YouSaid · the spoken record

Seixas Da Costa

lines on the record: 79
first: 2001-05-18
most recent: 2002-05-20
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“For our part, we are prepared to give the new East Timor authorities all possible support in their difficult tasks ahead. And we will be looking forward to the date we will be receiving East Timor, in this House, as the first nation of the twenty-first century. Viva Timor Leste.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“It is also our duty to be attentive to their need to protect the full sovereignty of the country and its capacity to affirm it at every moment without any ambiguity or limitation, to support the establishment and consolidation of the republic's new network of external relations and to facilitate its complete integration into regional and international structures. The creation of the eighth nation with Portuguese as its official language is a moment of pride for my country and, I am sure, for the other Portuguese- speaking countries. All of them, without hesitation, have always sided with East Timor in its long fight for freedom. Just a few hours ago, a Portuguese ambassador presented his credentials to President Xanana Gusmao. A bilateral programme of cooperation has already been signed between our two Governments.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“It is our common duty to provide the means for the East Timorese leadership - for Xanana Gusmao, for Mari Alkatiri, for Francisco Guterres, for Jose Ramos-Horta - to put that constitutional law fully into practice. They need to rebuild a country where young generations may feel they have the necessary means, where refugees may find a place to live and reintegrate, and where former guerrilla members may receive collective recognition for what they did to restore their national project.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Last Friday, the Council approved the mandate for a new mission to East Timor, the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), which will try to provide assistance and security to the new country in the first months of its life. We very much hope that future decisions related to the level of assistance to be given to East Timor will continue to be based on realistic assessments of the concrete needs of the new country. I am sure that the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, will not fail to provide to this Council accurate information in this regard. It should be noted that East Timor today has constitutional law in which human rights, gender rights and the internal division of power are formally protected.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“We also owe them a lot, and I want to stress this today in front of Under-Secretary- General Jean-Marie Guehenno, of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), whose work and whose department's work played a vital role in this entire process; they deserve praise from us all. Today is only the first day of the rest of East Timor's history. The international community needs to understand that the United Nations helped to give birth to a country that, for the time being, will be one of the poorest nations in the world. The world needs to know that East Timor is far from being a stable nation with all the necessary means to face the future.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“The work done by the United Nations more recently in favour of East Timor, under the very able guidance of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, must be highly praised on this day. The United Nations was able to reconcile the East Timorese with the international community, and this must be stated here loudly. For that reason, the United Nations also must be very proud of this moment. At the last meeting of the Council on this issue, I took the opportunity to thank United Nations officials who contributed to the United Nations presence and activities in the territory.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“They are the real heroes of our time: those who died for the freedom of their country, those who fought under appalling conditions and in almost complete isolation. They also need to be remembered here today. Today is a day ofjoy - a day to congratulate the East Timorese on their courage, on their stubbornness and on their fabulous capacity to live for the future, after all they went through in the past. I want to mention that past - not to exploit any political argument, but to call attention to the fact that the international community still owes a special debt to the East Timorese. That debt has been incurred because of what the international community did not do to support them in their time of need and because of the terrible silence which contributed to their missed chances in those long years when realpolitik prevailed.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“We are known to be a country that is very proud of its history; indeed we are, and I must say that we feel proud that we were able, to a certain extent, to contribute to the event we are celebrating today. For more than 40 years, the United Nations paid special attention to the overseas territories under Portuguese administration. Five of those territories acquired sovereign status in 1975. For reasons history already has taken note of, East Timor did not have the chance to accede to independence in the same year. Only through immense suffering were the East Timorese people, who for many years were forgotten by a great part of the international community, able to keep alive the hope of building their own country.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Let me start by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting of the Security Council to celebrate the independence of East Timor. I also wish to say how honoured we are at your presence here today. The European Union Presidency has already made a statement, to which I fully subscribe. But I think that members will understand that my country has something of its own to say, especially on this occasion. I cannot fail to start by remembering that today my country closes an important chapter of its history. The last territory of what was once called the Portuguese colonial empire today exerted the right of self-determination and affirmed its independence. The decolonization process, which this Portuguese generation started and concluded, could not have ended better than with the creation of the democratic nation of East Timor.