José Ramos-Horta on the Taliban

Nobel Laureate and President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta writes that the creation of a power sharing government in Afghanistan, one that includes the Taliban, is the only hope for a lasting peace in the country.

In a recent article on the Wall Street Journal, he says the new government should initiate talks, supported by the US, which would establish conditions, including expulsion of all Al Qaeda bases and a guarantee against persecution of women and children. An increase in troops, he says, would put the US in a better bargaining position. But an increase in troops without simultaneous talks would be fruitless.

Read the article before you decide -- he lays out some thought-provoking reasons why the Taliban may have reasons to shift toward a more moderate and pragmatic stance.

read the article

Timor's version of a peace rally

East Timor is approaching the tenth Anniversary of the "popular consultation", when Timorese were allowed to vote to end the brutal occupation of their country by Indonesia, or remain a part of Indonesia. The vote, as we now remember, was in excess of 85% for independence. The country exploded into violence by militia put in place by the Indonesian military.

In the ten years since the world's youngest democracy has been through growing pains and made remarkable progress toward peace.

This month they are celebrating that progress with a grueling mountain bike race, the Tour de Timor. More than 350 riders, from seasoned competitive cyclicsts from Australia to local Timorese riders, are competing for a $75,000 prize.

Photo by Matt

José Ramos-Horta condemns Mumbai attacks

President of East Timor and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr Jose Ramos-Horta strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Mumbai today.

“This cowardly attack on innocent civilians deliberately targeting American and British Citizens must be condemned by all, and must rally all countries to pursue the fight against terrorism even more relentlessly,” said President Ramos-Horta.

“This terrorist attack, coming after the landslide election victory of President elect Barrack Obama, who is supported and admired by millions around the world, highlights the real aim of the terrorists and other extremists around the world”.

“They are not interested in seeking dialogue and peaceful means to resolve whatever differences they might have with the West. It is self evident that whoever is in the White House in the United States, terrorism will not stop,” the President said

President Jose Ramos-Horta, express his profound sympathy and solidarity with the Indian Government and people as well as the victims of the attack.