DILI, 23 June 2026 (TATOLI – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, paid tribute to the late Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, former President of the Republic, at the residence of the bereaved family in Farol, Dili.
In this moment of profound sorrow, the Head of State stated that Timor-Leste has lost a freedom fighter and veteran of the liberation struggle, a politician, and a hero who served the State from the days of the resistance through to the restoration of independence.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate emphasized that this loss is not only for the leadership of FRETILIN, but for the entire national leadership. He added that the legacy left by the late Francisco Guterres Lú Olo throughout his life serves as an inspiration to the Timorese people, particularly the younger generations, said President J. Ramos-Horta.
President Ramos-Horta also advocated that, in the future, the State should establish legal mechanisms to ensure protection and dignity for the widows and orphans of national heroes, with special attention to the family of the late Dr. Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, the first President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste.
The Head of State was accompanied by officials from the Presidency of the Republic during his visit to the family residence in Farol. At the conclusion of the tribute, visibly moved, President Ramos-Horta offered condolences to the widow and children of the deceased and embraced several national leaders, including FRETILIN Secretary-General Dr. Mari Alkatiri, former President of the Republic Taur Matan Ruak, and General (Ret.) Lere Anan Timur.
Former President of the Republic Francisco Guterres Lú Olo passed away at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 21 June. His remains returned to Timor-Leste aboard an Aero Dili flight on 23 June 2026.
TATOLI
