Dili, 27 November 2007 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Atul Khare has welcomed a Security Council delegation to Timor-Leste noting that the visit is an important expression of the international community's commitment to the nascent nation.

The delegation has arrived in Timor-Leste to underscore the long-term commitment of the international community to stabilisation and development and the need for ongoing support to bilateral and international partners aiding Timorese efforts towards self-reliance.

The delegation will discuss and exchange views with the Timorese authorities on how to help the country develop the capacity necessary to build on what has already been achieved in the areas of security and democracy, among others.

Those participating are Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo (Head of Mission) from South Africa, Ambassador Liu Zhenmin from China, Mr. Muhammad Anshor from Indonesia, Ms Diana Eloeva from the Russian Federation, Ambassador Peter Burian from Slovakia and the United States Ambassador Jackie Wolcott

"The Security Council is expressing its full support for Timor-Leste and for the United Nations presence here, and we are very grateful for that support.

It is an important acknowledgement - by the international community - that there has been success in stabilising the security situation and that democratic progress has been achieved through peaceful and acceptable elections."

Mr Khare added the visit also underscores the long-term commitment of the international community to stabilisation and development in Timor-Leste.

UNMIT's current 12-month mandate expires on 26 February, 2008.

For more information please call spokesperson Allison Cooper on +670 7230453 or Hipolito Gama on +670 7211839.