YouSaid · the spoken record

Haq

lines on the record: 141
first: 2010-02-23
most recent: 2013-06-25
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“When we reduce the Mission's environmental footprint by introducing solar power or technologies for local water production, we also reduce the costs, and security risks, of an exposed and vulnerable supply chain. When the Global Service Centre deploys engineering expertise, vehicles and information-technology equipment from its holdings, a mission becomes operational more quickly than it would have otherwise. This is a new way of doing business. This is a better way of doing peacekeeping.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“The contract to rent several major facilities, including the building that will serve as force headquarters in Bamako, was prepared with staff from the Department of Field Support, the Department of Management, ONUCI and MINUSMA, and was concluded and signed by all parties concerned Within one week of the initial interface with the landlord in Mali. For the United Nations, that is lightning speed. While United Nations rules and regulations are being closely adhered to, the emphasis on flexibility is leading to positive results indeed. In Mali, neither the challenges nor the risks at hand should be underestimated. Much is beyond our control. But our efforts to date and the results achieved by MINUSMA thus far suggest that with commitment, vision and the continued support of Member States, we just may be able to beat the odds.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“In sum, due to exigency as well as the upholding of GFSS principles, inter-mission cooperation, shared services and a smaller footprint with less risk to staff all are central features of the MINUSMA start-up and will remain central features throughout the life of the Mission. Together with Herve Ladsous and Jeff Feltman, we have instructed all peacekeeping and special political missions to expedite the release of staff who are needed in Mali. The Department of Field Support and other departments have played an important part in staffing, financing and establishing the Mission during this critical start-up phase, with a strong emphasis on flexibility, pragmatism and timely action.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Because of the time it would normally take to procure critical items, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti has made reserve equipment available for immediate delivery. The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has made available air assets, equipment and a range of back-office support functions, including human resources, finance and procurement staff. For its part, the Global Service Centre has drawn from the strategic deployment stocks in Brindisi to provide vehicles, communications equipment and security material for airlifting to Bamako. The Global Field Support Strategy (GF SS) articulates a vision wherein the United Nations provides faster, higher-quality support for a win-win situation that benefits troops, civilian staff and the United Nations system as a Whole.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“We need only recall the concerns raised by the suicide-bomb-making workshop discovered by French forces two weeks ago just a few miles outside of Gao, or the several thousand pounds of fertilizer, uniforms and uniform-making equipment that was seized. We have deployed some of our most experienced mission-support colleagues to lead the effort in Bamako - our "A-team". These are colleagues with experience in starting up and sustaining some of the most challenging missions of the past 30 years. If anyone can get this done, they can, and I am confident that they will. Others are chipping in. Because of the shortage of aircraft, the United Nations Mission in Liberia has lent its B200 aircraft to meet its short-term needs.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Of course, under those circumstances, road transport becomes all the more important, but there are challenges in that regard as well. Last week, when trying to determine the most feasible way to transport some computers, a satellite dish and some generators to the north, we discovered that there was no way for the equipment to arrive safely by road. The problem is twofold. First, the road infrastructure in the north is spotty, often consisting of little more than sand over long stretches. Secondly, with respect to the security situation, even with the agreement with the Mouvement national pour la liberation de l'Azawad (MNLA) in Kidal, there are still armed groups that have sworn to oppose and attack the United Nations at every opportunity.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Those are also highly technical and capital-intensive endeavours that take time to establish from scratch. The airfields in northern Mali are unable to service large aircraft. The airstrips allow for only small to medium aircraft, which carry limited passengers and cargo. For the time being, therefore, we will need to rely on military helicopters for an unusually large share of air transport requirements. We are eagerly awaiting confirmation from various Member States as to the provision of helicopters for the Mission. The central importance of medical support to United Nations personnel is recognized by all. We all agree that we must ensure casualty evacuation and medical evacuation capability. In northern Mali that translates directly into more helicopters.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“An initial engineering assessment by the Mission has already confirmed that in Kidal the Mission will jeopardize local water supply by tapping into local reservoirs. Therefore, conscious of the explicit request in resolution 2100 (2013) to manage the Mission's environmental impact carefully, we are looking into other technologies that would allow us to produce water from air humidity. True operational capability means that MINUSMA must be able to provide a broad range of essential aviation services: ground services such as cargo handling, fire fighting and fuel delivery and storage; the ability to carry out search and rescue missions; and airfield and helicopter landing-site construction and renovation. Given the long distances that must be traversed in Mali, each and every one of those services must be in place, intact and functioning.