Armitage Underscores U.S. Support for East Timor

(East Timor's progress toward democracy, rule of law, free economy hailed) (420)

In a December 7 meeting with President Xanana Gusmao of East Timor, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage underscored the United States' strong support for East Timor's historic transition to full independence and democracy.

Armitage noted that on May 20, 2005, three years after East Timor celebrated its independence, the mandate of the U.N. Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) will expire, marking the end of a successful partnership among East Timor, the United Nations, and numerous donor countries.

The United States has been one of the largest donors to East Timor.

State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli released the following statement after the meeting:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman December 7, 2004

Statement by Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman

Meeting Between Deputy Secretary Armitage and East Timor President Xanana Gusmao

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage welcomed East Timor President Xanana Gusmao to the Department today. The Deputy Secretary underscored U.S. support for East Timor and congratulated President Gusmao and the Timorese people on their historic transition to full independence. On May 20, 2005, three years after East Timor celebrated its independence, the mandate of the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) will expire, marking the end of a successful partnership among East Timor, the UN, and numerous donor countries. The U.S. has been one of the largest donors to East Timor--both bilaterally and through UNMISET--along with Japan, Australia, and Portugal.

The United States was one of a handful of countries to open embassies in Dili on May 20, 2002, the day of Timorese independence. The U.S. contributed to the deployment of the Australian-led International Force for East Timor during the violence and destruction that followed the 1999 independence referendum, and from 2000-2002 American troops from the U.S. Group in East Timor assisted reconstruction efforts. Many American citizens have served with the UN peacekeeping missions in East Timor. The U.S. has also played a leading role in development and security assistance. In 2004, the U.S. contributed approximately $22 million in economic aid and $2.15 million in security assistance. The Deputy Secretary underscored U.S. interest in and endorsed the progress made by East Timor in developing its democracy, the rule of law, and a free economy that reduces poverty. The Deputy Secretary and President Gusmao also discussed accountability for the crimes against humanity committed in 1999.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)