Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5959th meeting, 19 Aug. 2008, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Timor-Leste"]

Commends the political leadership and State institutions of Timor-Leste for the rapid, firm and responsible manner that respected constitutional procedures of the country, in which they responded to the deplorable events of 11 February 2008; welcomes the continued efforts to foster dialogue and national reconciliation in Timor-Leste through various mechanisms; reaffirms the continued importance of the review and reform of the security sector in Timor-Leste, in particular the need to ensure clear separation of internal and external security roles and responsibilities between the national police (PNTL) and the military (FFDTL); further reaffirms the importance of ongoing efforts to reach accountability and justice, and underlines the importance of the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Special Commission of Inquiry report of 2006 by the Government of Timor-Leste; reaffirms its full support for UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) in its work and appreciates the continued efforts by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to ensure the full implementation of the mandate of UNMIT.

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