International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Remarks by Eric Tan
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General
for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law
29 May 2007
Dili, Timor-Leste
Your Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta,
Your Excellency the Prime Minister, Eng Estanislau Da Silva,
Your Excellency the Minister of Interior, Mr Alcino Barris,
Your Excellency the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Adalgiza Magno
FALANTIL-FDTL Commander, BG Taur Matan Ruak
PNTL General Commander (Designate), Afonso de Jesus
Acting Commander ISF, Colonel Paul Van der Broek
Excellencies members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Fellow Peacekeepers from UNMIT, and colleagues from the larger UN family comprising Funds, Agencies and Programmes,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning,
I am delighted to see so many here today at such an early hour to commemorate the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This is a day set aside to honour and pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations. It is also a day to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. In 2002, a General Assembly Resolution designated the 29th of May as the International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers. This was the date in 1948 when the first UN peacekeeping mission began operations in Palestine. This mission was the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
On a more personal note, I recall fondly the very first Peacekeepers Day in 2003, celebrated right here in Dili, on the road just in front of the Palazio das Cinzas. Then President Gusmao reviewed a combined parade of police, military and civilian peacekeepers, and awarded medals to some, including myself. A Timorese school band marched together with us. Today we are most privileged to have His Excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta here with us for the fifth Peacekeepers Day.
In a statement issued today, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon stated, and I quote:
“Last year, for the first time, more than 100,000 peacekeepers were deployed by the United Nations. One hundred and fifteen countries now contribute uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations. Both of these figures are at an all-time high. They speak of unprecedented confidence in – and expectations of – UN peacekeeping.
The ordinary people who benefit from these unseen efforts are often among the world’s most vulnerable. Peacekeepers ensure that refugees and displaced persons can return to their homes; that ex-combatants are disarmed and reintegrated into society; that children are taken off the battlefield and sent to school; that people exercise their right to vote in democratic elections; that individuals human rights are protected, not violated, by police forces and judicial systems; and that fields and forests are de-mined so that they can be used to sustain life instead of trigger death.” End of quote.
UN personnel have been continuously deployed in Timor-Leste since 1999 to assist and support the people of this country. Today, we are here to fulfil a very different role compared to the one before. We first assisted an emerging country to rebuild itself and recover from a long struggle. Now we are assisting the second democratically elected President, and soon a new Government, to solidify, stabilize and make this young democracy sustainable. The evolution of our mandate is surely a most tangible sign that progress has been made.
Young though it may be, Timor-Leste has already demonstrated its readiness to do its part for peace in other post-conflict nations. In December 2005, 10 members of the PNTL were sent to serve in the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. These officers continue to make the PNTL and Timor-Leste proud. We in the United Nations are truly grateful for their contributions.
Turning back to UNMIT, I am pleased to report that the mission today includes 3195 peacekeepers from 86 countries. To each of you, I say a big “Thank You”! You have left your families and homes to contribute towards Timor-Leste in the areas of security, electoral support, development and strengthening of democracy and the rule of law. Your tasks have by no means been easy, but their accomplishment has helped achieve the mandate of UNMIT.
We must also not forget the dangers peacekeepers face. To this end, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the many United Nations peacekeepers -- civilian, police and military -- for having made the ultimate sacrifice “In the Service of Peace.” Such sacrifices are not in vain, for they avoid even more tragic losses of lives especially among the vulnerable, wherever peacekeeping missions are deployed. Nonetheless, it saddens me to announce that 71 peacekeepers have lost their lives here in Timor-Leste. To these, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude, and are here to pay them a special tribute today.
Excellencies, friends and colleagues,
Thanks to the many expressions of recognition we have received from the people of Timor-Leste, it is clear that they know and appreciate the difference the presence of peacekeepers has made. I am grateful for these expressions. At the same time, I have also welcomed, and listened carefully to the words of constructive criticism from our generous hosts. We have much to learn, and must remain willing to do so.
In closing, I would like to remind all of us UN peacekeepers, that in our interactions with the people of Timor-Leste, we project the face of UNMIT, and it is us being identified as the United Nations. Men, women and children of Timor-Leste, young and old, will remember, and either cherish our actions, our words and our compassion. Or they will take away with them a very different opinion. I therefore urge all of us to continue doing our duty with an unshakeable sense of responsibility, for on our shoulders rests the ultimate success and reputation of this mission, and of the United Nations.
