Japan Condemns Attacks on East Timor Leaders, Hopes President Gets Well

Text of report in English by Japan’s largest news agency Kyodo

Tokyo, Feb. 12 Kyodo – Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Tuesday sent messages to East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao condemning the shooting attacks on them Monday and expressing hope that Ramos-Horta will recover from his injuries soon, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said.

“The attacks are an attempt to hinder the establishment of peace in and nation-building of East Timor using violence and we strongly condemn them as something extremely despicable and inexcusable,” Fukuda was quoted by the officials as saying in the messages.

“I send my heartfelt sympathies to President Horta that he was injured in the attacks which occurred on the morning (of Monday). I hope that he will recover from his injuries as soon as possible,” the Japanese leader said.

Fukuda also said in his messages to Ramos-Horta and Gusmao that Japan will continue to support East Timor as much as possible in its efforts for peace to take root in the country, according to the officials.

Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura sent a similar message to his East Timorese counterpart Zacarias Albano da Costa, the officials said.

Ramos-Horta, who was shot in the stomach and chest at his home on the outskirts of Dili in an apparent coup attempt, is said to be in a serious condition but is expected to recover from his wounds. He is being treated at a hospital in Darwin, Australia.

Gusmao was shot in a separate attack while heading to his office and sustained a wound to his hand.

East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, officially gained independence in 2002 after two-and-a-half years under UN administration following a vote for independence from Indonesia in 1999.

Originally published by Kyodo News Service, Tokyo, in English 1335 12 Feb 08.

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