It is not just a matter of ensuring political stability and putting in place the right regulations such as commercial codes, property laws and mechanisms for the settlement of disputes. It has to do with the need to ensure that the international community does not turn its back on East Timor after it becomes independent. The creation of conditions for development will not be attained in the short term and will require generous international cooperation long after independence. This is the rationale behind our projects in East Timor, which focus mainly on education and capacity building. Such programs have also a positive impact on the preparation of the East Timorese people to take over the future democratic State of East Timor.
Management levels are of particular importance for the transition.
These are the people who will be at the helm of the administration after independence. It is clear, however, that regardless of the format of the new Mission, the international presence will have to remain substantial. In the sensitive area of security, it is essential to keep the current level of troops until a reliable security assessment by the people in the field provides the necessary assurances for downsizing the force. Mr. President, In conclusion, I would like to highlight that in East Timor the UN and the international community have embarked on an unprecedented exercise of cooperation in nation-building. And to that end, Mr. President, our efforts must be untiring.