YouSaid · the spoken record

Da Costa

lines on the record: 41
first: 2007-09-10
most recent: 2008-08-19
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Keeping in mind that a substantive review of UNMIT's mandate is due in early 2009, I would like to suggest to the Council that, in order to cement the success of our partnership, the United Nations should maintain a substantive peacekeeping presence in Timor-Leste until the next election cycle, that is, until the year 2012.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The recommendations of the report aim to address unresolved issues of State responsibility towards the victims of violence referred to in the report. Above all, we have a duty both to the victims and to future generations to ensure that our society never again faces similar violent conflict. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the unique partnership between Timor-Leste and the United Nations. We have made many strides forward in the past nine years. At this stage of our country's development, we cannot afford to lose focus. UNMIT is performing a critical a role and we are eager to see the United Nations remain in Timor-Leste.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The Governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia have decided to jointly discuss and agree on arrangements for the implementation of the recommendations of the final report of the Truth and Friendship Commission. Some of the recommendations have already been the subject of joint efforts, such those pertaining to the issue of border demarcation. In a spirit of mutual respect, and to further promote friendship and reconciliation between the peoples of our two countries, we have committed ourselves to the faithful implementation of the Commission's recommendations, which will be integrated into a plan of action within the framework of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms. The Commission's report represented a historic and important milestone in the search for truth and justice with regard to the events of 1999.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“08-4651] For the first time, the Timorese State will ensure social protection for those scarred by war and for the dependants of those who dedicated their lives to the struggle for national liberation. Categories for those entitled to a pension are families of deceased combatants; veteran combatants with more than 15 years' service; those disabled by the war who have been unable to work; and the elderly over 55 years of age with a total of over eight years of active service. The number of pensions granted was 12,538, with 631 pensions for living combatants and 11,907 to the widows and families of fallen combatants. Timor- Leste's sovereignty today is a product of the sacrifices made by many thousands of our citizens, whom we will never forget. Timor-Leste is ever strengthening its bilateral relationships.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The economic stabilization fund, with a capital of $240 million, is an important tool that the Government is employing to tackle the effects of the rising cost of food and other commodities, such as fuel and construction materials, throughout the world. The packages we have offered to returning IDPs, pensioners and other vulnerable groups through cash transfers will be of little use if they find themselves in a scenario whereby previously estimated costs are no longer relevant in future months. Meeting the demands of our population with regard to food and shelter goes hand in hand with meeting our security obligations. The fund will be governed in an open and transparent manner, with all procurement following Government procurement laws and all expenditure subject to external auditing.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The challenges include the drastic worldwide increase in the price of basic commodities, such as rice, which the Prime Minister called a "silent tsunami". Timor-Leste is a country that depends on the importation of basic foodstuffs and, as the situation has changed, so must the Government respond. The rectifying budget contemplates measures needed to ensure that our people have the basic necessities of life. All of the gains of the past years, including those in areas in which international assistance has been provided, could be lost in instability if the Government is not proactive in response to new circumstances.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The National Parliament has developed into a credible and dynamic forum for debate and dialogue. Discussion there is often difficult, as with parliaments the world over, but it is also reasoned and productive. It is a new experience for us Timorese to have our representatives debate public policies so openly and to consider such a wide range of opinions. During the reporting period covered by the Secretary-General's report, new challenges have arisen that require a proactive and vigorous response from the Government. The Prime Minister, when introducing the law on the rectifying budget to the National Parliament on 18 July, described those challenges, many of which will be familiar to the Council as they are related to international conditions and are not specific to Timor- Leste.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The Prime Minister also established an Inspector- General working group to advise on necessary reforms required to expand the competence of the Office of the Inspector-General and to assume the role of an Auditor-General of State. The Government is also working to strengthen an independent and strong civil service. Earlier this year, the Council of Ministers approved preliminary measures for the establishment of a civil service commission, which will be an independent statutory authority. It will aim to ensure an apolitical, merit- based civil service of the highest professional standards and able to provide quality services to the Government and people of Timor-Leste. In that same area, I would like to draw the Council's attention to an extremely positive development in Timor-Leste - the functioning of our National Parliament.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“We want the PNTL to uphold the highest possible standards of professionalism, and therefore regard the certification process as an important step towards identifying those PNTL who have serious disciplinary and/or criminal issues that preclude them from police service. As part of efforts to enhance democratic governance, the Government has made 2008 the Year of Administrative Reform. Under the guardianship of the Prime Minister, a Year of Administrative Reform conference was held in May 2008. The Government regards that as an important step forward in the transparency, accountability and integrity of the democratic governance processes in Timor-Leste. The conference covered, among other areas, a national anti- corruption strategy and an anti-corruption commission.