31 January 2009

An analysis of the problem of Diplomacy, Defence and National Security in East Timor

ETLJ 31 January 2009 SYDNEY - The seventh report in the series of analyses of social problems in East Timor entitled Diplomacy, Defence and National Security has been published in the East Timor Law Journal in English, Indonesian and Portuguese. Excerpt follows:

Defence and security are crucial elements in the implementation of governance, including in the State of RDTL. Disruptions to the issue of defence and security can impact upon and influence national stability, the community's sense of security, investment systems and the development process. In other words, disruption of defence and security will also disrupt the implementation of governance. Consequently, consideration of defence and security must be prioritised by the government and those agencies related to defence and security.

Although the participation of all components of society is required in relation to defence and security, it is the government as the executor of governance and those agencies responsible for defence that are responsible for and the front guard in creating a strong system of defence and security.

The Constitution of RDTL stipulates that the Police Force of East Timor has a duty to defend the legality of democracy and guarantee internal security for all citizens and shall be strictly impartial (Article 147 of the Constitution of RDTL), whilst the Defence Force of East Timor has the responsibility to guarantee national independence, territorial integrity and the freedom and security of the population from any form of external attack or threat, whilst respecting Constitutional order (article 146 section 2, Constitution of RDTL). The Government, as the executor of governance in RDTL, must always strive to maintain stability in the execution of government so that it can be implemented in accordance with the stipulated objectives, namely to provide a sense of security in all aspects to the community in order to establish prosperity.

In relation to the above, attempts must be made to ensure that defence and the security of the State, nation and people are upheld and not disturbed from within or outside the area of state jurisdiction. One initiative to create a national defence and security system is through the provision of diplomatic means in order to resolve issues if there are disturbances to the national defence and security system, particularly in relation to conflicts which may arise in areas around national borders, on both land and sea. Read the full report in English, Indonesian or Portuguese...

East Timor Law Journal - Towards the rule of law in Timor-Leste!

Image - Coat of Arms of the East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL)

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