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Motion · S6M-04523 · 19 May 2022

Congratulating the People of Timor-Leste on Twenty Years as an Independent and Democratic Country

Lodged by Collette Stevenson (Scottish National Party) Standard Motion 16 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes that 20 May 2022 marked 20 years since Timor-Leste (East Timor) was internationally recognised as an independent nation following liberation from Indonesian occupation in 1999 and a UN-administered transitional period; understands that, as a former Portuguese colony, Timor-Leste first declared independence in 1974 but that, in 1975, it was invaded and occupied by Indonesia; further understands that, following a campaign of resistance led by Xanana Gusmao, and after sustained and mounting international pressure, Indonesia allowed a UN-run referendum in 1999, during which the Timorese people voted overwhelmingly for independence; believes that the country has since faced the extraordinary task of reconstructing its infrastructure, which, it understands, was largely destroyed by departing Indonesian troops and militia, prior to the arrival of the UN-backed International Force East Timor (INTERFET), which was deployed to bring the violence to an end; congratulates the people of Timor-Leste on their anniversary of 20 years as an independent and democratic country, and wishes President Jose Ramos Horta and the Timorese people all the best as they work to overcome what it sees as the legacy of colonisation and occupation, and calls on the UK Government and the international community to offer political and economic support as necessary to the government and the Timorese people in building a secure, peaceful and prosperous country.

Supporters (16)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.