East Timor Independence Day, 2002 -- José Ramos-Horta

Part of East Timor's celebration of independence, as the UN hands over the reigns to the newly elected government and the country becomes a democracy. Nobel Peace Prize winner and then Foreign Minister introduces the dignitaries and opens the formal ceremonies. Edited for length.

If you are not familiar with the country's history, and you can make an hour in your schedule for it, we recommend watching Death of a Nation by David Munro -- available on YouTube -- to get a sense of what the Timorese people had gone through to reach this day.

If you embed this video please credit with a link to www.thecommunity.com as we have ongoing programs going for East Timor. Thanks.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• East
• Timor
• Leste
• independence
• Ramos-Horta
• Gusmao
• Falintil
• flag
• heroes

[23weet]

This is a great country

Prays for heavenly blessing Timor to long live independently！

from Taiwan

[rochelle1088]

Maybe this guy should've added, "..and for God's sake, if any of you find oil, gas, gold, or ANYTHING of value in our country, don't tell anyone."

[Tusiriakest]

Viva Timor Lorosae! Portugal está convosco!

[tigerman3012]

Viva Timor!!!!! Portugal nunca vos esqueceu...nem nunca vos esquecerá!! =) VIVA TIMOR LOROSAE!!!!

[lela1955]

Thankx for sharing my culture oversee. Our planet earth will become 1 country and mankind it's citizens. (Bahá'í-Religion).

[cheno212]

okay..Papua and Maluku is next on the line for independent...

i can fell it deep down in my heart...

we will never give up...

Surrender only for justice...

fight for freedom!!!

viva oceania!!!

[terminallyill22]

hoping east timor will be the 11th member of the association of southeast asian nations

[teikucay]

@newneves

are you timorese? well, I'll be waiting for that hahha...

[newneves]

@finess626 down with indonesia

[newneves]

@teikucay i wish u were laughing if i invade ur country