Timor-Leste begins presidential polls preparations
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Haq addresses Security Council on Timor-Leste situation
Timor-Leste has begun making preparations for next year's presidential and parliamentary elections, according to Ameerah Haq, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, UNMIT.
In her briefing to the Security Council on Tuesday, Ameerah Haq said elections in the South Asian country are expected to be peaceful and encouraged countries to provide financial support.
The United Nations recently handed over policing duties to the country's national force, the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste or PNTL.
Ms. Haq complimented the security forces for maintaining law and order.
"Since the PNTL's resumption of policing responsibilities on 27 March, PNTL officers have effectively addressed incidents, and there has been no impact on the continuing low crime rate. In the long term, the PNTL's enduring effectiveness will depend to a large extent, on its ability to maintain the trust of the Timorese public". Duration: 26″
Policing and elections are two key elements for continued peace and stability for Timor-Leste, Haq said, adding the Mission will maintain a police presence of up to 1,280 personnel until after next year's elections.
