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Tears of joy as peace, not war, starts to break out in East
Timor, 13 November 2006
Young people from some of the most troubled areas of Dili and
from rival gangs have poured onto the streets to celebrate peace,
embracing each other and shedding tears. As Prime Minister Dr
José Ramos-Horta says: "It seems that peace, not war,
is breaking out in East Timor."
More than a thousand youths gathered on the main road between
Dili and the airport last night (Sunday night) - the scene of
some of the worst recent violence - embracing each other, singing
and chanting "peace". The spontaneous peace celebration
continued as they brought traffic to a stand-still when they marched
through Dili today (Monday).
The "peace rally" follows extraordinary meetings held
recently between the President of the Republic, Xanana Gusmão,
the Prime Minister and leaders of Timor-Leste's army and police.
"I have had many meetings with the leaders of the soldiers,
F-FDTL senior officers, both formally and informally sharing conversations
and meals with them," Dr Ramos-Horta said. "And in the
last couple of weeks Brigadier Taur Mata Ruak, the army's commander,
has met President Xanana for frank and fraternal discussions on
how, and where, this country should progress.
"These meetings were followed by larger gatherings involving
the President, myself and all senior and middle-ranking army and
police officers. The informal gathering at President Xanana's
private residence in Balibar last Thursday was a very moving one.
"This is the result of the efforts of many East Timorese
- the President himself; my Ministerial colleagues; the church
through the Bishops, his ministers and nuns; and the ongoing Government
dialogue program called Simu Malu.
"These people have refused to give up on peace and continued
to talk to each other."
Dr Ramos-Horta is the Minister for Defence but prefers to be
known as the "Chaplain for the Defence Forces". While
one of his responsibilities is to ensure the military is armed
he has declared that he will not buy more weapons for the army
or police.
"There are too many weapons in our country as it is,"
he said. "All of us have seen too much killing, too much
violence and too much mourning. I see my role as looking after
the minds and souls of our military and police. Enough of guns!"
Dr Ramos-Horta said he had heard "honest and humble words"
from the army and police leaders and they had pledged to work
together for reconciliation, stability and peace.
"To consolidate peace, much more needs to be done in the
coming days and weeks but no matter what obstacles are placed
in front of us we will not give up on seeking peace, harmony and
democracy," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
Following the discussions of last week it is hoped that the first
formal high-level meeting of all East Timorese political actors
will be held in Dili on November 21. And a major celebration is
being planned for December 10 as part of the National Dialogue
Initiative.
"The Presidency, the Parliament and the Government will
continue to work hand-in-hand to ensure that the peace dialogue
will be successful and that no Timorese individual, political
party or group is excluded," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
"Substantial funding was provided exclusively by the Timor-Leste
Government for this dialogue initiative. Also, the Government
of Norway responded positively to a request when I was Foreign
Minister for assistance with the concept.
"Norway was generous enough to provide Timor-Leste with
the services of Bishop Gunnar Stalsett of Oslo, a former member
of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, to help us with our peace
efforts.
"Bishop Stalsett is the lead foreign adviser to both the
President and the Prime Minister in helping us bridge the gaps
between the various political and social actors.
"He has visited Timor-Leste twice so far and has held dozens
of meetings with all concerned."
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