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| Southeast Asia |
| E Timor head makes public speech |
| 2008-03-15 |
| East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta has spoken publicly for the first time since he was shot and seriously injured in a rebel attack last month. The president was shot outside his home in the capital, Dili, on 11 February. The rebels - a group of former soldiers - also attacked Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao but he escaped uninjured. Mr Ramos-Horta was flown to northern Australia hours after the shooting to undergo emergency surgery. Since then he has been making a slow but steady recovery. Speaking from hospital in Darwin, Mr Ramos-Horta said he would not make any political comment but thanked all those involved in his recovery. "Today is the first time I am able to speak publicly, although I am refraining from making a political speech," he said. "I wish to use this opportunity to thank all who prayed for me, who looked after me, who cared for me, following the assassination attempt on me." He paid tribute to the Australian government, which sent more peacekeepers to East Timor in the immediate aftermath of the attack. He also thanked Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who visited East Timor days in the aftermath of the shootings in a show of support for the troubled nation. Mr Ramos-Horta is expected to remain in hospital for at least another week, doctors said. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #2 That was me tho' I don't mind being a scourge of bunions. |
| Posted by: Gladys 2008-03-15 07:56 |
| #1 Great man. |
| Posted by: Tholutch Scourge of the Bunions6830 2008-03-15 07:53 |