TIMOR-LESTE: BAN KI-MOON HAILS INAUGURATION OF JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA

TIMOR-LESTE: BAN KI-MOON HAILS INAUGURATION OF JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA
New York, May 20 2007 12:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated José Ramos-Horta on his inauguration as President of Timor-Leste.

"Dr. Ramos-Horta's relationship with the United Nations is already solid and long-standing, and I look forward to working with him over the coming years," Mr. Ban said in a statement.

"Like the people of Timor-Leste, the United Nations looks to Dr. Ramos-Horta to lead the country in confronting the challenges ahead, from security reform and justice to development and governance," he said.

The Secretary-General paid tribute to the Timorese people "who have so actively and peacefully embraced the democratic process in elections over the past six weeks."

He urged the country's political players to sustain this democratic spirit and respect the free will of the people in the coming legislative elections.

"The United Nations remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste as it strives to develop a stable and sustainable democracy in the years ahead," Mr. Ban said.

Mr. Ramos-Horta succeeded following two rounds of elections in April and May, beating out seven other candidates vying to lead the country.

The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) is helping with all aspects of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary electoral process, including through technical and logistical support, electoral policy advice and verification.

2007-05-20 00:00:00.000

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