DILI, 30 august 2024 (TATOLI) The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, recalled the contribution of the late Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan, who encouraged international solidarity support until Timor-Leste reached the Referendum on 30 August 1999; therefore, Prime Minister Gusmão asked all Timorese people to tribute Kofi Annan.
He said that during his tenure as Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan was committed to prioritizing the resolution of the problem in Timor-Leste until it reached a referendum.
“Year to year, the international community did not recognize our struggle. So, we must pay tribute to Kofi Annan when he assumes that, as UN Secretary General, he had a great commitment to resolving the Timor-Leste‘s case,” Xanana Gusmão said in his speech on the 25th anniversary of the referendum at the Dili Stadium on friday (30/08).
Gusmão said that during the struggle, Timor-Leste never received armed support from abroad, but political and moral support through the international solidarity movement was very strong.
“The international community has supported our struggle so far; we must be grateful to organizations and solidarity movements in many countries that continue to give us courage,’ he said.
Kofi Atta Annan was born on 8 April 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana. He passed away on 18 august 2018 in Bern, Switzerland, after a brief illness. He died peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by his family.
Annan was a distinguished diplomat who served as the 7th UN Secretary-General from january 1997 to december 2006. He became the first black African to hold the position and was known for his efforts in promoting global peace and development.
In 2001, he and the UN were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their contribution to creating a more peaceful world.
Kofi Annan, as Secretary-General of the UN, played an important role in the independence process of Timor-Leste that took place after the Indonesian invasion in 1975.
After taking office as UN Secretary-General in 1997, Annan was committed to finding a solution to the crisis in Timor-Leste. He made contact with the governments of Portugal and Indonesia to facilitate dialogue on the status of Timor-Leste.
In august 1999, Annan successfully negotiated a referendum that gave the people of Timor-Leste the opportunity to choose between autonomy within the Indonesian framework or full independence. The referendum was held on 30 August 1999, with approximately 78.5% of the vote in favor of independence.
After the referendum result was announced, there was massive violence by pro-Indonesian groups who rejected the result. Annan organized the intervention of an international force led by Australia to restore order and protect civilians in Timor-Leste.
Once the situation stabilized, Annan ensured that the UN remained involved in the peacebuilding process in Timor-Leste until the country officially restored its independence on 20 may 2002. Kofi Annan not only helped end colonialism but also supported the transition to a sovereign and peaceful government in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
