DILI, 04 April 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, participated today in a solemn commemoration marking the 26th anniversary of the Liquiça Church Massacre, where approximately 100 innocent civilians lost their lives during East Timor’s struggle for independence.
The event, under the theme “Memorialization as a Path to Peace: Valuing and Dignifying the Heroes of the Nation,” began with a minute of silence led by the President to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom.
In his opening remarks, President Horta paid tribute to the victims of the 1999 massacre while recounting similar tragedies that occurred throughout Timor-Leste during the independence struggle.
“During those difficult times, our people fought not only with arms and politics but also faced ideological conflicts that cost many lives. Countless others perished from hunger,” President Horta said.
Horta emphasized that numerous victims’ remains have not yet been found and called on the government to implement programs to locate and collect these mortal remains.
The President also gave special recognition to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão for his pivotal leadership during the resistance, describing him as “the embodiment of our nation’s indomitable spirit.”
Horta praised Gusmão’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment that united the Timorese people throughout the darkest periods of occupation: “Without his leadership, the path to our independence would have been far more arduous.”
The Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs Asanami Sabino attended the commemoration alongside veterans, survivors, the President of Liquiça Municipal Authorities, and other local leaders. The gathering served as both a tribute to the past and a commitment to honoring the sacrifices that led to Timor-Leste’s independence through meaningful memorialization efforts.
TATOLI
