New York - East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta called on the UN Security Council on Thursday to continue its assistance to the tiny island nation in the Pacific, a call supported by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

A UN mission comprised of nearly 3,000 police and civilian personnel has been providing security to the country and training to local forces. The UN was first involved 10 years ago in helping East Timor to gain independence from Indonesia and in organizing elections to establish the current government.

Ramos-Horta, appearing before the 15-nation council in New York, has demanded that the UN mission remain at least until 2012. He said security forces provided by Australia and New Zealand should also maintain their presence in East Timor, known also as Timor Leste.

He admitted that a recent international public poll conducted in East Timor revealed that the UN is more popular than his government.

He said his country is now faced with new economic realities in a world affected by serious recession.

"Nation building and peace building require long-term vision, this is true in my country," Ramos-Horta said, adding that the same is true in Haiti, Palestinian territories, Somalia, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.

"The challenges are always overwhelming, it might discourage the weak and impatient," he said. "Only a few dare to dream and act on their dreams. On my part, I'll do my best."

Ban said East Timor has achieved positive results in the past 10 years.

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the organization's full-time presence in Timor-Leste," Ban said. "Our partnership has become strong and close. President Ramos-Horta's presence here today exemplifies the ties that inseparably bind the UN and Timor-Leste."

Ban pledged UN support in helping Timorese realize "their hopes for security, stability and well-being." (dpa)