Cablegate: Usun Talking Points for Unmit Consultations

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TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9917
INFO RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI IMMEDIATE 6250

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 015562

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TAGS: PREF PREL KPKO TT
SUBJECT: USUN TALKING POINTS FOR UNMIT CONSULTATIONS

1. This is an action request. USUN may draw from the points
in paragraph 2 during a briefing before the Security Council
on the UN Mission in Timor-Leste.

2. Begin talking points:

- I would like to welcome SRSG Ameerah Haq to the UNMIT team.
She joins a capable mission and we look forward to working
with her. We thank former SRSG Atul Khare for his service
to peacekeeping.
- I would like to thank the technical assessment mission,
which provided valuable insight into the current state of
affairs in Timor-Leste and of UNMIT, and set forth a solid
path for the future.
- The successful celebration in August 2009 of Timor-Leste's
tenth anniversary of the popular consultation and the
subsequent months of peace are promising signs in the
Timorese quest for stability. Although the situation remains
fragile, we are encouraged by the progress the Timorese have
made and will continue to make in partnership with UNMIT.
- Today, I would like to make four points:
- First, on security and stability. The United States is
encouraged that security in the country has remained stable
during this last reporting period. Successful local
elections on October 9 are a positive sign. Municipal and
national elections held over the course of the next two
years, however, will test the government,s political
stability and the capacity of the PNTL. The UN and
development partners should remain supportive of the election
process to assist in successful elections that strengthen the
public confidence in the process.
- We are also pleased with the transfer of policing
responsibilities from UNMIT to the Timorese national police
(PNTL) and the Timorese government's desire to accelerate the
time line for transfer of remaining districts. The efforts
of UNMIT, the Timorese national police and the dedication of
bilateral donors are to be commended. As UNMIT continues to
transfer policing responsibilities to the Timorese, we
encourage both parties to remain diligent in delineating
responsibility between the PNTL and UNMIT police.
- We agree with the SYG's recommendation to extend the UNMIT
mandate with the same composition, while decreasing the
number of police personnel from 1,608 to 1,280 by mid 2011
and adding 19 civilian posts within the police component for
specialists. We support and emphasize the
Secretary-General,s recommendation that UNMIT continue
high-quality, specialized training of the PNTL with thorough
assessments conducted at specified intervals following the
hand-over of policing responsibilities on the district level.
It is equally important that UNMIT provide quality mentorship
in developing not only the skills of the PNTL, but the
logistical backbone that will support the PNTL.
- We continue to encourage the Timorese, as they develop
their national security policy, to place a high priority on
delineating the roles of the police and the military, which
is a key element to building enduring stability. The United
States is pleased to continue to help facilitate this process
through our multi-stakeholder National Security Workshops
hosted by the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in
Honolulu. We recognize the improved professionalism of the
Timorese police and military. Additionally, we note
Timor-Leste's progress in developing a national security
policy and long range planning.
- Secondly, I,d like to address the rule of law, justice,
and human rights. In the quest to strengthen the judicial
system, the government of Timor-Leste must not ignore the
persistent need to guard against the cultivation of a culture
of impunity. Although some progress was made in holding
accountable those who committed offenses during the 2006
crisis, the government of Timor-Leste still has much work to
do. Those who committed offenses during the 2006 crisis must
be held accountable in accordance to the recommendations of
the Commission of Inquiry. Ignoring these offenses will
undermine future stability and security. The judicial and
executive branches of government must speak with one voice
when addressing these offenses. The government of
Timor-Leste must support recommendations of the Commission
for Truth and Reconciliation. We encourage all partners to
heed these recommendations as well.
- We are pleased the Timorese have passed key legislation to
support the rule of law, including the Criminal Code which
addresses domestic violence as a public crime.
- The third area I would like to discuss is the culture of
democratic governance and dialogue. Timor-Leste has made
progress in this area, including the establishment of the
Civil Service Commission and more effective oversight from
Parliament in the activities of the government. However,
this is a long-term process that must be supplemented by

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effective checks and balances across the government and a
fight against corruption at all levels. The willingness of
government leadership and the Fretilin opposition to engage
on issues of national interest is a positive sign that we
hope will continue. We are hopeful that the proposed
Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Program under
consideration by our government can assist Timorese efforts
to combat corruption.
- Finally, the issue of socio-economic development remains
important in order to cement peace and stability. We
continue to be concerned about the most vulnerable in
Timor-Leste, the poor and displaced. The government of
Timor-Leste has taken steps to address malnutrition, access
to education, child protection, and reduction in
unemployment. It is imperative that the government continue
to address these needs, specifically in the rural areas. The
international community also must continue to support
economic development in Timor-Leste. The United States
continues to provide support via an array of programs in
health, rural economic development, and justice reform.
- In closing, we are encouraged by the progress in
Timor-Leste, but acknowledge that its stability and
government institutions remain fragile. The technical
assessment mission has laid out a solid path to continue
strengthening the situation. I would like to thank the
peacekeepers of UNMIT for the continued dedication to peace
and security in Timor-Leste as well as their Timorese
partners on the ground and international supporters. The
Timorese have made great strides toward peace and stability
and will continue to do so alongside strong international
partners.

End talking points.
CLINTON

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