DILI, 15 september 2021 (TATOLI) – The National Parliament approved this wednesday a vote of condolence for the death of the former President of the Republic of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio, which calls for respect and recognition for his contribution to Timor-Leste’s independence.
The majority of the MPs voted in favor of the vote of regret, with zero against and no abstention.
The approval of the vote of regret began with a one-minute of silence to pay respect to Sampaio’s contribution to the nation.
MP Antoninho Bianco from the Fretilin party expressed his sincere condolence to the death of the former President of the Republic of Portugal.
“Bearing in mind that Jorge Sampaio was one of the important leaders to sign the agreement on may 5 between the Governments of Indonesia and Portugal on the future of Timor-Leste. Sampaio deserved respect from Timorese people,” Bianco made the comments during a plenary session at Parliament, today.
Likewise, Patrocinio dos Reis Fernandes, MP from the CNRT party also expressed his deepest condolence to the death of the former President of Portugal.
MP from the KHUNTO party, António Verdiál de Sousa, said that Sampaio was an international figure who played a crucial role during the fighting process of the independence of the nation.
“The freedom and independence that we enjoy today is part of the contribution of the former President of Portugal. Sampaio’s legacy and his contribution to the independence of the nation will be remembered forever,” he said.
Jorge Sampaio (18 September 1939 – 10 September 2021) was a Portuguese lawyer and politician who was the 18th President of Portugal from 1996 to 2006. Sampaio passed away on september 10, at the age of 81.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
