SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘SHOCKED AND DISMAYED’ AT INCIDENTS IN TIMOR-LESTE, IN WHICH

PRESIDENT JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA WAS SHOT, WOUNDED, OTHERS KILLED OR INJURED

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is shocked and dismayed to learn of today’s incidents in Timor-Leste, in which President José Ramos-Horta was shot and wounded, and a number of others killed or injured.  The convoy of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão was also attacked.

The United Nations Police (UNPol) is on a high state of alert and is coordinating with the International Security Forces (ISF) and the Timorese authorities.  Upon receipt of this information, Special Representative Atul Khare immediately left the United States and is on his way back to Dili.

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms these unacceptable attacks on the legitimate institutions of the State, and calls on the Timorese people to remain calm and refrain from all violent acts.

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For information media • not an official record