15 February 2001 -- The United Nations peace mission in East Timor and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have agreed to cooperate in the restoration of an 18th century building in Dili, which would become the future East Timor Cultural Center and National Museum.

The agreement on the project was signed today by Sergio Vieira de Mello, the head of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and is expected to be signed by UNESCO in the coming days.

The building, known as Uma Fukun or "Central House," is the former Portuguese Garrison Building.

According to the agreement, UNESCO pledges to provide supervision and expertise, monitor the construction and establishment of the center and museum, as well as train local entrepreneurs.

To advise and help implement the project, which is expected to be completed by September, UNESCO has hired a Portuguese military engineer specialized in colonial military building structures and a Portuguese historian.

 

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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