Remarks by Envoy of Prince Albert on 30 August 2009, Dili Timor-Leste

(Madame Deromedi, 2nd from right, flanked by Timor-Leste's Parliament Vice President Vincente Guterres, Vice President Maria Paixao and President Fernando Lasama de Araujo)

Remarks by Madame Jacky Deromedi,Official Envoy of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

On the occasion of the Launch of the Princess Grace Medals
30 August 2009, Dili, Timor-Leste


(Madame Deromedi and President Lasama at Press Conference)

Your Excellency, President of the National Parliament Fernando “La Sama” de Araujo
Distinguished Members of Parliament
Members of the Press
Citizens of Timor-Leste
Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, I wish to extend warm greetings and congratulations on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations-led Referendum. The Prince of Monaco and the Monaco people have come to know the Timorese as wonderful, courageous and forgiving.

I am honoured to represent Prince Albert II today whereby we are also commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Visit of Princess Grace to the Refugee Camps in Val de Jamor, Portugal in 1979.

No one besides the people of Timor-Leste, could possibly know the true pain of what life was like as refugees, far from their homeland, separated from friends and family. Yet, the Beloved Princess Grace of Monaco’s visit to Val de Jamor 30 years ago, served as a source of comfort and inspiration.

Princess Grace’s visit also served as recognition of the need for self-determination and with Her humanitarian touch, the Princess became a part of the international solidarity movement.

On April 18-19 2008, the wedding anniversary of His Parents, Prince Albert II made an historic visit to Timor-Leste whereby the Prince renewed His belief in Timor-Leste as a beautiful and peace-loving country.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II was profoundly touched to meet former refugees of the Val de Jamor Refugee Camp at the residence of President Ramos-Horta. The Prince was able to reflect on the significance of His Mother’s actions that serve as a cherished memory for not only those who were living in the camps, but to all the Timorese people.

The commemorative medals that we are launching today mark the Memory of Princess Grace and the continuation of Her legacy through the actions of Her philanthropic Son, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.

The Princess Grace medals shall be awarded to ten individuals per year for ten years and serve as a symbol of Monaco’s respect for all Timorese citizens.

The Prince of Monaco is grateful to the President of the Parliament, His Excellency, Fernando Lasama de Araujo who is leading this initiative to select individuals who best represent the spirit of Princess Grace.

The Princess Grace Medals bare the profile of not only the Beloved Princess, but of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III as well. Prince Albert II recalls with heartfelt emotion the inauguration of the Prince Rainier III Maternity Clinic, together with Prime Minister Gusmão, on 19 April 2009. The Same Clinic serves as a symbol of goodwill, friendship and the care of our common humanity while at the same time meets the maternal health care needs of families in Same.

In this regard, I would like to mark today’s occasion with a special announcement.

Monaco wishes to continue supporting Timor-Leste with development projects that empower communities to reach their full potential. Therefore, it is my high honour to announce to all gathered here today that the Principality of Monaco, together with the Monaco Red Cross shall build a new facility known as The Princess Grace of Monaco Maternity Clinic in the district of Oecussi.

With the success of the first Maternity Clinic in Same, and the excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Health, we are certain that a second clinic built in the spirit of Princess Grace will provide an essential service to the mothers and families of Oecussi.

In closing I wish to offer my best wishes to President Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Gusmão, the Government, people and friends of Timor-Leste.

I wish to assure you that the Principality of Monaco will continue to be at the side of Timor-Leste in friendship and solidarity today and in the future.

Thank you.
Viva Timor-Leste!


(Madame Deromedi and Officials of the Timor-Leste Parliament, including Party Bench leaders, pose for photo).
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