Resumption of policing responsibilities in Aileu

International Day of Peace marked by resumption of policing responsibilities in Aileu

21 September, 2010, Dili – The International Day of Peace in Timor-Leste was highlighted by the latest resumption of responsibility by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) who took charge in Timor-Leste’s Aileu District this morning. The ceremony, attended by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Timor-Leste (DSRSG) Shigeru Mochida and Secretary of State for Security, Dr. Francisco da Costa Guterres, marked the resumption of policing responsibilities by the Timorese police service after a period of four years during which the lead role was handled by UNPOL.

DSRSG Mochida pointed out the significance of the event, taking place on the International Day of Peace, noting that “With each resumption, we get closer to achieving and maintaining peace in Timor-Leste.”

“The long term stability of the country depends to a large extent on the development of an effective and professional police service in which the community can have confidence. This is a big task for all police officers, and we are all grateful to you for taking on this responsibility,” added the DSRSG.

The Government of Timor-Leste and UNMIT are jointly implementing the resumption process district by district. Joint Government and UNMIT teams, including UN Police and PNTL apply mutually agreed criteria to assess the readiness of PNTL to resume primary policing responsibilities.

Aileu is the ninth district in which the PNTL has resumed primary policing responsibility since the process began in Lautem District, May 2009. In addition, responsibility for the administration and management of the Police Training Centre, the Maritime Police Unit and the Police Intelligence Service was handed over to PNTL in September and December respectively, last year.

UN Police will maintain their presence in the districts where the PNTL has resumed responsibilities, in order to monitor, advise and support the PNTL.

Photos:

1. UNMIT DSRSG Shigeru Mochida signs handover agreement, in the presence of (from left): Head of PNTL Close Protection Unit Euclides Belo, UNMIT Police Commissioner Luis Carrilho, and Secretary of State for Security Dr. Francisco da Costa Guterres, with UNPOL and PNTL colleagues. Photo by Martine Perret/UNMIT

2. Community members in traditional dress stand with Timorese flags during handover ceremony. Photo by Martine Perret/UNMIT

3. Community member blows traditional horn in opening of Aileu District handover ceremony. Photo by Martine Perret/UNMIT

ENDS

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