The State of Timor-Leste honored the Commanders of UNPOL and ISF with the “Order of Timor-Leste”, in an act that symbolizes the end of UNMIT’s operational activities in Timor-Leste. This ceremony took place at the Government’s Palace, in Dili, on October 31st, 2012.
The Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão referred that “The construction of a State, particularly when it begins after a conflict as a consequence of a long struggle for liberation, is a process that could not be free from errors, since nowhere in the world can it be expected that such processes are concluded in a short period of time”.
According to Xanana Gusmão, “today (October 31st, 2012) is, thus, a major milestone for our recent, but glorious, homeland history. It is a cause for rejoicing and pride to every Timorese, not only because policemen and military, who generously stepped forward to help us, are leaving Timor-Leste. It is, thus, a reason for rejoicing because, with that same help, we were able to correct our errors and improve our technical and professional abilities”.
The Prime Minister thanked the Commanders of UNPOL and ISF for their dedication, as well as to the United Nations, in the person of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal, by making possible the assistance that now ends.
The President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, calls on Timorese’s defence and security institutions to rise to the high responsibilities that the country asks them, working with dedication, stringency and discipline to positively answer the expectations that citizens place in F-FDTL and PNTL.
For Finn Riesky Nielson, United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative, PNTL has already proven to be able to guarantee the country’s safety.