East Timor will need a new Constitution, an issue that will require consultation among the entire population. One National Council member, Mr Anicetto Guterres, said he felt the UN transitional phase had been going on for too long, was neither efficient nor popular, and should be terminated quickly. Another member, Father Jose Antonio da Costa, warned against a headlong rush to independence and reminded members that East Timor's public service was under strength and there was a shortage of skilled administrators. The country is experiencing rising social unrest. Widespread unemployment, especially among the young, is a big concern for East Timor's leaders.
Security also remains a worry.
It was the second suspected militia ambush in the past two weeks. On December 1 Australian Signalman Scott Shepherd was shot in the leg near Balibo, close to the border. Australian peace-keepers shot dead a suspected militiaman the following day. Indonesia yesterday said it would not allow the UN to question its soldiers over last year's bloodshed in East Timor, Reuters reported. The UN had hoped to begin questioning 22 men, including 10 military officers, as witnesses at the Indonesian Attorney-General's office last Thursday.