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the information in the Secretary-General's report about the mechanism set up for coordination among these different actors. In less than a month East Timor will be independent. We will all be represented at the ceremonies in Dili to celebrate with the Timorese that important and historic moment. I believe that the Timorese will see that presence as a sign of the continued commitment and support of the international community, especially the United Nations, for the future of their territory and their country. Let us not disappoint them.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“In the past, I have spoken extensively in the Council about the fundamental importance of justice and the judicial system in East Timor, therefore, and I do not intend to take up more of the Council's time on this. Before I conclude, I would like to express Portugal's appreciation for the work that the international financial institutions and the United Nations specialized agencies have accomplished to date in East Timor in their different areas of expertise. We believe that the joint efforts of these institutions, the Secretariat, non-governmental organizations and bilateral donors will be crucial not only for the successful accomplishment of the United Nations mandate but also for a smooth transition to a normal development framework.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Obviously, the international presence will have less and less weight in the local economy, and the Timorese will have to adapt their lives to this new reality. But it is essential to recognize that for the new Government this will represent considerable additional challenges. The extent of those challenges will not be fully known until some time after independence. Regarding the civilian component of UNMISET, I would like to highlight once again the importance of including the Civilian Support Group in it. I do not need to repeat the fundamental importance we attach to these core functions in ensuring that the achievements of the public administration are not jeopardized. We also welcome the intention to include a human rights office, as well as a serious crimes unit, in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“I do not want to create alarm or sound gloomy, but I must call the attention of the Council to the potential threats that exist in Timorese society that will challenge the new Government very seriously. This is a society where opportunities for the new generation are still lacking, where important sectors of the former resistance and the former administration still tend to feel excluded from the new social, political and economic life, and where a possible new wave of refugees could trigger an immense social problem, with public-security implications. In addition, the new Government will have to deal with the economic and social impact of the drawdown of the international community.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“In particular, we consider that no final assessment should be made, with practical consequences for capacity on the ground, without taking into account the experience of the first months after the independence. It is not my intention to try to invoke ghosts or to create artificial threats. By nature, we diplomats are interested in being professional optimists but we also want to have permanent reasons to remain such. That is why I want the Council to know that it is my Government's firm belief that there are important potential security risks that need to be taken fully into account, not only with regard to the external dimension but, increasingly, on the internal front.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“How long will the Council take to re-engage by taking a concrete course of action to counter such acts? Why take that risk, given the immense financial and political cost for the future that it might entail? It would also risk the credibility that the United Nations has earned in recent years. We are not asking the Council to consider creating a sort of dependent State - a permanently assisted administration. Very simply, we are asking for the phasing-out of the military and security forces to be undertaken on the basis of a clear assessment of concrete risks, not on the basis of those that are surfacing under current circumstances.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“We firmly believe that the current situation is the result of the presence of a robust United Nations peacekeeping force and the deterrent effect that it has had during almost three years of operation. After 20 May, the international lights will start fading over East Timor. As soon as the situation in the new country becomes one of business as usual in the eyes of the international community, the Council - as is perfectly understandable - will be inclined to put East Timor into its archives. But what will happen if things go wrong, if the East Timorese leaders' efforts - even with the residual support of the international community - prove insufficient to tackle the actions of those who may be interested in disrupting normal life in the territory?”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Well-trained police and defence forces that respect human rights and civilian supervision are a requirement not only for the sustainability of true independence but also for guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law. Since the United Nations police and military will have executive as well as training functions, it will be very important to clearly define arrangements guiding the relationship between them and the Timorese forces, namely, command and control mechanisms. We encourage the efforts under way to finalize these arrangements before independence. The calm situation and the fact that there have been no recent security incidents related to militia activity from West Timor should not fool us into thinking that there are no risks at all to the security and stability of East Timor.