Today, the United Nations police officer, Nuno Anaia, will testify at the Dili District Court trial for the shooting deaths of eight PNTL officers on the 25 May 2006.

The testimony has been made possible because the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, at the recommendation of his Special Representative for Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, has waived the immunity that Mr Anaia enjoys as a staff member of the United Nations.

Mr Anaia was originally requested to testify before the Court on Tuesday of last week but his testimony was delayed due to the time needed for his immunity to be waived.

In accordance with UN regulations, the Secretary-General is the only person who is able to waive the immunity of UN personnel.

The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) remains committed to strengthening the rule of law in Timor-Leste. The granting of the waiver of immunity, which allows the testimony, is yet another expression of this commitment.

"Effective and quick follow-up of all recommendations of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry report is essential to deal with the causes and consequences of the crisis of last year," Mr Khare said.