National Parliament approves vote of condolences on the death of Kofi Annan and pays homage to Sergio Vieira de Mello
The National Parliament unanimously approved a Vote of Condolences on the death of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan between 1997 and 2006, and a Tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello, Transitional Administrator of UNTAET.
The Condolences and Tribute votes approved by the National Parliament represent the recognition of Timor-Leste of the contribution of the two leaders in the process of struggle for the national liberation and construction of the Timor-Leste State. Kofi Annan, as UN Secretary-General, authorized the referendum that determined Timor-Leste's independence and Sérgio Vieira de Mello headed the United Nations Transitional Administration in Timor-Leste (UNTAET) between 1999 and 2002.
At the beginning of the week, the Government expressed its condolences for the death of Kofi Annan, saying that "his memory will forever be linked to the history of Timor-Leste since he has worked relentlessly for the international recognition of the right of self-determination of our People and, following the popular consultation that determined the independence of our Nation, laid the foundation on which the construction of the present Timorese State is based. "
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão was appointed by the Council of Ministers at a meeting on the 21st of August to represent the Government in the funeral ceremonies of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, unless they are private in nature, or in any posthumous tribute ceremonies that may occur in his memory.
