Written question asked by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 February 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Timor-Leste

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment of the political situation in East Timor is; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: East Timor has made slow but steady progress since the 2006 crisis. The security situation has stabilised following the February 2008 attacks on President Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao. Security sector reform, deep poverty and a weak judiciary remain key challenges. The United Nations Mission in Timor's mandate will be considered later this month and the UK will continue to encourage progress in the above key areas in order to achieve our ultimate goal of helping the people of East Timor stand on their own feet. Dr. Khare, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for East Timor, called on my noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, on 21 October 2008 to discuss progress. The UK continues to provide support to East Timor, including through contributing £150,000 to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems to improve the functioning of Timorese election processes.

Secondary information