Northern Ireland's former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is to become a special Irish government envoy in the troubled Timor-Leste (East Timor) region.
eMinister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern made the announcement today during a two-day visit to the Southeast Asian country.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao shakes hands with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern before a meeting in Dili today Photo: Reuters
He said the Government hopes the lessons of the Irish peace process can help other countries ravaged by violence and wants Mrs O'Loan to act as its roving ambassador in Timor-Leste.
"I believe that Ms O'Loan ... can bring her experience and wisdom to bear on the situation," Mr Ahern said in the capital Dili.
Mrs O'Loan was Northern Ireland's first Police Ombudsman and held the role for seven years. The office was established under the Belfast Agreement.
The appointment is the first under the Government's Conflict Resolution Initiative, which will send a series of roving ambassadors to trouble spots around the world.
Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao declared a state of emergency after President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot and critically wounded by rebel soldiers in a dawn gun battle at his residence on the outskirts of Dili. Mr Gusmao was attacked shortly afterwards but escaped unhurt.
Despite the apparent failed coup, Mr Ahern vowed to press ahead with his trip to outline plans for the new conflict resolution initiative.
Mr Ahern met the Prime Minister and addressed the parliament in Dili.
"It is important to stress that my visit is part of a long-term and systematic series of contacts between our two countries under the Conflict Resolution Initiative," Mr Ahern said.
"Ireland supported the Timorese people in their struggle for independence, our army assisted in the transition to independence, and, through the Conflict Resolution Initiative and the ongoing role of Irish Aid, I am determined to see us play a key role in assisting the transition to stability and prosperity in this country."
Previously known as East Timor, the Asian state won independence in 2002 after more than 400 years of occupation by Portugal and Indonesia.