UN helps Timor-Leste celebrate first anniversary of independence

The United Nations mission in Timor-Leste helped the fledgling nation celebrate its first anniversary of independence today by opening an exhibition with some 80 photos, slide shows and videos highlighting the partnership between the UN and the Timorese people.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Xanana Gusmão said that as the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) entered its final year, "to know that the commitment and support of the UN to Timor-Leste will continue [beyond UNMISET] makes us confident in the future."

The Timor-Leste Government decided to commemorate the first anniversary in a decentralized manner in all the 13 districts with soccer matches and cultural activities, assisted by UNMISET and other UN agencies.