Jose Ramos-Horta was a co-founder of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), and a leader in the Timorese movement for independence from Indonesia. After East Timor won its independence in 2002, Ramos-Horta served as prime minister before being elected president on April 17, 2008.

Ramos-Horta shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize with Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo for their efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in East Timor. Ramos-Horta was the foremost international spokesman for ending to the war and terror that had plagued the region since Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese protectorate in 1975.

• Wikipedia: 2008 East Timorese coup d'état attempt
• Topix.com: Jose Ramos-Horta
• ABC News (Australia): Ramos Horta to Return to E Timor (April 13, 2008)
  • "Mr Ramos Horta has been in Darwin receiving medical treatment after an assassination attempt in February that nearly killed him."

1. Reuters: East Timor President Horta to Return Home Thursday (April 13, 2008)

• BBC News: East Timor extends emergency rule (February 22, 2008)
• VOA News: State of Emergency Extended in East Timor (February 22, 2008)
• Daily Mail: President of East Timor shot during failed coup... (February 12, 2008)
• Stuff.co.nz: Ramos-Horta family no stranger to tragedy (February 12, 2008)
• NZ Herald: "Ramos-Horta facing more surgery..." (February 12, 2008)
• International Herald Tribune: Ramos-Horta's victory is seen as cause for hope... (February 11, 2008)
• TheAge.com.au: Bracks fears backlash (February 11, 2008)
• Sydney Morning Herald: "Ramos-Horta shot twice" (February 11, 2008)