DILI, 31 may 2024 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, officially handed over an invitation from the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, to take part in the celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Referendum (Popular Consultation) and of the INTERFET Mission.
The UN Secretary-General thanked President Horta for the invitation but did not confirm his presence, as, according to the same source, he is focused on ensuring peace and security in all the countries where the UN currently serves.
On 5 may 1999, the then Foreign Ministers of Portugal, Jaime Gama, and Indonesia, Ali Alatas, under the witness of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, signed the New York Agreement which formalized the holding of a popular consultation with the Timorese.
On 30 august of the same year, the UN, through the United Nations Mission in East Timor, organized a popular consultation. The Timorese had two options: to choose a special autonomous status in Indonesia or independence. On 4 September, the UN announced that out of a total of 451,796 registered voters, 446,953 voted. The result was 344,580 votes (78.5%) in favor of independence and 94,388 (21.5%) in favor of autonomy.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
