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Asia-Pacific
News Release
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Asia-Pacific
News Release
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Sept. 19, 2008 “During these times every nation has a responsibility toward the world and the countries of the world. National security is no longer a private issue of a specific country but a global issue,” said Timor-Leste’s Deputy Prime Minister Jose-Luis Guterres during a recent workshop held on national security policy development at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The “Timor-Leste National Security Policy Development Workshop,” held September 9-12 was hosted the U.S. Pacific Command and brought more than 30 participants from Timor-Leste and around the world to APCSS. Leading the workshop were Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister Guterres, U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste Hans Klemm and APCSS Director retired Army Lt. Gen. Ed Smith. Attendees included senior representatives of the Timor-Leste Government, defense and interior agencies and forces, parliamentarians, members of the civil society involved and interested in Timor-Leste security matters, and selected representatives of the international community. According to Klemm, "The workshop was in response to a request made by the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste for United States assistance in developing the country's first-ever national security policy. The Center, by bringing together leaders from the Government, Parliament, civil society, security sector, as well as key bilateral and multilateral partners, facilitated a thorough discussion of the country's national interests through analysis of internal and external threats. By providing a forum for thoughtful discussion, the Center has granted the leadership of Timor-Leste with an incomparable opportunity to make very important progress towards identifying a successful and coherent policy." “The participation of members of Parliament shows strong desire and willingness to have the participation of the people in defining the defense and security polities of Timor-Leste,” said Guterres of the seven parliamentarians who attended. A number of ambassadors participated in a panel presentation on international experience in developing security policies. Ambassadors attending included: Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Peter Heyward, New Zealand Ambassador to Timor-Leste Ruth Nuttall, Portuguese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Joao Ramos-Pinto, Indonesia’s Charge' d'Affairs Kiki Kusprabowo, and Mr. Colin Stewart representing the United Nations Integrated Mission to Timor-Leste.
According to Smith, the workshop “really did succeed, by participant and APCSS measures. One of the reasons was our small group analysis and action-plan orientation, vice the ‘anticipated’ format of outsiders ‘grading’ their current national security strategy.” “The conference was excellent,” said Guterres. “The fact that we came here [APCSS] shows the friendship and respect we have for the United States and the Center. “We are happy with the facilitation and great help from the faculty – Professor Azizian and his colleagues – gave great … to the success of the conference. The recommendations that were documented will now be analyzed by concerned institutions in Timor-Leste so that we can determine what types of actions we will take.” Finally according to Dr. Rouben Azizian, “The workshop was a team effort and a combination of innovative methodological and administrative approaches. The insights of Timorese participants, the experience of international attendees, facilitation skills of the APCSS team and the dedication of the conferencing, audio-visual and other APCSS departments all came together in a constructive and integrated manner."
The “Timor-Leste National Security Policy Development Workshop,” held September 9-12 was hosted the U.S. Pacific Command and brought more than 30 participants from Timor-Leste and around the world to APCSS. Participants reflected on a number of key areas including key current and anticipated security concerns confronting Timor-Leste, national security policy that effectively addresses security concerns, and next steps required towards the development and implementation of national security policy.
-end- APCSS addresses regional and global security issues, inviting military and civilian representatives of the United States and Asia-Pacific nations to its comprehensive program of courses and conferences, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Center supports the U.S. Pacific Command’s objective of developing professional and personal ties among national security establishments throughout the region. APCSS focuses on a multilateral and multi-dimensional approach to defining and addressing regional security issues and concerns. The most beneficial result is building relationships of trust and confidence among future leaders and decision-makers within the region. -End- |
