DILI, 20 August 2025 (TATOLI) – On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Forças Armadas de Libertação Nacional de Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing dialogue as a cornerstone for promoting national unity in Timor-Leste.
Speaking at the commemorative ceremony in Tasi-Tolu, Dili, President Horta reflected on the founding of FALINTIL on August 20, 1975, when the Central Committee of FRETILIN declared a general armed insurrection following the initial action launched on August 11 of that year.
“This date reminds us that the first tragic conflict on our soil was a fratricidal civil war in August 1975,” Horta said. “Crises and serious crimes occurred during the independence struggle, in which Timorese killed Timorese. The 2006 crisis was also entirely our own responsibility and brought great dishonor.”
He urged political leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and imported ideologies that do not reflect Timor-Leste’s reality. “Dialogue, dialogue, and dialogue – not a dialogue of the deaf, but one in which each side listens and respects the other. Dialogue is the only path to conflict prevention, the safe construction of bridges of understanding, and the antidote to violence,” he stated.
President Horta called for August 20 to be remembered not only as the founding day of FALINTIL, but also as a day of reflection – a reminder of the consequences when political leaders fail to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“We celebrate the FALINTIL who fought the first battles and retreats in Balibo, Maliana, Atabae, and who heroically defended our beloved city of Dili, violated on that fateful day of December 7, 1975. We pay tribute with deep gratitude to the heroes and martyrs. We celebrate the living heroes – heirs of memory and builders of freedom – and we honor the martyrs of the nation.”
The 50th anniversary of FALINTIL marks a solemn recognition of its role as the greatest symbol of armed resistance and a pillar of Timorese liberation. President Horta emphasized that FALINTIL was more than a military force – it was a network of social and cultural solidarity.
He also underscored the State’s duty to maintain a firm and lasting commitment to veterans and former FALINTIL combatants, recognizing their sacrifice and contribution to national independence. This includes ensuring access to adequate healthcare, social security, dignified housing, and support for economic development for them and their families.
“Today we reaffirm our commitment to honor the memory of the heroes and heroines who gave their lives for freedom,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camílio de Sousa
Editór: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
