United Nations Security Council Resolution 1480

United Nations Security Council resolution 1480, adopted unanimously on 19 May 2003, after reaffirming previous resolutions on East Timor (Timor-Leste), particularly resolutions 1410 (2002) and 1473 (2003), the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Support to East Timor (UNMISET) for a period of twelve months until 19 May 2004.

The Security Council praised the efforts of the East Timorese government and people in developing institutions for an independent state based on democratic values. UNMISET was also commended for developing infrastructure, public administration, law enforcement and defence capabilities. Furthermore, progress in diplomatic relations between East Timor and Indonesia was welcomed and progress with regard to security, border demarcation and bringing to justice those responsible for acts in 1999 was emphasised.

The resolution stressed the priority of improving the capabilities of the National Police of East Timor, the transfer of authority from UNMISET to the government of East Timor and international support throughout the process. A military strategy outlined in a report of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan was noted by the Council.