Statement by H.E. Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in Timor-Leste
21 February 2008
(As delivered)
Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate once again in the Security Council's deliberations on Timor-Leste.
Australia deplores the shocking attacks on President Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Gusmão on 11 February. The actions of the perpetrators represent a terrible attack on the democratically-elected leadership of one of Australia's nearest neighbours, and underscore the continued fragility of the security situation in Timor-Leste. Our thoughts and hopes are with President Ramos Horta for his ongoing recovery and return to good health.
At the same time, Australia congratulates the Government of Timor-Leste for its careful and measured approach to the events of 11 February, which has helped to ensure the situation has remained calm in the immediate aftermath. We call upon the people of Timor-Leste to continue to embrace peace in these difficult times.
As the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, has made clear, Australia is a steadfast friend and neighbour of Timor-Leste and will continue to be at the forefront of international efforts to assist it to become a stable and more prosperous nation. During a visit to Dili on 15 February, the Australian Prime Minister made clear Australia's commitment to continue to stand shoulder-to-¬shoulder with Timor-Leste and to contribute enhanced assistance to help provide security and much needed longer-term development.
Through our leadership of the international security forces (ISF), as well as our contribution of police to UNPOL, we are supporting directly Timor-Leste's security. Australia wishes to acknowledge its appreciation for the significant cooperation of UNMIT and other international partners with the ISF. In particular, we wish to express our appreciation to New Zealand for its contribution to the international security forces.
At the request of the Timor-Leste Government, Australia is providing additional Australian military and police assistance to support Timor-Leste in response to the events of 11 February.
Australia is also discussing with Timor-Leste a long-term bilateral approach to strengthening Timor-Leste's own security institutions, and we look forward to liaising closely with the United Nations and other donors in this regard.
The Government and people of Timor-Leste need to take primary responsibility for the development of a stable and more prosperous nation, including through political and economic reform, development of the private sector and provision of health, education and housing. Australia acknowledges the continuing commitment of Timor-Leste's leaders to addressing these challenges, which Prime Minister Gusmão has been quick to re-affirm in the wake of the events of 11 February. Political reconciliation and support for democratic processes by all political leaders and others in Timor-Leste will be fundamental to a secure and prosperous future. This is a challenge we would hope UNMIT can continue to address, although ultimately it is a responsibility for the leaders and people of Timor-Leste.
Australia recognises the important contribution made by UNMIT to supporting democratic reform and political consolidation in Timor-Leste.
The events of 11 February emphasise how important it is for Timor-Leste to continue to work to strengthen its justice system as a basis for long-term stability. Any perceptions of impunity for those who commit crimes threaten to undermine the Timorese people's confidence in their justice system. Australia welcomes the efforts of the United Nations and other donors to strengthen Timor-Leste's justice system, and supports the Secretary-General' s recommendation for continued endeavours in this vital area.
Tackling the challenges of underdevelopment will be central to stabilising Timor¬-Leste's political and security environment. During his visit to Dili on 15 February, the Australian Prime Minister foreshadowed that Australia was looking to provide additional support to help Timor-Leste tackle high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth.
Finally, as a key donor to Timor-Leste and mindful of the broad and complex range of development cooperation taking place, Australia looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste and closely with other donors to ensure a carefully coordinated approach.
It is especially important that the international community, led by the UN, continues to support Timor-Leste at this time. Australia welcomes the Secretary-General's report on UNMIT which recommends a l2-month mandate extension with a continuation of current police levels. A l2-month extension of UNMIT's mandate will provide valuable continuity, certainty and security for Timor-Leste. Importantly, the next 12 months will provide a valuable opportunity for Timor-Leste to implement its hard decisions on the road to reform, while it has the support of UNMIT and the international community.
This will be a critical year for the Government of Timor¬-Leste to move ahead to address the challenges and advance the political, social and economic reforms to which it is committed. Australia is committed to continuing its strong support for Timor-Leste during this difficult but important transition.