“Western Sahara is yet another case, which is regrettably excluded in most major international forum. Timor-Leste shares with our Saharaui brothers a remarkable amount of historic dates. The inalienable right of the Saharaui people to self-determination was recognised by the UN eight years before Timor-Leste’s. Yet, whilst the case of Timor-Leste is currently assessed as a UN success story, the case of Western Sahara continues to be stalled by successive obstacles.

“In this moment of the reaffirmation of our freedom and independence, we wish to urge for the resumption of the U.N. Plan to hold a referendum for self-determination in Western Sahara. We can only put an end to this unjust situation if a fair, free and democratic consultation is held such as that in Timor-Leste."

The other newest member, Switzerland, has long been the other Headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, but has now modified its traditional neutrality.

Three days after becoming a member, Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss told the General Assembly: “Switzerland's neutral status is an advantage for our peace activities, he said, adding that he interpreted Switzerland's decision to join the U.N. as a demonstration both of its willingness to accept greater responsibility and of its solidarity with the international community."