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Martial arts leaders pledge to end gang violence, 25 November
2006
Leaders of Timor-Leste's major Martial Arts groups have held
long discussions and told the media that they would end gang violence
that has caused so much loss of innocent lives.
Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta convened a meeting
at the Library in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
between the Martial Arts groups. The Prime Minister spoke to the
leaders for 30 minutes.
In a frank discussion the Nobel Peace Prize winner told them:
"Now that you are all here and you have heard me, you may
continue to talk to each other on your own and find a way to live
peacefully with each other and contribute to peace and stability
in this country, or you may leave and continue your stupid, irresponsible
and criminal behavior.
"If you continue this violent behavior, let me assure you
that none of you will go unpunished. If at the end of your meeting
you decide to work towards peace and wish to come forward to me,
we will request assistance for any constructive and meaningful
purpose that you like, and the Government will find a way to assist
you.
"The country belongs more to you than to me because you
are young and there is a long future ahead of you. You can change
now and work for peace today and peace tomorrow for your future,
or you can continue to damage your country and your future.
"I have no interest in hearing your mutual accusations or
any rational for the killings. I came here for you to listen to
me and what I have to say. I am not accusing anyone in particular.
I am holding all of you responsible for the behavior of your members."
After making this statement the Prime Minister left the meeting,
but the leaders of the Martial Arts groups continued to meet fortwo
hours afterwards and pledged to work towards ending rival gang
violence.
The Martial Arts groups are scheduled to meet again on Monday
and Wednesday to work out ideas and mechanisms for dialog, exchange
information and work towards the stabilization of the situation.
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