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“We hope that any discussion of a United Nations police drawdown will be de-linked from the PNTL resumption of responsibilities and that a robust United Nations police presence will be maintained through and beyond the current UNMIT mandate. The Government of Timor-Leste realizes that the full reconstitution of PNTL will require our close engagement, and we will make every effort to ensure that the conditions are met to allow the joint implementation of a transitional process, which we are developing together with UNMIT and UNMIT police. That includes ensuring that the necessary logistics are in place, actions are taken to meet certification targets and satisfactory institutional readiness can be verified to ensure that the PNTL can assume routine policing activities.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“As indicated by the Prime Minister in his report on the state of siege and state of exception of 29 May, and in line with the language of the Secretary-General's report, we envisage that the resumption of policing responsibilities by the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) should be complete within the first half of 2009. We are also happy to note that the Secretary-General does not propose any reduction in the strength of UNMIT police during the current mandate, as its continued presence at current levels is essential to the smooth implementation of PNTL's resumption of responsibilities and its maintenance of stability.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The Government of Timor-Leste is committed to the notion that rebuilding the national police is a long- term undertaking, requiring national ownership and continued international assistance for the foreseeable future. As the Secretary-General's report notes, "Considerable progress has been made in the registration, screening and certification programme for the national police". (S/2008/50], para. 20) We continue to appreciate the efforts of UNMIT police not only in helping to guarantee public security, but also in supporting efforts towards the reconstitution of the national police.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The Government is committed to working with United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and civil society to ensure that IDP returns are durable and that recovery is meaningful for all Timorese people. The Government also concluded a dialogue process with the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor- Leste (F-FDTL) "petitioners". It issued an invitation to the petitioners to gather for a dialogue in Aitarak Laran in early February. By the end of May, 709 petitioners had accepted the invitation to enter into dialogue. All of the petitioners have now accepted the financial compensation package offered by the Government to return to civilian life and Aitarak Laran is now completely empty.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The implementation of the National Recovery Strategy faces a number of challenges. The Government recognizes that it is critical that the remaining elements of the land and property laws be enacted and that priority be given to the allocation of transitional shelter and social housing for people who are unable to return to their homes. The Government is also alert of the need to address issues of food security among returning IDPs and Timorese society as a whole. It is also essential to manage conflict between returning IDPs and receiving communities. Broader community vulnerabilities need to be addressed, as does the rehabilitation of community infrastructure.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“Under the National Recovery Strategy, more than 14,450 internally displaced families have expressed their desire for return or resettlement. I can report to the Council that, with the assistance of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), United Nations agencies and other international partners, the Government has facilitated the return of large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the past few months. Camps and shelters that have existed for two years are now empty. A total of 20 IDP camps have now been closed and more than 3,650 internally displaced families have received recovery packages. That is evidence of the restoration of public 08-46511 faith in the improvement of the security situation and a more stable political environment.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“Allow me to now draw the Council's attention to our humanitarian situation. The process of recovery will necessarily be a complex and delicate one. In December 2007, the Government presented its National Recovery Strategy, entitled "Hamutuk Hari'i Futuru", or "Building the Future Together". The Strategy offers a framework by which the Government, communities, civil society and the international community can harmonize their efforts to address the many and varied impacts of the 2006 crisis on Timorese society. The Strategy is a comprehensive Governmental approach led by the Vice Prime Minister and operating through a process of interministerial cooperation between the Ministries of Social Solidarity, Infrastructure, Justice, Economy and Development, and Defence and Security.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The Government is aware of the 44 cases of alleged violations committed in areas of Joint Command operations opened by the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice and is committed to determining responsibility and implementing corrective and disciplinary measures to avoid a repetition of such incidents in the future. As the Secretary-General also notes in his report, the Government is indeed committed to addressing these shortcomings. The Secretaries of State for Defence and Security will be specifying disciplinary actions for those found guilty of violations. The Joint Command, while not without its critics, was viewed positively by the majority of the Timorese population. It was established under exceptional circumstances, resulted in overall success and has now been discontinued.