For Immediate Release
RAMOS-HORTA STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO PD ADVERTISEMENT
The following statement was released by Cabinet Member for Foreign Affairs Dr Jose Ramos-Horta today:
In today’s edition of the Suara Timor Lorosae newspaper, the Partido Democrático (PD) used the names of two Timorese leaders, Mr Xanana Gusmao and myself, Jose Ramos-Horta, implying that a vote for PD constitutes support for Xanana Gusmao to be President of the Republic, and for myself, Ramos-Horta to be the Vice-President .
Tomorrow’s vote is not to choose the President and the Vice-President of the Republic, but simply and only to elect the Constituent Assembly.
I personally have never announced any interest in the possibility of being the Vice-President of the Republic.
Under these circumstances I categorically and unequivocally declare that neither Xanana Gusmao nor myself Ramos-Horta are in the running for the August 30 elections. I therefore encourage every Timorese to vote their conscience, in choosing from the parties and candidates that are actually running for election, and vote for those you trust.
-ends-
For further information contact:
Ms Caroline O’Brien
Media Liaison Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs
East Timor Transitional
Administration
Telephone: (East Timor and
Australia) 0417 879 953
(International) +61 (0)417
879 953
Email: contact_carolineo@hotmail.com
José Ramos-Horta
* Mr Jose Ramos-Horta is an internationally-renowned spokesperson for the East Timorese cause. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 for “sustained efforts to hinder the oppression of small people”.
* Mr Ramos-Horta has been a dynamic and determined advocate for a free and independent East Timor. From 1976 until 1989, he was the permanent representative of the Frente Revolucionaria de Timor Leste Independente (FRETILIN) at the United Nations. He currently holds the position of Cabinet Member for Foreign Affairs, United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor.