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Annan salutes East Timorese on first anniversary of vote for independence
30 August -- Marking the first anniversary of East Timor's vote for independence from Indonesia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today praised the strength and determination of the East Timorese people in their quest for independence.

In a video message, the Secretary-General saluted "the courage of every Timorese citizen and the memory of those brave men and women who perished in the struggle for independence."

"For the United Nations, your cause and your future have always been of unique importance," Mr. Annan said, adding that the world body's role in helping East Timor become independent was "one of the greatest responsibilities ever given to the United Nations."

As for the task of rebuilding East Timor, the Secretary-General said that his visit to the territory in February had left him in no doubt that the Timorese could overcome the challenges ahead. "You have the creativity, the determination and the ability to succeed in building the nation for which so many of you have sacrificed so much."

Commemorative activities began in Dili this morning with a mass celebrated by Nobel Peace Laureate Bishop Carlos Belo. After the service, the head of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), Sergio Vieira de Mello, Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos-Horta, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and a representative of the President of Portugal proceeded along with other dignitaries to Santa Cruz Cemetery, where they placed pink and white flower petals around a simple black steel cross.

"We are at the resting place of those who gave their lives so that East Timor can be free," said Mr. Ramos-Horta, who is the Vice-President of an umbrella group of Timorese political parties, the CNRT.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Vieira de Mello called on the Timorese population to respect those who voted last year for autonomy, and appealed to the militia to lay down their arms.

The day's events included a number of musical and cultural presentations by Timorese bands and groups representing UNTAET's different national contingents.