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“As the Secretary General notes in his report, "encouragingly, and in contrast to the events of 2006, the situation did not precipitate a crisis destabilizing the entire society" (S/2008/50], para. 4). The efforts of the Joint Command, together with those of a range of political mediation initiatives, resulted in the eventual surrender of the President's attackers and their associates. It is important to note two things. First, this operation was carried out without notable violence. Secondly, it demonstrated a remarkable level of institutional cooperation between the political authorities, the defence force and the 08-4651] police services, which illustrated the progress in the rebuilding of the latter two institutions and their interrelationship.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“However, the State responded positively by appointing an interim President to serve until President Ramos-Horta was able to resume the full responsibilities of office, which occurred on 17 April. Following the attacks, the Government and State institutions enacted two measures to maintain stability and public security and to allow for investigations to be undertaken. One mechanism was the establishment of a Joint Command led by the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and by the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor- Leste (F -F DTL) for the conduct of security operations during a state of siege. The state of siege was a flexible and responsive mechanism that allowed for the easing of restrictions, such as curfew hours, during the period from 11 February to 22 May.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“Since my last intervention before this Council, a number of obstacles and difficulties - some grave and others of a different scale and nature - have arisen in Timor-Leste, but I speak to the Council today knowing that I have the resolute backing of the Timorese people when I say that we are wholeheartedly committed to the continued development of our young country as a democratic, peaceful and successful nation. Council members have all received the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/501). I now wish to discuss in more detail the way in which the Government plans to address the challenges that the report identifies. The assassination attempts made on our President, His Excellency Mr. Jose' Ramos-Horta, and on Prime Minister Mr. Xanana Gusmao presented a serious challenge to the institutions of State.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“First of all, allow me to begin by congratulating you, Ambassador Grauls, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and to express my gratitude to you for convening this meeting. It is an honour to be addressing this eminent audience once again. As the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Atul Khare, has already mentioned, today is a poignant day for Timor-Leste, the United Nations and, of course, the Security Council. On this day, we remember and pay tribute to the life and contribution of former United Nations Transitional Administrator of East Timor and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and a great friend of Timor-Leste, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, as well as of the United Nations employees who lost their lives in Baghdad on this very date five years ago.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“We understand the reservations of the United Nations, but we encourage Council members to reflect on the fact that countries in transition to democracy, as both Indonesia and Timor-Leste are, must be prudent and sensitive when looking at their own realities. I shall conclude by stressing that the Government of Timor-Leste fully accepts and strongly supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General's report, including in particular those pertaining to the continued engagement of the formed police units and United Nations police contingents until February 2008. I am grateful for this opportunity to address you, Sir, and the members of the Security Council. I also wish to extend to the members of the Council an invitation to visit Timor-Leste so that the new Government can better benefit from its advice.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“We pledge to put into practice the universal principles of human rights to which we adhere and which are enshrined in the international covenants that we have ratified. We are committed to participating in the best possible way in the United Nations to foster the democratic values of dialogue, tolerance and peace. We are determined to reinforce our ties of friendship with the countries that are both geographically and historically close to us, including Australia, Indonesia and Portugal. In particular, Timor-Leste and Indonesia are seeking to deal with their past while deepening their friendship. Although I am aware that some in this room will not agree with me, the Government of Timor-Leste believes that the best mechanism available to deal with our shared past is the bilateral Commission of Truth and Friendship.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“The new Government is strongly committed to the economic advancement of Timor-Leste and acknowledges the remarkable job of its predecessors in building from scratch the foundations of national development. To consolidate those achievements, it will pay considerable attention to the private sector and will encourage the opening of the country to foreign investment. In that context, Timor-Leste is keen also to deepen its economic and commercial ties with the countries of the region. Advancing the negotiations for accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is one of the first priorities of the new Government. 07-49942 Timor-Leste is poised to participate meaningfully in the family of nations.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Security Council resolution 1704 (2006) mandated UNMIT to "promote a 'compact' between Timor-Leste and the international community for coordinating Government, United Nations and other multilateral and bilateral contributors to priority programmes" (para. 4 (f)). In that regard, the Government of Timor-Leste has prepared a 24-month recovery programme to address the priorities emerging from the crisis. The compact's implementation has begun with the formation of the new Government of Timor-Leste. Also, the Government of Timor-Leste has made contributions to key priorities emerging from the crisis and hopes that the development partners will enhance support towards those key areas.