United Nations – Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday proposed a United Nations transitional authority for East Timor that would oversee all aspects of civilian life and include some 10,000 peacekeepers and police.
In a report to the Security Council, the Secretary-General details the establishment of a UN Transitional Administration for East Timor (UNTAET) for the period before independence, calling it a "major challenge" for the UN whose success will depend on the "strong and continuing support and cooperation" of the international community.
Under the 5 May Agreements that paved the way for the UN-run ballot in August in which an 80 per cent majority rejected a proposal to remain under Indonesian control with broad autonomy, the UN would assume authority over the territory after the Indonesian Parliament took the necessary constitutional steps "to terminate its links with East Timor." The Parliament is expected to ratify the ballot's results in late October or early November.
According to the Secretary-General's plan, UNTAET would be empowered to exercise all legislative and executive authority, including the administration of justice, in the ruined territory for two to three years until local elections can take place. UNTAET would also establish appropriate advisory bodies to ensure East Timorese participation in the "governance and administration" of the territory.
The Administration would comprise three parts, including a governance and public administration component that would oversee the rebuilding of East Timor's judiciary, civilian police force and public services. This sector would also handle economic, financial and development affairs, run the electoral operations and take charge of each of the territory's 13 regencies, or districts. UNTAET's two other components would provide humanitarian assistance and emergency rehabilitation as well as military protection.
The Secretary-General recommends about 9,000 peacekeeping troops to maintain a secure environment, monitor the "prompt and complete" withdrawal of Indonesian troops and to disarm and demobilize armed groups. A further contingent of 1,250 civilian police would be responsible for law enforcement as well as the recruitment and training of a "credible, professional and impartial" East Timor police force.
Noting that the current situation is "critical," Mr. Annan also appeals to UN Member countries to urgently provide experts to carry out ad hoc measures designed to fill the existing "vacuum of authority" created by the early departure of Indonesian authorities from East Timor.