The secretary-general of the Socialist Party of Timor (PST) Avelinho Coelho said Tuesday if the party gets majority seats in the 30 August election it will make Tetun the national language of the country.

"Firstly we have to realize that Portuguese was made the official language on the recommendation of the recent CNRT Congress. That recommendation is not binding," said Avelino. He said most of CNRT resolutions, passed at the Congress, had not been implemented – even till the date of the grouping's dissolution.

"We have to be consistent in our attitude. Our independence struggle to free the Timorese people must not lead to another form of colonization through language," said Avelino. He added the identity of a nation was reflected in its national language.

The PST secretary-general said reporters were already using Tetun in radio and TV broadcasts and the standard of the language in the media was improving daily. "Because of this PST will campaign for the use of the Tetun as the country's official language and we will make sure it is enshrined in the constitution," added Avelino.