The President of ASDT-Fretilin Francisco Xavier do Amaral said East Timorese from 12 districts were in Dili to deliver their aspirations to UNTAET that the Republic of Democratic Timor Leste was already proclaimed on 28 November 1975.

"Because of that, as one of the persons who proclaimed RDTL, I have a responsibility to the Maubere people. The future of Timor Lorosae as a country is tied up to the wishes of the 'majority' of the people," he told reporters who gathered at his residence in Dili's Lecidere suburb.

Xavier also promised to help the people, who suffered 24 years of Indonesian occupation, force the United Nations – through UNTAET – to acknowledge the existence of the independence flag that was used in the proclamation of the republic.

"One of the missions of UNTAET in Timor Lorosae is to hear the voices of the people. Our struggle all this while has been for the Republic of Democratic Timor Leste," he said. When asked by reporters on his comments on the 30 August elections, Xavier said the people of Timor Lorosae had to be consulted on the issue.