1 February 2001 -- The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today marked the transition of the pro-independence rebel army Falintil into the new East Timor Defence Force, appointing Falintil Commander Taur Matan Ruak as the Commander-in-Chief of the Force.
The transition was commemorated at a ceremony in Aileu, during which UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello expressed his deepest respect for the independence fighters and their 25-year struggle.
"Armed with little beyond moral courage and despite hunger, deprivation and innumerable setbacks, Falintil prevailed over a massive occupying force," Mr. Vieira de Mello said, adding that the memory of the fighters will live on forever in the history of East Timor. "Let me assure you, the heroes of the Falintil, that this occasion in no way represents the end of Falintil. Falintil's role in the fight for freedom will never be forgotten by the people of East Timor with whom you struggled."
During the event, Mr. Vieira de Mello announced that a Falintil Veterans Association, which will inherit the name and symbols of Falintil, would be established with immediate effect. The Transitional Administration will also draw up a legislation to ensure that no one else will claim or use Falintil's symbols, he said.
The historic day, attended by Falintil Commander Taur Matan Ruak, National Council for Timorese Resistance (CNRT) President Xanana Gusmão, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo and Force Commander Boonsrang Niumpradit among others, started with a Mass in memory of fallen Falintil soldiers, followed by the lowering of the Falintil flag and raising of the UN flag.
According to UNTAET, the new Defence Force will consist of a light infantry force of 1,500 regulars with a phased approach to reach that number over three years, and 1,500 reservists, with Falintil as the core of the force. The recruitment and selection process for the first battalion, composed entirely of Falintil, was completed on 28 January. For the next battalion, recruitment will be open to all Timorese above the age of 18, including women.
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