Government of Timor-Leste

Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 Dili, May 19th, 2017

Government expresses condolences on the passing of Mário Viegas Carrascalão

It was with regret that the Government of Timor-Leste received news this morning of the passing of Mário Viegas Carrascalão, a former Vice Prime Minister in the IV Constitutional Government and senior political figure in Timor-Leste. On behalf of the Government, Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo offered his deep condolences to Mr. Carrascalão’s family, friends and colleagues, and paid tribute to his contribution to the Nation.

Mr. Carrascalao recently turned eighty and only yesterday was awarded the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste by the President of the Republic in recognition of his service.

Mário Viegas Carrascalão was born in Venilale, Baucau on the 12^th of May 1937. He earned a degree in engineering after studying in Portugal and upon returning to Timor served as the head of the Forestry and Agriculture Department. In 1974 he was a founding member and President of the Timorese Democratic Union [UDT]. During the Indonesian occupation he was Governor between 1982 and 1992 and later became a key participant in the transitional process preparing for Governance post independence. This included his role as Speaker of the National Council and as Vice President of the National Council of Timorese Resistance. In 2000 he formed and became leader of the Social Democratic Party [PSD]. In 2006 he released his autobiography “Timor – Before the Future.” As part of a Government reshuffle in 2008, Mr. Carrascalão was sworn in as Vice Prime Minister of Management and State Administration in the IV Constitutional Government.

Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira, noted “today is a sad day as we recall an energetic and pragmatic leader, committed to serving our Nation. We pay our respects to the Carrascalão family at this difficult time.” ENDS