Government of Timor-Leste

The tenth anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Timor-Leste was officially celebrated holding various events, which took place during the month of May. The highlight of the celebration took place on the night of the 19th to the 20th of May, in Tasi-tolo, with the swearing in of the newly elected President of the Republic, José Maria Vasconcelos (Taur Matan Ruak).

To see the news about the swearing ceremony click here.

"We started the complex process of structuring the State, the institutions and making the Timorese accountable for their state, on May 20th 2002. It was on that day, ten years ago, that we received the destiny of our country from the hands of the UN, after two and a half years of international administration. I wish to take this opportunity to express to the United Nations, to the women and men who integrated the different missions, to the countries which enabled the establishment of the missions, and dedicated themselves to support Timor-Leste in having reborn as a nation and as a country, our very genuine and heartfelt thank you", stressed Taur Matan Ruak on May 20th, during the hoisting of the National Flag ceremony, at the President's Palace in Aitarak Laran, Dili.

The President recalled that the UN peacekeeping forces will be leaving the country this year , but will continue to provide support to state-building process. "I am confident that the international community will accept the maintenance of a small UN mission. It will, however, be a political mission to support the transformation process of the country, and its development", added the Head of State.

The President stated that he is proud of the results that the Timorese achieved by themselves, or with the support from international assistance and cooperation, during the past ten years.

The Flag Hoisting Ceremony was chaired by the Head of State, José Maria Vasconcelos, and was attended by several dignitaries, including the President of the National Parliament, Fernando Lasama de Araújo, the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Court of Appeal, Cláudio Ximenes, the President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudayono and his wife, the President of Portugal, Prof. Anibal Cavaco Silva and his wife, the General Governor of Australia, Quentin Bryce, the General Governor of New Zealand, Honorable Jerry Mateparae, the General Governor of Tuvalo, Lakoba Italeli, members of the Government, the representative of the Secretary General of UN, Ameerah Haq, the Diplomatic Corps, the Religious Confessions and the Timorese society in general.

On this same day, May 20th, following the ceremony at the President's Palace, the Archive and Museum of East Timorese Resistance, in Díli, was inaugurated.