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19 August 2008
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Timor-Leste makes progress in reviewing security sector
19/08/2008
The Government of Timor-Leste is making progress in the review of the security sector in the country since the crisis caused by the dismissal of soldiers in 2006.
That, according to the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Timor- Leste, Atul Khare, who briefed the Security Council today.
He said that Timor-Leste authorities have identified the need to address management and leadership gaps in the civil service, police and army as key priorities.
Mr. Khare told the Council that in response to the attacks on President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on 11 February, the Government chose to temporarily use a Joint Command of its military and police in areas where the fugitives were.
"This was successful in contributing to their surrender, but there have been some concerns about abuses by those forces, particularly the military. The Government has been responsive when those concerns were raised. However, it is not clear how effectively Government concerns are being institutionalized and articulated farther down the ranks.
Mr. Khare stressed the need to provide assistance to Timor-Leste to build a professional army that understands its role in peacetime setting that does not encroach on the primary responsibility of the civilian administration or the police.
This is Dianne Penn for UN Radio.
(duration: 1'22")
That, according to the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Timor- Leste, Atul Khare, who briefed the Security Council today.
He said that Timor-Leste authorities have identified the need to address management and leadership gaps in the civil service, police and army as key priorities.
Mr. Khare told the Council that in response to the attacks on President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on 11 February, the Government chose to temporarily use a Joint Command of its military and police in areas where the fugitives were.
"This was successful in contributing to their surrender, but there have been some concerns about abuses by those forces, particularly the military. The Government has been responsive when those concerns were raised. However, it is not clear how effectively Government concerns are being institutionalized and articulated farther down the ranks.
Mr. Khare stressed the need to provide assistance to Timor-Leste to build a professional army that understands its role in peacetime setting that does not encroach on the primary responsibility of the civilian administration or the police.
This is Dianne Penn for UN Radio.
(duration: 1'22")