Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Attacks on the President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste

February 11, 2008

In the morning of February 11 (Mon), President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste were attacked by an armed group, and President Ramos-Horta was injured. Such acts violently obstruct Timor-Leste’s peace building and nation building. The Government of Japan strongly condemns such acts and at the same time extends heartfelt sympathy to President Ramos-Horta, who has been injured.
Japan intends to continue engaging with Timor-Leste’s efforts for the consolidation of peace and nation building and extend all support.

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