Challenges remain in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The U.N. mission in Timor-Leste says progress is being made toward stability, but serious concerns remain about justice in the country.

The United Nations released a report Wednesday saying that authorities in Timor-Leste were making progress in following the rule of law and effectively strengthening the security apparatus in the country in the wake of attacks against President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in February.

Officials say military and police cooperation has been successful in bringing to justice those involved in the violence. Despite the cited progress, many obstacles stand in the way of stability, including reports of death threats, adherence to legal procedures and ill treatment by security forces, among other challenges.

"The Timorese people and state institutions can continue to build on progress achieved -- or can turn back towards a more violent past," Louis Gentile, the U.N. mission in Timor-Leste's human rights and transitional justice section chief, said in a statement.

"The United Nations stands ready to assist them to move forward."