New York, 19 October 2010

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivan Barbalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations
at the UN Security Council Debate
on Timor-Leste

We join other delegations in thanking the Secretary-General for his latest report on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) (S/2010/522). In addition, we extend our thanks to Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, and express our appreciation for her important contribution and tireless work. We would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste and thank her for her contribution to this debate.

In addition, we commend the crucial role that the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste plays in support of Timor-Leste’s efforts to achieve progress in many different areas, including in the security, political, institutional and socio-economic fields. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina would like to commend the Timorese people, government and political parties, as the overall situation during the reporting period remained calm and stable.

We are encouraged to learn that President Ramos-Horta has continued his dialogue initiative on the theme “Road to peace and national unity”, thus supporting reconciliation and peace initiatives in urban and rural communities. We believe that such efforts may serve as an important step, which we hope will have a positive impact on the lives of many in Timor-Leste.

Strengthening security-sector reform is crucial for sustainable peace and security in Timor-Leste. While we welcome the resumption by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) of primary responsibilities for police operations in several districts since May 2009, we are also hopeful that the process will be finalized by the end of this year in all districts and all units. In order to achieve this goal, further institutional development and capacity-building within the PNTL are of particular importance. There must be a clear delineation of responsibility between the PNTL and the Falintil Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste. A comprehensive reform process for both should be carefully developed and completed.

As stated by the Secretary-General in his report, the Timorese authorities have taken significant steps to strengthen national capacities and to enhance the effectiveness of the justice sector. We therefore particularly welcome the launch of the Justice Sector Strategic Plan for Timor-Leste.

Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly believes that the reintegration of internally displaced persons is inextricably linked with both achieving and maintaining lasting peace and strengthening democratic institutions and processes. In that context, we warmly welcome the closure of the last transitional shelter for internally displaced persons.

We firmly believe that only truth and justice can lead the country towards full reconciliation and prosperity. In that regard, we commend the submission of draft laws on the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship to the President of the Timorese Parliament.

The more successful the fight against impunity is, the better the prospects for true reconciliation and national unity. Socio-economic problems must be addressed in an effective and coordinated manner, with all stakeholders onboard, including the private sector, civil society and foreign donors. Infrastructure projects, foreign investment and improvements in youth employment will contribute to poverty reduction and promote sustainable economic growth.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is of the opinion that the general elections to be organized in 2012 will be of critical importance and a true test of Timorese democratic progress. We welcome the role of UNMIT and the United Nations Development Programme in assisting electoral management bodies to consolidate institutional capacities in order to enable them to conduct the upcoming elections with limited international support.

In conclusion, we reiterate our full support for the continued and steady progress Timor-Leste is making on its path to a stable, secure and democratic society while simultaneously strengthening both its economic and developmental capacities. Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the efforts of the people and the Government of Timor-Leste and encourages them to proceed with the same determination towards a better future — a future of peace, security and prosperity.
 
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