Remarks at dedication of UN House

It is with great pleasure that I join you today to open the UN House in Dili. We are here today to celebrate the beginning of a new era for East Timor. A great deal of work has been done - by the East Timorese and by us - to prepare for this day. However, now that independence is achieved, the challenge of nation-building remains.

I am pleased to be able to say that the UN family is fully committed to assisting East Timor as it embarks on its new course as an independent country. The new mission, UNMISET, will focus its efforts on consolidating a stable environment. The UN agencies will play their role, alongside the bilateral donors, in promoting development and alleviating poverty. So Mr. Sharma [the SRSG of UNMISET], you have a lot to do.

I have long believed that by gathering UN offices under one roof, we will be able to improve the coordination and effectiveness of our work. Of course, coordination goes beyond the physical fact of sharing premises. I want, therefore, to say a special word of thanks to the UN Country Team for preparing a UN Development Assistance Framework which provides a common strategy for all the agencies working to help the people of East Timor.

Finally, let me say that our ability to work in a unified and coherent manner can set an important example for the people of East Timor themselves, as they strive to work in a united manner to build a stable and prosperous society.

I am proud to declare the UN House in East Timor officially open and wish you the best of luck.

Thank you very much.*****