Mr.
President,
Let
me join other speakers in condemning the bombing in Groznyy and to present
my condolences to the families oft the victims.
I
thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the situation of Timor-Leste,
as well as SRSG Kamalesh Sharma and his staff for the excellent work they
have done and for the results achieved so far. I especially thank Ambassador
Sharma who done an outstanding job in Dili in the two years. I would also
like to welcome the presence of Minister Ana Pessoa and her valuable
contribution to this debate.
Portugal
welcomes the recommendation of the SG for the extension of UNMISET, in a
reduced size and with a modified mandate, for a further 12-month
“consolidation phase” in order to allow key tasks to be performed and to
sustain, strengthen and build upon the gains made to date, permitting Timor-Leste
to attain self-sufficiency.
In
this context, I welcome the proposals of the SG: for
a program of support for public administration and justice;
for the support to the development of law enforcement; and for the support
to security and stability.
We
must acknowledge the importance of continuing bilateral assistance and to
underline the responsibility of the international community and of the
Security Council in relation to Timor-Leste. In this context, I would just
like to point out that
Portugal
, from 1999 to 2003, invested about 300 M€ (360 MUSD)
in bilateral investment, development assistance programme, and
technical-military assistance to Timor-Leste alone. We are ready to maintain
this level of support to Timor-Leste and we encourage other countries to do
the same.
Mr.
President,
We
note with satisfaction the steady and significant developments in the
relationship of Timor-Leste with its neighbours, regarding important issues
such as refugees and in the determination of land and maritime borders. We
can only encourage the strengthening of these bilateral relations of Timor-Leste
and the settling of all outstanding problems with the neighbouring countries
in a climate of friendship and trust.
Finally,
Mr. President,
I would like to reiterate that as in the past
Portugal
will remain committed to the consolidation and
development of Timor-Leste and to the United Nations efforts to this effect.
Thank
you.