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“The United Nations, working with the international community, is responsible for keeping an adequate presence in East Timor and for supporting it after independence. Portugal welcomes the report of the Secretary-General and supports its recommendations for the establishment of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). I believe it is worth underlining the consistent manner in which this presence was planned. About a year ago, a concept was outlined and was subsequently developed into what we now have in front of us: a clear and reasonable road map for the two years ahead of us. We welcome the fact that this road map provides a milestone-based approach, focused on specific targets and on-the-ground assessments. On security aspects, I would underline the need to develop and strengthen the East Timorese institutions.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“However, a new democracy is not merely a question of new institutions; it is also about the capacity to face internal political conflicts and disagreements and to wisely manage the difficult periods - despite the lack of resources and given the many expectations. It will require an adjustment in mentality and adequate material conditions on a sustained basis if it is to bear fruit. Difficult to establish, a democracy is even more difficult to sustain and to strengthen. That is why we believe that the emerging institutions in East Timor, created under the responsibility of the United Nations, must continue to be protected and supported - not for too long, but for as long as is needed for us to be able to say that the work of the international community and its main organizations there is complete.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“The Secretary-General will have a distinguished and outstanding diplomat, a man of good will and exceptional experience, to represent him and to be the face and the voice of the international community in East Timor. We wish him all the best, and I want to assure him of our full cooperation in his very demanding task. The case of East Timor has very painfully earned the international community's support. I am sure that the Council agrees with me that the Timorese have proved to us that that support was totally deserved. Anyone who has followed the process knows that we are in the presence of a people of incredible courage and tolerance, with leaders of remarkable vision and commitment. I believe we can consider the democratic process in East Timor to be exemplary. The presidential election of 14 April was just one more instance of this.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“I want to take this occasion to reiterate once more Portugal's appreciation for the excellent work of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General throughout this entire process, from Ambassador Jamsheed Marker and Ian Martin, to Sergio Vieira de Mello. It was their dedication and skills which made it possible to carry out the United Nations mandate in East Timor. They did it at different times, but always under strenuous conditions. The recent appointment of my colleague and friend, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the post- independence period gives me the guarantee that this work will be furthered with the same ability.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“It is easy to read in the reports of the Secretary- General how many schools have been rebuilt, how many roads have been repaired, how many civil servants have been recruited, and to simply take that for granted. It is easy to look upon that lightly, without realizing how much it means to East Timor, how difficult it was to achieve and - I need to stress this - how complex it will be to sustain. Calling the United Nations role in East Timor so far a success is already a platitude - a success that is not without flaws or gaps, but still an obvious success. We have always said that we should be careful not to create a future situation in which all these efforts might be jeopardized and wasted.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Today seems like the right time to look back and to briefly evaluate the work the United Nations has done in East Timor to date, not to benefit history, but to draw some lessons for the future. I do not think I need to go into details, as most of the facts are well known to us all. Throughout recent years, the Secretary- General has presented a full account not only of United Nations efforts and achievements, but also of the steps necessary to guarantee a smooth transition to the independence of East Timor. The Timorese themselves have on several occasions contributed their own experience and expectations to this Council. We all recognize that East Timor is in a much better situation today than it was three years ago and that most of that improvement is due to United Nations efforts.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“President Xanana Gusmao, as well as Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri, are the legitimate voices of a courageous people whom my Government wishes to praise and salute. Their visit to New York, on the eve of East Timor's independence, is a tribute to the United Nations contribution to their country's cause. It is also a fresh opportunity to hear their important reading of the current situation in the territory. The next time the Security Council meets on East Timor, it will probably be to approve the mandate for a United Nations mission in the country after independence. We very much expect that this mandate will guarantee the necessary conditions for the fulfilment of the obligations created by the international community to the East Timorese situation.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Let me start by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting and the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Hedi Annabi, for his very comprehensive and useful briefing. The presidency of the European Union will make a statement after mine on the situation in East Timor. Allow me to add some remarks on behalf of my own country. I would like to take advantage of this occasion to extend a very special greeting to President-elect Xanana Gusmao. We are used to seeing distinguished guests seated in those chairs, some of them historically important in the life of their countries. The members of the Council may understand how pleased I am, as a Portuguese ambassador, to have the opportunity to see here today the newly and democratically elected President of a territory which for a long time my country had wanted to see free and independent.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Within the responsibilities the troika assumed under the Lusaka Protocol, we are prepared to continue to assist the United Nations in its proactive role during this phase of the peace process as long as we are requested to do so.