Dili, 19 November, 2007 - The European Union has reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste, and the role of the United Nations in its future, during meetings in Brussels last week.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Dr. Atul Khare, concluded his five-day visit to the European institutions at the invitation of the Portuguese Presidency of the EU on Friday. During the meetings, he discussed ongoing European support for Timor-Leste and for the UN presence there.

"These meetings were very helpful," the Special Representative said in Brussels prior to his departure Friday. "They confirmed the EU's commitment to continued support both for Timor-Leste and for the UN's work there. They also confirmed that we share a consensus on the main priorities to consolidate stability and democracy in Timor-Leste."

During his meetings, the SRSG outlined four priority areas for the consolidation of democracy in Timor-Leste: Review and reform of the security sector; strengthening the rule of law, and the judiciary in particular; economic and social development, especially youth unemployment; and strengthening democratic governance, with particularly attention to enhancing a broad culture of democratic governance.

Dr. Khare met with President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pottering, President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, Secretary–General of the Council of the European Union, Javier Solana, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, briefed the Asia Committee of European Council and the Development and Foreign Affairs Committees of the European Parliament, and held discussions with various European officials and diplomats engaged in the question. He welcomed the Portuguese Presidency's initiative to prepare a European strategy document on Timor-Leste.

The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) was created by the Security Council in August 2006, and the current mandate is up for renewal in February 2008.

For more information please call UNMIT Spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 723 0453