YouSaid · the spoken record

President Gusmfio

lines on the record
28
first
2006-01-23
most recent
2006-01-23
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1
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un-security-council

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  1. “We have learned a great deal from them all, through both good and bad, and I hope they have learned something from us: some good and some bad, but all part of life's wonderful learning experience.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  2. “I wish also to thank his immediate predecessor, Ian Martin, head of the United Nations Mission in East Timor, which paved the way for what followed. I wish further to pay tribute to Kamalesh Sharma, head of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor, and to our friend Sukehiro Hasegawa, head of UNOTIL, who has been in Timor-Leste since 2002, displaying admirable energy and dedication in his mission. To him I say, "Arigato, Sukehiro-san". Through them I pay tribute to all their immediate staff and to the peacekeeping forces, police and civilian personnel and United Nations Volunteers under their command, from so many nationalities. We owe them all a great deal. We might not have too many virtues, but we possess one quality that makes up for any lack, and that is our sense of gratitude to anyone who has done good to us.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  3. “Last but not least, as this might be the final time I address this body in my current capacity before the formal closure of the United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions in my country, allow me to thank each and every member of the United Nations family for playing a role in securing peace, security and progress in my country. I wish to thank all countries that have contributed troops to the International Force, East Timor, and in particular Australia for its decisive leadership in 1999, which made possible the landing of peace enforcers in our country. I wish to pay tribute to our dear friend the late Sergio Vieira de Mello, a unique human being and one of the best-ever servants of the United Nations and its highest ideals.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  4. “And finally, in view of the forthcoming elections in 2007 and the need to ensure enhanced dialogue and cooperation between East Timorese and Indonesian security elements in order to prevent tension and conflict along the border, we believe that the deployment of some 15 to 20 military liaison personnel as part of the special political office would be of crucial importance. In the meantime, we are planning a celebratory event on 19 and 20 May 2006 to say farewell to the United Nations and our friends and to thank them as the current United Nations mission comes to a close after nearly six years. We hope that Council members will honour us with their presence on that occasion.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  5. “As members are aware, while we have made continuing progress during UNOTIL's mandate, there are critical areas that remain in need of secure and steady assistance, specifically in the justice and finance sectors. Thirdly, Timor-Leste continues to require support in police training. Although we have had an excellent bilateral assistance programme funded by Australia and the United Kingdom, we believe it is important to maintain a degree of United Nations involvement in police training.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  6. “Against that backdrop, it is my duty to appeal to the international community to continue to assist us in meeting some of our most critical needs. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has written to the Secretary- General conveying our needs and our request for assistance. That letter was also sent to the President of the Security Council. While we agree that UNOTIL should come to an end, and with that I must say that we should close the United Nations presence in our country on a high note, I would propose that the Security Council consider the establishment of a special political office in Timor- Leste with the following components, as outlined in the Prime Minister's request. First, electoral assistance is needed to provide the Government with technical and logistical support. Secondly, civilian advisers are required.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  7. “On 12 January the two foreign ministers signed an agreement that provides for a 50-50 sharing of oil and gas resources in the Greater Sunrise area, one of the richest in the entire Asia- Pacific region, and a 50-year moratorium on our maritime boundary, without prejudice to our sovereign claims. In the course of this year, we will see heightened political activities in Timor-Leste as we approach the 2007 general elections for the national parliament and the presidency. As head of State, it is my duty, under the Constitution, to set the dates for the elections. In that regard, I have found very useful the report of the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs assessment mission that visited Timor-Leste in December 2005 to evaluate our needs in regard to the electoral process.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  8. “Despite a series of incidents involving repeated incursions into our territory, in the Oecussi district in September and October 2005, by civilian elements that destroyed private property and a police post, the overall situation has been very calm. On 6 January, an incident occurred when three indicted persons based in West Timor entered our territory. In the ensuing scuffle, the three were shot dead. We must await the results of the investigation, to be undertaken by a joint commission of investigation agreed by the two sides, before we can be certain of the facts surrounding the incident. Nevertheless, regardless of the facts that emerge, any loss of life is regrettable. With our other neighbour, Australia, we have taken another significant step.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  9. “Hasegawa, stated earlier - which are the result of an extreme shortage of trained and experienced judges, prosecutors, public defenders and court clerks. Although the situation has improved somewhat with the recruitment of a number of competent foreign jurists, the reality is that, for a long time to come, Timor-Leste will continue to require international assistance in that sector if we are to offer our people an independent and professional judiciary that is fundamental to our democratic process. Our relations with our two closest neighbours continue to develop on a sound basis. The high point of our relationship with Indonesia came last year, when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited our country.