President Jose Ramos-Horta Named UN Human Rights Commissioner

Wendy Cohen June 26, 2008 | 1:44 pm EST

Earlier this morning, the AP announced that Jose Ramos- Horta, East Timor’s President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate has accepted the job as the top UN Human Rights Commissioner.

Participant Media’s Bonnie Abaunza has long 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 in.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was expected to explain his plans at a news conference on Thursday. But he told reporters he needs some more time to make a decision, “On the one hand yes, it’s time to move on and to accept the challenge of being U.N. high commissioner of human rights. At the same time, I love my country, I love the people who elected me.”

takepart learn about the conflict in East Timor and what you can do to help.