Portugal appeals for peace in Timor

We know they’re horoes on the pitch, but our boys can see beyond the game of football. In today’s press conference, a banner was displayed that read “East Timor has one soul only and is one people united!” The banner was created at the request of East Timorese president Xanana Gusmão.

East Timor has been in a state of civil disorder recently and may be on the edge of civil war. Divisions in the E. Timorese military ranks have created a very hostile political situation on this small island off the coast of Indonesia. It’s the greatest crisis to face the fledgeling nation since the U.N. intervened to establish order.

It’s amazing how important football is to the world. Sometimes I think it may have the power to save this troubled world of ours. Lets hope that peace returns to E. Timor or that, at least, all parties are too busy watching and rooting for Portugal to think about the politics of power and violence.

Força Timor! Força Portugal!

(in Portuguese)