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East Timor enjoys first day of independence
The people of East Timor have been enjoying their first day of independence.
President Xanana Gusmao swore in his first cabinet in front of hundreds of Timorese and foreign dignitaries.
The swearing in came after United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan handed power to East Timor's leadership in front of tens of thousands of delighted Timorese soon after midnight.
Since then crowds of revellers have staged their own independence parties.
Many countries have congratulated East Timor on becoming the newest nation in the world.
Australia's prime minister, John Howard, commended the presence of the Indonesian president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, who was applauded by the crowds.
It does signal a willingness on the part of Indonesia to work together with East Timor and others in the region. She is to be applauded for doing it. So also is to be applauded the gracious reception she was extended by the people of East Timor.
20/05/2002 22:30:47 | ABC Radio Australia News
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