US embassy cable - 05DILI160

UNCLAS DILI 000160 
 
 
USUN FOR KATE COOK 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OPDC, AMGT 
SUBJECT: LETTER ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN FROM EAST 
TIMOR PRESIDENT XANANA GUSMAO 
 
1.  (U) Post received a letter from President Xanana Gusmao 
addressed to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on April 7, 2005, who 
has requested the Embassy's assistance in forwarding it to the 
Secretary-General through the US Mission to the UN in New York. 
 
2.  (U) Following is the text of the letter: 
 
Begin text: 
 
25 March 2005 
 
Excellency, 
 
As I write to you now, I remember, as clearly as though it were 
just yesterday, the numbing pride I felt standing side by side 
with Your Excellency on 20 May 2002 and hearing our National 
Anthem marking the moment when the independence of Timor- Leste 
was restored and it became the newest independent state of the 
new millennium. The solidarity demonstrated by so many members 
of the international community on the day marking the 
Restoration of Independence, and indeed its continued support 
during our march to self rule, will always remain a cherished 
memory for me and for the Timorese people. 
 
We are truly grateful for the extensive assistance provided by 
the international community, particularly through the United 
Nations, over the last several years. However, as the mandate of 
the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) draws to a 
close, we believe that continued support though a UN presence 
for one more year would prove to be critical in ensuring our 
continued progress towards stability, peace, and development. 
 
Prime Minister of Timor- Leste H.E. Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri had 
written to your Excellency some weeks earlier as you were 
preparing your most recent report on UNMISET to the Secretary 
Council highlighting these critical requirements, particularly 
the realistic but minimal need continued deployment of 40 
Military Liaison Officers, 58 civilian trainers and 62 police 
trainers, supported by a coordinated and coherent structure, 
that would secure the gains achieved  in the last three years 
since the Restoration  of Independence. 
 
I understand that in your report to the Council dated 18 
February 2005, you felt that a somewhat smaller UN presence 
would be sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. 
 
Exellency, I firmly believe that with the continued assistance 
of the United Nations, my country will be able to maintain a 
position of strength as it continues its steady march towards 
the peaceful and prosperous future it has fought so long to 
achieve.  At such an important period in its development, I feel 
confident that with your support, appropriate means would be 
found through the Security Council to provide the minimal 
support necesary in a coordinated, qaulitative and assured 
manner to keep Timor-Leste safely on the road to democracy, 
peace and development. 
 
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest 
consideration. 
 
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao 
President of the Democratic Republic of Timor- Leste 
 
His Excellency 
Mr. Kofi Annan 
Secretary-General of the United States 
 
End text. 
 
3.  (U) The orginal letter will be sent to Kate Cook on April 8, 
2005 via unclassifed pouch. 
 
4.  (U) Post appreciates USUN's assistance in forwarding the 
letter to the Secretary-General. 
 
REES 
 
 
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