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Our energy needs there, as in Timbuktu and Kidal, will therefore be met through mobile power generators. At such temperatures, even high- capacity generators will be put to the test. Indeed, all information and communication technology, vehicles, refrigeration and tentage ultimately to be used in Mali will be exposed to climatic conditions that accelerate their decay. We already know that certain technological options are out of the question. For example, we are unable to deploy our mobile communication system to Kidal because its sensitive components will melt. Under those extreme conditions, it comes as little surprise that water availability is limited, particularly in the arid north, where our operations will be concentrated.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“In particular, MINUSMA is expected to support and supervise the cantonment of combatants in one of the most challenging environments in the country, namely, Kidal. MINUSMA is rightly considered to be one of the most logistically challenging missions the United Nations has ever launched. That is so for several reasons. First, the climatic conditions in northern Mali, where most of our operations will be located, are harsh, to put it mildly. Sixty-five per cent of Mali's landmass, which is twice the size of France, is desert or semi-desert. The temperature in Timbuktu, which will be the sector-west headquarters for MINUSMA, regularly reaches 48Â°C, or 120Â°F. Last week, our team visited Kidal when the afternoon temperature there reached 52Â°C, or 125Â°F. There is no functioning power grid in Gao.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“We still face some critical information gaps with regard to fuel, but we anticipate that the MINUSMA fuel-distribution capacity will be operational by 1 July. With regard to the premises for the Mission, we are making arrangements to establish the various force and sector headquarters in Bamako and the north, starting with Gao and Timbuktu. A mission presence in Kidal will be established in due course. In support of the elections, we have been involved in transporting election materials to Gao and Timbuktu. The agreement signed by the Government of Mali and representatives of the Mouvement national pour la liberation de l'Azawad last week in Ouagadougou has significant implications for MINUSMA mission support.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“MINUSMA mission support is simultaneously engaged in two other complex endeavours, namely, preparations for the presidential elections, the first round of which will take place on 28 July, and follow- up to the interim agreement signed in Ouagadougou last week. That would be a formidable triple challenge in any context, but it is complicated by several features of the operating environment in Mali, and specifically in the northern part of the country. Our efforts to set up the Mission currently focus on several priorities, including the provision of rations for troops, fuel for vehicles and premises for work and living. We are confident that our systems for the distribution of rations and water after 1 July will meet the needs of MINUSMA troops.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Ms. Haq: Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Council on mission-support efforts in Mali. The immediate priority of the Department of Field Support is to establish the initial operational capability of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) as soon as possible. My colleague, Herve' Ladsous, has set the substantive compass according to which mission-support efforts in MINUSMA are guided. In my briefing to the Council today, I will explain how, despite formidable constraints, we are on track to meeting requirements and how we plan to satisfy the operational needs of MINUSMA as best we can from the transition on 1 July and onwards.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank you once again, Sir, for the opportunity to address the Council on the subject of inter-mission cooperation. Supporting the peacekeeping troops and civilian personnel who confront tremendous risk in our shared pursuit of the vision manifested in the United Nations Charter is the ultimate objective of our deliberations. We can never lose sight of the centrality of their wellbeing, a fate that is shaped by the decisions and support of this august forum.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“Its basic premise is that peacekeeping should be seen not as a series of independent missions but as a global enterprise with which the United Nations can leverage its presence and bring about efficiency gains and synergies for the benefit of missions and their personnel. Two core elements of the global field support strategy - the Regional Service Centre at Entebbe and the Global Service Centre at Brindisi - attest to the importance of putting in place the institutional architecture that allows inter-mission cooperating to succeed. Both are important components of a global network of assets and expertise that can be drawn from when necessary in order to fulfill critical mission start- up and sustainment needs.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“But progress in meeting them is under way due to inter-mission cooperation with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and UNMISS. For example, drawing from available assets, UNAMID has provided heavy engineering vehicles to UNISFA on loan for the construction of much-needed and long-overdue accommodation for the Ethiopian troops in Abyei. Decades of experience in peacekeeping have created as yet untapped potential to improve the quality of mission support while simultaneously reaping efficiency gains and savings. The goal of responding to the exigencies of peacekeeping operations in a timely way, with high-quality support and in a cost-effective manner, lies at the heart of the global field support strategy.