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Assassination Attempt of Jose Ramos-Horta
Wendy Cohen February 11, 2008 | 9:12 pm EST
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We are shocked and saddened to learn that Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot and seriously injured in his home over the weekend. We recently interviewed President Horta for a series of case studies on conflict resolution for a campaign inspired by the feature documentary “Jimmy Carter Man from Plains.” President Horta, along with Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes, won the Noble Peace Prize in 1996 for their tireless, ongoing work brokering peace for the people of East Timor and advocating for the non-violent solution to the occupation of the country. His passion for justice, fiery spirit and ongoing dedication to peace are an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

This horrific event underscores the importance of promoting and supporting the essential work of individuals and organizations working toward conflict resolution in dangerous and volatile parts of the world.

To see President Horta’s interview click here.

To learn more about President Horta and East Timor click here.

To learn more about the current situation in Timor-Leste, visit the International Crisis Group, Amnesty International and Americans for Peace Now.

Participant Media’s Bonnie Abaunza has known President Horta for many years. Following is a blog post and personal pictures from her daughter Larissa who looked up to him as a role model and hero.

My Friend and Hero, Jose Ramos-Horta

Last night, I received news that my friend and mentor, Jose Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor, had been shot in an assassination attempt. I couldn’t believe it. I did not have any details other than he had been shot twice and had lost a great deal of blood. My mom and I were both so upset and frantic for details. How could someone from his own country, the one he had worked so hard for, want him dead!?! All he has ever wanted was for the people of East Timor to live in peace and prosper.

My experience with this inspirational leader has been amazing! Jose Ramos-Horta is like an older brother who taught me (aside from my mother) about peace, non-violence and the importance of human rights. The first time I met him (in 2001), I was a little intimidated because he is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a very important man (after all, I was only 5). He helped his people achieve independence after 30 years of occupation and Timor is now a democracy. Jose believes in conflict resolution and so do I. He touches the hearts of everyone he meets. My Mom and I love Jose and hope he recovers soon so he can get back to being a man of peace, a dedicated leader and my mentor. He is a true role model and hero to me and many, many others.

-Larissa Peltola

(Printed with permission from Bonnie Abaunza, mother)

bonnie_laryssa.jpg

(Photo from left to right: President Jose Ramos-Horta, Bonnie Abaunza, Larissa Peltola)

 

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Filed under: Peace Related Links: President Jose Ramos-Horta Named UN Human Rights Commissioner

President Jose Ramos-Horta Declines UN Position For His People

The Importance of Jose Ramos-Horta’s Work and Spreading the Word

Case Study: East Timor and Jose Ramos-Horta

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6 Responses to “Assassination Attempt of Jose Ramos-Horta”

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  1. Yesterday, I was truly shocked when I heard about the assasination attempts against Jose Ramos-Horta, a great inspiration to me and many others. I am repulsed and horrified that such an accomplished, amazing, brave, kind, and unselfish man such as Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta could have enemies. Through his superior leadership skills and outstanding activism, he has exemplified nothing but generosity, understanding and altruism.

    I was blessed and fortunate enough to have met Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, an event that has truly deeply touched and changed me. That meeting has made me aspire to be a better human being. His amiable and knowledgeable personality only adds to his captivating and inspiring persona. Although I was only fourteen or fifteen years old when I met him, he has taught me to always be courageous, forgiving, and to always stand up for what I believe.

    Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, you will continue to be in our prayers as we admire you as one of the most influencial and devoted visionaries of our time.

    -Jessica Barker

    Jessica BarkerNo Gravatar February 12, 2008 | 12:14 am EST

  2. This truly is some of the most troubling news I have received this year. I have had the honor and privilege of working with President Jose Ramos Horta. I have been inspired by his courage and dedication to peace throughout his life, and truly hope for his complete and total recovery. From what I understand about his condition, he is considered in critical but stable condition. I believe he will survive this, as he has overcome so many enourmous obstacles in his life.

    We need more great people of peace like President Ramos Horta, as he continues to inspire us everyday.

    Godspeed.

    Mario Tafur

    Mario TafurNo Gravatar February 12, 2008 | 1:24 pm EST

  3. It is always difficult to understand the acts of violence that occur around the world on those who only seek to find ways to live and work in this world peacefully. It is even harder to comprehend when violence comes to those who have personally touched our lives and inspired us to work harder, to dig deeper, to support and honor those who have gone before us on the journey. Mr. Ramos Horta has dedicated his life to peace and human rights and sacrificed not only for his own people, but advocated on behalf of those who have been wronged around the planet. My experience with Mr. Ramos Horta was brief but invaluable and I will be forever grateful for his wisdom and support. Yes, he will survive this and come back even stronger and more determined to continue to fight for what he believes in. He will serve as further inspiration to all of us that this work is of the utmost importance and the fearless efforts of one man continue to make a difference in his homeland and across the globe. We will hold you gently in our thoughts and prayers until then.

    Many blessings,

    Kim Langbecker

    Kim LangbeckerNo Gravatar February 12, 2008 | 3:23 pm EST

  4. He is an inspiring and courageous man and will pull through. He has dedicated his life to his country and will certainly return to keep serving his people diligently. We love you Jose!

    God bless,
    Lucia Noyce

    Lucia NoyceNo Gravatar February 15, 2008 | 4:59 pm EST

  5. For those looking for information on Jose’s condition, please check out this link with a story from Monday.

    All the best to everyone, and Godspeed to Jose’s recovery!

    mario

    http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aI2RA.17CWv8&refer=australia

    Mario TafurNo Gravatar February 20, 2008 | 10:12 am EST

  6. [...] been a friend to Ramos-Horta. Following his assassination attempt, she and her daughter shared a personal note with us. Bonnie is waiting to hear from Jose Ramos-Horta and we will let you know any updates as they come [...]

    President Jose Ramos-Horta Named UN Human Rights Commissioner | TakePart Blog Network June 26, 2008 | 1:48 pm EST

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