Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Appointment of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Former Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as the Next United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

July 26, 2002

The Government of Japan welcomes the fact that on July 23 the United Nations Assembly approved Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello (Brazil), Former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Transitional Administration for East Timor (UNTAET), as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mr. de Mello took his office in November 1999 in East Timor, which sustained large-scale damage by the turmoil after the direct ballot held in August of the same year. As the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. de Mello led the UN mission and endeavored for the nation building toward the independence of East Timor at the time of difficulties up to its independence in May 2002. Japan pays high tribute to Mr. de Mello's achievements for the independence of East Timor.
The Government of Japan, which has been supportive of High Commissioner's activities, intends to actively support Mr. de Mello, in his new capacity as High Commissioner for Human Rights so that he can continue to play an important role for the protection and promotion of human rights in the world.

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