Government of Timor-Leste

Today, August 30^th, 2024, the National Parliament unanimously approved granting Timorese nationality to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in recognition of his high and relevant services to the country over several decades. This honourable distinction reflects the critical role that António Guterres has played in defending Timor-Leste's self-determination and mobilising the international community to support independence and national development.

The resolution, signed by the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, highlights the importance of António Guterres' contribution at different crucial moments in Timor-Leste’s recent history. As Prime Minister of Portugal (from 1995 to 2002), Guterres was one of the most prominent defenders of the Timorese cause in the highest international forums, pushing for the 1999 referendum, culminating in the country's independence.

“After the violence that followed the referendum, António Guterres was instrumental in mobilising the international community to intervene and establish the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), which paved the way for the country's full independence in 2002”, the National Parliament points out in the Resolution.

During the ceremony, António Guterres said he took on “this nationality of a heroic people”, committed to do everything “so that the Timorese can be proud of this citizen”. Guterres also said it was “a privilege and an enormous satisfaction” to be back in Timor-Leste, where he first visited in 2000 “in a visit dominated by emotion, joy and hope” and where he returned in May 2002 “to take part in the historic ceremony of the restoration of independence”.

The Secretary-General also highlighted that the National Parliament is chaired by a woman, which he considered “a sign of the strengthening of the status of women and women's rights” in Timor-Leste.

António Guterres also recalled the night of August 29^th, 1999 [August 30^th in Timor-Leste], which he said he would never forget, a night in which he did not sleep due to the excitement of following the process of popular consultation. “The Timorese people spoke, and their voice was clear: Independence”, he said, highlighting the “courage and determination” of the Timorese, “who were totally mobilised in defence of their self-determination”.

Referring to the moments following the referendum, Guterres recalled “the agonising weeks that followed” and the mobilisation of “hundreds of thousands of Portuguese who demonstrated in the streets of Lisbon in solidarity with the Timorese and demanded that the international community intervene”. The Secretary-General also paid his “deepest tribute to the Timorese resistance, to the men and women who joined it and committed themselves to it”, recalling the crucial role of the United Nations in mediating and organising the referendum “in a short period and despite intimidation and threats”.

“The world can learn a lot from Timor-Leste, especially when conflicts are multiplying and geopolitical tensions are worsening,” said the UN Secretary-General.

During his official visit to Timor-Leste, António Guterres was also decorated with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest distinction, by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta. This award is a tribute to Guterres' role as an unwavering defender of the Timorese people's right to self-determination, both during his time as Prime Minister of Portugal and in his subsequent role as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and, currently, as UN Secretary-General.

The commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation of August 30^th, 1999, which led to the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence, are taking place throughout the country, with the presence of high-ranking international figures and members of the national Government. The theme of the celebrations is “It was the People who Fought! It was the People Who Suffered! It was the People who Won the Fight!!! The People are the Great Heroes of Independence!!!” underlining the fundamental role of the Timorese in gaining their independence and building the country.

The celebrations program in Dili includes solemn events at the Dili Municipal Stadium, the National Parliament, the Archives & Museum of Timorese Resistance, and the Lahane Noble Palace.

The complete programme of the celebrations is available on the Timor-Leste Government Portal at https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=39114&lang=pt.