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East Timor set to gain statehood at stroke of midnight on Sunday

East Timor set to gain statehood at stroke of midnight on Sunday

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, is scheduled to arrive in Dili, East Timor, on Sunday for the start of the nation's celebration of independence, which takes place at the stroke of midnight.

Mr. Annan and General Assembly President Han Seung-soo of the Republic of Korea will open the ceremony with speeches at around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, a UN spokesman said in New York.

At a few minutes before 12 o'clock, the UN flag will be lowered and then exactly at midnight, East Timor will be declared independent and the East Timor flag will be raised.

The Secretary-General will hand over power to the President of the Parliament, Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres, who will administer the oath of office to President-elect, Xanana Gusmão. Afterwards, the new East Timor leader will address the nation, prior to a fireworks display.

The following morning, Mr. Annan is slated to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new East Timor Government and an independence day street parade. He will also dedicate a UN House for East Timor before returning on Monday afternoon to Indonesia.