CONTACTS:
In Atlanta: Deborah Hakes +1-404-420-5124
In Timor-Leste: Samantha Aucock +670-734-7655
ATLANTA…The Carter Center will increase its international observation presence surrounding Timor-Leste's June 30 parliamentary elections by sending a larger delegation to join long-term observers, who have been deployed throughout the country since early June. A field office in Dili will remain open through July 2007.
In March 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste issued an open invitation to interested countries, agencies, and organizations to observe and assist the electoral process. The Carter Center welcomes this opportunity to assist the Timorese people in these elections.
The Carter Center conducts its activities in a nonpartisan, professional manner in accordance with applicable law and international standards for election monitoring set forth in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. It will remain in close communication with other international and domestic observer delegations. The Center will publish periodic statements on its findings and recommendations on its Web site, www.cartercenter.org.
The Carter Center has a long partnership with Timor-Leste. The Center monitored the public consultation for independence in 1999, the 2001 constituent assembly elections, and 2002 presidential elections. Throughout the world, the Center has observed 67 elections in 26 countries.
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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."
The Carter Center celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2007. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.
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