21 June 2006, Dili--Sukehiro Hasegawa, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Timor-Leste said today, "We cannot turn back the clock" in this crisis-torn country.
He told a press conference," The international community should not take over the functions of the state. We are not back in 2000 or 1999. We cannot turn back the clock."
A UN Peacekeeping operation arrived in 1999 to quell widespread violence and administered the state until it became independent in May of 2002.
"Timor-Leste, he said, "is a temporarily broken state, but it is not a failed state."
Some 145,000 persons have been forced to flee their homes in Timor-Leste since fighting broke out in late April.
"I am confident that Timor-Leste can overcome the current crisis, and this temporary setback," he said. The international community has the responsibility to protect the people, rebuild the country and prevent a slide backwards."
Hasegawa thanked Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal for having sent in security forces to stabilize the country. He also thanked the international donors for their response to an emergency appeal launched last week, reporting today that some $13.8 had been pledged or committed in the appeal for almost $19 million.
Earlier in the day Hasegawa met with a group of demonstrators.
"Everyone in this country has human and civil rights, including the right to demonstrate and assemble and express opinions," he said.
"Our position," he said, "is that we remain impartial and independent."
For additional information, please contact:
Donna Cusumano, Chief, Public Information Office, UNOTIL; +670 723 0749 or Spokesperson Robert Sullivan at 670 331-2210, extension 5165