The Presidential and Parliamentary elections held in 2007 were widely considered free and fair despite sporadic violence. The security situation is improving; however, the interim law enforcement support provided by UNMIT Police and the security assistance provided by the International Stabilization Force (ISF) remain necessary. Timor-Leste is slowly recovering from the security and humanitarian crisis caused by the unrest during April and May 2006. However, the absence of durable solutions for thousands of internally displaced people living in camps, and the presence of a small but well-armed group of ex-military and police operating in the countryside are sources of instability. Poverty, high unemployment, especially among youth, and inadequate access to basic services are priority issues requiring concerted action by both the Government and the international community. State and civil society institutions are still faced with serious capacity problems.
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