DILI, 07 december 2023 (TATOLI) – The december 7th, 1975 marks the beginning of the Indonesian invasion, a date which approval by the National Parliament as Remembrance Day.
Recalling this bitter experience, FRETILIN Secretary-General Mari Alkatiri said in an interview that this date “is not to be celebrated, but to be seen as an important stage in the history of the sacrifice and struggle of the Timorese people.”
The former Prime Minister said that Timor-Leste “was colonized for almost 500 years and wanted to free itself, but ended up being invaded and assaulted by Indonesia’s illegal occupation, led by the then President Suharto, for 24 years.”
Alkatiri believes that this date should prompt a “reflection on the reasons that motivated Indonesia to invade the country and also a reflection on national development, since the Maubere people gave their lives for the liberation of their homeland, but continue to live in misery.”
“In the context of development, we have to recognize that there is no change, we are marking time. We have money and have spent US$16 billion, but the people don’t benefit from a quality education system, nor adequate health facilities and there is no good economic development,” lamented Alkatiri, in Farol, Dili.
The leader stressed that, although there is a public demand for unity among national leaders to contribute to national development, he admitted that: “Even if there is unity, it will not address the problems experienced by the country, stressing that FRETILIN has made every effort, but has not succeeded.”
Alkatiri said that, as an opposition party, FRETILIN has the duty and obligation to promote peace and national stability, and will continue to demand that the government serves the people and the nation.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
