UN Police Adviser Visits Baucau, Liquica Districts

UNMIT PRESS RELEASE

UN Police Adviser Visits Baucau And Liquica Districts

14 October 2010, Dili – United Nations Police Adviser Ann-Marie Orler visited Baucau and Liquica Districts today to speak with officers of Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), United Nations Police (UNPOL), and United Nations Formed Police Unit (FPU) and take a closer look at policing in Timor-Leste.

Commissioner Orler was briefed by UNPOL and PNTL in Baucau District on their experience following PNTL’s resumption of primary policing responsibility from UNPOL. Upon hearing from PNTL officers about the challenges of their work, she responded: “I feel a lot of commitment in this room. Try to be patient, and try to keep your commitment. I have a lot of trust in you for the future.”

In Liquica District, Commissioner Orler met with Timor-Leste’s first female PNTL District Commander Natercia Eufracia Martins. She discussed possible measures for increasing women’s involvement in policing in the United Nations.

“I have to express my appreciation to the only female District Commander. It is a great honour and pleasure and I would like to congratulate you as the commander. It demonstrates that women are not only victims, they also provide security” said Commissioner Orler.

When asked about policing in Timor-Leste Commissioner Orler noted that there is a positive relationship between PNTL and international police officers.

“The role of the UNPOL is to support, help and build on the capacity of the PNTL, and the role of the PNTL is to demonstrate good working relations,” she added.

Commissioner Orler expressed her appreciation for the welcome she received from all the police officers.

“It is a pleasure to be here with you and see what achievements you have done already and what challenges you are facing,” she said. Commissioner Orler is on a five-day official visit to Timor-Leste. On her visit today she was accompanied by UNMIT Police Commissioner Luis Carrilho.

Commissioner Ann-Marie Orler was appointed United Nations Police Adviser in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in March 2010. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Police Adviser from May 2008. Before joining the United Nations, Commissioner Orler was a Police Commissioner with the Swedish National Police for some 20 years.

ENDS

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