DILI, 28 november 2021 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘Lu OLo’ thanked and appreciated the contribution of the Portuguese Speaking Countries for helping Timor-Leste’s struggle during the 24-year resistance.
President Lu Olo made the comments in his remarks at the commemoration of the Proclamation of Independence Day, in Daresula hamlet of the Gariuai village, in Baucau Municipality.
Lu Olo thanked the governments of the Portuguese-speaking countries for their unconditional support with actively contributing to Timor-Leste’s independence movement.
“I thank the Portuguese-speaking countries for their immense support to the independence of the nation through various ways. I also thank and appreciate all the efforts made by the Portuguese government for our independence movement,” said Lu Olo.
Portuguese government’s commitment and efforts led to raising the awareness of the international community on the human rights situation in Timor-Leste. It strengthened the ties of the Portuguese and Timorese people.
One of the remarkable contributions of the Portuguese Government’s to Timor-Leste was that after seeing many Timorese lives were in danger, as the violence escalating at that time, Jorge Sampaio, the 18th President of Portugal tried hard to save the lives of many as possible from numerous tragedies which led to dropping tears on his eyes, said in a statement.
In 2016, the National Parliament honored and awarded Jorge Sampaio with the Great Necklace of the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of his solidarity and active participation in the fight for Timor-Leste’s independence.
Lu Olo also thanked various solidarity groups across the world for their support in contributing to defending the rights of the Timorese people.
Apart from Portugal, Angola and Mozambique were also actively supported East Timor’s independence movement, Ken Westmoreland said in The Diplomat.
“The Timorese people chose self-determination under the command of FALINTIL’s Commander in Chief, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. He presented to the United Nations (UN), a peace plan to end the conflict in Timor-Leste. Finally, we won the referendum in 1999 with 78.5 votes in favor of the self-determination,” he added.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
