By the end of this year, the United Nations will withdraw its peacekeeping force from Timor-Leste, after having achieved what it was sent there to do, according to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMIT, Ameerah Haq.

The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste was established in 2006 to help the country restore stability after a crisis caused by a mutiny in the army.

Ms. Haq says one of the major assignments for the mission before leaving will be to assist the country with March’s presidential elections and June’s parliamentary polls. UNMIT will also help the national police force maintain law and order.

Julie Walker spoke with Ms. Haq.