The President of the Republic sent a message of condolences to the President of the Republic East Timor, José Ramos Horta, upon the passing away of João Viegas Carrascalão.

Following is the text of the message of condolences from President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

“Mister President,

It was with deep regret that I learnt of the passing away of João Viegas Carrascalão, a distinguished figure in the History of East Timor.

João Carrascalão provided an essential contribution towards the construction of a democratic Rule of Law in the State of East Timor, and should be remembered by his example in the defence of the values upon which the democracy of the young Republic of East Timor id based.

In this hour of mourning, I wish to address Your Excellency and all the People of East Timor, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our most sincere condolences, and would beg you, Mister President, to forward to the bereaved Family our feelings of deepest regret.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”