"The extension is a strong indication of the United Nations' continuing resolve to assist the people of Timor-Leste to further stabilize and develop their country," Mr Atul Khare said.

The Security Council, in its Resolution 1802, extended UNMIT's mandate at the current level, while condemning in the strongest possible terms, the attacks on the President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste on February 11.

At its current force, UNMIT has an authorised deployment of 1748 police personnel, 438 international civilian staff, 933 national staff and 134 United Nations volunteers.

The total operating budget is for the 2007/2008 financial year is US$153,187,500.

In Resolution 1802, the Security Council called on the Government of Timor-Leste to bring to justice those responsible for the February 11 attacks and for the people to remain calm, exercise restraint and maintain stability in the country.

It also reaffirmed the importance of ongoing efforts to reach accountability and justice, and underlined the importance of the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Independent Special Commission of Inquiry Report of 2006 by the Government of Timor-Leste.

The Council further called upon the Government, assisted by UNMIT, to continue working on a comprehensive review of the future role and needs of the security sector. It requested the UN mission, working with partners, to intensify the efforts to assist with further training, mentoring, institutional development, and strengthening of the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL).

The Council also reinforced the importance of UNMIT, in partnership with the Timorese, to continue focusing on four priority areas: review and reform of the security sector, strengthening the rule of law, economic and social development, and promoting a culture of democratic governance.

"These four areas are the priority for UNMIT over the coming 12 months and with the continued commitment of the Timorese leadership and the people of Timor-Leste, I am confident that we can achieve a lot," Mr Khare said.

The new mandate for UNMIT will expire on February 26, 2009.

For further information please call UNMIT Spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453 or Hipolito Gama on +670 73118396. For a full copy of Resolution 1802 please visit www.unmit.org