I now have the pleasure and honor to call upon the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency, Dr José Ramos-Horta to address us.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Goff to go on night patrol while in East Timor
5:05PM Monday May 28, 2007
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10442259
Defence Minister Phil Goff will go on a night patrol with the army while in East Timor.
Mr Goff heads to East Timor tonight to visit New Zealand Defence Force personnel and police working there, as well as East Timorese officials.
Mr Goff said he would visit Defence Force troops and police officers who had been working to achieve security and stability in East Timor.
"While with the New Zealanders I will accompany New Zealand army personnel on a night patrol in Dili."
Mr Goff will meet with newly-elected President Jose Ramos-Horta, whom he has known for almost 20 years, care-taker Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva and senior military and United Nations officials.
This will be Mr Goff's second visit to East Timor in his role as defence minister.
"... I am looking forward to returning and getting a first hand understanding of the current political and security situation."
He will be in East Timor from May 29-31.
Mr Goff will then go to Singapore for the 6th Asian Security Summit, commonly known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, from June 1-3.
Advertisement
AdvertisementThe dialogue was the key forum for discussing public policy on defence and security in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr Goff said.
Delegates from 26 countries were taking part and he would meeting with counterparts from Australia, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Germany.
- NZPA
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10442259
Defence Minister Phil Goff will go on a night patrol with the army while in East Timor.
Mr Goff heads to East Timor tonight to visit New Zealand Defence Force personnel and police working there, as well as East Timorese officials.
Mr Goff said he would visit Defence Force troops and police officers who had been working to achieve security and stability in East Timor.
"While with the New Zealanders I will accompany New Zealand army personnel on a night patrol in Dili."
Mr Goff will meet with newly-elected President Jose Ramos-Horta, whom he has known for almost 20 years, care-taker Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva and senior military and United Nations officials.
This will be Mr Goff's second visit to East Timor in his role as defence minister.
"... I am looking forward to returning and getting a first hand understanding of the current political and security situation."
He will be in East Timor from May 29-31.
Mr Goff will then go to Singapore for the 6th Asian Security Summit, commonly known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, from June 1-3.
Advertisement
AdvertisementThe dialogue was the key forum for discussing public policy on defence and security in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr Goff said.
Delegates from 26 countries were taking part and he would meeting with counterparts from Australia, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Germany.
- NZPA
Don’t withdraw too soon: The lessons of East Timor
http://www.bloggernews.net/17199
This post was written by Nancy Reyes on 28 May, 2007 (20:27) | All News, Asian News, The United Nations, Iraq War, Philippines News
Those who want a “mini lesson” on how to rebuild a civil society after years of oppression need to look at East Timor, where 200 000 people were killed since Indonesia annexed it in 1975.
Finally, with the help of the UN an election was held, and people voted for independence. Alas, after the vote, Indonesian assisted rebels started a major massacre of civilians, leading an Australian led UN peacekeeping force that had to fight to protect the people.
The intervention by Australia led to two things: One, true independence for that country.
The second was enmity by Alqaeda: The Australian intervention was cited by Islamic extremists as the reason for both the Bali bombing, where Australian tourists were targeted, and the killing of UN Ambassador de Mello when a suicide bomber attacked the UN mission in Baghdad shortly after the US liberated that country.
The UN Peacekeepers stayed in East Timor for several years, but were phased back, starting in 2004, and full removed by 2005.
However, in 2006, factional fighting broke out again, leading to over 100 000 refugess and a couple dozen deaths. The UN quickly returned with outside troops, again mainly Australian.
They oversaw the mainly peaceful election earlier this month elected Nobel Peace laureate Jose Ramos Horta as president. It is hoped that he could unite the country.
The opposition “insurgents” denounced the election while demanding the withdrawal of Australian troops.
Last week, during a protest, one of the Philippine plolicewomen was hurt by the mob. There are 155 Filipino police peacekeepers serving in UNMIT..the UN Integrated Mission in Timor Leste.
Those in the US Congress who are impatient about Iraq would do well to ponder the lessons of East Timor.
One:Building a democracy when some become corrupted with the power of the gun is not easy, but without those trying to promote peace by preventing violent men from destroying a country.
