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Handover ceremony of trucks from Malaysia to Falintil -FDTL,
23 October 2003
Your Excellency Prime Minister, Doctor Mahatir Mohamed;
Excellencies
Ministers
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Welcome
We have just witnessed an act of deep solidarity and cooperation
between our countries. The donation of trucks and necessary equipment
to Falintil-FDTL, our armed forces, from Malaysia, demonstrates
collaboration and support for regional stability.
Falintil-FDTL, Timor-Leste's Defense Force, consists of two battalions
of infantry and a small naval component. It was formally established
under the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration
in East Timor (UNTAET). The first battalion consists of former
guerrilla fighters who resisted occupation for 25 years and fought
with their lives for the liberation of Timor-Leste. The second
battalion consists of young Timorese men and women who were recruited
in accordance with the regulations set out by the United Nations.
Training and development has been provided by international instructors
and advisors from Portugal, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and
Thailand that have been serving within the mandate of the United
Nations Peace Keeping Forces.
Since the restoration of independence, the Government has given
special attention to Falintil-FDTL with the view of professionalizing
the Timor-Leste armed forces and consolidating the institution.
However since Falintil-FDTL's inception there have been material,
financial and other difficulties, which still remain.
This generous donation of necessary equipment from Malaysia comes
at a crucial time. The withdrawal of the international Peace Keeping
Force is rapidly approaching therefore it is imperative that Falintil-FDTL
is sufficiently equipped to assist it in the challenging tasks
ahead.
The key responsibilities of Falinitil - FDTL, are to respect
the National Constitution and the laws under which it functions,
uphold the values of human rights; maintain peace, security, and
stability within the country, and to defend the independent sovereignty
of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste with discipline and
efficiency.
These responsibilities are weighty. Only with peace and security
will economic, political and democratic development take place.
Therefore, we are all dependent on the success of the armed forces
to meet its objectives and fulfil its responsibilities for us
in turn to meet the States objectives of poverty reduction and
economic growth.
In conclusion, I would like to affirm our will to cooperate in
all areas, including our necessary cooperation in defence and
security. On Falintil-FDTL's behalf, and on the behalf of the
people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, I would like
to express our deepest gratitude to Your Excellency Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad and the people of Malaysia for your generous
contribution to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of
Timor-Leste.
Thank you.
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