Security Council

5833^rd Meeting (PM)

Security Council condemns attack on Timor-Leste president josÉ ramos-Horta,

Calls on government to bring those responsible for ‘heinous act’ to justice

The Security Council this afternoon condemned in the strongest possible terms the attempt on the life of the President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, during an attack on his residence on 11 February, as well as the attack on the convoy of the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmão.

The attacks represented an attack on the legitimate institutions of Timor-Leste, according to a statement read by Council President Ricardo Alberto Aria ( Panama).

Further to presidential statement S/PRST/2008/5, the Council called on the country’s Government to bring to justice those responsible for that heinous act, and called upon all people in Timor-Leste to remain calm, exercise restraint and maintain stability in the country.  It urged all parties to resolve any disputes through political and peaceful means within the framework of its democratic institutions.

The Council will continue to monitor closely the situation and will act, as appropriate.

The meeting started at 4:10 p.m. and adjourned at 4:13 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/5 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempt on the life of the President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, during an attack at his residence on 11 February 2008, and wishes him a speedy recovery.  The Council also condemns the attack on the convoy of the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmão.  These represent an attack on the legitimate institutions of Timor-Leste.

“The Security Council calls on the Government of Timor-Leste to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous act, and urges all parties in Timor-Leste to cooperate actively with the authorities in this regard.

“The Security Council further calls upon all people in Timor-Leste to remain calm, exercise restraint and maintain stability in the country.  The Security Council urges all parties in Timor-Leste to resolve any disputes through political and peaceful means within the framework of its democratic institutions.

“The Security Council reaffirms its full support to the Government and people of Timor-Leste in their continued efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure public security and maintain stability in their country.

“The Security Council expresses its full support for the work of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste and for the continued deployment of the international security force in response to the requests of the Government of Timor-Leste.

“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to report on developments in Timor-Leste, as necessary.  The Security Council will continue to monitor closely the situation in Timor-Leste and will act, as appropriate.”

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For information media • not an official record