It is composed of the heads of political parties as well as some U.N. experts. De Mello said the two-year transition period is less than ideal because of the scope of the changes involved. But he insisted it was enough time to ensure a smooth transition, and he pointed out that next year's elections will not mean the U.N. aid team will abruptly pack its bags and leave. International aid agencies probably will remain to help on specific projects, he said. Many East Timorese, particularly in rural areas, claim they have seen little change in their lives since last year.
Food is still scarce and unemployment remains high despite international aid.
Before the vote, militias burned most of the homes in the village of Memo, on the border with Indonesia. Villagers have erected temporary shelters of woven palm leaves amid the charred remains. The villagers said the U.N. was unable to help them with either building or food materials. Nevertheless, they said they were satisfied with the U.N.'s performance. They felt safe under the watch of U.N. peacekeepers, they said, and they were confident that U.N. efforts to rehabilitate the economy would trickle down to the smallest villages.