UNMIT Weekly - Issue no.8/14 September 2007

UNMIT Head Briefs Security Council in New York

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Mr. Atul Khare, briefed the Security Council in New York on Monday 10 September on the situation in the country and the work of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

The Council met to discuss the report of the Secretary-General on Timor-Leste which was issued to the Security Council last week and to hear a statement of the new Foreign Minister, Mr. Zacarias da Costa.

Mr. Khare delivered a message of confidence in Timor-Leste, its people and its leaders, but also stressed that the challenges facing the country are long-term in nature. Poverty and unemployment are a major source of instability, and internal displacement continues.

Institutions throughout the country need to be made more resilient. Moreover, whilst elections were carried out in a largely peaceful environment, the security situation is still fragile.
Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of France, the President of the Security Council for September, said in a statement that the people of Timor-Leste deserved credit “for demonstrating their strong commitment to peace and democracy” by successfully staging the polls.

Mr. Ripert stressed that all parties in Timor-Leste and their supporters must refrain from violence and work through peaceful channels “and within the framework of democratic institutions” to ensure the security of the country.

While in New York Mr. Khare also met with Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and his senior colleagues to discuss the work of the United Nations in Timor-Leste. He also attended the swearing in ceremony for the new US Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Mr. Hans Klemm.

UN Police Hand Over ‘Police Defensive Tactics’ Manual to PNTL

UN Police officially handed over the ‘Police Defensive Tactics – Training Manual’ to the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) in a ceremony that took place on Wednesday 12 September at the PNTL Academy.

The training manual is a simple and clear way to instruct police officers how to handle threats in non-lethal ways, without risking death or unnecessary injury. It covers such approaches as unarmed combat and the use of police batons, pepper spray and handcuffing.

The Guest of Honour at the ceremony was the RDTL Secretary of State Mr. Francisco Guterres. Other guests included Deputy SRSG Mr. Eric Tan, the UN Police Commissioner Mr. Rodolfo Tor and the General Commander of the PNTL Mr. Alfonso de Jesus.

UNPOL Commissioner Rodolfo Tor hands over Manual to RDTL Secretary of State Francisco Guterres.

The project to train the PNTL in defensive tactics began under the UN Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) mission, but was postponed after the crisis of April / May last year. To carry on the work of the project, the UN Police decided to produce a training manual documenting defensive tactics that conform to UN and international standards.

Along with the ceremonial handover of the training manual, training certificates were given to PNTL instructors. PNTL Close Protection Officers also received commendations for their outstanding work during the election period.

DPKO Communities of Practice Network Mission Staff

The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) has an on-line forum to network staff doing similar work in different peace operations.

Known as ‘Communities of Practice,’ the network is a knowledge sharing initiative to link colleagues across DPKO mission working in similar job functions.

The Lotus Notes-based online forums allow members to ask each other questions, exchange information, build up a shared library of useful documents, and find counterparts in other field missions. Existing networks include Best Practices, Civil Affairs, Conduct and Discipline, Gender, Medical, Rule of Law, and Property Management.

A link to the network is available on the DPKO intranet site.

Peacekeepers Use Football to Spread Peace Message in Timor-Leste

Troops from the International Security Forces (ISF) and Australian UN police played an exhibition match in Dili on Saturday, 8 September, raising US$8,000 for underprivileged East-Timorese children.

The main game between the ISF Tigers and the UN Warriors was played at Democracy Field in central Dili and was the culmination of a six-week programme of Auskick clinics for some hundred Timorese youth.

The clinics, organized by ISF military policeman Corporal Adam Bourke and the UNPol officer Phil McCabe have taught the children teamwork and confidence while providing them with exercise and an opportunity to learn a new game.

ISF Tigers and UN warriors use football to spread the message of peace.

The game itself got off to an even start after hearing the national anthems of Australia and Timor-Leste. The scores remained close in what was a tough first half, with both sides demonstrating strong commitment to their team jumpers.

However, superior fitness and the benefit of six-weeks’ training paid off for the ISF in the second half as they assumed control of the game and won 93 points to 31.

Mr. Beretto Ronaldo from the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), playing for the UN Warriors, was awarded the “Best on Field” medal.

UN Photo Exhibition Opens in District of Oecussi

Oecussi’s district first photography exhibition was opened at the District Administration Building on Wednesday, 12 September 2007. The exhibition by UNMIT Photographer Martine Perret, entitled “Peacekeepers and Election Support in Timor-Leste”, depicts various aspects of the recent presidential elections, the work of UNPOL, and the inauguration of Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta on 20 May.

The exhibition illustrates effectively the co-operation between the people of Timor-Leste and UNMIT. It was opened with the District Administrator in attendance, Mr. Francisco Marques, who was thanked by UNMIT for his support in allowing the mission to use the venue free of charge.

Visitors view the exhibition in Oecussi.
The exhibit will run from 12 September until 30 September at the Conference room in the District Administration Building. All are invited to view it from Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.