Timor-Leste continues to grapple with a host of challenges including the fate of about 100,000 internally displaced persons and widespread poverty though it has recovered well from the violent crisis that engulfed it last year, a U.N. diplomat said Thursday.
"The challenges of governance and the legacy of the 2006 violent crisis and its aftermath continue to haunt the country's political leadership and affect the people of Timor-Leste," South African Ambassador Dumisani S. Kumalo stated, as he briefed the Council as head of a council delegation which visited the country on Nov. 24 to Dec. 1 visit.
He noted that the general and security situation in Timor-Leste remains calm and stable, although fragile, adding that the country held successful presidential and parliamentary elections earlier this year, all 15 political parties were working together, and civil society seemed to be flourishing.
But Timor-Leste still faces enormous challenges associated with political differences among leaders in resolving critical issues, and difficulties associated with widespread unemployment and poverty, Kumalo observed.
In addition, the mission found that Timor-Leste faces challenges related to weak institutions, lack of capacity and difficulties in governance, and the security and justice sectors needed strengthening, he said.
"Despite these challenges, the mission left Timor-Leste convinced that the country is on the right path of regaining its role as a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous country," the U.N. diplomat said.
The Security Council created U.N. Integrated Mission in August 2006 to help restore order after fighting, attributed to differences between eastern and western regions, broke out in April and May of that year and led to the deaths of at least 37 people and forced about 155,000 people - or 15 percent of the population - to flee their homes.
In February 2007, the Council decided to extend the U.N. mission in the impoverished country until Feb. 26, 2008.
Source: Xinhua
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