Two: That premature withdrawal can result in resurgence of violence. It was only the quick reinjection of Australian troops that stopped thousands of deaths in 2006.
Three: Americans should be aware of the peacekeeping by Australia in the Asia Pacific area.
Four: Alqaeda/Islamofascism is not the cause of much of the disorders any more than international communism was the cause of the Huk/NPA rebellion, but the ability of these outside groups to coordinate funding and illegal arms smuggling to the most extreme groups lead to instability in many places in the world.
—————–
Nancy Reyes is a retired physician living in the Philippines. Her website is Finest Kind Clinic and Fishmarket
This post was written by Nancy Reyes on 28 May, 2007 (20:27) | All News, Asian News, The United Nations, Iraq War, Philippines News
Those who want a “mini lesson” on how to rebuild a civil society after years of oppression need to look at East Timor, where 200 000 people were killed since Indonesia annexed it in 1975.
Finally, with the help of the UN an election was held, and people voted for independence. Alas, after the vote, Indonesian assisted rebels started a major massacre of civilians, leading an Australian led UN peacekeeping force that had to fight to protect the people.
The intervention by Australia led to two things: One, true independence for that country.
The second was enmity by Alqaeda: The Australian intervention was cited by Islamic extremists as the reason for both the Bali bombing, where Australian tourists were targeted, and the killing of UN Ambassador de Mello when a suicide bomber attacked the UN mission in Baghdad shortly after the US liberated that country.
The UN Peacekeepers stayed in East Timor for several years, but were phased back, starting in 2004, and full removed by 2005.
However, in 2006, factional fighting broke out again, leading to over 100 000 refugess and a couple dozen deaths. The UN quickly returned with outside troops, again mainly Australian.
They oversaw the mainly peaceful election earlier this month elected Nobel Peace laureate Jose Ramos Horta as president. It is hoped that he could unite the country.
The opposition “insurgents” denounced the election while demanding the withdrawal of Australian troops.
Last week, during a protest, one of the Philippine plolicewomen was hurt by the mob. There are 155 Filipino police peacekeepers serving in UNMIT..the UN Integrated Mission in Timor Leste.
Those in the US Congress who are impatient about Iraq would do well to ponder the lessons of East Timor.
One:Building a democracy when some become corrupted with the power of the gun is not easy, but without those trying to promote peace by preventing violent men from destroying a country.
Two: That premature withdrawal can result in resurgence of violence. It was only the quick reinjection of Australian troops that stopped thousands of deaths in 2006.
Three: Americans should be aware of the peacekeeping by Australia in the Asia Pacific area.
Four: Alqaeda/Islamofascism is not the cause of much of the disorders any more than international communism was the cause of the Huk/NPA rebellion, but the ability of these outside groups to coordinate funding and illegal arms smuggling to the most extreme groups lead to instability in many places in the world.
—————–
Nancy Reyes is a retired physician living in the Philippines. Her website is Finest Kind Clinic and Fishmarket
EDITORIAL: East Timor's troubles
05/29/2007
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200705290078.html
East Timor is celebrating its fifth year of independence, and we well recall the feelings of uplifting joy when this country finally gained freedom after a quarter century of Indonesian rule. Today, that joy has all but disappeared, and East Timor is on the brink of becoming a "failed state."
Earlier this month, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta was elected president. One of his first declarations in office was that his priority is to enable women, children, elderly and young people to sleep in peace at night. The fact that he felt compelled to state this at his inauguration vividly illustrates the country's troubles.
A year ago this month, the capital Dili was a center of violence when elements of the East Timor military rioted. Houses and cars were torched and order broke down. Even today, tens of thousands of people are still in refugee camps.
Since independence, the gap between rich and poor has gradually widened. Animosity between different regions and ethnic groups is strong. It was such discontent festering among the people that coalesced and erupted into the 2006 crisis.
After fighting for independence and winning control of the government and military, the new East Timor government lapsed into a mire of corruption and inefficiency, losing popular support. Horta won the presidency by campaigning against corruption and inefficiency.
The United Nations played a large role in the initial period after East Timor's independence, until the new government activities could get under way. The United Nations sent 3,500 peacekeepers, including troops from Japan's Self-Defense Forces. But all peacekeepers had left East Timor by 2005. Things disintegrated into crisis the next year.
To quell the violence, Australia and other countries sent a multinational force to East Timor. The United Nations also sent in 3,000 peacekeepers. These troops made the latest presidential election possible.
