The top UN peacekeeping official lauded Thursday the leaders and people of Timor-Leste for remaining calm and displaying restraint after rebel forces attempted to assassinate President Jose Ramos-Horta earlier this month.
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guehenno made the remarks while he briefed the UN Security Council at an open debate to discuss the latest developments in Timor-Leste.
Guehenno said there have been no further significant security incidents in that country since the attacks on the president and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao on Feb. 11.
Gusmao escaped unhurt, but Ramos-Horta was seriously wounded and flown to Australia for surgery after being shot at his home.
Guehenno said Ramos-Horta, although still hospitalized, is in stable condition, and doctors are hopeful that he will make a full recovery.
He commended the leaders and people of Timor-Leste for remaining calm and displaying restraint.
"What some feared might have deteriorated into a destabilizing crisis did not transpire, with the institutions of the state and citizens showing strong resilience," he said, noting that a "state of siege" was declared on Feb. 11 and has been extended until Feb.23.
"In taking these measures, the government and the Parliament have acted with restraint and with due respect for the Constitution and human rights," Guehenno said.
The events showed the need for the UN mission in the country, UNMIT, to continue its work, he said.
"The course of events over the past 10 days reinforces the importance for UNMIT, in partnership with the Timorese, to continue focusing efforts on the four priority areas outlined in the secretary-general's report -- that is, review and reform of the security sector; strengthening of the rule of law; economic and social development; and promoting a culture of democratic governance," he added.
Source:Xinhua
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