Preparations for Dispatching Electoral Observer Mission for the coming Presidential Election in East Timor

February 27, 2002

In response to a request from the United Nations, the Government of Japan has decided to proceed with the preparations necessary to dispatch an electoral observer mission for the presidential election in East Timor for a period centering on the election day, April 14 (Sun), 2002, based upon the International Peace Cooperation Law.
East Timor Constituent Assembly elections were held on August 30, 2001, under the auspices of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). An East Timor public administration was subsequently established, and preparations are under way for independence to be established on May 20, 2002.
Japan has extended active cooperation to East Timor in such forms as assistance for rehabilitation and development, as well as humanitarian assistance in accordance with its policy of extending the utmost cooperation for East Timor's independence and nation-building. On February 15, 2002, Japan decided to dispatch a Self-Defense Force Engineer Unit and other personnel to perform such logistic support operations as the maintenance and repair of roads and bridges, based upon the International Peace Cooperation Law. Together with the dispatch of the Self-Defense Force Engineer Unit and other assistance, the present dispatch constitutes a major pillar of Japan's cooperation for East Timor forwards independence.

(END)