U.N. officials admit that it pulled out its earlier peacekeeping mission too early. In conflict-ridden countries, it is common for civil war to flare once international groups pull out support.
This failure must not be repeated. This is why we stressed in our recent editorial series, "Proposals for Japan's New Strategies," the importance of peace-building. Helping rebuild war-torn nations is a task in which Japan can and should play a major role.
Now more than ever, the government must do everything in its power to help rebuild peace in East Timor. In the U.N. peacekeeping mission, the core functions needed from now on will be civil administration--something that Japan excels in. But only a few Japanese staff are in East Timor to help.
The government should urge the U.N. mission to accept Japanese into senior positions so as to help direct its mission in East Timor. At the same time, Japan should provide the personnel and funds for administrators and police, and to improve the legal system and other crucial tasks highly needed for rebuilding. And to prevent the resurgence of conflict, it is imperative that order and stability be restored to East Timor. It is also essential to establish and nurture dialogue between the leaders of various political factions.
As an Asian country, Japan has a responsibility to take the lead here. Organizations like the Japan International Cooperation Agency and NGOs may also have much to contribute.
Our leaders should also start thinking about what will happen in East Timor after the U.N. mission has left again. The new U.N. Peacebuilding Commission, created only last year, is ideal for this important task. Japan should advise the commission to include East Timor in its post-conflict recovery activities.
Japan has a responsibility to lend a helping hand throughout Asia, thereby preventing the region from having a failed state.
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 28(IHT/Asahi: May 29,2007)
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200705290078.html
East Timor is celebrating its fifth year of independence, and we well recall the feelings of uplifting joy when this country finally gained freedom after a quarter century of Indonesian rule. Today, that joy has all but disappeared, and East Timor is on the brink of becoming a "failed state."
Earlier this month, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta was elected president. One of his first declarations in office was that his priority is to enable women, children, elderly and young people to sleep in peace at night. The fact that he felt compelled to state this at his inauguration vividly illustrates the country's troubles.
A year ago this month, the capital Dili was a center of violence when elements of the East Timor military rioted. Houses and cars were torched and order broke down. Even today, tens of thousands of people are still in refugee camps.
Since independence, the gap between rich and poor has gradually widened. Animosity between different regions and ethnic groups is strong. It was such discontent festering among the people that coalesced and erupted into the 2006 crisis.
After fighting for independence and winning control of the government and military, the new East Timor government lapsed into a mire of corruption and inefficiency, losing popular support. Horta won the presidency by campaigning against corruption and inefficiency.
The United Nations played a large role in the initial period after East Timor's independence, until the new government activities could get under way. The United Nations sent 3,500 peacekeepers, including troops from Japan's Self-Defense Forces. But all peacekeepers had left East Timor by 2005. Things disintegrated into crisis the next year.
To quell the violence, Australia and other countries sent a multinational force to East Timor. The United Nations also sent in 3,000 peacekeepers. These troops made the latest presidential election possible.
U.N. officials admit that it pulled out its earlier peacekeeping mission too early. In conflict-ridden countries, it is common for civil war to flare once international groups pull out support.
This failure must not be repeated. This is why we stressed in our recent editorial series, "Proposals for Japan's New Strategies," the importance of peace-building. Helping rebuild war-torn nations is a task in which Japan can and should play a major role.
Now more than ever, the government must do everything in its power to help rebuild peace in East Timor. In the U.N. peacekeeping mission, the core functions needed from now on will be civil administration--something that Japan excels in. But only a few Japanese staff are in East Timor to help.
The government should urge the U.N. mission to accept Japanese into senior positions so as to help direct its mission in East Timor. At the same time, Japan should provide the personnel and funds for administrators and police, and to improve the legal system and other crucial tasks highly needed for rebuilding. And to prevent the resurgence of conflict, it is imperative that order and stability be restored to East Timor. It is also essential to establish and nurture dialogue between the leaders of various political factions.
As an Asian country, Japan has a responsibility to take the lead here. Organizations like the Japan International Cooperation Agency and NGOs may also have much to contribute.
Our leaders should also start thinking about what will happen in East Timor after the U.N. mission has left again. The new U.N. Peacebuilding Commission, created only last year, is ideal for this important task. Japan should advise the commission to include East Timor in its post-conflict recovery activities.
