Cheered by East Timorese, Secretary-General ends two-day visit
in East Timor: INTERFET
18 February - At the close of an emotional visit to East Timor, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told a large gathering of East Timorese today that their strength and dignity had "inspired the world" and that the United Nations was there to help them establish a peaceful independent state.
This morning, the Secretary-General walked to the headquarters of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), where he was greeted by the largest crowd UN staff remember seeing there. The group included traditional leaders, dancers, musicians and hundreds of barefoot children.
At a press conference earlier in the day, independence leader Xanana Gusmão, said that Mr. Annan's visit was another confirmation of his long-standing commitment to the people of East Timor.
"Had it not been for him," Mr. Gusmão told the press, "I would not be standing here today addressing you. And I would like to reciprocate and assure the Secretary-General that we are ourselves committed to work with UNTAET ."
During his speech to the people of East Timor, the Secretary-General said the devastation he had seen was "far worse" than what he had imagined and stressed the need for reconciliation.
He concluded his speech by asking, "East Timor, are you ready? The future starts now." His final words echoed a song that had been composed for East Timor's celebration of the New Year, which began with the lyrics, "The future is now. Timor, are you ready?"
The Secretary-General then flew from Dili to Darwin, Australia, which had hosted 2,000 refugees from East Timor when the militia violence began last fall. Speaking to the people of Darwin, Mr. Annan thanked them on behalf of the United Nations for their "great generosity in hosting an enormous number and great variety of people." He also thanked the Government of Australia for its role in helping East Timor's struggle for independence.
"It is no exaggeration to say that without Australia's efforts during those crucial days of violence in September," he said, "the situation in East Timor might have gone from very bad to much, much worse. The East Timorese might not have had the chance for peace and development they have today."
Mr. Annan will begin his official visit in Australia's capital, Canberra, on Monday morning, after spending Mr. Annan will begin his official visit in Australia's capital, Canberra, on Monday morning, after spending the weekend in Sydney.
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