SC Team Join Timor Independence Commem'n

In Timor-Leste, Security Council Team Joins Independence Commemoration

New York, Nov 28 2007 6:00PM

Members of a visiting Security Council delegation today joined senior Government officials in commemorating the anniversary of the Proclamation of the National Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, which the United Nations helped shepherd to self-rule in 2002.

The seven-member delegation took part in an official ceremony in Dili which was also attended by President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, among other officials, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

During their 24 to 30 November visit, the delegation will examine the work of the UN mission in the country (UNMIT) and discuss how to help consolidate progress with the Timorese authorities.

In addition to taking part in today’s celebration, the delegation also met with the Bishop of Dili and travelled to the western district of Liquica, where Council members met with local authorities, political party representatives, the national police and the UN police stationed in the area. Discussions focused on the needs of the people in the district, including food security, the general security situation and policing.

They also met with former Timorese Prime Ministers Mari Alkatiri and Estanislau da Silva.

The mission, lead by South African Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo, also includes Ambassador Liu Zhenmin from China, Luc Joseph Okio from the Republic of the Congo, Muhammad Anshor from Indonesia, Diana Eloeva from the Russian Federation, Ambassador Peter Burian from Slovakia and United States Ambassador Jackie Wolcott.

ENDS

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