VZCZCXRO8540
OO RUEHDT
DE RUEHC #5562/01 0510122
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 200119Z FEB 10
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9917
INFO RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI IMMEDIATE 6250

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 015562 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
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 
 
STATE 00015562  002 OF 002 
 
 
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