Brussels, 04/12/2000 (Agence Europe) - The third conference of international donors devoted to reconstruction and development in East Timor is hosted, on Tuesday and Wednesday 5 and 6 December in Brussels, by the European Commission, represented during work by Commissioner Chris Patten (external relations) and Commissioner Poul Nielson (development and humanitarian aid)
The conference is not strictly speaking a pledging conference (pledges for $523 million already exist), but is of high political significance in that it will consider the political guidelines for the building of the world's youngest nation. Participants will map out the challenges facing this new nation and the international donor community's support for the Timorese transition strategy less than one year before the target date of independence (the first national elections should be held in August 2001).
The European Commission, which has contributed from the outset to the transition process donating EUR 66.5 million, will continue to be a leading partner of the independent East Timor beyond the transition date (EUR 20 million are included in the budgetary allocations for the 2001 contribution to the Trust Fund).