ETRA- East Timor Relief Assn. Latin America Latin America has become increasingly supportive of the struggle of the people of East Timor. Since the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Jose Ramos Horta and Bishop Carlos Ximines Belo, awareness of the East Timorese struggle has increased markedly. Jose Ramos Horta in particular has travelled extensively in Latin America since the Nobel Peace Prize, drawing huge crowds and widespread popular support, as well as audiences with leaders.
Brazil is a key country supporting East Timor.
Twenty-three Latin American leaders welcomed and supported the efforts of the UN Secretary General to rekindle a dialogue leading to a fair, global and internationally acceptable solution to the East Timor issue, according to the statement signed at the VII Latin American Summit of heads of state and government.