UNTAET AND UNESCO SIGN AGREEMENT ON NATIONAL MUSEUM

UNTAET and UNESCO have agreed to cooperate in the restoration of a 18th Century building in Dili, which will become the future East Timor Cultural Center and National Museum. SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello today signed an agreement on the project, 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, UNTAET will transfer funds to UNESCO to the amount of US$95,000. UNESCO pledges to undertake the supervision of the restoration. UNESCO will provide expertise, monitor the construction and establishment of the Cultural Center and National Museum, as well as providing training to local entrepreneurs. UNESCO has hired a Portuguese military engineer specialized in colonial military building structures and a Portuguese historian to advise and help implement the project. The project is expected to be completed by September 2001.