Timor-Leste's president Jose Ramos-Horta arrived home today to a cheering crowd of thousands after more than two months of treatment in Australia for injuries sustained in an assassination attempt in February.
A military parade welcomed Mr Ramos-Horta as he stepped out of the plane at Dili's airport where people waved national flags and carried photographs of the president.
The 58-year-old Nobel laureate, who was shot and critically wounded in an attack by rebel soldiers at his home in Dili on February 11th, thanked parliament, government officials, the church, the people of East Timor and the international community for their support.
"I'm happy to be back in Timor-Leste," he told a news conference at the airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, opposition leader Mari Alkatiri and other government ministers and diplomats.
Mr Ramos-Horta was shot twice after gunmen loyal to rebel leader Alfredo Reinado attacked him and Mr Gusmao. Mr Gusmao escaped unharmed in the attack.