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  10. “One need only listen directly to those on the receiving end of the abuses or read our media reports to conclude that there have been too many unacceptable breaches of our own laws and of international obligations. However, I believe also that, compared with the situation that prevailed only two years ago, there has been a marked improvement in the overall conduct of our police force. We are very grateful to those countries that have made such an important contribution to the development of our police force. Unfortunately, our shortcomings and failings are not confined to one area alone. We are conscious of our shortcomings in the justice sector - as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  11. “We would not have achieved this without the Council's steady and generous assistance. In the short period of time that has elapsed since the transfer of sovereignty in May 2002, our new nation, building on the impressive through basic and precarious institutions left by UNTAET, has made some strong progress. The Secretary-General's report provides a good overview of the achievements made and the challenges my country still faces. To add to the Secretary- General's positive assessment of the situation in the country, Council members might wish to read another recent, positive report - this one by the World Bank. As head of State, I am fully aware of the criticisms levelled at our security forces, namely the national police.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  12. “As we are nearing the end of the mandate of the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), allow me to express in this forum the collective and sincere gratitude of the people of Timor-Leste to the Council for the critical role that this body has played in the recent history of our country. Though it might sometimes seem to us that 1999's dark days of senseless violence and destruction are a thing of the past, let us not forget that it all happened only a few years ago. Yet in this short time span much has happened and much has changed for the better - so much so that our people, despite the fact that many are still trying to come to terms with their personal suffering, are happy that we are at peace with ourselves and with our neighbours and that we are living in a free and democratic country.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  13. “It sets high store by healing... Justice as retribution often ignores the victim, and the system is usually impersonal and cold. Restorative justice is hopeful." We, too, are hopeful, and it is important that we, too, follow the path of restorative justice, in step with our needs. Finally, what should be the true lesson learned from this report? There are many valuable recommendations that deserve in-depth study by Timorese society and particularly by the political forces of our nation. The commitment that we should all undertake is not to allow, under any circumstances, a recurrence of political violence in our beloved homeland. Allow me now to turn to current developments in Timor-Leste and to speak of the achievements and challenges.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  14. “I have had to ask myself if it would be in our national interest - which must include social harmony - to begin a process that, I am told by some friends, will bring justice, and have this process go on for years, possibly setting back the democratic consolidation that is being undertaken in Timor-Leste and in Indonesia, respectively. The answer that I came to, after wide consultation with the people, was that it would not be. Archbishop Tutu spoke at length on this issue, and what is most telling is that he mentioned both the necessity and desirability of adopting a restorative justice model. He said: "So it was a mercy that our country chose this way to go the way of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission - granting amnesty in exchange for the truth. This was ultimately based on the principles of restorative justice and ubuntu....”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  15. “We had to make our homes in this, our common motherland, and learn to live with one another Such trials probably would have gone on nearly forever, leaving gaping wounds open." Whilst we do not share a common motherland with Indonesia; we do share a border; we do share history; we do have citizens of Timor-Leste living, working and studying in Indonesia; we are both nascent democracies struggling to put behind us years of conflict; and our fates are in many ways conjoined. Timor-Leste is not a conquering nation and Indonesia is not a conquered one.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  16. “For members' benefit, I have attached to my speech a copy of that timely article, entitled "Justice is Reconciliation", but allow me to read out some salient parts that speak to our situation as much as any other can. "In our case neither, the apartheid Government nor the liberation movement could defeat each other. We had a military deadlock. Moreover, in the case of Nuremberg, the prosecutors and judges could pack up their bags after the trial and leave Germany for their homes.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  17. “While there have been many national truth commissions, there has never been one jointly initiated by two countries, and we regret that the United Nations has so far not shown much interest in or support for that novel initiative. The establishment of the Commission for Truth and Friendship was an undertaking of the State. The State of Timor-Leste works on the principle that truth-telling is a way of achieving justice, which, under the current circumstances, is the best approach to the democratic development of both countries - Timor-Leste and Indonesia. In our perception, it is not easy for anyone to accept the truth. The acceptance of the truth is therefore the acknowledgement of responsibility. On the way here, I came across an article by Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu on the very issue on which I am reflecting.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  18. “The prosecution's recommendation suggests, on the one hand, the establishment of an international tribunal and, on the other, that the contracts of the international judges who served on the Special Panels for Serious Crimes be renewed and that the resources allocated to the investigation and trial of all crimes committed between 1975 and 1999 be enhanced. That recommendation does not take into account the situation of political anarchy and social chaos that could easily erupt if we should decide to bring people to court for every crime committed by ourselves since 1975. Finally, the report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation also deals with the Commission for Truth and Friendship, considered as the opposite of punitive justice.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  19. “What also concern me are the report's recommendations pertaining to reparations for the victims and further prosecutions. The report asks the permanent members of the Security Council, the Governments that sold weapons to Indonesia and supported Indonesia's policy, as well as the Portuguese and Indonesian Governments, to pay reparations to the victims. In regard to the responsibilities of those who, during the 24 years from 1975 to 1999, by indifference and inaction or by direct participation enabled an unjust situation to persist for so long, I can only express my deepest gratitude for what the countries mentioned in the Commission's report and many others have done to free us and to rebuild our country. There are not enough words to express the gratitude of our people.