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United Nations
Security Council lauds Timor-Lestes response to assassination attempts
19 August 2008 - The Security Council today commended Timor-Lestes
Government and public institutions for their quick and effective
response in the wake of the February attempts on the lives of the
leaders of the tiny nation that the United Nations helped shepherd to
independence in 2002.
In a statement read out by Ambassador Jan Grauls of Belgium, which
holds the rotating Council presidency this month, the 15-member body
lauded the country for the rapid, firm and responsible manner
respecting constitutional procedures in which they reacted to the
attempted assassination.
In two separate attacks on 11 February, President José Ramos-Horta
sustained serious injuries, while Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão escaped
unscathed.
But the Council cautioned that in spite of progress in boosting
Timor-Lestes security situation since the violent 2006 clashes, the
political, security, social and humanitarian situation in the country
remains fragile.
The statement also stressed the need to continue taking action to
achieve justice and accountability and emphasized the need to put into
practice the recommendations made by a UN panel set up to examine the
2006 clashes.
The Council welcomes the conviction of the leaders of Timor-Leste on
the need for justice and their determination to act against impunity,
and underlined the importance of promoting and protecting human
rights.
Addressing todays meeting, Atul Khare, the Secretary-Generals Special
Representative, said that there have been concerns about possible
abuses committed by armed forces following the February attacks.
The Government has been responsive when those concerns were raised, he
said. However, it is not clear how effectively Government concerns are
being institutionalized and articulated farther down the ranks.
Mr. Khare, who also heads the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste
(UNMIT), noted that an effective judiciary is key to ensure that
culture of impunity does not become entrenched. He expressed his
delight that a training course for judicial officers third so far
began on 29 July.
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