(Februray 22, 2011) 

I wish to thank Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, for her briefing. I also welcome the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and his participation in today’s meeting. I have listened carefully to his statement.

We take pleasure in seeing that the overall situation in Timor-Leste remains stable. The state capacity has gradually strengthened. There are significant opportunities for economic and social development. The Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) are playing an increasingly important role in maintaining public order. The Government and people of Timor-Leste have made inspiring progress in the construction of their country. I also commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) for their efforts to that end.

At the same time, however, Timor-Leste still faces many challenges on the road to consolidating peace, maintaining stability and achieving sustainable development. China is of the view that the international community should now focus its support to Timor-Leste in the following three areas:

First, we encourage all parties in Timor-Leste to base their actions on the country’s long-term interest, to maintain unity and settle their differences through political dialogue. We commend President Ramos-Horta for continuing to promote the national consensus dialogue. We hope that the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held next year will proceed smoothly.

Secondly, China welcomes the National Strategic Development Plan drafted by the Government of Timor-Leste. Poverty, lack of economic development, insufficient institutional capacity, youth unemployment and the shortage of human resources are the major factors affecting peacebuilding and social stability in Timor-Leste. We support the Government in its efforts to continue to strengthen institutional capacity building, focus its efforts on development, expand its input in infrastructure, education and health and further improve the lives of its people.

Thirdly, achieving lasting security and stability in Timor-Leste depends on the efforts of the people and Government of Timor-Leste. China supports Timor-Leste in strengthening capacitybuilding in the police and judicial sectors, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant countries, and in taking over full responsibility for the maintenance of public order at an early date.

We support the extension of UNMIT current mandate for one year. We have taken note of the plan for the future restructuring and downsizing of UNMIT mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2011/32). We support the full transfer of responsibilities to the Government of Timor-Leste when conditions are right. Meanwhile, the plan to downsize should fully take into account next year’s elections and, under the prerequisite of maintaining security and stability, ensure a smooth transition.

The international community should continue to provide further assistance to Timor-Leste in order to consolidate peace and promote development. Once UNMIT’s mandate expires, on the basis of respect for the will of the people and Government of Timor-Leste, the United Nations can remain in Timor-Leste as a friendly partner. China is ready to continue to provide as much support and assistance to Timor-Leste as we can.