Japan has a responsibility to lend a helping hand throughout Asia, thereby preventing the region from having a failed state.
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 28(IHT/Asahi: May 29,2007)
Political Party Accord (unofficial translation)
Timor Leste, 25 May 2007
Political Parties participating in the 2007 Parliamentary elections in Timor-Leste agree to sign an Accord as a commitment to regulate their actions in the campaign process until the Election Day on 30 June 2007 and the post-election period. This Accord is intended to be a complementary document at the initiative of Political Parties without any contradiction with the Code of Conduct as issued by CNE.
All Political Parties accept their responsibility to issue clear instructions to their members and supporters in order to respect this Accord and the Code of Conduct. Parties commit to denounce any of their members or supporters who violate this Accord.
In order to support and strengthen this Accord and the Code of Conduct, the Political Parties agree with following points:
a)Political Parties who signed this document, commit to respect and implement this Accord and Code of Conduct as issued by the CNE.
b)Political Parties shall immediately notify the CNE, in writing, the details of any alleged violations, with copies to other Parties, UNMIT and election observer organizations. Should any serious case, which merits criminal prosecution, arise witness information shall also be submitted to relevant authorities so that legal measures and processes can be undertaken.
c)Political Parties shall give due consideration to information provided by other Parties, the CNE, STAE, UNMIT, UNPOL, PNTL and election observers, and shall seek to resolve any allegations arising from their members and supporters through dialogue.
d)Political Parties agree to meet jointly together at the national, district, sub-district and village levels to discuss any reported violations and to prevent any further incidents. Such discussions shall not, however, replace any criminal prosecution, which may be required.
Therefore, all Political Parties who signed this Accord condemn all forms of violence, terror and intimidation as well as anybody who uses the opportunity of elections to address localised disputes under the guise of political affiliation or association which may be associated with the campaigns, voting and announcement of results for the Parliamentary elections.
Political Parties shall jointly denounce and condemn any irregularities or partiality of the organs administering and supervising the electoral process (campaign, election and counting of votes).
Political Parties leaders shall also provide guidance and instruction to party coordinators in districts, sub-districts, villages and sub-villages, to accept this Accord and also encourage an environment of peace, tolerance and respect for one another.
The Parties who signed this Accord reaffirm their belief in the basic principles of good governance such as inclusiveness, participation, transparency, accountability and other principles in accordance with the rules of a democratic State based on the rule of law.
The Parties or coalition that may be elected to government shall ensure a meaningful role for the opposition in parliament as well as the participation of civil society in the political, economic and social development process of this country.
Political parties agree that, should they become opposition parties, they shall make constructive contributions with a view towards pursuing the process of developing public policies and legislation and that they shall strive to secure that the National Parliament, as a sovereign organ, shall respond to the needs of the people.
Political Parties hereby pledge that they shall not politicise State institutions such as the F-FDTL, PNTL and the Public Administration.
For one people, for one nation, for national unity, for democracy and the stability of national security, for peace and progress.
Political Parties participating in the 2007 Parliamentary elections in Timor-Leste agree to sign an Accord as a commitment to regulate their actions in the campaign process until the Election Day on 30 June 2007 and the post-election period. This Accord is intended to be a complementary document at the initiative of Political Parties without any contradiction with the Code of Conduct as issued by CNE.
All Political Parties accept their responsibility to issue clear instructions to their members and supporters in order to respect this Accord and the Code of Conduct. Parties commit to denounce any of their members or supporters who violate this Accord.
In order to support and strengthen this Accord and the Code of Conduct, the Political Parties agree with following points:
a)Political Parties who signed this document, commit to respect and implement this Accord and Code of Conduct as issued by the CNE.
b)Political Parties shall immediately notify the CNE, in writing, the details of any alleged violations, with copies to other Parties, UNMIT and election observer organizations. Should any serious case, which merits criminal prosecution, arise witness information shall also be submitted to relevant authorities so that legal measures and processes can be undertaken.
c)Political Parties shall give due consideration to information provided by other Parties, the CNE, STAE, UNMIT, UNPOL, PNTL and election observers, and shall seek to resolve any allegations arising from their members and supporters through dialogue.
d)Political Parties agree to meet jointly together at the national, district, sub-district and village levels to discuss any reported violations and to prevent any further incidents. Such discussions shall not, however, replace any criminal prosecution, which may be required.
