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UN Peacekeeping Force – 2003

UNMISET continued to provide assistance to the new East Timor government with advisors serving in 15 ministries and offices. As local capacity grew, 30 of the 100 civilian advisers serving with UNMISET were withdrawn by November. UNMISET gradually handed authority to the East Timor Police Service, with the last district turned over to local forces in December. 300 UN Civilian Police remained at the end of the year, structured into a 200-member training unit and a 125-member emergency response force. Force levels were drawn down drastically over the year, decreasing from 3,870 troops in March to 3,300 troops in September and 1,750 troops in December. At year end the force was structured into 2 infantry battalions and 7 military observers.¹

1. “Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council (S/2003/944), October 6, 2003; (S/2003/449), April 21, 2003; (S/2003/243), March 3, 2003.