Annan Recommends Continued UN Presence in Timor

Timor-Leste: Annan Recommends Continued UN Presence To Consolidate Gains

With the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMISET) set to end in May, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has issued a special report to the Security Council hailing recent progress in the country while urging a continued international presence there in the year to come.

Based on an in-depth analysis of Timor-Leste’s requirements, the Secretary-General recommends that the Council extend the mandate of UNMISET for a further 12-month “consolidation phase” beyond the 20 May expiration date.

“I am convinced that a comparatively modest additional effort can make a crucial difference in broadening the scope and increasing the sustainability of the remarkable achievements that have already been made, and allowing Timor-Leste to reach a threshold of self-sufficiency,” Mr. Annan says.

During that time, the Secretary-General writes, UNMISET would function under a modified mandate, providing assistance to the country’s justice system and core administrative structures, contributing to the development of its national police, and helping to maintain security.

He suggests that UNMISET retain 58 civilian advisers, 157 civilian police advisers, 42 military liaison officers and a security force of some 310 military personnel, including an infantry company and air support.

“These recommendations focus on areas that have direct implications for the security and stability of Timor-Leste, and where bilateral assistance is unavailable or not well suited to meet requirements,” Mr. Annan notes.

The Security Council is scheduled to hold a public meeting on Timor-Leste on Friday.

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