Timorese compatriots, children of East Timor! With profound grief and sorrow that today, for the first time, I come to address you through the international means of communication.
To all East Timorese and our friends of the international solidarity spread around the world, to the Clandestine Front and to all fighters scattered in the villages and Mountains of East Timor and specially to the East Timorese leaders, I would like to inform that Nino Konis Santana, Secretary of the Directive Committee of Fretilin, Chief of the Executive Council of The Armed Struggle and the Clandestine Resistance, died on 11 March 1998, in the areas of the district of Ainaro. He was on his way to the central areas of the country on political and military duties. The tragic death of our unforgettable Hero was caused by a fall when he was trying to take shelter in one of his hiding places. He was buried on the same day at 23:30 hrs, East Timor time.
Timorese compatriots, children of East Timor! We have lost a great man, a tireless fighter for the Motherland. Like many other heroes and martyrs of the National Liberation, Nino Konis Santana, has attained a proud place in the history of East Timor and has left a lasting memory for generations that there is duty and obligation to perform, that is to defend the territorial integrity and the self-determination for East Timor. Unfortunately, he has left behind an unfinished task, a history to be concluded and a memory to rest that now it's up to us to assume the responsibility to carry on with that obligation.
Brothers and sisters, Timorese compatriots! In praising the participation and the contribution of our great hero for the liberation of our country, it's very important to stress: his contribution to the reorganisation of the resistance struggle after the capture of the leader of the resistance, Xanana Gusmao; the expansion and the consolidation of our political and military presence in the western part of the Territory; and the reinstallation of radio communications with the outside world. May the people and the history of this country never forget for generations and may God Almighty honour his presence in His kingdom ... The eternal glory for the heroes and martyrs for the National Liberation ... Amen.
Comrades-in-arms, children of Motherland, as a consequence of the tragic event, today, I officially announce my assumption to assume the leadership of the Resistance inside the country subject to final decision by the competent organs.
By inheriting the complex organ of this struggle, my fundamental mission is:
1. To support and promote the political reforms that are necessary for the consolidation and unity of all Timorese in the struggle against the Indonesian military occupation. It is fundamental to reopen dialogue to obtain consensus on the position of the international legality of the question of East Timor.
2. The establishment of the political alliances with all the recognised and interested parties.
3. The establishment of a common political strategy for a consensus solution.
4. To fight for the consolidation and expansion of our political and military presence all over the country, and to organise a very strong, credible and systematic internal pressure against the Indonesian military occupation.
5. To support the efforts of the international community, particularly Portugal, Indonesia and the United Nations in the pursuit of a satisfactory solution for the problematic question of East Timor.
Before ending, I would like to appeal to the International community, especially to the European Union and the United States of America to exert pressure on Jakarta for the adoption of a more flexible position in its approach to the East Timor question. I appeal to the Community of the Portuguese speaking countries, to unite in the front line of the struggle of our people. I appeal to the international solidarity organisations all over the world, to consolidate and expand their network in support of our cause, the cause of our people and country. I appeal to Portugal to maintain it's firm stand in accordance with the principles of Intentional Law and the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic.
From our part, we will continue to support the inclusion of Portugal in the quest for a just solution to East Timor. I appeal to the Jakarta government to work in conjunction with the international community towards a peaceful resolution and to consciously realise that the radicalism approach will not benefit Indonesia. On the contrary, it will only contribute to aggravate the internal situation, which consequently will damage the international reputation of Indonesia.
Finally, I appeal to FALINTIL members, to the youth of East Timor, from North to South, from East to West, to be ready to face the new challenges in our struggle for Freedom.
Motherland or Death!
To Resist is to Win!
By the Executive Council of the Resistance
Taur Matan Ruak
Chief of Staff of FALINTIL
East Timor
March 30, 1998.