Secretary-General welcomes establishment of new timor-leste government,

 

calls for spirit of reconciliation as country prepares for elections

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the establishment of a new Government in Timor-Leste.  He congratulates Jose Ramos-Horta on his appointment as Prime Minister, and looks forward to the formation of the full Government, which he trusts will serve the needs of all Timorese.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties in Timor-Leste to move forward in a spirit of dialogue, unity and reconciliation, as the country prepares for its first presidential and parliamentary elections since independence.

He also looks forward to receiving the report of his Special Envoy, Ian Martin, on how the United Nations can best assist the Timorese people, as they build a democratic and peaceful future for their country; and he thanks Mr. Martin for successfully completing his important and sensitive mission.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record