Therefore, all Political Parties who signed this Accord condemn all forms of violence, terror and intimidation as well as anybody who uses the opportunity of elections to address localised disputes under the guise of political affiliation or association which may be associated with the campaigns, voting and announcement of results for the Parliamentary elections.
Political Parties shall jointly denounce and condemn any irregularities or partiality of the organs administering and supervising the electoral process (campaign, election and counting of votes).
Political Parties leaders shall also provide guidance and instruction to party coordinators in districts, sub-districts, villages and sub-villages, to accept this Accord and also encourage an environment of peace, tolerance and respect for one another.
The Parties who signed this Accord reaffirm their belief in the basic principles of good governance such as inclusiveness, participation, transparency, accountability and other principles in accordance with the rules of a democratic State based on the rule of law.
The Parties or coalition that may be elected to government shall ensure a meaningful role for the opposition in parliament as well as the participation of civil society in the political, economic and social development process of this country.
Political parties agree that, should they become opposition parties, they shall make constructive contributions with a view towards pursuing the process of developing public policies and legislation and that they shall strive to secure that the National Parliament, as a sovereign organ, shall respond to the needs of the people.
Political Parties hereby pledge that they shall not politicise State institutions such as the F-FDTL, PNTL and the Public Administration.
For one people, for one nation, for national unity, for democracy and the stability of national security, for peace and progress.
UNMIT Welcomes the Signing of the Political Accord ahead of the June 30 Election
Dili, May 28, 2007 - The head of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) has welcomed the signing of a document that harnesses the collective will of all political parties to a free and fair June 30 election.
Importantly, the Political Party Accord also covers basic principles of governance after the elections. It commits all parties to a constructive and inclusive democratic process for the new government and opposition.
The Accord has the agreement of all 16 political parties in Timor-Leste.
The head of UNMIT, Mr Atul Khare congratulated all parties for their participation and willingness to reach an agreement.
“The Accord commits the winning party to representing the voices of the majority while listening to and accommodating the needs of the minority. It will also ensure that the minority will adopt a constructive role as a dynamic opposition capable of providing democratic checks and balances.
The new parliament will need a strong and vibrant opposition to ensure that democracy continues to mature in Timor-Leste,” Mr Khare said.
“In the Accord, the pasties commit themselves to ensure that this takes place.”
Also in Dili on Friday, the political parties signed a “Code of Conduct” that commits all parties, their candidates, their representatives and supporters to accept the results, or to challenge them only in competent courts; and to campaign positively through programmes of action not personal criticism of other candidates.
The Code of Conduct was drafted and approved by the national authorities charged with running the parliamentary election.
“Today’s signings demonstrate clearly the agreement of all political parties to play their role freely, fairly and transparently not just during the campaign and voting period, but in the formation of the new parliament and the opposition,” Mr Khare said.
UNMIT is mandated through Security Council Resolution 1704 to “support Timor-Leste in all aspects of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary electoral process, including through technical and logistical support, electoral policy advice and verification or other means.”
For further information please contact UNMIT spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453
Importantly, the Political Party Accord also covers basic principles of governance after the elections. It commits all parties to a constructive and inclusive democratic process for the new government and opposition.
The Accord has the agreement of all 16 political parties in Timor-Leste.
The head of UNMIT, Mr Atul Khare congratulated all parties for their participation and willingness to reach an agreement.
“The Accord commits the winning party to representing the voices of the majority while listening to and accommodating the needs of the minority. It will also ensure that the minority will adopt a constructive role as a dynamic opposition capable of providing democratic checks and balances.
The new parliament will need a strong and vibrant opposition to ensure that democracy continues to mature in Timor-Leste,” Mr Khare said.
“In the Accord, the pasties commit themselves to ensure that this takes place.”
Also in Dili on Friday, the political parties signed a “Code of Conduct” that commits all parties, their candidates, their representatives and supporters to accept the results, or to challenge them only in competent courts; and to campaign positively through programmes of action not personal criticism of other candidates.
The Code of Conduct was drafted and approved by the national authorities charged with running the parliamentary election.
“Today’s signings demonstrate clearly the agreement of all political parties to play their role freely, fairly and transparently not just during the campaign and voting period, but in the formation of the new parliament and the opposition,” Mr Khare said.
