With international help, Timor-Leste making steady progress, Annan reports

In the five months since independence, the people and leaders of Timor-Leste have continued to consolidate the foundations of their country, making steady progress with the help of the international community, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report.

“The gains of the past three years are being reinforced through the continuing international presence and commitment, both through the presence of UNMISET and through bilateral contributions,” the Secretary-General observes in his latest report to the Security Council, referring to the UN Mission of Support in East Timor. However, the country’s emerging institutions remain fragile and will require international assistance, he adds.

The completion of the Mission’s implementation plan, which is generally on target, and a smooth transition to traditional development assistance will require complementary provision of sufficient bilateral assistance in a number of key areas, the Secretary-General notes, naming justice, corrections, police, border control and defence as still needing international support.

The report also points out that sufficient donor support is essential for filling all 228 positions focused on development and poverty alleviation. “Continued donor support both for these posts and other needs is essential for the longer-term stability of Timor-Leste,” Mr. Annan writes. “Some donors have indicated that this requirement would have to be met through a reallocation of their existing commitments to budget support and other development assistance.”

Meanwhile, earlier assumptions about progress towards demarcation of the border with Indonesia have proven optimistic, the Secretary-General says, although the commitments made between the Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste will, if realized, allow UNMISET to keep to its schedule for reduction and ultimate withdrawal.

“The progress that has taken place in the country offers great promise,” Mr. Annan says. “While recognizing the competing claims on the international community’s attention and resources, I urge the Security Council and donor community to remain engaged, to build upon its outstanding contributions to date and to bring this promise to its full realization.”