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“These examples of successful inter-mission cooperation underscore the primary objective of mission support writ large. The aim is to achieve successful mandate implementation through the provision of support to military, police and civilian personnel in the field. Inter-mission cooperation should, in that context, be seen as a means to address the short-term needs of our troops and colleagues in the field. Sometimes that requires overcoming natural obstacles, such as disasters or inhospitable terrain. Collaboration among missions in the Sudan has allowed critical support to reach troops despite long-entrenched customs and visa- related obstacles. The needs of UNISFA, which I observed last month when I visited, are still acute.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“That flexibility in the use of air assets during crisis is reflected in the exchange of civilian personnel as well. After the disaster in Haiti struck, a special recruiting team was deployed from the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad to expedite the arrival in Haiti of qualified personnel who could get to the task of helping the injured, moving essential supplies and restoring stability. The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, where I was Special Representative of the Secretary-General, deployed 34 staff members, covering such areas as security, finance and stress counselling. In fact, civilian personnel from virtually every field mission arrived to fill critical staffing shortfalls after the Haiti earthquake.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“In response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010, for example, heavy cargo aircraft based in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic People's Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) ended up providing logistics support to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. Last January, in response to the crisis in Cote d'Ivoire, MONUSCO aircraft once again helped transport 300 tons of rations for the troops of the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, as well as 100,000 litres of additional fuel from the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Over the past year, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has used air assets of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) to support rations delivery.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“It is certainly not meant to serve as the source of long-term solutions. At the same time, it is also true that inter-mission cooperation works best as a short-term reaction to crisis when arrangements are already in place that allow for flexibility and inter-mission exchange. For example, many commercially contracted aircraft in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations today have a contractual provision that allows them to be used for inter-mission support when needed. That is part of the Department of Field Support's fleet optimization efforts that are designed to consolidate and conserve resources for greater operational efficiency.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“The handling of procurement and banking services and managing the freight forwarding activities of UNSMIS were possible only because of assistance provided by those two missions. Care was taken to ensure that inter-mission cooperation in support of UNSMIS had minimal impact on the capacity of UNIFIL and UNDOF to implement their own mandates. Events in Syria have since tragically eclipsed the timely roll-out ofUNSMIS, but the start-up would not have been possible without a rapid infusion of support from nearby missions. With regard to crisis response, the Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations has referred to inter-mission cooperation as a temporary "tool of necessity, not of choice". I share the view that such cooperation should never be seen as anything more than a stop-gap.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“In that context, in Syria earlier this year the establishment of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) provided useful lessons in terms of the potential for inter-mission cooperation to play a critical role in expediting mission start-up. For one, neighbouring missions can play a useful role in providing personnel and assets to ensure timely mission start-up. Support from other missions in the Middle East, including from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), was critical for the rapid build-up of UNSMIS, which reached operational effectiveness within one month of mandate approval.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“For every contingent we send unexpectedly from one mission to another, its life-sustaining requirements must be met. And for every helicopter or fixed wing aircraft effectively shared between missions, logistical support in terms of fuel and maintenance must be anticipated and made available. The past year has provided stark testimony to the diversity of mandates that characterize peacekeeping missions today. Troops and civilian personnel are being deployed in situations where time is truly of the essence. The interval between the approval of a Security Council mandate and the establishment of the mission is increasingly seen as having strategic importance. In that light, delays in establishing a field presence can have a negative effect on the mission's chances to successfully implement its mandate.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“Ms. Haq: Allow me to express my appreciation for this opportunity to address the Council on the subject of inter-mission cooperation. I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for the role you are playing as the Chair of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations. In my remarks to the Security Council today, I will focus on inter-mission cooperation from the perspective of mission support. Inter-mission cooperation in that context is all about ensuring that troops, civilian personnel, and military and other assets can be redeployed to another mission at short notice, sustained while in a temporary site due to a mission start-up or crisis, and ultimately returned to their original location and intended use. Troops that need to be redeployed must also be provided with adequate shelter.”