UNMIT is mandated through Security Council Resolution 1704 to “support Timor-Leste in all aspects of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary electoral process, including through technical and logistical support, electoral policy advice and verification or other means.”
For further information please contact UNMIT spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453
Monday, May 28, 2007
Elections - Intel Brief: East Timor, change in the air
Continuing violence and mismanagement has led to a loss of support for the party that has dominated East Timor's political scene since independence, and June elections are likely to see a change in leadership
By Rachel F Kesselman
May 25, 2007
With the election of President Jose Ramos-Horta on 10 May 2007, it is unlikely that the contending Fretilin Party in East Timor will significantly rise above its current 30 percent voter support in the run-up to 30 June parliamentary elections. Thirty percent support in the upcoming election is likely to decimate Fretilin's dominance in the government, reducing the number of seats they hold to approximately 20 out of a 65-seat assembly.
Horta, a former Nobel Peace Prize winner, garnered approximately 73 percent of the vote in a run-off election, and high voting numbers in his favor are likely due to continuing violence and poor management on behalf of the Fretilin Party.
Horta, who spearheaded the independence struggle overseas, secured the backing of five of the candidates defeated in the first round of voting a month ago. He swept 10 of the country's 13 districts, gaining up to 15 times as many votes as his rival in some areas.
Former East Timor president Xanana Gusmao blames the Fretilin party for violent clashes in the run-up to the recent presidential vote and warned of a spiral of violence if Fretilin's candidate lost. Reuters reported that rival party supporters threw rocks at each other during the last day of official campaigning for the presidential election and injuring at least 30 people.
According to Horta, intimidation tactics have been widespread in some districts and sub-districts by hardliner Fretilin elements that include top officials. It is likely that this action will remain counter-productive to Fretilin's credibility in the upcoming election.
Fretilin has dominated the government since East Timor won its independence in 2002, and is the party most closely associated with the struggle for self-rule. Fretilin's now-disbanded military wing, Falintil, waged the guerrilla war against Indonesia in 1975.
Fretilin's party president, Francisco Guterres, earned only 27 percent of the presidential vote, and he has acknowledged that his party must work hard to retain its seats in the parliamentary election. At least 10,000 Fretilin supporters abandoned the party to vote for Horta in the presidential run-off election. It appears that Fretilin did not gain any extra votes in the second round election, while Horta gained the votes of all the losing candidates from the first round poll.
Analysts and election observers stationed in the country believe the massive win in the second-round presidential poll could signal a shift in East Timor's political scene ahead of the national legislative elections in June. They say that the weakening of Fretilin's grip on power, as suggested by the election results, could open the way for a more vibrant democracy. However, Horta points out that the party is still a very important political force.
Former president Gusmao intends to run for prime minister in June, a more powerful post in East Timor than the presidency. This move indicates that he will likely attempt to seize control of parliament from Fretilin. Gusmao has formed a new right-wing political party and aims to create a coalition government of anti-Fretilin parties following parliamentary elections, according to media reports.
Former prime minister and current Fretilin Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri insists he will continue to lead the party into the parliamentary elections even though he appears to be unpopular. The June elections will increase tensions across the country as Gusmao and Alkatiri have been political enemies for decades.
Many citizens blame Fretilin for the violence that took place in 2006 and general mismanagement of the country, according to a report in the UK-based paper The Guardian. UN officials in the capital of Dili say one of the fundamental weaknesses of the government has been the lack of administrative capability to implement programs approved in the budget. This has led to delays in government spending on improved infrastructure and services. Rural infrastructure, market buildings, country roads, clinics and homes destroyed in the militia mayhem of 1999 remain untouched. At the same time, private investment has been low.
Despite sizable offshore oil and gas deposits, nearly half of East Timor's work force is unemployed, around 60 percent of children under five are malnourished and tens of thousands of people displaced last year remain in tent camps, according to a report in The International Herald Tribune.
Violence has plagued East Timor since it gained independence in 2002. The country plunged into a political and security crisis in May 2006 after approximately 40 percent of the army went on strike over alleged discrimination in promotions and compensation. The government under Prime Minister Alkatiri fired the striking soldiers, sparking a wave of violence that drove approximately 150,000 people from their homes and killed 37 others - factors which likely lead to Fretilin's diminished support for Guterres.
