ABSTRACT
In the Secretary-General's report presented to the Security Council on 20 February 2004, Under-Secretary-General Guehenno noted that no nation had ever advanced more rapidly along the path to self-sufficiency than Timor-Leste. He insisted that continuation of peacekeeping operations in Timor-Leste for one additional year was essential to strengthen what had been achieved. The United States was convinced that the peacekeeping phase was past, and that Timor-Leste could safely enter its path to self-reliance. An alternative way to fill the gaps should be found, he suggested, such as a political mission. It was important that the Government of Timor-Leste increasingly take more responsibility for the nation's future. The Security Council also became reluctant to provide any more funds, and urged the donor community, including UN agencies and multilateral financial institutions, to provide more resources and assistance to enable the implementation of development projects to promote sustainable peacebuilding in Timor-Leste.
