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 11 March 2010
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Timor-Leste enjoying three years of peace and economic recovery: Ramos Horta

11/03/2010

The President of Timor Leste says the country has recovered from the 2006 political crisis and its people are now enjoying three years of peace and robust economic recovery.

Jose Ramos Horta

Jose Ramos Horta

President Jose Ramos Horta addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for the first time on Thursday.

In spite of the world financial crisis, he says, Timor-Leste's finances are sound and economic growth has been in the double digits during the past two years, with the capital, Dili, turned into a boom town.

"Our economy will continue to grow in 2010, driven by public and private sector investments in individual homes, small business, family agriculture and large public investments in the power sector and roads. Expediture on education and health remains very high."

President Ramos Horta added that there is renewed faith in the political leadership and government institutions. He also defended himself against criticism that he has been too lenient in pardoning individuals convicted of serious crimes, by saying that in post-conflict countries there must be a compromise between reconciliation and justice.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio.

duration: 1'11"

Sound bites

Jose Ramos Horta

Our economy will continue to grow in 2010, driven by public and private sector investments in individual homes, small businesse, family agriculture and large public investments in the power sector and roads. Expediture on education and health remains very high.
Duration: 18"

Jose Ramos Horta

We, East Timorese, can be very proud that we have one of the best Constitutions in the world and consistent with the principles and provisions of our Constitution we ratified all seven major International Human Rights Conventions.
Duration: 15"

Jose Ramos Horta

We have made progress in giving a strong voice to our women. About 30% of deputies in our National Parliament are women. The average in the European Union is 18%.
Duration: 12"

Jose Ramos Horta

Life is not so simple, there is no black and white. In each country and society, in the rich North and the less rich South, there is an expectation for justice, for the rule of law, for respect for human rights and dignity. But everywhere there is a violent conflict, we must first create the space and conditions for dialogue in order to bring about a cessation of armed conflict, followed by a lengthy process of healing, reconciliation, employment, poverty eradication, etc., etc. And in the efforts to bring about peace between long-standing rival communities, often we have to compromise on justice.
Duration: 50"