26 January 2001 -- The United Nations must remain engaged in East Timor beyond the territory's full independence, to empower the new State to play an active role in the political, social and economic progress of the region as a whole, the Security Council was told today. Briefing the Council on the situation in the southeast Asian territory, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the head of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), noted the progress in the so-called "Timorization" process - the establishment of Timorese structures of government in preparation for independence. In that context, he noted that UNTAET "should no longer be seen as an international transitional administration, but rather as a support structure to the embryonic government of East Timor and other institutions of state."
The UNTAET chief also said elections had been tentatively set for 30 August 2001, but that a final decision would be taken by the National Council once it resumes its session on 12 February.
In addition to the political timetable, Mr. Vieira de Mello also reviewed progress in the fields of socio-economic development, security and law enforcement, and reiterated his appeal for more resources for the judiciary, in particular the investigations into serious crimes. In the area of capacity-building, the mandate was many years from completion, he said.
The briefing on UNTAET was held during a public meeting of the Security Council on East Timor, during which the 15 Council members and 17 other speakers were expected to take the floor.
In his address, General Assembly President Harri Holkeri of Finland drew attention to the need for disarming the militias in West Timor - a move which he saw as vital in allowing the UN to return to the area to help the refugee population, and in stopping the violence against civilians, especially women.
For his part, Jose Ramos-Horta, East Timor's Cabinet member for Foreign Affairs, welcomed the UN's assistance in bringing East Timor to independence, but warned that a premature withdrawal of UN soldiers from the territory would "destabilize and derail the entire process." He urged for a peacekeeping presence to remain in East Timor after the transition process. "This will enable our forces to ready themselves to take on our nation's security," he said.
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