DILI, 30 august 2024 (TATOLI) – The Timorese’s National Parliament today granted citizenship to António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres for his services and contributions to the country.
The attribution of citizenship was proposed by the members of National Parliament Duarte Nunes, Aniceto Guterres, Maria Angelina Sarmento, Manuel Noronha and António Verdial.
“The result of the vote was 55 votes in favor, zero against and no abstentions so that the attribution of citizenship was approved”, the House Speaker, Fernanda Lay told in a plenary session at the National Parliament, Dili on friday.
The Secretary of the National Parliament, Virgínia Ana Belo, said that António Guterres, the current Secretary-General of the United Nations, has always been one of the most prominent defenders and allies of our country, making significant contributions to our independence and development, for decades.
“During his term as Prime Minister of Portugal (1995-2002), Guterres played a fundamental role in defending Timor-Leste’s self-determination, having contributed to raising the Timorese issue in the highest international forums, including the UN, the European Union and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and pushing for the independence referendum in 1999,” Virgina Belo said.
According to Virginia Belo, after the referendum, Guterres was instrumental in mobilizing the international community to intervene and establish the United Nations Transitional Administration in Timor-Leste (UNTAET), which paved the way for the country’s total independence in 2002.
“As UN High Commissioner for Refugees (2005-2015), Guterres continued to support Timor-Leste, assisting in the repatriation and reintegration of Timorese refugees and contributing to the stabilization of the country”, she stressed.
In his current role as UN Secretary-General since 2017 up to now , Guterres continues to be an advocate for sustainable development goals (SDGs) promote the peace, supporting Timor-Leste’s efforts to achieve the SDGs and strengthen its democratic institutions.
In recognition of his efforts, Guterres was awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste by the President Republic of Timor – Leste José Ramos Horta, in 2009, and continue to award him the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, in 2024 as highest country ‘s honor.
Jornalista: Nelson de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
