    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 21, 2002]
    [Pages 835-836]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Establishment of East Timor
    May 21, 2002

        The United States salutes the establishment of East Timor, the first
    new nation of the millennium. With those in Dili, we celebrate the
    successful conclusion of the long struggle of the people of East Timor
    for an independent nation. We are heartened that the people of East
    Timor have embraced the path of democracy that will lead their nation to
    peace and prosperity. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate
    Xanana Gusmao, who was sworn in as East
    Timor's first President.
        The United Nations has played a pivotal role in bringing East Timor
    into the family of nations. We praise the contributions and efforts of
    the international community which helped make the United Nations
    Transitional Administration in East Timor a success.

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