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“We also consider the use of agreed-upon facilitators as a helpful tool to clarify each party's understanding of the current situation. Nevertheless, to move the peace process ahead, the presentation of any concrete proposals in this regard should remain firmly in the hands of the United Nations, as the representative of the international community and the guarantor of the Lusaka Protocol, and through which a future solution must be found. We once more reiterate that only the practice of good governance, respect for human and civil rights and the delivery of better social and economic conditions to the Angolan people can contribute to bringing the conflict to an end.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“Everyone must show the flexibility to let others act where they are not able to do so. Without peace and stability there will be no durable solution to the dire humanitarian situation in Angola. We have often stated our conviction that there can be no military solution to the Angolan conflict. The troika of observers to the Lusaka Protocol praises the efforts being made by the Secretary-General's Special Adviser, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, in order to relaunch a dialogue between the parties. The troika is of the opinion that all these efforts must be pursued in the most transparent manner, in order to sustain the confidence of the parties, keeping in mind that the Lusaka Protocol is, and will remain, the sole framework for peace.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“This must be done in a way that combines efficiency and respect for the basic political principles of the peace process. Humanitarian assistance should not be used to achieve political advantage, and neither should it be withheld or impeded in any way. Access should be ensured for aid workers throughout the country. We must be practical. There are populations in the territory of Angola that have been unable, until now, to have access to food supplies and basic medical assistance due to the conditions created by the war. The good will of those involved in this process will be measured by how they address the humanitarian needs of the Angolan people. All those involved need to understand that the international community cannot allow the current situation to continue indefinitely.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“The members of the troika are looking for action and expect the Government of Angola and the United Nations to report back on their progress in addressing the humanitarian situation. This meeting of the Security Council is proof that the humanitarian situation in Angola is of the utmost concern to the international community. The ongoing conflict has brought unacceptable suffering to the Angolan people and has subjected them to terrible living conditions. If there were no other reason to justify the renewed commitment of the international community to the peace process in Angola, this dire humanitarian situation would be reason enough. We need to be creative and constructive in finding adequate and appropriate solutions to address the suffering of millions of Angolans, in particular those living in the most remote areas.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“The Government of Angola can do more to help its own citizens who are displaced, and we are encouraged to hear the representatives of the Government of Angola recognize that they themselves need to do more for their own people. We welcome recent expressions of intent by the Government to provide more resources in the areas of health, transport and food distribution, and we look forward to these important commitments quickly becoming reality. We encourage the Angolan Government to take a more active stance in the provision of direct assistance and to fully cooperate in the efforts of the international community to alleviate the suffering of those who are not receiving the necessary assistance.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“Unfortunately, the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Angola, as described in very clear terms by Under-Secretary-General Oshima, may soon dwarf the efforts of the international community and the Government. The humanitarian burden of the war continues to grow and has accelerated in recent months. The estimated number of internally displaced persons is now over 4 million. The number of refugees continues to grow in Zambia, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo - over 30,000 in recent months. The conflict is forcing populations to move, often against their will and often with inadequate preparation for their care. We particularly want to register our grave concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the areas of the country where access is most difficult for relief agencies.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“Today I will speak on behalf of the troika of observer States of the Lusaka Protocol - the Russian Federation, the United States and Portugal. We welcome the Vice-Minister for External Relations of the Republic of Angola to this important discussion. His presence signals the strengthened engagement of the Angolan Government in responding to the needs of the staggering number of internally displaced persons and refugees in Angola, as well as in supporting the ongoing international effort to improve the humanitarian situation throughout the entire country. We note that the United Nations and the Security Council have welcomed these important efforts by the Angolan Government.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“But let us not forget that the international community cannot assume a neutral role in the process of building their nation, because the international community has implicitly recognized that for many years it was guilty of the neutrality it assumed when the Timorese were the innocent victims of the injustices of history. The United Nations was able to reconcile the international community with the Timorese. The Council, as one of the Organization's major organs, has the duty to guarantee that the responsibility of the United Nations is exercised until the adequate means to run the country are put at disposal of the Timorese. Through the Timorese case, the Council also has the opportunity to reflect on the way the United Nations operates in all its dimensions in its peacekeeping missions.