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  20. “It is promoted mostly as retribution - punishing those who act outside the rule of law. Retributive justice is found in the legal systems of all countries, yet we know that justice has a deterrent component and that most countries incorporate that aspect of justice into their legal systems. The report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation states that "the absence of justice is a fundamental obstacle in the process of building a democratic society". My reply to that would be: "Not necessarily". Justice cannot be abstracted, and I would say that the building of a democratic society is very much dependent upon the context in which we apply that concept. Our own process in building tolerance and reconciliation as the bases for a democratic participation of the people is applying restorative justice.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  21. “The investigations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation can be grouped into two main areas: the international dimension, pertaining to the way the international community positioned itself in relation to the question of Timor- Leste, and the internal dimension, which dealt with acts committed against the Timorese. Regarding responsibility for the acts committed by us Timorese since the 1980s, we acknowledge that such violations of human rights took place. We knew that the report of the Commission would suffer from a lack of impartiality and objectivity unless the human rights abuses committed by Timorese against Timorese were addressed as well. Some of the report's recommendations with respect to justice are very ambitious. What, after all, is the objective of justice?”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  22. “It is as a result of our efforts at reconciliation that there has not been a single revenge killing of suspected elements implicated in the occupation of our country. If the elections of August 2001 for the Constituent Assembly represented a great moment of civic behaviour on the part of the citizens of Timor-Leste, and if the elections of April 2002 for the President of the Republic were held in a commendable climate free from violence, they should be seen as a reflection of the profound consciousness of our people of the need never, ever again to allow any space in Timor-Leste for political violence. That is why we are living in an environment of political stability and social harmony.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  23. “Those meetings were also aimed at fostering genuine reconciliation among the people, and genuine reconciliation means the way that people accept each other without sentiments of revenge and hatred. We need not evaluate the report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation solely from the incomplete perspective of exposing the truth regarding violations of human rights. I acknowledge that the Commission's mandate was the pivotal element leading to all other activities. We all acknowledge the merit that the Commission has earned in the search for truth. Further, we all acknowledge that truth is seminal to the quest for justice for the victims. Reconciliation, however, has been a long- standing process for the people of Timor-Leste.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  24. “The following excerpt can be read in the report handed to me on 31 October 2005: "The Commission is of the opinion that it is not possible to achieve long-lasting reconciliation without establishing the truth, obtaining justice and providing compensation to the victims." Before the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation was established, the National Council of Timorese Resistance, with the support of the International Organization for Migration, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, was engaged in meetings at the border involving victims and perpetrators in an effort to encourage the Timorese who had fled to West Timor to return home.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  25. “That understanding is crucial to our analysis and conclusions. Therefore, if we consider that the previous 24 years were years of injustice - injustice in which part of the international community was implicated - then the collective actions taken by the United Nations in 1999 in freeing our people, and in assisting us since, are acts of redemption and of superior justice.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  26. “2001/10 of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) as amended by our National Parliament. Abiding by the law and in an effort to expedite the process, I handed the report over to the National Parliament on 28 November, and thereafter to the Government. On 20 January 2006, the Secretary-General was gracious enough to receive me. On that occasion, I presented him with a copy of the Commission's report. When I addressed our National Parliament on 28 November, I said that, upon learning about the contents of the report, I concluded that both Minister Ramos-Horta and I were right in saying that true justice for the East Timorese was the recognition by the international community of the right of the people of Timor-Leste to self-determination and independence.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  27. “In the 19805, when I was still in the mountains of Timor-Leste leading the FALINTIL guerrilla army, I was informed that President Nyerere had raised the issue of Timor-Leste's self-determination during a visit to Indonesia. Words cannot do justice to the feelings we experienced or to the way our spirits soared when we received the news of that. In the interest of time, my presentation will be an abridged version of the statement that has been circulated in the Chamber. I will address three issues: my thoughts on the report of our Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, current developments and challenges, and our ongoing needs and expectations vis-a-vis the international community. On 31 October 2005, Mr. Aniceto Guterres, Chairman of the Commission, handed to me the Commission's final report, pursuant to regulation No.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source

  28. “President Gusmfio: I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for inviting me to speak to this body today. I ask the indulgence of the members of the Security Council in offering special thanks. On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, I wish to convey to you, Mr. President, and to the people of Tanzania, our profound gratitude for the strong support you have given us, beginning in December of 1975, when Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, arrived here for the first time to seek the assistance of the Security Council. He was literally met at the front door by Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, who looked after him. I express our deepest gratitude to the late President of Tanzania, Mr. Julius Nyerere, Father of the Nation.”

    2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source