Jose Ramos-Horta
Jose Ramos-Horta
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Jose Alexandre Gaspar Rebello de Almeida Ramos-Horta is a Timorese politician who has also been known as Jose Alex.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on 1949, in Dili, East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta passed away on June 10, 2021, at the age of 72.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Ramos-Horta is a citizen of East Timor (also known as Timor-Leste) and has held various professions throughout his career, including diplomat, journalist, human rights activist, and politician.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in the Portuguese colony of Timor, Ramos-Horta was educated at a Catholic boarding school. He went on to study journalism in Lisbon, Portugal, where he began his career as a journalist for the _Lisbon News Agency_. In 1975, when East Timor declared its independence from Portugal, Ramos-Horta returned home and became involved in the country's politics.
Major Accomplishments
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Ramos-Horta played a key role in East Timor's struggle for independence. He was a vocal advocate for the cause, speaking out against human rights abuses committed by Indonesian forces during their occupation of the country from 1975 to 1999. In 1987, he was awarded the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize, also known as the Right Livelihood Award, in recognition of his efforts.
Notable Works or Actions
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Ramos-Horta has written extensively on East Timor's struggle for independence and its transition to self-governance. His most notable work is _Fading Away: A Memoir_ , which chronicles his experiences during the occupation and after. In 2002, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs in East Timor's first government following independence.
Impact and Legacy
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Jose Ramos-Horta has made a lasting impact on international politics and human rights. His tireless advocacy for East Timor's independence helped raise global awareness about the country's plight. In 1996, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Carlos Belo, for their work towards peace and reconciliation in East Timor.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ramos-Horta is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to human rights and democracy. His courage in speaking out against injustice has inspired generations of activists and politicians around the world. As a respected voice on international affairs, his quotes continue to inspire and educate people today.
In conclusion, Jose Ramos-Horta's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to the power of determination and conviction in the face of adversity. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire positive change for years to come.
Quotes by Jose Ramos-Horta
In the case of Iraq, notwithstanding the violence there at the moment, the very fact that a hideous regime – responsible for genocide, for the use of chemical and biological weapons, aggression against two neighbors – has been removed in itself is a positive development.
We have already significant sums of money in our petroleum fund, a fund created by law that includes all the revenues received from the Timor Sea, and invests in conservative, safe, long-term investment portfolios – right now in US Treasury Bonds.
We believe that human rights transcend boundaries and must prevail over state sovereignty.
Land mines, torture equipment, cluster bombs, chemical weapons are weapons designed to inflict pain and death on human beings. Most victims are civilians, women and children. How can arms manufacturers, weapons designers, plant managers, politicians, who have families of their own whom they love, be so insensitive when it comes to the suffering of other human beings?
We have already significant sums of money in our petroleum fund, a fund created by law that includes all the revenues received from the Timor Sea, and invests in conservative, safe, long-term investment portfolios - right now in US Treasury Bonds.
The second one, the joint Truth and Friendship Commission, which we started now with Indonesia, that is the one that has been criticized; its terms of reference call for providing amnesty for those who cooperate in telling the truth. It does not lead to prosecution.
The Commission has five commissioners from each side, plus three alternates, so all together sixteen members, people who are independent from the two governments, who have a lot of integrity, professional competence, and who have credibility in their respective countries.
In the case of Iraq, notwithstanding the violence there at the moment, the very fact that a hideous regime - responsible for genocide, for the use of chemical and biological weapons, aggression against two neighbors - has been removed in itself is a positive development.