2012-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6886 (2012) · source
“That report could form the basis of a Council meeting in September or October to enable a seamless transition to the post- UNMIT presence. As the security situation permits, we envisage that UNMIT police will begin a well-paced drawdown following the parliamentary elections and the formation of the new Government. In conclusion, let me thank all of the United Nations personnel in Timor-Leste. I would also like to thank the leadership of Timor-Leste, and again President Ramos-Horta, with whom we are here today. Finally, allow me to thank the people of Timor-Leste for their determination to establish a stable and enduring peace for their country.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“I count that this year will give us the opportunity to celebrate peaceful elections, an orderly transition to a new Government, continued stability and security and further development of the PNTL's technical capacities. This year will also be a critical year for the United Nations' long engagement with Timor-Leste. In view of the developments that have been outlined in his report to the Security Council, the Secretary- General has asked that the Council extend UNMIT's current mandate until 31 December 2012. Following consultations with the new Government, and within 60 days of its formation, the Secretary-General would submit a report containing his suggestions on UNMIT's anticipated withdrawal and the post-UNMIT United Nations presence in Timor-Leste.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Such a presence, it was suggested, should focus on consolidating a culture of democratic governance, nurturing a generation of future leaders, consolidating gains in the areas of justice, governance, human rights, and providing civilian advice to the PNTL. Consultations on the post-UNMIT UN presence will continue in the coming months on the understanding that any final decision on this matter will be taken only following consultation with the Government formed after the parliamentary elections. The early planning currently under way will enable well-informed discussions with the newly elected Government and lay the groundwork for a seamless transition to a new form of partnership. The year 2012 is a critical one for Timor-Leste, marked by several key anniversaries, including the tenth anniversary of the restoration of independence.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank the Government of Timor-Leste, especially its focal point for post-UNMIT arrangements, Foreign Minister Zacarias da Costa, for the warm welcome extended to the team and the high level of attention accorded to the transition by the Government. In its meetings, the team encountered a remarkable degree of coherence in the views of different stakeholders. Interlocutors consistently expressed the view that, on the understanding that things go well this year, there should be no uniformed United Nations personnel in Timor-Leste beyond 2012, but that there is a need for a small political presence with a link to the Secretariat, and through it to the Security Council.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“On 26 January, we held the latest graduation ceremony for national staff participating in this programme. At the end of January, a joint team from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Department of Political Affairs, the United Nations Development Group and UNMIT conducted a detailed assessment of possible options for the United Nations post-UNMT engagement in Timor-Leste based on those identified in the Joint Transition Plan. The team sought the views of a wide range of interlocutors, including the President, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister - who is the overall focal point in the Government for transition - and other Government officials. The team also met with representatives of political parties, civil society, media and the international community.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“More broadly, I hope that the Council will recognize both the progress made in key areas of UNMIT's mandate and the requirement for further consolidation in the areas of justice, governance, human rights, and capacity-building for the PNTL. Such consolidation will very much tie in with the work of the Group of Seven Plus on the new deal and the peace and statebuilding goals - policy initiatives that have been spearheaded by the Government of Timor- Leste, in particular Finance Minister Emilia Pires. Transition planning also entails improving the capacity of national staff so that they can continue to make a positive contribution to Timor-Leste's development after UNNMIT leaves. UNMIT has an extensive capacity-building programme to help its national staff gain certification in various technical and administrative areas.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“In close collaboration with the Government, we are also working to ensure that many of the Mission's activities can transition seamlessly to the United Nations country team in order to safeguard the country's gains. We have developed a portfolio of 34 projects requiring $75 million in funding from 2012 to 2014, which leverage the country team's expertise in four areas linked to UNMIT's work. The portfolio has been approved by all relevant line ministries. This morning, President Ramos-Horta, the Government, UNMIT and the United Nations Development Group presented the portfolio to Member States. I was delighted with the positive reception, and hope that bilateral support to United Nations agencies working in Timor-Leste will be forthcoming.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Already, the institution is on the right path, and it will continue along that path as long as it demonstrates its commitment to integrity, professionalism and capacity-building. The Government and UNMIT have made good progress in advancing UNMIT's transition. On 3 22 December, the Prime Minister signed a decree establishing an inter-ministerial committee to manage the transfer of certain UNMIT assets to national authorities - a strong sign of the Government's commitment to an orderly transition. On 2 February, the High-level Committee on Transition reviewed the encouraging progress in the implementation of the Joint Transition Plan. The main challenge now is to ensure that institutions taking on new responsibilities have sufficient capacity and funding to carry them out effectively.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“As the PNTL will focus heavily on elections security in the coming months, maintaining continuity and momentum in our capacity-building work is becoming even more important. Once again, I encourage police-contributing countries to grant extension of officers in these positions. My assessment is that the PNTL will fulfil its role in maintaining stability through 2012, with support from UNMIT police, as required and requested. Of course, building a professional and effective police force is a major task that will continue long after UNMIT's departure. I very much hope that bilateral and multilateral support will be forthcoming to help the PNTL's further development.