Statement by Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Presidential Election in East Timor

April 17, 2002
Japanese

In East Timor, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced on April 17 the final result of the Presidential election, which was held on April 14. According to the announcement, Mr. Xanana Gusmao was elected President democratically with a high voter turnout of 86.2%. The Government of Japan welcomes the fact that the election was conducted by East Timorese in a free, fair and smooth manner, and highly appreciates the efforts exerted to date by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), the IEC, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), other related organizations, international electoral observer missions and the people of East Timor.
The Government of Japan hopes that the President-elect will tackle various issues in complete solidarity with the Government and people of East Timor for nation-building toward independence, and will continue to extend as much support as possible in cooperation with the international community.

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