Dili, 14 May 2025 – The reports of the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR) and the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CVA), known as Per Memoriam Ad Spem or From Memory to Hope, were handed by Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega! I.P. to H.E. Tomas Heidar, the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) at Antigo Comarca, Balide, Dili.
These reports were handed in during the official visit of the President of ITLOS to Chega! Museum, which was accompanied by H.E. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Indonesia, Roberto Soares.
The visit was welcomed directly by the Executive Director and team, aimed to see the museum’s exhibitions, including dark cells, and launched a new exhibition about Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence, from the United Nations Organization (UN) decided on decolonization between 1960-1999, and also launched the Drawing Exhibition of the Dili Portuguese Students.
Tomas Heidar expressed his gratitude for the valuable and meaningful visit to explore the history of Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence. He emphasized that the key difference between the new history of Timor-Leste and European countries lies in the centuries of struggle. The independence of Timor-Leste is largely recognized due to the contributions and participation of its people. Despite facing huge challenges during the struggle, finally, independence was achieved, and he asked to be respected.
“This is my first visit here, and it has been very interesting and evoked strong feelings. We share strong emotions as part of this experience. This is a significant visit because the entire exhibition focuses on both new and recent history. Observing this museum reveals the immense challenges that the country faced during its quest for independence. When we reflect on this, we must honor the participation of the people. Their efforts merit recognition for the long journey this nation and its people have undertaken to gain this freedom,” he said.
In addition, Hugo Maria Fernandes thanked the ITLOS President for visiting the Chega! Museum to see the history of the people of Timor-Leste. He also thanked the Prime Minister for assisting the ITLOS President in launching the exhibitions.
During his stay in Timor-Leste, the ITLOS President will visit historical sites, and Open the 2nd International Conference on Law of the Sea, held by the Land and Maritime Boundary Office (LMBO / GFTM – Tetum Acronym) from 15-16 May 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK), and JL World Hotel, Dili, Timor-Leste.
Chega! Media
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