East Timor - Press Release

8th April 2002

John Bowis made the following speech at a Press Conference in Dili shortly after his arrival.

"I am honoured to be here as the outward and visible sign of the European Union's continuing support for East Timor, as it moves towards the new chapter in its history as an independent Nation.

"My first impression is of a beautiful land with a remarkable people, who have emerged from a long period of oppression, culminating in a tragic and traumatic outburst of violence and destruction. Yet they have come through those trials and torments with an enhanced determination to build a united, stable Country, where justice and democracy prevail.

"We have a common interest in seeing this determination carried through. The strongest plea put to me since my arrival has been: 'Please, Europe, don't abandon us now'. That is a strong message that I shall carry back to my colleagues in the Parliament, Commission and Member States of Europe.

"But let me say to the people of Timor Loro Sa'e: We stood with you in 1999. We have worked with you at every stage of the way since then, rebuilding the institutions of democracy. We are with you today and we shall be with you tomorrow - and all our tomorrows.

"Part of that continuity of support is my Mission's role in observing this Presidential election. It is fundamentally important that East Timor demonstrates to the world that it is embarking on independence on sure and democratic foundations. Those foundations include a credible, fair and respected electoral system, freedom of speech, movement and assembly; freedom from fear, harassment and undue pressure; a free press, an independent judiciary and fair opportunities for political opposition.

"With my team of my Deputy Chief Observer, Antonio Menezes, our Timorese and international support group and our four long-term and 30 short-term observers, we are now all fully operational. We are observing, visiting, questioning, listening and looking in all parts of the Country. After the campaign and count, I shall be able to issue our initial conclusions, before leaving East Timor. A little later we shall publish more detailed conclusions on this election and its lessons for the future. I hope this will prove helpful both to the leaders and people of East Timor and to its future partners in Europe and the wider world."

The entire EUEOM Team has arrived in Dili, East Timor. Here, they are pictured together: