Timor-Leste is just four years old. It is the world’s youngest democracy and I am honored and humbled to be its Prime Minister.

While the business of Government must go on, there is one issue that consumes me – and all the caring people of our country, and that is the search for lasting peace and security.

Without peace our nation cannot move forward. Our children will not be able to be educated and grow to have their own families. Disease and poverty will not be beaten. We will not be able to sleep in safety and rebuild our lives.

My heart aches for the senseless loss of young lives. After so long fighting for our independence it is now time to stop the fighting – forever.

It is time for the displaced people to be welcomed back to their communities. It is time to help these people rebuild their houses and their lives.

Peace and security for Timor-Leste is my first and my highest priority.

Once we have learned to live with and to love our neighbors we can concentrate on rebuilding this beautiful country.

I have a dream of new modern road networks across Timor-Leste; new and upgraded electricity and water supply systems; a vibrant tourism industry; special projects to reduce poverty and eliminate disease. These ambitious projects will create wealth and thousands of new jobs in our land.

It is much to hope for but we must start somewhere – and start with confidence and energy.

I pray that my fellow citizens share the same dream and the same desire for peace.