The long goodbye
UNMISET troops hold last parade

Last salute: CSM WO2 Philip Quin, 7CSR, takes charge of the soldiers to march them off the parade ground at the final UNMISET parade in Dili. Photo by Flt-Lt Michael Lumsden-Steel

A Portuguese bugler sounds the general salute, led by parade commander Lt-Col Brian Cox, for Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao. Photo by Cpl Damian Shovell

FOLLOWING almost six years of UN peacekeeping missions in Timor- Leste, the last armed operation closed on May 20, finally signifying that peace has returned to the nation.

The end of UN Mission of Support in Timor-Leste (UNMISET) coincided with the third anniversary of the country’s independence and made way for the UN’s transition to a reduced and unarmed political mission, the UN Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), which will further assist Timor-Leste’s move towards self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

Australian National Commander in Timor-Leste Lt-Col Brian Cox said the ADF’s contribution to UNMISET had been significant and the transition to UNOTIL marked the end of peacekeeping operations in Timor-Leste.

The follow-on mission will involve 14 military advisers focused on knowledge and skills transfer initiatives.

“Nine nations have been asked to contribute to 14 military adviser positions, of which Australia would certainly like to have some representation,” Lt- Col Cox said.

Lt-Col Cox said with more than 120 ADF personnel currently deployed to UNMISET, his focus was now on the extraction of personnel and equipment, while still providing some support to the 1200 personnel from other UN contingents until they depart.

“Members of Op Spire should be justifiably proud of their efforts in what they have achieved during their tour of duty in Timor-Leste,” Lt-Col Cox said. “Although the ADF contribution to the UN peacekeeping is now over, our contribution to Timor-Leste will continue through our growing bilateral programs such as the Defence Cooperation Program.”

He said the Forward Operating Base at Moleana would be given back to the Timor-Leste government on June 15 for use as an agricultural college.

Lt-Col Cox expects the last Op Spire troops to return to Australia on June 24. Most of the Support Company returned to RAAF Base Amberley on May 31.

Signifying the end of UNMISET, a number of lead-up and closing celebrations were held, including a UN medal parade and a final UNMISET parade on May 19 at Dili’s Obrigado Barracks where Timor-Leste president Xanana Gusmao and Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Sukehiro Hasegawa farewelled the UN peacekeepers.

President Gusmao inspected assembled troops representing Australian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Fijian, UNPOL, Military Liaison Group and Portuguese contingents, before thanking them and all peacekeepers for their contribution to his nation’s freedom and independence. He made particular reference to honouring those who died during the mission, including Australians Cpl Stuart MacMillan Jones and LCpl Russell Eisenhuth.

SRSG Hasegawa also expressed his gratitude to the thousands of men and women who took part in UN peacekeeping operations in Timor-Leste.

“Even as this is a sad occasion as we mark the end of an important phase of UN involvement in Timor-Leste, it is on the other hand, an occasion to celebrate,” he said. “The fact that there will be no UN peacekeeping forces in the next mission is recognition by the international community that Timor- Leste is safe and peaceful and that its security agencies are able to take over the responsibility for maintaining internal and external security.”

UNMISET was established in May 2002 to consolidate the achievements of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).

In its final consolidation phase from May 20, 2004, to last month, it focused on three areas – providing assistance to the justice system and core administrative structures, continued development of the national police force, and maintenance of security and stability.

UN sources said UNOTIL, an intended 12-month commitment, would provide a small office to support the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to coordinate the mission. It would include up to 45 civilian advisers to support the development of state institutions, up to 40 police advisers to support further development of the police, as well as an additional 20 police advisers and 15 military advisers to support the development of the Border Patrol Unit, and up to 10 human rights officers to provide training in observance of democratic governance and human rights.

Defence will remain engaged with Timor-Leste over the long term through its significant Defence Cooperation Program.

This is aimed at assisting Timor- Leste develop a sustainable defence force which contributes to national and regional security.

The ongoing program involves 24 ADF personnel providing training and advice to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. It is currently Australia’s second- largest Defence Cooperation Program.