East Timor, A Nation is Born
“I declare the establishment of the Democratic Republic of East Timor as an independent and sovereign state. Glory to the heroes of our liberation,” said parliamentary speaker, Francisco “Lu Olo” Guterres, to mark the full independence of the newly born nation of Timor Leste at midnight Sunday (May 19).
The world’s newest country came into being with a dazzling display of fireworks, live music, a solemn declaration of independence and a speech by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan. “I salute you –people of East Timor—for the courage and perseverance you have shown,” Anna told an exuberant crowd as U.N. officially transferred authority to the newly-born government under the leadership of Xanana Gusmao following his inauguration by Annan as Timor Leste’s first president.
As opera star Barbara Hendricks began to sing We Shall Overcome, the Timor Leste’s new flag was raised to replace the blue U.N. flag to mark the transition of authority. The new national anthem of Patria was heard as ten of thousands East Timorese smiled, cheered, and hugged each other in an outpouring of emotion marking the end of four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, 24 years of brutal Indonesian occupation, and two years of ad interim UNTAET’s rule.
Earlier and in conjunction with the Pentecost, a festive mass was delivered by Dili’s Bishop Ximenes Belo and Indonesian Bishops’ of Conference’s President Julius Cardinal Darmaatmadja along with hundreds of priest. At least 132 thousands Timorese were attending the service.
Among those present at the celebration were U.S. former President Bill Clinton, Portuguese President Jorge Sampao, Australian PM John Howard, New Zealand PM Clark, and Indonesia’s President Megawati Soekarnoputri and dozens of foreign representatives.
President Gusmao hailed the presence of Megawati Soekarnoputri as a symbol of friendship and reconciliation between the people of Indonesia and Timor Leste. Soon after landed in Dili, Megawati’s entourage rushed to All Indonesian Heroes Cemetery of Seroja to pay tribute to those died for the union of East Timor into Indonesian territory. At home her trip to Dili was strongly criticized by hard-line lawmakers, politicians, military figures, and former East Timor war veterans.
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