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Chronology – United nations Peacekeeping
On the eve of the popular consultation, the Secretary-General issues an appeal to the people of East Timor, calling on all sides to “live up to thier responsibilities before history”. 30 August UNAMET announces that at least 95 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots in the popular consultation; a total of more than 430,000.
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1999 East Timorese crisis – wikipedia
The 1999 East Timorese crisis began with attacks by pro-Indonesia militia groups on civilians, adn expanded to general violence throughout the contry, centred in the capital Dili. The violence intensified after a majority of eligible East Timorese voters voted for independence from indonesia. A Scorched Earth Operation by militia groups destroyed 80% of Dili’s infrastructure.
[Source](https://unmit.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/peacekee…violence that followed, 14 UNAMET employees would be killed across the country, including her cousin, Ana Lemos.
The International Force for Timor-Leste, INTERFET, approved by the Security Council, made a major contribution to ending the crisis. Ms. Martins says that her cousin’s strength and sacrifice inspired her to join the police, and “ensure safer lives for people, especially women and children.” According to her, the presence of UN peacekeeping missions made the entire Timorese population feel safe, after the trauma of the loss of loved ones and property in the post-referendum crisis.
In the years that followed Timor-Leste and its institutions became more stable, but in 2006 an internal political crisis shook the country, leading to violent clashes that displaced more than 150 thousand people.
!Sister Guilhermina, at the convent of the Canossian Mothers in Dili.
UN News/Felipe de Carvalho
Sister Guilhermina, at the convent of the Canossian Mothers in Dili.the text discusses the change of Timor-Leste (East Timor) from a conflict-ridden nation to a model for post-conflict stabilization and peacekeeping. Here are the key points:
- Progress of Skills: During their struggle for freedom, the Timorese people developed both military and political skills. They are now using this experience to foster dialog and encourage peace in other conflict areas.
- Peacekeeping Missions: Timorese soldiers have participated in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Lebanon. Since 2011, Timor-Leste has provided military observers to the South Sudan mission.
- Influence of UN Peacekeeping: Major Zequito Ximenes,a Timorese observer in South sudan,was inspired by the UN’s role in bringing peace to his country. This motivated him to contribute to similar missions globally.
- Training Center: Timor-Leste established a peacekeeping operations training center in 2018, preparing both male and female military personnel for UN missions. The country is ready to send more peacekeepers for various tasks, including rescue, protection, and engineering projects like building roads and schools.
- National Reconciliation and normalization: Timorese leaders prioritized national reconciliation and the normalization of relations with Indonesia to prevent a return to war. These efforts, along with international support, have made Timor-Leste a model for post-conflict stabilization, demonstrating that a path to peace and security is achievable.
The text concludes by mentioning related content, though the specific details of the related content are not provided in the given text.Timor-Leste, a small nation in Southeast Asia, has emerged as a beacon of peace and stability after enduring years of conflict. The country’s journey from a war-torn territory to a peacemaker is a testament to its resilience and the meaningful role played by the United Nations (UN).During the turbulent early years of Timor-Leste’s independence, the UN maintained a constant presence, aiding in the preservation of peace and stability. This support was instrumental in the country’s accomplished transition from a host nation for UN peacekeeping operations to one that now contributes to supporting missions elsewhere.
the UN’s involvement in Timor-Leste began with several missions aimed at stabilizing the region. in total, Timor-Leste hosted six UN missions—four peacekeeping and two political—up until 2012. Major Luis Pinto, a former peacekeeper, noted that these missions were among the most successful in the history of the UN. He emphasized that “the birth of timor-Leste was made by the United Nations,” highlighting the critical role the international body played in the country’s formation and early development.
Twenty-four years after gaining independence, Timor-Leste has transformed into a nation that actively supports UN peacekeeping efforts globally. This transition is a remarkable achievement, considering the country’s recent history of conflict. The UN’s support during the early years laid the groundwork for Timor-Leste’s current role as a contributor to international peace and security.
To better understand Timor-Leste’s journey, let’s summarize key milestones in a table:
| Year | Event |
|————|————————————————————————-|
| 1999-2002 | Timor-Leste hosts four UN peacekeeping missions to maintain stability. |
| 2002-2012 | Two political missions support Timor-Leste’s governance and development.|
| 2025 | Timor-Leste contributes to UN peacekeeping missions globally.|
This table illustrates the evolution of Timor-Leste’s relationship with the UN, from a recipient of peacekeeping efforts to an active participant in global peacekeeping initiatives.
Timor-Leste’s transformation from a conflict-ridden nation to a peacemaker is a story of resilience and international cooperation. The UN’s role in stabilizing the country during its formative years was crucial, and Timor-Leste’s current contributions to global peacekeeping efforts are a testament to its commitment to peace and stability.
Interview with Maria Martins: Timor-Leste’s Journey to Peace and Stability
Editor: Maria Martins, can you tell us about the crisis that led to the East Timorese independence referendum in 1999?
Maria Martins: Certainly. In 1999, the East Timorese population voted for independence from Indonesia. The referendum was the culmination of years of struggle and aspirations for self-determination. Though, it was met with severe backlash. A Scorched Earth Operation by militia groups destroyed 80% of Dili’s infrastructure, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and causing widespread destruction.
Editor: How did the United Nations respond to this crisis?
Maria Martins: Following the referendum, the Security Council established the United Nations Transitional Management in East Timor (UNTAET). This mission was critical in stabilizing the situation and providing a framework for the transition to independence. UNAMET, a political mission, was also present but faced critically important challenges, including the deadly violence that followed the referendum. Unfortunately, 14 UNAMET employees were killed across the country, including my cousin, Ana Lemos.
editor: What role did the International Force for Timor-Leste, INTERFET, play in resolving the crisis?
Maria Martins: INTERFET played a crucial role in ending the crisis. Approved by the Security Council, the multinational force secured the area and restored order. Their presence was instrumental in preventing further bloodshed and laying the groundwork for peace and reconstruction.
Editor: How did these peacekeeping missions impact the Timorese population?
Maria Martins: The presence of UN peacekeeping missions made the entire Timorese population feel safe after the trauma of losing loved ones and property following the post-referendum crisis. My cousin’s strength and sacrifice inspired me to join the police, aiming to ensure safer lives for people, especially women and children.
Editor: What have been the key developments since those turbulent years?
Maria Martins: In the years that followed, Timor-Leste and its institutions became more stable. The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) continued to support the country’s governance and development.This period marked a significant betterment in the security and stability of Timor-Leste.
Editor: Can you discuss Timor-Leste’s journey to becoming an active participant in global peacekeeping efforts?
Maria Martins: Timor-Leste has come a long way from being a recipient of peacekeeping efforts to contributing to them globally. Our transformation from a conflict-ridden nation to a peacemaker is a story of resilience and international cooperation. The UN’s role in stabilizing our country during its formative years was crucial, and our current contributions to global peacekeeping efforts are a testament to our commitment to peace and stability.
Editor: What are the main takeaways from your experiences and timor-Leste’s journey?
Maria Martins: The main takeaway is the power of determination and international cooperation. Despite immense challenges, Timor-Leste’s journey demonstrates that stable and peaceful societies can emerge from conflict through collective effort and support.Our story underscores the importance of resilience and the value of global peacekeeping missions in achieving lasting peace and security.
Editor: Thank you, Maria Martins, for sharing your insights and experiences.
This interview has provided a detailed account of Timor-Leste’s journey through the crisis years to becoming a force for international peace and stability. Maria Martins’ personal experiences and observations underscore the critical role of resilience and international cooperation in achieving enduring peace.
