East-Timor President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta has declined the offer to become the top top UN Human Rights Commissioner. Yesterday reports said he had accepted but then he requested another 24 hours to make his decision.

Early this morning, Jose Ramos-Horta wrote:

I thank the many countries that in the last few weeks have encouraged me to table my candidacy for the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. I am very touched by the trust placed on me by the many friends in the world who believed that I would be a good High Commissioner. I have reflected on this possibility, on the challenges, complexity and honour of serving the international community….

Read the rest of this entry »

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.”

Read the rest of this entry »