11 December 2008

East Timor to host Seminar on Reform and Development of Security Sector

UNMIT Press Release Dili 09 December 2008- The Office of the President of the Republic, through the Coordinating Committee for the Reform and Development of the Security Sector, will host a two-day seminar starting on 11 December in the President’s Palace in Lahane, Dili. This international seminar is an initiative of President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmâo and is supported by the United Nations.

The principle objective of this seminar is to bring together national and international participants to exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences on the reform and development of the security sector.

During the seminar, three main topics will be discussed: the reform and development of the security sector in Timor-Leste, moderated by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Dr Atul Khare; the program to transform the defence and security forces, moderated by the President of the National Parliament, Dr Fernando Lasama de Aruajo; and the architecture of the security and defence systems, moderated by the Portuguese Ambassador, Sr. João Ramos Pinto. An additional panel will convene to discuss other priority issues.

Other national and international key speakers will be present. National speakers include the National Parliament President of Committee B, Dr Duarte Nunes, the Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Julio Tomas Pinto and the Secretary of State for Security, Dr Fransisco Guterres.

International speakers come from both military and academic backgrounds. They include the Portuguese Acting Chief of Armed Forces, General Pinto, the Australian Commander Northern Command Ian Meyn, and other representatives from the United States and Brazil. There will also be regional representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, China and New Zealand.

The seminar presents a valuable opportunity for all Timorese to share their experiences, ideas and perspectives with people from other nations. This exchange of knowledge will help strengthen the security sector in this new nation.

For more information contact Joel Maria Pereira, +670 723 0160.

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