The UN is to end its peacekeeping mission in East Timor on Monday, after 13 years and over 1500 UN troops.
In a statement, the chief of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, Finn Reske-Nielson, said,
"The Timorese people and its leaders have shown courage and unswerving resolve to overcome great challenges,"
"Although there remains much work ahead, this is an historic moment in recognising the progress already made."
Stressing that the relationship between the UN and East Timor was not ending, Reske-Nielson added,
"As peacekeepers depart, we look forward to a new phase in this relationship focusing on social and economic development."
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