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Minister Ramos-Horta's speech at the UN SC, 6 May 2006
Timor-Leste’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation,
Dr José Ramos-Horta, told the United Nations Security Council
last night that because of the volatility and fragility of the
situation in his country, and with presidential and parliamentary
elections due by next May, at least a company of international
police is required in country for another year.
“As I speak today, Dili is on the edge. Fear is palpable
among a people traumatized by past violence. There are concerns
about the ability of the PNTL to maintain law and order. There
is concern about cohesion within the remaining F-FDTL forces.
However, I wish to assure that the same leadership that guided
our people through these last 30 years are united and are determined
to overcome this new challeng,” Dr Ramos-Horta, in a passionate
speech, told the Security Council.
“President Xanana Gusmao and Prime Minister Alkatiri have
held regular consultations and there have been frequent consultations
between the two leaders with the leadership of the F-FDTL and
PNTL.
“The Government is in full control of the situation and
Public Administration continues to function though at a much slower
pace as many civil servants have left town. The F-FDTL has now
completely returned to the barracks. The PNTL is charge of law
and order.”
Further on Dr Ramos-Horta said:
“As I speak today, Dili is on the edge. Fear is palpable
among a people traumatized by past violence. There are concerns
about the ability of the PNTL to maintain law and order. There
is concern about cohesion within the remaining F-FDTL forces.
However, I wish to assure Your Excellencies that the same leadership
that guided our people through these last 30 years are united
and are determined to overcome this new challenge.
“President Xanana Gusmao and Prime Minister Alkatiri have
held regular consultations and there have been frequent consultations
between the two leaders with the leadership of the F-FDTL and
PNTL.
“The Government is in full control of the situation and
Public Administration continues to function though at a much slower
pace as many civil servants have left town. The F-FDTL has now
completely returned to the barracks. The PNTL is charge of law
and order.”
Dr Ramos-Horta told the Security Council that “as UNOTIL’s
mandate draws to a close, Timor-Leste is preparing for the holding
of the first post-independence national elections. The Government
of Timor-Leste and its people are determined, at this crucial
juncture of our country’s history, to ensure that the presidential
and parliamentary elections will be held in a free, fair and credible
manner.
“However, most recent developments indicate that threats
remain to our fragile peace and stability in Timor-Leste.”
Concluding his address to the United Nations Security Council,
Dr Ramos-Horta said:
“I wish to reiterate that the Secretary-General’s proposal
is a bare minimum that Timor-Leste requires.
“In light of the latest developments, the President, the
Prime Minister and I consider it desirable to have again a robust
international police force during the period leading to the national
elections. Such a force of at least a company strength with appropriate
logistical means is required by the volatility and fragility of
the situation.
“The decision is in your hands, Mr. President, and this
decision will decisively influence the course of events in my
country, for good or for bad.”
Read the full text of the speech.
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