UN mission announces composition of expanded National Council in East Timor
20 October -- The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today announced the composition of a new National Consultative Council, intended as a precursor to a future East Timorese Parliament.
According to UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello, the 36-member National Council will be comprised exclusively of East Timorese - 13 from political parties, 13 from the districts, 7 from civic organizations and 3 from religious groups. Thirteen of the representatives are to be women. Two seats are still vacant.
Independence leader Xanana Gusmao will be among the 13 members representing political parties.
"The National Council reflects in a broader way East Timorese society, as well as the current political scene," the UN mission said in a statement issued in Dili.
The National Council, which will be inaugurated on 23 October, is the result of a thorough selection process that included the consultation of East Timorese all over the country, and of Mr. Vieira de Mello's efforts to bring more balance to the new body, UNTAET said.
