Dili, November 13, 2026 [Média Democracia] – Deputy Prime Minister (VPM), Mariano Assanami Sabino, appealed to all citizens, especially youth, students, families and parents, to continue strengthening national unity and promote peace, to value and preserve the memory and sacrifice of the people during the struggle for the independence of Timor-Leste Cruz, which occurred on November 12, 1991.
VPM Mariano Assanami Sabino, who represents Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, affirmed that November 12 is not only a holiday, but also an important moment to give all citizens the opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices that the people of Timor-Leste made during the struggle for national liberation.
He explained that the national unity that Timor-Leste has today was built through the sacrifice and blood of the people of Timor-Leste. However, to date, there are still many victims who have not been identified and their remains collected. Therefore, the Santa Cruz Cemetery is also the Garden of Heroes, a place that symbolizes and honors those who lost their lives for the liberation of the country.
He emphasized that for today’s and future generations, this sacrifice must be a lesson and inspiration to continue strengthening national unity, solidarity and promoting peace in Timor-Leste.
“To all youth, families and parents, citizens of Timor-Leste at home and abroad, we must continue to strengthen commitment and honor those who are no longer there. National unity must remain strong, although we come from different political parties and organizations, but we are one root, one Timorese, one objective this,” said VPM Mariano Assanami Sabino in his speech, in Santa Cruz, Thursday (12/11).
On the other hand, the President of the November 12 Committee, Gregório Saldanha (Mouris), in his speech affirmed, the sacred blood, warm blood, heroic blood and national unity blood shed in Santa Cruz represents the continuity of the sacrifice of the people of Timor-Leste during the struggle for national liberation.
“The sacred blood, the warm blood, the brave blood, the blood of national unity that was shed in Santa Cruz, added all the blood that was shed for the liberation of our country year after year, as a pact of national unity that helped us fight to win national independence,” said Gregório Saldanha.
Gregório Saldanha also asked all citizens to renew their commitment and pact of national unity, to strengthen cooperation and contribute to national development.
He also appealed to all leaders to continue dialogue and seek mutual understanding, because the people of Timor-Leste need strong national unity to strengthen stability and build the nation for the future.
Reporting: Octaviana da Costa
Photo: Estefania