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Other joint PNTL-United Nations police election- related activities include threat assessments conducted in all districts, security assessments of all polling centres, and election-specific training. I am confident that these initiatives will help to ensure our joint preparedness to respond to any eventuality during the electoral period. Preparations for the elections come in addition to other capacity-building activities supported by UNMIT police. Overall, progress of the Joint Development Plan is encouraging, with 37 per cent of the 588 planned activities completed as of 7 February. However, UNMIT is facing difficulties in extending police officers in key advisory positions.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“12-23800 The PNTL, with UNMIT police support, is getting ready to ensure security during the electoral period. A live exercise involving all security forces in the country, including the Falintil-Forgas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) and the international security forces, took place on 8 February. The President and I were present to see this. The exercise tested the ability of the respective forces to respond to possible security incidents during elections, in accordance with their respective roles and responsibilities. In this context, I was heartened by the public statements of the head of the armed forces, Major- General Lere Anan Timur, regarding F-FDTL's role during the elections as a support to the PNTL, if and when requested by the appropriate civilian authorities.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Maintaining a favourable security environment is the most important task for the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL). Some incidents involving martial arts groups occurred in Dili in December, with the alleged involvement of some members of the PNTL. In an effort to prevent such incidents from becoming a trend, the Council of Ministers recently adopted a resolution prohibiting martial arts group activities for one year. The PNTL has also identified seven officers who took part in the December incidents. Three officers have been recommended for dismissal and the remaining four were recommended for written reprimand. Following through on these recommendations through decisive actions is important to maintaining public confidence in the police service.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“My senior staff and I have been travelling to many of the districts to get a first-hand sense of the situation on the ground and the readiness of the local authorities to carry out the elections. For example, in Baucau on 20 January, I met with the district administration and village chiefs and was reassured to hear their expressions of confidence in election preparations and public security. National institutions are also taking increased ownership of dialogue processes around elections. The National Electoral Commission is developing a national unity pact likely to be signed at the end of this month by all presidential candidates and political parties. As the Council may recall, UNMIT facilitated a similar pact in 2007. It is encouraging that this important work is now being done by national institutions.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“That work is complemented by operational support by UNMIT police to the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) during the elections, and our good-offices efforts to help sustain a constructive political environment. During the electoral process, the Secretary- General is planning to issue messages commending Timor-Leste on its achievements and calling on all Timorese to ensure that the presidential and parliamentary elections are credible, transparent and peaceful. Presidential candidates and political party leaders are acting in that spirit; their constructive messages about the need for peaceful elections are central to maintaining public confidence in the elections and political stability.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“As mentioned in successive reports of the Secretary-General, their capacities have increased since 2007, and there has been an accompanying decrease in the level of United Nations support. Still, the United Nations continues to provide integrated technical assistance through the joint United Nations Development Programme and UNMIT electoral support team. The final group of 130 United Nations Volunteers, who arrived in January, have deployed throughout the country to support the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration and 12-23800 the National Electoral Commission with activities that include operational planning, logistics, and voter and civic education.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“The legally established campaign period starts on 29 February and ends on 14 March. A run-off, if necessary, will be held in the third week of April. The voter registration period closed on 11 January. According to the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration, 628,454 people were registered. That is an increase of 89,015 voters from the registration results in 2007, reflecting improved civic education and outreach efforts on the part of the Technical Secretariat, improved statistics through the census, and the country's high rate of population growth. The parliamentary election, the date of which is yet to be established, is likely to take place in late June. The electoral management bodies are striving to deliver transparent and fair elections.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Indeed, as part of our joint transition planning with the Government and other stakeholders, we are already discussing the post-2012 engagement of the United Nations with Timor-Leste, so as to facilitate decisions of the next Government and the Council. In the meantime, UNMIT continues to support Timor-Leste's efforts to ensure that the prevailing stability and security continue through 2012 and beyond. Timor-Leste is about to hold presidential and parliamentary elections, and we have every reason to believe that they will be successful. On 13 January, the President signed a decree establishing 17 March as the date of the presidential election. Thirteen candidates, including two women, whose candidacies were approved by the Court of Appeal will contest the election.