Timor-Leste: UN envoy congratulates political parties following election

The head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) today congratulated the country’s political parties for their democratic conduct following the parliamentary election held at the end of last month.

“UNMIT will continue to assist in many areas, with a priority towards security sector reform, the strengthening of justice sector, the development of institutions of state and social and economic development,” Atul Khare pledged at a meeting with the parties at the UN’s headquarters in Dili this morning. Election results are still pending.

He called for their continued support. “We can’t do that without the ongoing cooperation and the will of the leaders both within government and those in opposition.”

During the meeting, the parties agreed that the most important challenge facing them was to form a government and opposition that would represent the citizens of Timor-Leste, UNMIT said in a news releases.

Mr. Khare said that interpretations of the various articles in the Constitution on the Government formation would be a matter for them to decide. He stressed the importance of moving forward in a legal manner that contributes to the continuing political stabilization of Timor-Leste, which the UN shepherded to independence in 2002.