Fiji keen to provide peacekeeping in Timor Leste
Jun 26, 2006, 12:54

The United Nations Security Council has been told that the Government of Fiji is willing to participate in a further peacekeeping role in Timor Leste if asked.

Deputy Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Mr Filimone Kau, during a debate at the Security Council on the 13th June 2006 on the situation in Timor Leste said, Fiji had participated in the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) and the Government will be willing to participate in a further peacekeeping role in Timor Leste should it be asked."

Mr Kau also urged the Council to favourably consider an extended presence of the UN and, in due course, the assistance of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to provide the advice and support that is needed for long lasting peace and stability in Timor Leste.

"Every country needs peace and stability including a stable democratically elected government and Timor Leste is no exception. The United Nations must be commended for its part in the initial start of Timor Lestešs journey and it behooves the organization to be seized with the development of its political and economic well being. This of course can only happen with commensurate efforts from the people and government. In this regard, a sustained UN presence to guide Timor Lestešs journey is supported and would be welcomed by Fiji. It would also be indicative of the UNšs commitment to build on its considerable investment in Timor Leste over more than six years." Mr Kau said.

Timor Lestešs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Dr José Ramos-Horta, in his address to the Council called for Fijišs inclusion in a new UN Mission to take charge of peace and security for the country.

"It is our considered view that the current force and its successor, as indeed other components of a new UN Mission, should also comprise a greater number of countries in the region, including we would hope from our friends in Fiji, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and the Republic of Korea and other countries ready to contribute," he said.

A multinational force comprising Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal are currently being deployed in the country to assist in peacekeeping. The UN mandate for the current special political mission to Timor Leste under the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) is to expire this month.

Members of the Security Council including the United Nations Secretary-General spoke during the debate as the United Nations sought to find a solution to the recent instability in the country and review UNOTILšs current mandate. The Security Council is expected to make a decision on the matter soon.

Mr Kau added that any new UN mandate must be targeted and well coordinated and in line with the wishes of the people.

"With the provision of assistance through the proposed new United Nations Mission as requested by the Timor Leste leaders, the Organization can better enable the Government to make further advances in fostering peace, stability and democracy. Should assistance come from the newly established Peacebuilding Commission at a later date it must come mindful of the sovereignty of the nation and Government of Timor Leste and it must work in coherence with the United Nations offices on the ground to ensure that all assistance are well coordinated in keeping with the wishes of the people and sustainable by their Government when the United Nations finally takes its leave," he said.



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