East Timor to sign key international treaties, including UN Charter, upon independence

In another key move before independence next month, East Timor's leaders today selected eight international treaties - including the United Nations Charter - for signature immediately upon nationhood.

On the recommendation of East Timor's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers approved a package of treaties and conventions for signing at a 20 May independence day ceremony.

The entire package will then be presented to the Legislative Assembly for provisional approval. The Assembly will transform itself into the National Parliament upon independence, and will be asked to officially ratify the conventions in the near future.

In addition to the UN Charter, the Council also recommended for signature the Geneva Convention, the treaty to set up a permanent international court for war crimes, and a series of conventions dealing with refugees, as well as chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and landmines.

East Timor will also sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty, with ratification expected to take place in October when the new country becomes a UN member. The Council also decided to submit to Parliament for approval a package of human rights-related treaties and conventions, as well as other international legal instruments on international law, labour, culture, education and environment.