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“On 13 September, the new Government will present its programme to the National Parliament. It has committed itself to strengthening the institutional framework, including the integrity and professionalism of the civil service, the fight against corruption, and investment in the security sector; to fighting impunity by creating a functional, credible, independent and impartial judicial system; to reforming the security sector by revising the existing policies and promoting dialogue among all national institutions to develop highly professional forces that could participate in international missions; to continuing the good work done by previous Governments in the health sector, with a view to ensuring universal access; and to supporting the professionalism and independence of the media, while facilitating access for the entire population and dedicating special attention to the needs of youth and women to enable them to participate fully and meaningfully in all aspects of Timor-Leste's development.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, therefore, I shall ask Council members to give consideration to the possibility of extending UNMIT's mandate until 2012. I understand that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General also foresees the need for international support for at least two and half years after the end of the present mandate, and I do agree with him that a mission with a peacebuilding mandate should subsequently be created and stay in place for five additional years. I think, however, that a peacekeeping mission would need to be in place longer than 2010. In expressing Timor-Leste's gratitude for the numerous signs of continued engagement by the international community, let me assure the Council that we are strongly committed to putting its trust and investment to good use.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“In the recent past, we have been fortunate to have received financial support through the consolidated appeals process. In the medium term, the Government of Timor-Leste aims at being able to bear more of the financial burden of responding to humanitarian emergency needs and to enhance the level of preparedness and contingency planning for future disasters. Timor-Leste appreciates the support of the Central Emergency Response Fund, which provided funds quickly and predictably during the crisis. As members can see, Timor-Leste is faced with all sorts of formidable challenges. The international community has so far been at our side. We shall not forget, however, what we learned from the United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor: that consolidation of the State's institutional framework is a long and difficult process.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Those are the preconditions for the full reintegration of internally displaced persons and for enabling them to reclaim their lives and livelihoods. In addition to the challenges related to the return and reintegration of the approximately 100,000 persons who remain displaced from and within Dili since last year, we are now faced with a new humanitarian situation in the Viqueque and Baucau districts, where 323 houses were burned and around 6,000 citizens were affected last month. I would like to personally thank all Member States which have so generously assisted our young nation in addressing its humanitarian crisis. Although we continue to rely on the assistance of our partners at this critical juncture, the Government of Timor-Leste remains primarily responsible for delivering assistance and protection to our people.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Consolidating a culture of justice in which citizens' rights are respected and disputes are fairly settled through legal channels is the building block of a free, open and democratic society. Revamped support by UNMIT would be vital to building the necessary capacity in thejustice sector. The provision of protection and assistance to internally displaced persons will remain an issue for some time in Timor-Leste. As much as we would wish for a short-term solution to this situation, there is none, and addressing the root causes of the crisis requires a medium- to long-term effort. Continuous efforts to guarantee security, resolve land rights issues and strengthen the judiciary and national- and community- level dialogue initiatives to re-establish national unity must be undertaken.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Maintaining the current contingent at its current strength until the expiration of the present mandate is essential. Only a stabilized security situation would allow the subsequent transition from executive policing to the monitoring phase, depending on progress achieved in the screening and certification processes of the National Police Force. The coalition of parties that form the fourth constitutional Government is internally solid and committed to an open and consultative approach within the Cabinet, but also and especially with all other parties. As an indication of that conciliatory attitude, Prime Minister Gusmao offered Cabinet positions to the former ruling party. The post-electoral period, however, showed that our nascent democratic mentality is still in need of substantial guidance.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Outstanding socio-economic problems include poverty, unemployment, violence against women and humanitarian issues, such as the return of internally displaced persons. I believe Timor-Leste is at a crucial moment and should seize the opportunity to build on its recent security and democratic gains. In his inauguration speech, Prime Minister Gusmao set the short-term priorities of the Government and named consolidating security as the first of these. Consolidating security will include solving the petitioners issue and the case of Alfredo Reinado and promoting dialogue with the Armed Forces of Timor-Leste. A stable security environment, which is a major pillar of the mandate of UNMIT, would serve as a foundation for all further developments. For this reason, interim law enforcement continues to be the priority of the United Nations police.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Yet, to achieve those goals and to keep our word, we must overcome numerous challenges in the short, medium and long term. The support of the United Nations will be essential at each step of this tortuous road. Fragile institutional structure is the major challenge facing Timor-Leste. Coupled with limited capacity and lack of skills and training, it undermines the building of a culture of peaceful settlement of conflicts. Justice is crucial also for building respect for the rule of law, which is undermined by a widespread perception of a lack of accountability. In this context, it is essential to solve the petitioners issue and clearly define the roles and functions of the National Police Force and Armed Forces of Timor-Leste while ensuring adequate civilian oversight mechanisms.