Comunicado - PM

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

MEDIA RELEASE

Dili, November 29 2006

PM travels to Quelicai to see sacred and powerful objects returned to their homes

The independence war with Indonesia was not simply about who had the best weapons or the most soldiers. For the Timorese it was also about spiritual protection, medicines and sacred things.

These precious objects offered protection and encouragement to the Timorese and during the war they were spirited away from their usual resting places to be hidden from the Indonesians.

Tomorrow Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta will travel to the sub-district of Quelicai at the base of Mount Matebian where the elders from the area will gather to ceremonially return these sacred objects to their rightful places.

The celebrations have been organised thanks to the efforts of the local Catholic Church and Mr Januario Soares, a Fretilin member of the National Parliament from Quintal Boot.

“I am especially honored to be asked to be present at the start of these four-days of special celebrations,” Dr Ramos-Horta said today.

“Most successful military campaigns have seen the victors possessing a moral and spiritual superiority, and our fight for independence was no exception. This ceremony – Biru, Kakalok, Aimoruk no Sasan Lulik Seluk Tan Nebe Ita Usa Hodi Salva Ita Nia Am – will be especially relevant to Timor-Leste in these times.

“The people of the region invited me with a moving letter which said, in part:

We all know that during the 24 years of war for our national liberation we faced many difficulties, including suffering and death. The invading forces were many more than us and they were all heavily armed. But we were able to move beyond this phase because we found the power and the right from our own spiritual protection. During the war these sacred things were removed from our sacred houses (uma lulik) but now that the war is over we, the elders (katuas lia nain) want to return them to their original places.”

Dr Ramos-Horta has donated four buffaloes to assist with catering during the four-day ceremony.

“It is fitting that as we start a 10-day period of celebration towards peace and unity and the 10th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the people of Timor-Leste, that these very sacred objects are returned to their rightful resting places,” Dr Ramos-Horta said.

“Every person in Timor-Leste should feel a special pride in knowing that these objects that meant so much to our fighters are being returned home.”

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