Annan details UN's plans after East Timor independence

The primary focus for a new United Nations mission in East Timor would be to ensure the territory's security and the viability and stability of its government structures, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a just-released report.

"The mission will be based on the premise that operational responsibilities must be fully devolved to the East Timorese authorities as soon as feasible," the Secretary-General says in his latest report to the Security Council on East Timor's transition to independence, which contains details of the successor mission for the UN Transitional Administration (UNTAET).

In the months prior to East Timor's independence, UNTAET will be working to adjust its size and configuration to respond to the needs at hand, and to position itself to ensure "a smooth and seamless transition to a post-independence role for the United Nations," the report says.

The UN has so far identified approximately 100 core functions that will have to be staffed by international personnel for up to two years after independence, Mr. Annan says, with two-thirds of the positions intended as mentoring functions. During that time, the UN will engage in a "continuing process of assessment and downsizing."

The Secretary-General says he will write to the President of the Security Council recommending a date for East Timor's independence. The successor mission would be established on that date, and the mandate of UNTAET - which currently expires on 31 January next year - would need to be extended accordingly.

On Monday, East Timor's Constituent Assembly recommended that the UN hand over sovereignty to the Timorese people on 20 May 2002.

The Secretary-General notes that the responsibility to establish a viable state in East Timor "clearly belongs to its people" and that they have demonstrated the depth of their commitment through sacrifice, imagination and determination.

"I urge the Security Council to ensure that these foundations are not undermined and to consolidate the remarkable contribution it has already made to this historic undertaking," Mr. Annan writes.