DILI, 23 March 2026 (TATOLI) – General (Ret.) Lere Anan Timur (LAT), Principal Political Advisor to the President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, made a strong appeal to Timorese youth during a seminar held in Dili, themed “Unity in Diversity with a Sense of Homeland.”
During the event, the General highlighted the importance of historical awareness to ensure the integrity and future of the nation.
Lere emphasized that true leadership must be based on a deep understanding of the immense sacrifices made throughout Timor-Leste’s 24-year struggle for independence.
He recalled key moments of the resistance, such as the reclamation of the “Maubere” identity, the dramatic siege of Mount Matebian in 1978, and the strategic reorganization of the resistance in 1981, under the leadership of Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The General warned the youth about the dangers of corruption and selfishness in the current political landscape, reminding them that future leaders, ministers, military officers, and presidents must be guided by the selfless legacy of those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom.
“If you are tempted by corruption, to steal State money, remember: in the past, there was no money; we gave our blood to achieve our independence,” General Lere stated passionately. “Today, it loses its value if we use money to buy leadership. That is why it is incredibly important that you know the history.”
The seminar also featured reflections from veterans Domingas Alves da Silva, known as “Bi Lou Mali,” and Manuel Soares, known as “Funu Lakan,” who shared their experiences and visions regarding the struggle for independence.
The event concluded with an interactive dialogue addressing the complex geopolitical strategies that ensured Timor-Leste’s survival during the Cold War.
Aligned with President Jose Ramos-Horta’s vision for a united and historically conscious nation, General Lere Anan Timur’s intervention served as a powerful call to action for the youth to actively document, read, and preserve Timor-Leste’s cultural and historical heritage, an essential foundation of national identity.
TATOLI
