DILI, 30 august 2024 (TATOLI)- 30 August 1999 was a historical day when the people voted for independence in a democracy that was directly supervised by the United Nations.
This statement was made by House Speaker Fernanda Lay at a ceremony honoring the UN in the presence of the President of the Republic José Ramos Horta in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation.
House Speaker Fernanda Lay recalled that the popular consultation was a historic moment and an honor for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “A man dedicated to the struggle of the people of Timor-Leste who has transcended positions and national boundaries. António Guterres is an integral part of our history, part of our struggle, part of our victory,” House Speaker Fernanda Lay said.
David Ximenes from the Fretilin faction also emphasized the importance of António Guterres’s presence in the country in reinforcing the international community’s commitment to building peace, sustainable development, and upholding human rights. “Today, 30 August, is a day of remembrance, where the Maubere people spoke of their intentions, spoke of their goals, and chose their destiny. It is on this day that the Maubere people sang their liberation anthem. It is on this day that the sweat, blood, and tears of a suffering people are consummated”.
Meanwhile, António da Conceição from the Democratic Party emphasized the need to appreciate the UN’s contribution to Timor-Leste’s independence. “The UN played an important role in our case. It is hard to deny the work that Ian Martin did at that critical moment as the special representative of the UN Secretary-General to realize the Popular Consultation,” he said.
António Guterres emphasized that the struggle for independence ‘forged a deep partnership between the UN and Timor-Leste, and added his personal memories: ‘I vividly remember the days, weeks, and months of intense negotiations between Indonesia and Portugal, under the auspices of the United Nations, that led to the treaty of may 5, 1999’.
Guterres added that he appreciated ‘the courage of the Timorese resistance, the people who risked everything to see independence realized, the women of the resistance who refused to let their voices be silenced’ and concluded: ‘We cannot forget the sacrifices made, the lives lost, the families affected forever, and also the role of the armed front, the clandestine front, the diplomatic front, and the Catholic Church.’’
Present at the National Parliament were, among others, the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, members of government, members of parliament, and other invited guests.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
