Dinny McGinley
Ceist:88 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in East Timor; the outstanding issues for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34420/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 October 2006
Ceisteanna (33)
Freagraí scríofa
There have been a number of recent developments following the crisis in Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor) in late April. The former Foreign Minister Dr Jose Ramos-Horta was appointed as Prime Minister on 10 July, with a new government formed shortly thereafter. Prime Minister Ramos-Horta and President Gusmão have both committed themselves to achieving reconciliation without sacrificing accountability for crimes committed during the past months. However, the situation remains fragile, with many of the underlying causes of the crisis still to be addressed. The number of internally displaced persons remains high.
The Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste presented its report on 17 October. The Commission was established in June under the auspices of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights to look into the facts and circumstances surrounding the events in April/May. The Commission has stated its view that the crisis could largely be explained by the frailty of State institutions and the weakness of the rule of law. As the Commission notes, justice, peace and democracy are mutually reinforcing imperatives, and the report underlines the need for a substantial and long-term effort on the part of the Timorese Government and its international partners to address the challenges facing the country.
In part this work has already begun. On 25 August the UN Security Council unanimously decided to establish a new, expanded operation for the country — the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). UNMIT's mandate includes supporting the Government in "consolidating stability, enhancing a culture of democratic governance, and facilitating dialogue... to bring about a process of national reconciliation". The Mission will also support the country in all aspects of the 2007 Presidential and parliamentary electoral process, and will seek to ensure the restoration and maintenance of pubic security. In line with our long-standing commitment to Timor-Leste, Ireland fully supports the UN's continued role.
The impact of the disturbances on the people of Timor-Leste remains a matter of concern to the Government, and Ireland continues to be committed to supporting the development efforts of that country. Minister of State Lenihan announced, on 19 October, further Irish support of €1.14 million to assist Timor-Leste with the aftermath of the crisis. This is additional to the €500,000 announced in June for humanitarian relief, and brings to over €6.5 million the amount which Irish Aid will provide in direct support to Timor-Leste in 2006.
The additional funding will be targeted at the underlying causes of instability, including youth unemployment. It will also provide support for the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections in 2007, as well as in the justice sector and human rights monitoring. The overall objective of Ireland's assistance to Timor-Leste has been to support the government of Timor-Leste and civil society in reducing poverty by delivering essential social services and by strengthening governance and human rights.