The East-Timorese people have every reason to be proud these days. After selecting a constitutional assembly last August, they have now also elected a new president to lead the country towards full independence in May 2002.

Mr. Xanana Gusmao received 82.7% of the total votes, while his “rival”, Francisco Xavier do Amaral secured only 17.3%. Xanana Gusmao is the former resistance leader of Fretilin. Freed on 7 September 1999 after spending more than six years in an Indonesian prison and under house arrest, Mr. Gusmao committed himself to do everything to bring peace to East Timor.

Francisco Xavier do Amaral was the first Fretilin leader and the first and only president of East Timor during the days between the declaration of independence and the invasion of Indonesian forces in 1975.

Interestingly, Mr. Gusmao actually did not want to become president of East Timor. Instead, he wanted to grow melons, but due to his enormous popularity he had little choice but to accept the “calling”.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer once said, “if there is one person who can in the medium term provide reconciliation in East Timor, I believe it is Xanana Gusmao”.

Xavier do Amaral, who knew beforehand he had no chance, already indicated that he only ran for president so the people of East Timor had a choice. In his words this was to provide the people of East Timor a lesson in democracy, and one candidate is not a democracy.

The UNPO is extremely proud of both candidates, and wishes to congratulate Mr. Gusmao and the people of East Timor with this new milestone on the road towards independence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Transitional Government of East Timor, by letter dated 20 April 2002, extended an invitation to the UNPO to attend independence celebrations on 20 May this year. The content thereof is quoted hereunder.

“Dear Friends at UNPO Netherlands,

It is our greatest pleasure to let you know that East Timor will become an independent nation on 20 May 2002. This day marks the culmination of a courageous and inspiring quest by the people of East Timor, and the birth of a new nation. At the same time, it is an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable contribution, over many years, of our friends in the NGO and Solidarity Movement around the world and the international community in general to this endeavour, and to recognise their continuing willingness to assist.

To mark this historic event, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, together with the East Timor Public Administration (Second Transitional Government of East Timor), are organising the Independence Day Ceremony culminating in the formal handover of authority at midnight of 19 May 2002. The People of East Timor would be delighted if you could find your way to come to East Timor to celebrate the occasion with them.

As you are aware, East Timor suffered tremendous devastation in 1999, and while much rehabilitation has taken place, there is still a great deal to be done. As a result, our resources are extremely limited and we are unable to assist you with any expenses. We appreciate your continued understanding and support.

We hope that it will be possible for you to attend this event to share the celebration of our independence.