UNMIT Congratulates All Political Parties in the Post-Voting Period

7 Jul 2008

UNMIT Congratulates All Political Parties in the Post-Voting Period

Dili, Timor-Leste, July 6, 2007 – The head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) has congratulated all 16 political parties for their democratic conduct following the parliamentary election on June 30.

Atul Khare hosted a meeting for all political parties at the UN's headquarters in Dili this morning.

During the meeting, the parties thanked the United Nations and its agencies for the ongoing assistance provided during the campaigning, voting and post-election phase. They all agreed that the most important challenge facing them was to form a government and opposition that would represent the citizens of Timor-Leste.

Mr Khare said that interpretations of the various articles in the Constitution on the Government formation would be a matter for them to decide upon. What was important was to move forward in way that was legally correct and contributed to the continuing political stabilisation of Timor-Leste.

"UNMIT will continue to assist in many areas, with a priority towards security sector reform, the strengthening of justice sector, the development of institutions of state and social and economic development.

However, we can't do that without the ongoing cooperation and the will of the leaders both within government and those in opposition," Mr Khare said.

He added that UNMIT would continue to host regular monthly meetings for all political parties in Timor-Leste.

UNMIT is mandated through Security Council Resolution 1704 to "support Timor-Leste in all aspects of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary electoral process, including through technical and logistical support, electoral policy advice and verification or other means."

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