DILI, 25 november 2021 (TATOLI) – It is very important for Timor-Leste to adopt the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” said Former President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Laureate José Ramos-Horta.
The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together is a joint statement signed by Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on february 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
“I will talk to the Government and the President of the Republic to adopt this important document as an official document of Timor-Leste. This is because Pope Francis and Grand Imam had called on all leaders across the globe to adopt the documents to be introduced into school’s curriculum,” said Horta at a seminar held at the faculty of social science and politics (FASPOL) of the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL), in Dil, on thursday.
Horta said it is important to adopt the document before Pope Francis visits Timor-Leste, the second predominantly Catholic country in Asia after the Philippines.
“Signing and adopting the documents demonstrate Timor-Leste’s maturity. We want to see an agreement between the Governments, the President of the National Parliament, and the President of the Republic to officially adopt the document before Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste, or all parties could agree to sign the document at the time when Pope Francis is visiting the country” said Horta.
In his remarks on the Document’s first anniversary on february 14, 2021, the UN Secretary-General said that: “As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, let us commit to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding, and dialogue.”
“I applaud all Member States that co-sponsored the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity, especially the United Arab Emirates and Egypt for co-facilitating the process,” said Guterres.
Guterres thanked both religious leaders, His Holiness Pope Francis, and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, for using their voice to promote interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding across the faith spectrum.
Horta said Timor-Leste is so far better than many countries in the world as there is no religious motivated violence in the country.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
