On May 20, 2002, East Timor was internationally recognized as an independent state and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) came to an end.

Military and police forces were transferred to the newly created United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor (UNMISET). Established to provide support to East Timor’s police and military, UNMISET was originally meant to last for a period of two years until all operational responsibilities were taken over by the East Timor authorities. UNMISET, however, was extended for an additional year and completed its mandate on 20 May 2005.

Following up on UNMISET, the Security Council passed resolution 1599 to carry out peace-building activities by establishing the United Nations Office in Timor Leste (UNOTIL). UNOTIL commenced on May 20, 2005 and is mandated for one year until May 19, 2006.

External links

• Official UNMISET web page and some information about UNOTIL

• Official UNMISET mandate