United Nations: Highlighting the fragile security situationin Timor-Leste, the top United Nations envoy to the impoverished nation hassought more international police during this year's elections, the first to beheld there since it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.

"Security is clearly seen by all stakeholders as a critical element forthe success of the electoral process. The situation is demonstrating some signsof improvement but remains fragile," the Special Representative of theSecretary-General for Timor-Leste, Atul Khare of India said.

He was briefing a Security Council meeting yesterday to discuss theSecretary-General's report on the tiny country.

The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for April 9 and thedate for the polls will be announced afterwards, Khare said, stressing the needfor long-term international assistance to the country as well as theSecretary-General's recommendation that the mandate of the UN IntegratedMission in Timor-Leste be extended for another year. It currently expires onFebruary 25.

"Development and strengthening of democratic institutions is a long-drawnout process and requires continued support," Khare said, stressing thatthe people of Timor-Leste are desirous of peace and stability in a democraticclimate.

The Security Council created UNMIT in August to help restore order after deadlyfighting, attributed to differences between eastern and western regions, brokeout in April and May last year and led to the deaths of at least 37 people andforced about 155,000 people or 15 per cent of the population to flee theirhomes.

 

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