Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

New York

Permanent Mission address: 150 East 42 Street, Level 33, New York, New York 10017 - Telephone: 1 212 351 6600 - Fax: 1 212 351 6610

Current Issues

East Timor

Australian forces were deployed to the neighbouring state of Timor-Leste to support the efforts of the authorities in Dili to quell serious outbreaks of violence and unrest. In a formal request, the Timorese Government appealed to Australia, Portugal, Malaysia and New Zealand to provide defence and security forces to help restore peace and stability. The move was welcomed by the United Nations Security Council which issued a press release supporting the response of the four countries offering assistance. Australia's involvement will continue with our participation in UNMIT, the most recently mandated UN Mission in Timor-Leste.

Avian Influenza

Australia is deeply concerned at the emergence of Avian Influenza in the Asian region, and is working to provide support and technical expertise to countries such as Indonesia to combat recent outbreaks.

Iraq

The holding of democratic elections marked historic steps forward for the people of Iraq. Australia strongly supports the democratic process and is actively engaged in reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the country.

UN Reform

Australia remains a strong and active advocate of comprehensive reform of the UN system. We welcomed the convening of the United Nations Leaders Summit in New York in September 2005 and the Outcomes Document endorsed at the gathering. They represented a significant step in the process of UN reform and the reaffirmation of the international community's commitment to the maintenance of peace, security and development.