UNPOL transfers powers to PNTL in Baucau District
Last Friday, Timor-Leste’s National Police (PNTL) in Baucau District received its policing power from UNPOL. This is one more of the six districts where policing power has been transferred.
The ceremony for the transference of the police power was presided by the Director-General of the Secretariat of State for Security, Mrs. Guillermina Ribeiro, in representation of the Secretary of State. In her speech, she mentioned the role of the Community Police in approaching the population and their protection in regards to mentors of illicit acts, as well as in the support to solve their problems. Likewise, the population must collaborate with the police in obtaining information, support or necessary monitoring so they may resolve existing problems. Only thus stability may be created for the benefit of national development.
In his speech, the Vice-Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Timor-Leste, Finn Reske Nielse, stated that “the durable stability of the country will depend on the police’s development, in a professional and effective manner in order to obtain the community’s trust. This is the major responsibility of all the police force, and we are proud because you have already demonstrated that fulfilment”.
Finn Reske Nielse also highlighted that “the United Nations will concentrate on the monitoring and support to PNTL, in conformance with the request of the national leaders and the recommendation of the Security Council of the United Nations”.
The Commander and the Vice-Commander of the Baucau District PNTL ad the Representative for the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Timor-Leste were also present at the ceremony.
The Integrated Mission of the United Nations in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) was created by Resolution 1704 of the Security Council of the United Nations, on the 25th August 2006.
