Sign in Subscribe
Gusmao, Xanana

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Commemorates Timor-Leste's 25 Years of Independence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, arrived in Timor-Leste to mark 25 years since the country's vote for independence, organized by the UN mission. Guterres paid tribute to former resistance leader Xanana Gusmao, who served as the first president of the newly-independent nation and was imprisoned for six years in Indonesia. During his visit, the Secretary-General highlighted Timor-Leste's strong record in strengthening democracy and human rights, as well as its growing international influence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, visited Timor-Leste to commemorate 25 years of independence, which was achieved after months of violence and destruction following a referendum organized by the UN mission.
  • Guterres paid tribute to former resistance leader Xanana Gusmao, who served as the first president of the newly-independent nation and was imprisoned for six years in Indonesia.
  • The Secretary-General highlighted Timor-Leste's strong record in strengthening democracy and human rights, as well as its growing international influence, including being the founder of the G7+ group of states emerging from conflict.
  • Timor-Leste was able to join the ASEAN regional bloc soon, and the country is set to take a leading role in supporting a future peace process in Myanmar, which has spiralled into chaos since the military coup of 2021.
  • The Secretary-General expressed concern over Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a violation of the UN Charter and international law, and the war in Gaza, highlighting the need for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and a secure nation.

Statistics:

  • 25 years have passed since Timor-Leste voted for independence.
  • The UN mission organized the referendum in 1999.
  • Timor-Leste gained full independence in 2002.
  • 38 percent of seats in the National Parliament are occupied by women, the highest rate in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • 30 percent of political representation was allocated to women during the 1999 referendum.
  • 33 percent of political party lists must be made up of women according to Timor-Leste's electoral law.
  • 1999: The year the occupation in Indonesia ended, and Xanana Gusmao was released from prison.

Sources:

  • Source 1: The United Nation's Press Release.
  • Source 2: The Daily Wire.

Read more