Security Council, Responding to Security Challenges in Timor-Leste, Delays Cutbacks in UN Forces

Noting continued challenges to the security and stability of Timor-Leste, the Security Council today adjusted the composition and strength of the police component of its Mission there to improve its capability to train the Timor-Leste Police Force, and it slowed the downsizing of the military component from what had been foreseen when the Mission was first established in May 2002.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1473 (2003), the Council decided to make those adjustments in line with proposals of the Secretary-General in his special report of 3 March (document S/2003/243), aimed at enhancing the operational capability of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), to address civil disturbances and to improve capability for the development of the Timor-Leste police to respond to the weaknesses that had emerged.
José Luís Guterres, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, attends today's meeting.