VZCZCXRO6501
PP RUEHDT RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #9027/01 2950243
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 220017Z OCT 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 8281
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI 5970

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 109027 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL UNSC KPKO TT
SUBJECT: UNMIT UN SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE REMARKS, OCTOBER 
23, 2009 
 
¶1.    This is an action request, see paragraph 2. 
 
¶2.    Summary and action request: On October 23, 2009, the UN 
Security Council will hold a debate on the UN Integrated 
Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).  The Special Representative 
of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for UNMIT, Atul Khare, will 
brief the UN Security Council on major developments in 
Timor-Leste between February-September 2009, drawing upon the 
October 2, 2009 Report of the Secretary-General on UNMIT. 
This debate provides an opportunity to recognize the 
commitment of the people of Timor-Leste on the tenth 
anniversary of the popular consultation, and to comment on 
the key benchmarks of the four mandated priority areas of the 
Medium Term Strategy of UNMIT.  These areas include: (1.) 
ensuring security and stability; (2.) rule of law, justice, 
and human rights; (3.) culture of democratic governance and 
dialogue; and (4.) socio-economic development.  USUN should 
draw upon the draft remarks in paragraph 3 below, as 
appropriate, during the debate. 
 
¶3.    Begin points. 
 
- Although stability remains fragile, the security situation 
in Timor-Leste has improved dramatically since the political 
crises and violence in 2006, 2007, and early 2008.  We 
congratulate the Timorese people for their accomplishments 
and we wished them well as they celebrated the tenth 
anniversary of the popular consultation on August 30. 
Clearly, in partnership with the international police and 
peacekeepers, the Timorese are on the right track. 
-I would like to make four points regarding the priority 
areas of the Medium Term Strategy of UNMIT. 
-First, regarding security and stability: we recognize the 
progress in developing national security legislation and a 
national security policy.  We have witnessed increased 
professionalization of the Timorese police and military, and 
delineation of their respective roles.  This is evidenced by 
their assistance in the management of security following the 
February 2008 assassination attempts on the President and 
Prime Minister.  We are pleased with the recent transfer of 
policing responsibilities in three districts and in the 
Police Training Center from UNMIT to the Timorese national 
police.  We expect to see further improvements with increased 
emphasis on strategic and long-term planning.  Overall, the 
hard work and dedication of bilateral donors has been 
critical to success in this area. 
-Second, regarding rule of law, justice, and human rights: 
the progress we have seen in strengthening the judicial 
system must be accompanied by strong action against a 
persistent culture of impunity.  The leadership in 
Timor-Leste must continue to pursue accountability for 
criminal offenses committed during the 2006 crisis.  Without 
strong action against impunity, the Timorese will be unable 
to build a lasting foundation for stability and security.  To 
this end, we note the recent completion of an independent 
needs assessment of the justice sector, and encourage all 
partners to heed its recommendations. 
-Third, regarding democratic governance and dialogue:  we 
congratulate the Timorese for the completion of peaceful 
local elections, and commend UNMIT for supporting this 
process.  We welcome President Ramos-Horta,s initiative to 
open a broad dialogue with the Timorese people on priority 
issues.  The independence and responsiveness of the judiciary 
is a critical element for democratic governance.  We 
therefore urge the Government of Timor-Leste to continue its 
administrative reforms, including the development of 
legislative frameworks and a strategic plan for the justice 
sector that also establish a system of accountability for 
criminal offenses. 
-Fourth, regarding socio-economic development: the United 
States is encouraged by the closing of the internally 
displaced persons (IDPs) camps, and also by the safe return 
and resettlement of these persons.  We strongly encourage the 
continuation of projects aimed at social cohesion and 
prevention of renewed conflict.  Additionally, we acknowledge 
progress in addressing the national priorities of the 
International Compact for Timor-Leste, and the measures being 
taken by the Government of Timor-Leste to improve access to 
primary education, to decrease malnutrition, to raise 
employment levels, and to increase child protection.  It is 
critical that Timorese leadership continue to focus on 
programs and policies that reduce poverty and enhance rural 
development. 
-Finally, the United States would like to thank Special 
Representative of the Secretary-General, Atul Khare, for his 
dedication and efforts to the advancement of peace in 
 
STATE 00109027  002 OF 002 
 
 
Timor-Leste, as well as the commitment and hard work of the 
UNMIT staff who serve alongside him. 
End points. 
CLINTON