DILI, East Timor (CNS): Catholic Church leaders in East Timor have endorsed Jose Ramos-Horta as the country’s new Prime Minister, calling his leadership a step toward ending violence and political uncertainty.
Mr Ramos-Horta, who was sworn in on July 10 as Prime Minister at the presidential office in Dili, promised close collaboration with the Catholic Church and an end to the violence that forced 150,000 people to flee their homes.
“I think this is a good step forward to solve the crisis,” Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva of Dili told journalists outside the presidential palace after the swearing-in ceremony, for which he was present.
“The Church fully supports the effort of the Government, and the Church is also available to work together with the Government to build this country.”
Bishop Basilio do Nascimento of Baucau, also speaking with journalists outside the presidential palace, compared the country to a vehicle and the Prime Minister to its driver.
If a driver is not able to steer the vehicle, he said, “we have to find another driver”.
Salesian Father Agostino Soares, who is head of Dili diocese’s justice and peace commission, said: “This country needs a person who can listen and discuss with other elements of the country when he wants to take a decision. I believe Mr Horta can do that.”
Mr Ramos-Horta was Foreign Affairs Minister under former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, who resigned on June 26.
Mr Alkatiri’s failure to stop violence that erupted in the capital following his dismissal of more than 40 per cent of the country’s army led to mounting calls for his resignation.
Mr Ramos-Horta said after he was sworn in: “My main task and priorities are to restore the security in Dili to enable those in refugee camps to go home.”
