5 June 2006 Dili- The Secretary-General's Special Representative in Timor-Leste, Sukehiro Hasegawa, today flew to the mountain headquarters of an armed group that has demanded the removal of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.
Hasegawa joined Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, who has also been given the Defence Ministry portfolio, in the visit to Gleno in the western part of the country, to meet with leaders claiming to speak for the people of 10 western districts in their demands for the dismissal of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.
He reported telling the meeting that if a process of transition is attempted with violence then many more people will suffer and leaders may not escape responsibility.
Both Hasegawa and Ramos-Horta conveyed their hope to begin a dialogue among all parties, and expressed the need for the respect for the rule of law and adherence to democratic principles
"National leaders must be responsible for the maintenance of law and order and the people must have their basic civil and human rights and liberties protected," SRSG Hasegawa said. He told the group that the UN is prepared to assist in investigations into the serious crimes that have taken place.
Furthermore, the SRSG said that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is bringing these issues to the attention of the Security Council so that the United Nations can extend more support.
Ramos-Horta informed the rebel group that the international forces have already confiscated many weapons and that, due to decisions made by the President, the military (F-FDTL--Forca de Defesa de Timor-Leste), have returned to their barracks and are no longer in Dili so currently there is no more shooting.
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