30 March 2011

United Nations Police officially hand over security responsibility to the PNTL

Televizaun Timor-Leste, March 28, 2011 language source: Tetun - The United Nations Police in Timor-Leste on Saturday officially handed over security responsibility to the Timorese National Police (PNTL).

The process of handing over the security responsibility was done through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, Ameerah Haq, at the Government Palace.

Prime Minister Gusmao said starting from March 27, the security sector in the country will be managed by PNTL. “Starting tomorrow at 00:00 Timor-Leste time, the PNTL will handle security management and the United Nations Police will provide their support and this is a new step for our police,” Prime Minister Gusmao said.

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Timor-Leste, Ameerah Haq, said although the UN Police had handed over security responsibility to PNTL, they will continue to professionalise PNTL officials so that they can carry out their work more effectively in the future to ensure security and stability in the country.

“What we will have now is comprehensive development plans for training, for capacity building, and we will be working very closely with each other during the remaining time that UNMIT is in this country and we will be supporting the Government and working very closely as well,” Ameerah Haq said.

PM Gusmao also called on the PNTL officials to carry out their work professionally and effectively to guarantee security in the country.

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