East Timor swears in new transitional government: UN mission

Three weeks after its first-ever democratic elections, East Timor today seated a transitional government composed entirely of East Timorese officials, the United Nations mission in the territory said.

The 24 members of the new Council of Ministers of the Second Transitional Government, which replaces the Transitional Cabinet, were sworn-in before a large audience in Dili, according to the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).

The new Government was appointed three weeks after the Fretilin Party won a majority of seats in the Constituent Assembly. The Government has 10 members from Fretilin, three members from the Democratic Party and 11 independents. Two portfolios, the Vice-Minister of Economy and Development, and the Advisor on the Promotion of Equality, have yet to be filled. The new Government has representatives from across the country, including five women.

Fretilin Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri will lead the government as Chief Minister and Minister of Economy and Development, and Nobel Laureate José Ramos-Horta will serve as Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Ana Pessoa will run the Justice portfolio, while Fernanda Borges will be the Minister for Finance.

Following the elections, UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello appointed Mr. Alkatiri to assist him in forming the new government. Consultations with the presidents of the other three parties that received the largest number of votes were conducted, as well as with other Timorese personalities.

The Second Transitional Government and its Council of Ministers will govern East Timor during the remaining interim period before its independence as a democratic and sovereign State, which is expected early next year.

This Transitional Government will see its powers reinforced, formulating policies and supervising a newly formed public administration. It will also recommend to Mr. Vieira de Mello the promulgation of legislation in close consultation with the UNTAET chief, who retains the ultimate executive and legislative authority.