| Subject: MNEC: Statement by Dr José Ramos-Horta
6 May 2006
REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE MINISTÉRIO DOS NEGÓCIOS ESTRANGEIROS E COOPERAÇÃO Gabinete do Ministro Statement by Dr José Ramos-Horta Saturday 6 May 2006 Reports about major military unrest in East Timor are untrue. There is no credible intelligence to back them up. I wish to assure the international community that the capital Dili is operating as normal and that residents who left the city earlier in the week are returning to their homes and to work. I support the calls today from President Xanana Gusmao asking church leaders to use the opportunity of tomorrow’s mass to reassure residents that the city is safe. There has been no violence now for seven straight days but rumours continue to circulate which in turn spread fear. I urge media outlets to check facts before responding to rumours. Yesterday in New York I asked the United Nations Security Council to approve the continuation of a UN presence in East Timor. I am confident the UN Security Council will extend the UN presence with an enhanced police component. This force would advise and support our national police in maintaining stability, particularly in the lead up to next year’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Media inquiries: Vivienne Skinner 0411 206 224, Peter Wilkinson 02 8969 6255. José Ramos-Horta Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Back to May menu |