United Nations: Secretary - General Extends Warm Congratulations To New Timor-Leste President

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the inauguration of the President of Timor-Leste, issued 20 May:



I extend my warmest congratulations to José Ramos-Horta on the occasion of his inauguration as President of Timor-Leste.



Dr. Ramos-Horta’s relationship with the United Nations is already solid and long-standing, and I look forward to working with him over the coming years.



Like the people of Timor-Leste, the United Nations looks to Dr. Ramos-Horta to lead the country in confronting the challenges ahead, from security reform and justice to development and governance.



My sincere congratulations also go to the people of Timor-Leste, who have so actively and peacefully embraced the democratic process in elections over the past six weeks. I urge all political actors to sustain this democratic spirit and respect the free will of the people in the coming legislative elections.



The United Nations remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste as it strives to develop a stable and sustainable democracy in the years ahead.