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Ms. Haq: Let me begin by acknowledging the presence of Nobel Peace Laureate His Excellency Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta tells me often about the request he made in 2006, in this very Chamber, to establish the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste 2 (UNMIT). It is remarkable that he is in this Chamber today to discuss the end of that same Mission. Under his leadership, as well as that of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Frente Revolucionaria do Timor- Leste Independente (Fretilin) Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri and others, Timor-Leste has made significant strides in advancing peace and stability. In the light of the overall stable situation, we are continuing to plan for the expected close of UNMIT by December 2012.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Yet, as the Secretary-General's report reflects, there are also many reasons for optimism. First and foremost among them is the determination of the Timorese people, without which none of the progress described in the report would have been possible. In conclusion, I would like to thank Foreign Minister Da Costa, as the representative of the Government of Timor-Leste, for our excellent collaboration. I would furthermore like to thank all political parties, including the opposition, as well as civil society, for their continued collaboration. My thanks also go to all staff of UNMIT and the United Nations country team for their contribution towards our mandated efforts to support Timor-Leste.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Credible and peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections would further demonstrate to the world the progress made by Timor-Leste in advancing sustainable peace and development. The elections will also be a test of the capacity of Timorese security institutions, particularly the PNTL, to ensure public safety and security across the country. As I mentioned earlier, Timor-Leste still faces a number of long-term challenges in order to achieve its development aspirations, including in terms of enhancing institutional capacities, further strengthening the security sector and increasing human resources. In areas such as access to justice, oversight and accountability mechanisms, youth employment and health, additional support will be particularly needed.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Equally important is establishing the nature of the United Nations engagement that will be needed thereafter by the country in question, in consultation with that Government based on its priorities and requirements. As the Secretary-General has indicated in his report (S/2011/641), consultations will continue on various options for a United Nations presence in Timor-Leste following UNMIT, noting that any option would need to be discussed with the Government that will be formed following the 2012 elections. The coming year will be an eventful one for Timor-Leste. Just like the Timorese public, UNMIT looks forward to what in Dili is sometimes called the democracy-fest that is expected in 2012.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“As part of the transition process, the Government is proceeding with efforts to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to strengthening its logistical capacity in areas currently supported by UNMIT, such as aviation services. In addition, UNMIT is increasing its capacity-building activities, for both its almost 900 national staff and for various national counterparts. In the context of the transition process, joint working groups in each of the focus areas have also identified areas of support currently provided by UNMIT that should be handed over to United Nations agencies, which in turn will need to raise the financial resources required to expand their responsibilities between now and the end of next year. The planned and orderly conclusion of a peacekeeping mission is only one aspect of a successful transition.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“On 20 September, UNMIT launched the first public report by a peacekeeping mission on the rights of persons with disabilities, entitled "Of Course We Can". At that event, for the first time, UNMIT provided persons with disabilities information in alternative formats, including a Braille version of the report and sign language. 11-60396 UNMIT's transition is well under way. On 19 September, the President, the Prime Minister and I signed a joint transition plan to guide the transition process in seven focus areas. That was the first time that a peacekeeping mission jointly established such a mechanism with a host Government. It has been a personal privilege for me to work so closely with the Timorese leadership on this ongoing matter.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“As mentioned in the Secretary-General's report, the Commander of the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), Major General Taur Matan Ruak, resigned on 1 September. On 6 October, President Jose Ramos-Horta hosted a ceremony to mark the transfer of command to newly promoted Major General Lere Anan Timur, Major General Ruak's long-term deputy. That smooth transfer of command is a promising sign for F-FDTL's continued institutional stability. Timor-Leste has also continued to demonstrate its commitment to human rights. On 12 October, Timor- Leste's national report, which highlights the progress made and challenges faced in efforts to promote and protect human rights in the country, was adopted at the twelfth session of the working group of the United Nations Human Rights Council, under the Universal Periodic Review.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Encouragingly, Timor-Leste's leaders are tackling those issues, making good progress on several of the Millennium Development Goals and redoubling attention to the targets that are currently off-track. Furthermore, through its chairmanship of the group of seven plus fragile States (g7+), Timor-Leste is at the forefront of the global policy agenda on strategies for enhancing aid effectiveness to fragile and conflict- affected states. Finally, there have been advances in strengthening the anti-corruption infrastructure. The Anti-Corruption Commission, which became fully staffed at the beginning of this year, has proceeded to undertake investigations. Parliament also approved a law establishing the Audit Chamber of the High Administrative Tax and Audit Court, whose staff are now being trained in Lisbon.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“As the Council knows, in July, Parliament approved the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan for the period 2011 to 2030, which sets out the Government's strategies and actions to transform Timor-Leste into an upper-middle income country by 2030. As the implementation of the Plan proceeds, it will be important for public investments to promote inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth, so that all segments of the population benefit from Timor-Leste's natural resources and growth. Creating increased employment opportunities for young people will be particularly important as an indispensable contribution to long-term stability and prosperity.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source