Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dili (Fides Service) - East Timor's civil society, the Catholic community as well as international bodes hope the installation of the new president and approaching general elections will mark a new start and a future of prosperity and development for this youngest Asian nation. In the Summer there will be elections for members of parliament, from which will come a prime minister and a government.
During the swearing in ceremony in Dili, the new president José Ramos Horta promised to lead to country to peace and stability. The Nobel Prize winner was elected in the second round of elections on May 8 which were the first presidential vote since East Timor gained independence from Indonesia in 2002. Ramos Horta stepped up from prime minister to president.
However there were clashes between rival supporters during the installation of the new president and UN peacekeeping troops had to use tear gas to restore order. The clashes were between supporters of Ramos Horta and those of the East Timor Revolutionary Front.
The local Church in East Timor, 90% Catholic population, continues to work to promote reconciliation and heal separations in the civil society to help the country start a new life leaving behind the pain and violence of the past.
Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the new nation when he received East Timor's first ambassador to the Holy See Justino Maria Aparício Guterres. The Pope praised the people for their civic maturity and assured them of his prayers and affection, especially Timorese youth. He encouraged the political leaders to promote the democratic process and guarantee public order and respect for human rights. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/5/2007 righe 28 parole 282)
