PM and Minister of Defence and Security Xanana Gusmão scheduled to visit Singapore 3-5 June and Philippines 5-9 June to strengthen country’s bid for ASEAN membership.

Govt continued to face difficulty in evicting hundreds of supporters of dissident group CPD-RDTL from encampments on south coast where it plans to develop oil and gas industry installations.

2013 State Budget received unanimous approval from parliament after opposition party Fretilin set up ad hoc committee to make key cuts to budget and Petroleum Fund withdrawals. PM Gusmão lauded new political environment.

Former Justice Minister Lucia Lobato transferred to Gleno prison 22 Jan for 5-year sentence on charges of unlawful conduct in process of a procurement contract after second appeal rejected.

Dili District Court 11 Dec sentenced 3 former members of Besi Merah Putih militia to 3-6 years jail for crimes against humanity committed in 1999 in Ulmera. UNMIT mandate ending 31 Dec.

UNMIT 31 Oct announced final certification of reconstitution of Timorese national police (PNTL).

In 2 Oct letter to UNSG Ban, PM Gusmão explained govt not interested in UNMIT follow-on mission, asked for end to UNSC consideration of situation in Timor-Leste. Planned Dec withdrawal will mark end to over 13 years of continuous political/peacekeeping missions.

Govt led by PM Gusmao inaugurated 8 Aug. UNSG Ban in 15 Aug visit to Dili confirmed plans for UN withdrawal by end 2012. Journalist investigating corruption 10 Aug stabbed by unknown assailants in Dili. Unidentified group 12 Aug killed 1 soldier in Quintal Boot.

In 7 July parliamentary elections incumbent PM Gusmão’s National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction party won 30 of 65 seats in National Assembly, 15 July announced coalition with Partido Democrático, Frente Mudança; announcement followed by unrest in Dili; 1 student 16 July killed by police.

Taur Matan Ruak 20 May sworn in as president during ceremonies marking 10-year independence anniversary.