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<title>CANADA RECOGNIZES EAST TIMOR STATEHOOD FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN INDEPENDENCE CEREMONY</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 20, 2002 <em>(9:00 a.m. EDT)</em></strong></font></p>
<p><font size="+1"><strong>No. 54</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA RECOGNIZES EAST TIMOR STATEHOOD</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN INDEPENDENCE CEREMONY</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay today warmly welcomed East Timor's
accession to statehood and announced Canada's recognition of the new nation. The statement followed a UN-hosted
independence ceremony in Dili, on May 19 and 20, attended by a Canadian delegation led by Mr. MacAulay.</p>
<p>"This is a defining moment for the people of East Timor," said Mr. Graham. "I am proud of the significant role that Canada
played in ensuring that the East Timorese could decide their future in a safe and secure environment. It is a particular
pleasure, on this historic occasion, to announce that Canada officially recognizes its long-standing friend as a nation of the
world."</p>
<p>In Dili, Mr. MacAulay met with members of a contingent of 20 Canadian police officers working under the United Nations
with the East Timorese Police Force. Under the supervision of RCMP Assistant Commissioner Peter Miller, currently head
of civilian police in East Timor, this contingent is Canada's largest UN policing initiative.</p>
<p>"I am honoured to be representing Canada at this historic ceremony and equally proud to be meeting with Canadian police
officers who are currently serving in East Timor," said Mr. MacAulay. "They deserve thanks and praise for the excellent
work they are doing in promoting a stable environment in which democracy can flourish."</p>
<p>Both ministers also underscored Canada's historical and continuing involvement in East Timor, expressing hope that
diplomatic relations would soon be established between the two nations.</p>
<p>Since 1999, Canada has contributed over $12 million to the reconstruction of East Timor. It has also deployed over 600
Canadian Forces personnel, a navy supply ship and two C-130 Hercules aircraft to the International Force in East Timor,
and has contributed police officers and election specialists to the United Nations Mission in East Timor. Police officers
have also been deployed to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor. Politically, Canada has advanced
international support for East Timor through the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations. </p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p>Communications</p>
<p>Department of the Solicitor General</p>
<p>(613) 990-2743</p>
<p>This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site:
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221030509/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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