Timor Leste became the 191st Member-State of the United Nations, on September 27, shortly after Switzerland became the 190th on September 10.Timor-Leste’s admission is a matter of great importance for the U.N., since the U.N. supervised the plebiscite, three years ago when the East Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia. East Timor suffered the loss of a quarter of its population in its struggle for self-determination. The slaughter continued even during the plebiscite.
“None of us can forget the sacrifices made by the people or the courage of its leadership,” Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted at a flag raising ceremony, outside U.N. Headquarters in New York City.
“None of us can forget the sacrifices made by the people or the courage of its leadership,” Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted at a flag raising ceremony, outside U.N. Headquarters in New York City.
“Even before this day, Timor-Leste showed that greatness among nations is not a matter of size or resources, but rather one of global citizenship and adherence to the highest principles of our Charter.”
In his speech before the General Assembly, Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao showed that in spite of its physical size, Timor-Leste will provide the moral leadership that has long been lacking in U.N. circles.
In his speech before the General Assembly, Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao showed that in spite of its physical size, Timor-Leste will provide the moral leadership that has long been lacking in U.N. circles.