ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN EAST TIMOR

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

The first presidential elections in East Timor's history took place on April 14. They passed in a calm atmosphere, with a high turnout. Over 86% of the registered voters took part. The presidential elections marked an important step on the road towards the independence of East Timor, its free and democratic development.

Xanana Gusmao, for many years leader of the national-liberation struggle of the East Timorese people, won a convincing victory in the elections. He will become the head of the sovereign state of East Timor, whose independence will be declared on May 20, 2002.

Moscow welcomes the election of the first president of East Timor and wishes Xanana Gusmao success at this responsible post.

April 17, 2002