Baucau, August 18, 2025.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of FALINTIL, the Chief of Staff of the FALINTIL - Timor-Leste Defense Forces (F-FDTL), Lieutenant General Domingos Raúl "Falur Rate Laek", called on the Timorese to continue spreading peace throughout the world, contributing to the best of their ability: overcoming life's obstacles and achieving peace in the Baucau Municipal Administration. "We gather here not only to reflect on our shared past, but to renew the positive values ​​of our present and chart the course for our future," he declared in a speech read by the Chief of Staff of the General Staff, Colonel Marcelino Ximenes "Rizai," at the Baucau Municipal Administration.

He stated that this important day invokes the memory of those who fought in the war and gratitude to those who, with the new generation, will assume the responsibilities that will inherit the nation. In the context of TL's struggle for self-determination, FRETILIN emerged as a political force mobilized to seek independence, above betrayal and colonial conflict.

"The creation of FALINTIL on August 20, 1975, to defend the people and the national territory requires an organization of the Armed Forces with the capacity to protect the population, support independence, and repress external aggression, especially against powers that threaten national liberation," he stated.

Therefore, the Government, through the Ministry of Defense and the F-FDTL, decided to choose "Extending Peace to the World" as the general theme for this year's FALINTIL Day celebration. The Chief of the General Staff of the FALINTIL-FDTL believes this theme reflects peace and harmony.

"This theme guides us to the value of reflection, of spreading peace throughout the world, and of direct dialogue with these legacies. In our history, in war, we learned to fight, just as in times of peace, we know how to make peace," he said.

Because the struggle for liberation teaches us to defend the land and demonstrates democratic maturity, it demands that we open our doors to the world to witness that peace is the work of justice, dialogue, and cooperation.

The subtheme for this year's FALINTIL Day celebration is: FALINTIL with national identity, building the character of a nation, because we affirm that identity is not a monument, but the process of building national character is formed through suffering and hardship.

He also urged the government to continue serving the people, educating them, and caring for them, because FALINTIL teaches that this country is built through sovereignty and the responsibility to defend its territory, respect international law, and foster international relations with other countries. FALINTIL also teaches courage and prudence, acting firmly against injustice without giving in to violent tensions, discipline and unity, and fulfilling the duty of peace and tranquility, without forgetting that the people are at the center of the mission.

He also called for unity and that respect for diversity, plurality, and culture of origin be a wealth that strengthens the nation.

Furthermore, he urged all Timorese to work with integrity and place the public interest above personal gain, transparency, and honor.

Independence is not the end, but rather the beginning of a peaceful and lasting collective effort, based on impartial institutions, a professional Defense Force, a police force close to the citizens, a reliable credentialing system, and a public administration dedicated to the common good.

"Peace as a national and international mission. The Timorese experience gives us the moral authority to participate with humility and competence in the peace mission, regional cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives," he stated.

"Our uniform must be synonymous with protection and mediation to spread peace throughout the world. Therefore, in the future, we must also invest in defense diplomacy, with participation and ongoing training, so that our contribution is credible and effective," he concluded.

Media-F-FDTL

J'Silva