Lisbon, 27 May 2007 – The leaders of Portugal have expressed their strong and continued support to the development of Timor-Leste during a three day visit to Lisbon by the head of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, Atul Khare.

During the meetings, all leaders agreed that the electoral process leading to the inauguration of President Dr. José Ramos-Horta was a positive and encouraging sign for the future of Timor-Leste.

"They expressed their view that the development of inclusive, participatory, transparent, accountable, responsive and decentralized structures of governance, that provide for an important role of the opposition and the civil society after the parliamentary elections, would enable the sustainability of peace and stability in Timor-Leste," Mr Khare said.

Portugal plays a large role in providing assistance to the education, justice, police and security sectors in Timor-Leste.

"I am deeply honoured by the courtesies extended to me by the authorities of Portugal. I am grateful for the important role that Portugal has played in Timor-Leste and particularly for its assistance to and through UNMIT.

Portugal and Timor-Leste enjoy a unique relationship and the Portuguese language and culture provide a special identity to Timor-Leste in the region and in the globalizing world," Mr Khare said.

During the visit Mr Khare was received by H.E. Prof. Cavaco Silva, President of Portugal, H.E. Mr. Jaime Gama, Speaker of the Parliament and H.E. Mr. José Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal. He also exchanged views with H.E. Mr. Rui Pereira, Minister of Internal Administration and H.E. Mr. Alberto Costa, Minister of Justice. Mr Khare also met with the Secretary-General of the CPLP and with the Commissions on Foreign Affairs and Defence at the Parliament.

During the visit Mr Khare called upon Mr. José Manuel Barrosso, President of the European Commission who was visiting Portugal at the same time. SRSG Khare thanked President Barroso for the assistance to Timor-Leste provided by the Commission and for the EU Observer Mission for the presidential elections. They also discussed the important role that EU can play in ensuring the development of Timor-Leste.

While in Portugal, Mr Khare delivered a talk at the Fundação Mário Soares called 'Timor-Leste: Development of a Genuine Multiparty Democracy'. He also visited the Fundação Oriente for a dinner meeting with its President Mr. Carlos Monjardino.

For more information please call UNMIT Spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453.