Mr. Atul Khare congratulated President José Ramos-Horta for having consulted thoroughly on his decision, and for having devoted considerable effort to finding a solution which serves the best interests of the country. President Ramos-Horta announced on 6 August that Xanana Gusmão will be the new Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.

Mr. Khare congratulated Xanana Gusmão on his appointment as the new Prime Minister, and complimented the Timorese people for their exemplary commitment to the democratic process.

Mr. Khare noted that Fretilin party is proposing to only use legal means to oppose this decision. He recalled the example set earlier by Fretilin leaders, who gracefully inaugurated President Horta in May, and complimented the leadership of Fretilin, particularly President Francisco Guterres Lu O'lo and Secretary-General Dr. Mari Alkatiri in reiterating their commitment to only use peaceful means, refraining from any violence.

Mr. Khare called upon all people of Timor-Leste to follow the wise example of their leaders and stressed that "a criminal act in the name of a political cause is still a criminal act, and will be dealt with firmly".

Mr. Khare also noted with appreciation the statements of the President of the National Parliament Fernando de Araujo Lasama and President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta, envisaging concrete steps to ensure a meaningful role for the opposition. He looks forward to working with the leader of the opposition, particularly in the context of the Committee on High Level Coordination that brings together the UNMIT and Timor-Leste leadership for fortnightly meetings on issues of critical national interest.

"UNMIT looks forward to working with the authorities of Timor-Leste and its people on the urgent issues facing the country, such as security sector reform, strengthening of the justice sector, the promotion of democratic governance and social and economic development," Mr. Khare said.