On December 31st, the UN mission in East Timor will officially withdraw from the small country after 13 years on the ground. This year Dili celebrated 10 years of independence, commemorating a painful struggle to break away from Indonesia in 1999. But as the UN transfers complete authority to East Timor officials, some observers are wondering if the country is ready.
East Timor voted Saturday in a parliamentary election widely viewed as a key test for the UN to determine whether it can withdraw its peacekeeping force from Asia’s youngest nation as planned.
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta on Sunday failed to make the run-off in the country's presidential election, preliminary poll results indicated. The second-round vote will likely see Francisco Guterres face off against Taur Matan Ruak.
East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta hopes for re-election looked questionable on Sunday as he lagged in third place behind an opposition leader and a former army chief in the country’s presidential election.
East Timor voted Saturday in a peaceful presidential election seen as a test of political stability ahead of the departure of UN troops. The young nation is still recovering from a bloody break for independence from Indonesia a decade ago.
East Timor on Sunday celebrated the 10th anniversary of the UN-backed referendum that ended a bloody 24-year occupation by Indonesian forces. Artists and celebrities held concerts and exhibits nationwide for the event.
East Timor 
