.
Labels: United
Nations, U.N.,
~~~~~
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