I welcome the 30 August elections in East Timor, the results of which having been officially certified today.  The Australian Government considers the electoral process to be another most important step towards full independence for East Timor.  

I congratulate the United Nations Transitional Authority for East Timor, the Independent Electoral Commission and all others who participated in the ballot and ensured that it was peaceful, transparent and fair.  Above all, I applaud the people of East Timor whose overwhelming participation in the election process was tribute to their shared determination to move towards an independent and democratic future.  The high level of enthusiasm and respect displayed by the East Timorese for the political process so far is a positive sign for a democratic future for East Timor. 

Australia wishes East Timor well as it establishes the political framework for independence through the writing of its Constitution, which we hope will take into consideration the views of all East Timorese.   As a close and supportive neighbour, Australia looks forward to cooperating closely with the people of East Timor, their elected representatives and with the Timorese Cabinet through the transition phase towards full independence.