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I would say rather that East Timor is the child of its own very difficult struggle but that it would not be about to stand on its own if it were not for the excellent caretaker leading it in its first years. The independence of East Timor is an important date in a long process in which the East Timorese were always the major players as the masters of their own destiny. In the past, they were prepared to die in order to prove that they were alive. In the future, I am sure they will give us a lesson of responsibility in the management of their new democratic State.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are looking forward to further recommendations from the Secretary-General on issues such as the mechanisms of cooperation between the United Nations and the Timorese authorities after independence, especially in the area of security, and the mechanisms that will trigger the post-independence United Nations mission in the country. Portugal would welcome an early discussion of these issues among Council members and between Council members and other interested countries. The independence of East Timor will be a historic moment not only for the Timorese; it will also be very special for the United Nations. Some people have said that East Timor is the child of the United Nations.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Building credible institutions will be the best legacy that the United Nations, indeed all of us, can leave in East Timor. And it is not an area where we can afford to fail. I can assure you that Portugal has done and will continue to do its utmost to support these endeavours. In the four months ahead of us, the role of the Council will continue to be crucial. A number of aspects, both substantive and procedural, will need to be discussed and agreed on so that the Council can take timely action to turn the planning exercise into a reality.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Reconciliation and justice must go hand in hand. I believe the Timorese have shown they are very tolerant and willing to forgive. They want to leave the past behind them and build a new future. But this is not likely to last if there are no assurances that in that future, crimes will not go unpunished. Similarly, the police and military must absolutely be perceived as professional forces, subject to civilian rule, that exist to protect and help the citizens. As for human rights, I do not need to point out how important it is that they are not only formally included in the legal basis of the State but also implemented in the daily administration of the country. Portugal believes that the post-independence presence in East Timor must continue to have a strong role in these areas.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Looking at the post-independence period in East Timor, I must underline a number of areas that we believe are crucial for the sustainability of democracy and the rule of law. These are the training of the Timorese police and military, the development of the judiciary, and the establishment of a human rights culture. In all these areas several steps have been taken, both through UNTAET and through United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizatons and bilateral donors, but a lot remains to be done. Without a strong and well-trained judiciary, the basic premise of democracy - the separation of powers - cannot become a reality and the people will not be able to trust their governmental institutions. Also, without a strong judiciary, there is not much room for reconciliation and the healing of society.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Council has thus made clear that it is willing to continue to have a supportive and constructive role in East Timor's independence and stability. It has also made it possible for the Secretariat to have an early and very clear basis on which to develop an exit strategy which takes into account the United Nations capacities, the situation on the ground and the wishes of all people of the country. I believe that, for the first time in its peacekeeping history, the United Nations is analysing the impact of its withdrawal from a country and is trying to define timely measures to counter and reduce its negative effects. This means we are learning from past mistakes and establishing good precedents for the future.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It allowed the United Nations and the international community to develop its action with due regard for the interlinked nature of the requirements for stability. We all know that in today's world there is hardly any separation between security, political, social and economic problems. To address one, we have to address all of them in a coordinated manner. This is by no means an easy task, but it is the only way to address conflict and post-conflict situations if we are to reach sustainable solutions. This is as valid for East Timor as it is everywhere. In its presidential statement of 31 October 2001, the Council endorsed the Secretary-General's recommendations for the post-independence mission in East Timor, including the need to ensure assessed funding for a number of civilian positions.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We also noted that the Secretary-General linked the progressive downsizing of the military and police components of UNTAET to the progress in training and making operational the East Timor Police Service and Defence Forces. We very much support this approach by the Secretary-General, which is based on the continued analysis of the prevailing situation on the ground. The Security Council as a whole, and its member States individually, have been instrumental in the progress of East Timor towards independence. By handing down to UNTAET a very comprehensive mandate, the Council did not make the mission's goal any easier, but it certainly allowed it to develop an integrated and wide-ranging approach to peace and stability in the country.