Dili (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Still recovering from an assassination attempt East Timor President, Jose Ramos-Horta, has forgiven his attackers. The news was reported today by the interim Head of State, Fernando “Lasama” de Araujo, in an official statement published form the Australian clinic where the president is currently receiving treatment.
Ramos-Horta, who was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1996, declares that he forgives rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, killed in a shoot-out and asks the government to support the family of the ex-soldier.
The president was gravely injured in the February 11th attack on his home and spent 10 days in induced coma. Prime Minster Xanana Gusmao, escaped unharmed from a similar attack on his convoy on the same day. Reinado is believed to have been the author of the episode.
The man who shot Ramos-Horta handed himself over to police, on the night of March 1st. Ex policeman Amaro Da Silva Susar, gave himself up without resistance after handing two weapons and munitions over to the security officials. “I surrendered because I want my country to have a future of progress, so its people can live in peace”, he said on his arrest.