United Nations Radio

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Timor-Leste has welcomed the surrender in the capital, Dili, of rebel leader Gastão Salsinha and a dozen armed fugitives.

Atul Khare said the men, accused of trying to assassinate President Ramos Horta (photo) of Timor-Leste in February, must now face justice.

The men peacefully handed themselves over to Deputy Prime Minister, Jose Luis Guterres, who expressed joy at the surrender at the government palace in Dili.

Jose Luis Guterres (voice with English interpretation)

"Today is a historic event for our nation. The people of Timor showed to the whole world that when we come together, we can build peace and stability in our nation."

Gastão Salsinha, a former army lieutenant, took command of the rebels after their leader, Alfredo Reinado was killed in the February attack on President Jose Ramos Horta.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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