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Portugal strongly supports the framework and line of action proposed, as well as the timeline envisaged for that process. We believe that an integrated peacekeeping mission, comprising military, police and civilian components, is the best approach to post-independence support for East Timor. We feel very strongly that a number of civilian support positions should be included in that mission and financed through assessed contributions in order to ensure minimum stability to the new administration in its early stage of independence. I would like to highlight the recommendations of the Secretary-General in the area of security. We noted that despite the significant improvements there are still some risks and that the planned downsizing of the peacekeeping force is taking this into account.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“My Government strongly believes that all these reasons amply justify the continued engagement of the United Nations and the international community in East Timor, especially after independence. The fact that UNTAET and the Timorese have achieved so much is all the more reason to continue supporting them, so they can finish and strengthen the tasks that the Security Council entrusted to them. Any other option would be irresponsible and unacceptable. It would be like punishing the good student because he has been doing all his homework and is therefore getting better results than his colleagues. Section III of the Secretary-General's report outlines in some detail the plans for the transition to the post-independence United Nations mission in East Timor.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Many roads, bridges and public buildings have been rebuilt, and water and electricity are being provided to the population. A Constitutional Assembly has been elected and a Transitional Government subsequently appointed, new legislation has been passed in all areas of activity, and the courts and prisons are functioning. I believe we should be asking ourselves how many United Nations missions can claim such an extensive record of achievements. How many of our own countries can report similar developments in such a short time and under such difficult conditions? East Timor is four months into the process approving a constitution and very close to concluding it. I do not believe it would be feasible to accelerate this and other processes without serious risk to their future sustainability.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Two years is really not much time to work literally from scratch on establishing a security environment, building a democratic government, improving human capacity, rebuilding infrastructure and restarting the economy. We all have very strong reasons to feel proud if we consider that, only two years after the widespread violence that followed the popular consultation, the Timorese can reasonably expect to have not only their long-fought-for independence, but also a functioning administration, a democratic regime that respects human rights, and prospects for economic sustainability. In just two years security has been re-established, the training of local police and defence forces is under way, 192,000 refugees have returned and been successfully reintegrated in their communities, and the health and education systems are working again.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We have all many times congratulated UNTAET for the progress it has achieved, together with the Timorese and the rest of the international community, in East Timor's security, political, economic and social life. But I think we have grown used to looking at UNTAET and East Timor as a success story and to take that for granted. We sometimes loose sight of how difficult and complex UNTAET'S task was and still is. The initial UNTAET mandate, contained in resolution 1272 (1999), was approved in October 1999. Although the first United Nations officials moved to Dili very soon after that, it was not until the first trimester of 2000 that the mission was fully deployed. This means that we are having this debate just about two years after the very start of UNTAET.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In it the Secretary-General reaffirms his recommendations for the United Nations peacekeeping mission that will succeed UNTAET, as well as for the measures being taken to achieve as seamless a transition as possible from one to the other. The fact that the framework defined several months ago and amply discussed with the Timorese is now being reaffirmed and reinforced clearly shows how well the United Nations knows the situation on the ground and how seriously it has engaged in the planning exercise. Portugal fully supports the recommendation contained in paragraph 104 of the Secretary-General's report to extend the current UNTAET mandate until the date of independence. As this historic day approaches, I believe we need to look closely at what has been done to date, as well as at the way ahead of us.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Like others, I would like to start by thanking you, Sir, for convening this meeting and giving the general membership of the United Nations the opportunity to participate in this debate. I also want to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, for taking time from his very busy agenda in Dili to come to New York and brief us on the progress achieved by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), as well as on his views for the future of the United Nations presence in East Timor. I also must express our appreciation to the Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Jose' Ramos-Horta, for sharing with us the insights of the East Timorese leadership. I would especially like to thank the Secretary- General and his staff for the report we have before us.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Let me begin by expressing what an honour it is for all of us who are concerned with the East Timor process to see you, Sir, presiding over this meeting. This stresses the importance that the Mauritius presidency of the Security Council, whose performance we all praise, attaches to this question. I would be remiss if I also did not mention the symbolism of the presence at the Council this morning of the Prime Minister of Australia and the State Minister of Ireland. Portugal fully supports the statement that has been delivered by Ambassador Inocencio Arias of Spain on behalf of the Presidency of the European Union. Since a lot of our views are contained in that statement, I will focus my own on some issues of particular relevance to my country.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462Resumption1 (2002) · source