MR. RAMOS-HORTA RESIGNS FROM NATIONAL COUNCIL

José Ramos-Horta resigned from the National Council today to return to his former post as Cabinet Member for Foreign Affairs, stating that his skills would be of better use in the Cabinet. The resignation follows Ramos-Horta’s failure on 9 April to be elected by the National Council to replace former Council Speaker Xanana Gusmão. Speaking at today’s National Council session, chaired by Speaker Manuel Carrascalão, Ramos-Horta appealed to all East Timorese and the National Council to continue to support the presence of the United Nations in East Timor in the future. He noted that the role of the National Council was not to oppose UNTAET but to act on behalf of the various groups throughout East Timor to give constructive criticism on regulations and policies of the Transitional Administration.

Mr. Ramos-Horta also reminded the 20 Council members in attendance that the presence of the United Nations in East Timor had been requested by the East Timorese for 24 years during the struggle for independence and has now allowed peace throughout the country for the first time. Manuel Carrascalão underlined that the United Nations should not leave East Timor until the groundwork for a functioning independent country was established. The National Council will meet again tomorrow, 24 April. The Council is expected to consider a draft regulation on the Establishment of a Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation.