CALD Resolution No. 2 S. 2002

CALD Resolution No. 2 S. 2002

A resolution celebrating the birth of East Timor as an independent nation, expressing solidarity with the people of East Timor in their effort to rebuild democratic institutions and to revive its ailing economy, expressing congratulations to HE Xanana Gusmao and other leaders of the 192nd nation of the world, expressing appreciation to the United Nations for its various roles leading to the independence and self-determination of the East Timorese and acknowledging the responsibility of the international community of nations in the protection of the universal and fundamental rights of peoples all over the world.

Heartened that on May 20, 2002, East Timor declared its independence after more than four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, more than two decades of Indonesian occupation and more than two years of supervision under the United Nations;

Noting that the celebrations were conducted amidst great pomp and festivities with the presence of international leaders including Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio, Secretary General Kofi Annan of the United Nations, Prime Minister John Howard of Australia and former US President Bill Clinton and that the attendance of dignitaries from 92 countries was, as President Xanana Gusmao expressed in his inaugural address, “the most eloquent testimony of the values enshrined in the charter of the United Nations and…an unequivocal affirmation of the rights of peoples;”

Believing that the presence of President Megawati Sukarnoputri was a magnanimous gesture of reconciliation, a symbolic ratification of East Timor’s sovereignty by Indonesia and as President Gusmao so aptly put it, “a symbol of the democratic yearnings of the brotherly people of Indonesia;”

Citing that the UN Secretary General had honored “every citizen of Timor…and (also those) …no longer with us, but dreamt of this moment” and had recognized this moment as “a feat (of) a small nation (that was) able to inspire the rest of the world;”

Acknowledging that the United Nations played a key role from conducting the referendum indicating an overwhelming support for freedom, to the sending of peace- keeping troops to the troubled island, to the two and a half year supervision during the transition period under the competent leadership of Sergio Vieira de Mello;

Acknowledging further that nations, governments and civil society movements have long been in solidarity with the people of East Timor in their just and legitimate quest for independence and this global alliance continues with its commitment to rebuild the world’s newest nation;

Emphasizing that the independence of East Timor was paid for with great sacrifices by the people of East Timor including the martyrdom of tens of thousands of East Timorese who died in their struggle for freedom and democracy;

Saddened that despite the euphoria of the occasion, East Timor would be one of Asia’s poorest nations with one of the lowest literacy rates in the world;

Believing that the international community must remain committed even after East Timor’s independence to help the country with the daunting tasks of ensuring political stability and economic progress after decades of strife and suffering;

Convinced that the present leadership of the country including President Gusmao, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos Horta who were all key figures in the freedom movement possess both the conviction and competence to guide the island nation towards democracy, peace, progress, and justice.

Be it resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats celebrate the birth of East Timor as an independent nation, express solidarity with the people of East Timor in their effort to rebuild democratic institutions and to revive its ailing economy, express congratulations to HE Xanana Gusmao and other leaders of the 192nd nation of the world, expressing appreciation to the United Nations for its various roles leading to the independence and self-determination of the East Timorese and acknowledging the responsibility of the international community of nations in the protection of the universal and fundamental rights of peoples all over the world.

For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats

Hon. Sam Rainsy, MP

Chairman

Manila, Philippines May 20, 2002