9 February 2001 -- The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is on his way to East Timor, where he will launch a UNDP-funded project to help guard the transitional administration against corruption once the territory gains full independence.

In a statement issued in Dili, the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) said the $250,000 project would be implemented through the Inspector General's office of the East Timor Transitional Administration (ETTA).

During his two-day trip, UNDP Administrator Mark Malloch Brown will also meet with East Timorese leaders, senior UN officials and the donor community to discuss how support for capacity building can be strengthened to ensure the establishment of an efficient, representative government.

Mr. Malloch Brown will begin his first visit to East Timor at the Santa Cruz Cemetery where he will attend a wreath laying ceremony in memory of those who have given their lives in the independence struggle.

Before leaving on Monday, the Administrator will join Xanana Gusmão and UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello in a large-scale debate on human rights, reconciliation and the elections. More than 130 people have been invited to attend the meeting, UNTAET said.

 

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Not an official document of the United Nations. Maintained by the Peace and Security Section of the Department of Public Information in cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. (c) United Nations 2001