15 November 2009

Ramos-Horta at the Santa Cruz Cemetery for the massacre’s 18th anniversary

P R E S S R E L E A S E H.E. the President of the Republic will be present, on Thursday, at the Santa Cruz cemetery, in Dili, for the 18th anniversary of the 1991 massacre in which hundreds of Timorese, especially young people, were killed by the Indonesian troops.

The celebrations will start with a mass at the Motael Church, at 08.00am.

Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta foresees his arrival at the Santa Cruz cemetery at 11:00 a.m to honor the heroes and martyrs of the massacre.

The Head of State will make a speech assisted by the President of the National Parliament, Fernando “La Sama” de Araujo, and the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.

The ceremony culminates with the laying of flowers at the cemetery’s Big Cross (Cruz Bo’ot).

The Government, local authorities and the youth have already started evoking the tragic event, which will also include a religious reflection before the vigil.

Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta insisted today in the construction of a garden for the Memorial to the Santa Cruz Massacre – November 12th, in Dili, which is already being budgeted by the Government. A monetary compensation should also be given to the massacre victims at the expense of Social Security.

It is the State’s obligation to take after the victims of November 12th”, declared the Presidential Palace.

CPR – Dili, NOV 11th – 09 (to November, 12th, Thursday)

No comments: