Media Release: FRETILIN condemns reports of attack on Timor-Leste’s President and Prime

FRENTE REVOLUCIONÁRIA DO TIMOR-LESTE INDEPENDENTE
FRETILIN
MEDIA RELEASE

Dili, 11.02.08

FRETILIN condemns reports of attack on Timor-Leste’s President and Prime
Minister: Demands answers from UN and ISF

The Secretary General of FRETILIN Dr. Mari Alkatiri strongly condemned the reported
attacks on the President of the Republic, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, and Xanana Gusmao,
and gave FRETILIN’s full support to cooperate with the security authorities in any way it
can to maintain peace and stability in their wake.

There have been separate unconfirmed reports of an attempt also on the de facto Prime
Minister. Dr. Alkatiri and FRETILIN have issued a strong condemnation of both
reported attacks.

“We are shocked that this has happened, if the media reports are true. This comes as a
total surprise given the recent positive developments, as a result of the President’s tireless
efforts to find a mechanism of national political consensus to find solutions to the critical
issues that are faced by our country,” said Alkatiri.

“FRETILIN is also concerned that the Head of our State and Head of Government could
be so easily reached by a breach in security. UNMIT and the International Stabilization
Forces are principally responsible for security in our country at this time. We demand
answers as to how these breaches in security could possibly happen if the reports are
proven to be true,” closed Alkatiri.
For further information contact José Teixeira on +670 7287080