Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Timor Leste

Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General, who has been concerned over developments in Timor Leste, has been telephoning leaders in the region today, including President Xanana Gusmao and Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri of Timor Leste.

He has also been in touch with the prime ministers of Australia and Malaysia, John Howard and Abdullah Badawi. Both countries have committed to send forces to help restore stability in Timor Leste. He is also consulting the New Zealand and Portuguese governments.

In view of the deteriorating security and complex political situation, the Secretary-General has decided to send Ian Martin, head of the UN Human Rights Mission in Nepal, to Dili to assess the situation first hand.

Ian Martin was previously the Secretary-General's Special Representative in East Timor in 1999.