Maputo – Guterres, visiting president of the Timorese liberation movement (Fretilin), declared here on Tuesday that he is confident his party will win in the country's first presidential election scheduled for August 30. Guterres made the remarks immediately after an audience with Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, who is also president of the ruling Frelimo party.

He declared that the Timorese people always support Fretilin, adding "so our victory is certain". He said that Fretilin is still backing Xanana Gusmao, former President of Fretilin and the historic leader of the Timorese resistance against Indonesian occupation, to become the first president of East Timor, even though Gusmao has repeatedly said that he does not want to be a candidate. "For us, Xanana is the only consensual candidate within Fretilin," stressed Guterres, adding he is optimistic that Gusmao will change his mind in time to stand in the presidential election.

Guterres said that his meeting with Chissano was intended to thank the Mozambican leader for all the assistance that Frelimo has given to Fretilin in its struggle for Timorese self-determination. "Since 1975 Frelimo has given invaluable assistance to Timor," said Guterres, adding Chissano has promised that this support will continue in the new phase of Fretilin's history.