Prime Minister declares the end of the mission of the International Security Forces, in 2012
The Prime Minister and also Minister of Defense and Security, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, announced the end of the mission of the International Security Forces (FSI) in 2012, in a press conference held on October 21, on his arrival at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato airport,.
The schedule has been submitted to the UN and I have personally presented the calendar of transition to the UN Secretary-General, which includes UNMIT and the FSI in one single package, since both missions will end in 2012", said the Prime Minister.
Xanana Gusmao made this statement following a statement previously made by the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General David Hurley, who advocated against the withdrawal of the ISF in 2012, according to the timetable, due to the presidential and legislative elections and the fact that Timor-Leste is still in a critical status" (according to Lusa News Agency, on Friday, October 20, 2011).
The Prime Minister took the occasion to appeal to the population throughout the country, to keep calm and not get involved in violent acts, thereby contributing for peace and stability, thus allowing the withdrawl of the International Security Forces.