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“Through their vote, the people of Timor-Leste sent a clear message to their leaders that peaceful dialogue and inclusive politics should prevail. They are committed to becoming a truly tolerant and pluralistic society based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. The leaders of Timor-Leste will facilitate that process by strengthening the democratic institutional framework and ensuring that the fruits of economic development equally benefit all citizens. All political parties - those that now form the Government and those that do not, those that sit in the new Parliament and those that do not - have pledged to adhere to the fundamental principles of good governance and to support a meaningful role for the opposition after the election. They showed their commitment by signing the political party accord in May of this year.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“We are committed to addressing our shortcomings in those areas in order to improve the conduct of future elections, including by taking measures to guarantee the independence of the electoral authorities and the consolidation of the legal framework. We profoundly regret the loss of two lives during the electoral period and the serious damage to private and public property that occurred immediately after. 07-49942 These tragic episodes remind us that our emerging democracy needs sustained assistance in order to consolidate itself. Although I believe that there has been a qualitative change since April 2006, the road ahead is still long and challenging. For that reason, the Government of Timor-Leste fully accepts and supports the recommendations put forward in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/513) before the Council today.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, I would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to the United Nations and to our bilateral partners for their support throughout the process. I would like to acknowledge the support of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal. Those countries responded without hesitation to our appeals, first during the crisis; since then, they have maintained a continuous presence on our national territory to guarantee public order. The Government of Timor-Leste takes into serious consideration the recommendations of the Independent Electoral Certification Team. We are aware that the benchmarks underpinning the certification exercise were, in some cases, only partially met.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“On 30 August, a further 12 members of Government were appointed, bringing the total number of women in the cabinet to 5. There are still three outstanding positions of Secretary of State to be appointed. Throughout the electoral process, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor- Leste, Atul Khare, and his UNMIT team provided invaluable support to us, urging constitutional as well as politically acceptable solutions. The Timorese did their part, but without the substantial contribution of the international community, including that of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), such positive results would have not been achieved.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“The President of the Parliament was elected on the same day, while the two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and two Deputy Secretaries were elected the following day. I am pleased to say that we have 18 seats occupied by women, which is the largest percentage in our legislature's short history. On 6 August, President Ramos-Horta invited Mr. Gusmao, President of the Congresso Nacional de Reconstrucao 07-49942 de Timor-Leste, nominated by the Alliance for a Parliamentary Majority, a post-electoral coalition of four parties, to be the new Prime Minister and to form a Government. On 8 August, Prime Minister Gusmao was sworn in, together with 10 Ministers, 2 of whom are women who head the key justice and finance portfolios, and 14 Vice-Ministers and Secretaries of State.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“The first round of presidential elections was held on 9 April, with a field of 8 candidates; the run-off was held a month later, on 9 May. As a result of those elections, former Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta was sworn in as the new President, on 20 May, succeeding Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. The legislative election held on 30 June was the culmination of the long process begun with the presidential elections. The election was a true test of the constitution of Timor- Leste and the political and democratic maturity of the Timorese. In electing their representatives to the National Parliament, the citizens clearly expressed their desire for political dialogue and plurality, together with stability and national development. The new 65-seat Parliament was inaugurated on 30 July, with 7 of 14 parties and coalitions gaining seats.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“But it is also apparent that they have always been able to overcome obstacles and difficulties in expressing and affirming their desires. The three rounds of elections just concluded were no exception. They were the first national elections run by the Timorese, and an important assertion of our ability to exercise our independence. The national authorities and the electoral staff trained by the United Nations carried out the necessary legal, operational and logistical procedures successfully and in a highly professional manner. Overall, with the extensive support of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), the presence of international observers and the International Stabilization Force, the elections were peaceful, free, fair and transparent, as well as a demonstration of the people's hope, confidence and enthusiasm.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source
“I shall begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. I wish to express my gratitude to you for convening this meeting on the question of Timor-Leste. I should also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his comprehensive report (S/2007/513), as well as his Special Representative, Mr. Atul Khare, for an insightful presentation of the situation in Timor-Leste. I am deeply honoured to address the Council for the first time. As Minister for Foreign Affairs I have the privilege to speak on behalf of all the people of Timor-Leste to express our utmost gratitude for the Council's sustained commitment to the development of our young country. Looking back at our past, it is not difficult to conclude that the Timorese people bear on their shoulders a heavy burden of pain and suffering.”
2007-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5739 (2007) · source