Mercyhurst-ISN intelligence briefs offer foresight into issues that are likely to dominate news headlines and policy agendas. The briefs are a joint initiative of the ISN and Mercyhurst Institute for Intelligence Studies and are composed and referenced using open sources
By Rachel F Kesselman
May 25, 2007
With the election of President Jose Ramos-Horta on 10 May 2007, it is unlikely that the contending Fretilin Party in East Timor will significantly rise above its current 30 percent voter support in the run-up to 30 June parliamentary elections. Thirty percent support in the upcoming election is likely to decimate Fretilin's dominance in the government, reducing the number of seats they hold to approximately 20 out of a 65-seat assembly.
Horta, a former Nobel Peace Prize winner, garnered approximately 73 percent of the vote in a run-off election, and high voting numbers in his favor are likely due to continuing violence and poor management on behalf of the Fretilin Party.
Horta, who spearheaded the independence struggle overseas, secured the backing of five of the candidates defeated in the first round of voting a month ago. He swept 10 of the country's 13 districts, gaining up to 15 times as many votes as his rival in some areas.
Former East Timor president Xanana Gusmao blames the Fretilin party for violent clashes in the run-up to the recent presidential vote and warned of a spiral of violence if Fretilin's candidate lost. Reuters reported that rival party supporters threw rocks at each other during the last day of official campaigning for the presidential election and injuring at least 30 people.
According to Horta, intimidation tactics have been widespread in some districts and sub-districts by hardliner Fretilin elements that include top officials. It is likely that this action will remain counter-productive to Fretilin's credibility in the upcoming election.
Fretilin has dominated the government since East Timor won its independence in 2002, and is the party most closely associated with the struggle for self-rule. Fretilin's now-disbanded military wing, Falintil, waged the guerrilla war against Indonesia in 1975.
Fretilin's party president, Francisco Guterres, earned only 27 percent of the presidential vote, and he has acknowledged that his party must work hard to retain its seats in the parliamentary election. At least 10,000 Fretilin supporters abandoned the party to vote for Horta in the presidential run-off election. It appears that Fretilin did not gain any extra votes in the second round election, while Horta gained the votes of all the losing candidates from the first round poll.
Analysts and election observers stationed in the country believe the massive win in the second-round presidential poll could signal a shift in East Timor's political scene ahead of the national legislative elections in June. They say that the weakening of Fretilin's grip on power, as suggested by the election results, could open the way for a more vibrant democracy. However, Horta points out that the party is still a very important political force.
Former president Gusmao intends to run for prime minister in June, a more powerful post in East Timor than the presidency. This move indicates that he will likely attempt to seize control of parliament from Fretilin. Gusmao has formed a new right-wing political party and aims to create a coalition government of anti-Fretilin parties following parliamentary elections, according to media reports.
Former prime minister and current Fretilin Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri insists he will continue to lead the party into the parliamentary elections even though he appears to be unpopular. The June elections will increase tensions across the country as Gusmao and Alkatiri have been political enemies for decades.
Many citizens blame Fretilin for the violence that took place in 2006 and general mismanagement of the country, according to a report in the UK-based paper The Guardian. UN officials in the capital of Dili say one of the fundamental weaknesses of the government has been the lack of administrative capability to implement programs approved in the budget. This has led to delays in government spending on improved infrastructure and services. Rural infrastructure, market buildings, country roads, clinics and homes destroyed in the militia mayhem of 1999 remain untouched. At the same time, private investment has been low.
Despite sizable offshore oil and gas deposits, nearly half of East Timor's work force is unemployed, around 60 percent of children under five are malnourished and tens of thousands of people displaced last year remain in tent camps, according to a report in The International Herald Tribune.
Violence has plagued East Timor since it gained independence in 2002. The country plunged into a political and security crisis in May 2006 after approximately 40 percent of the army went on strike over alleged discrimination in promotions and compensation. The government under Prime Minister Alkatiri fired the striking soldiers, sparking a wave of violence that drove approximately 150,000 people from their homes and killed 37 others - factors which likely lead to Fretilin's diminished support for Guterres.
Mercyhurst-ISN intelligence briefs offer foresight into issues that are likely to dominate news headlines and policy agendas. The briefs are a joint initiative of the ISN and Mercyhurst Institute for Intelligence Studies and are composed and referenced using open sources
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