When is Restoration of Independence Day in East-Timor?
Restoration of Independence Day is a public holiday in East Timor and is always celebrated on 20th May.
It is the National Day of East Timor and commemorates Indonesia relinquishing control on 20 May 2002.
History of Restoration of Independence Day in East-Timor
The eastern part of the island of Timor was colonized by Portugal during the 16th century, becoming Portuguese Timor.
Following the 1974 revolution in Portugal, Portugal effectively abandoned its colony on Timor.
This led to a civil war in East Timor and in November 1975 the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor declared the territory's independence.
Nine days later Indonesia, who feared a communist state within the Indonesian archipelago, and with Australian, British, and American support, launched an invasion of East Timor. East Timor was declared Indonesia's 27th province the following year.
In 1999, following a United Nation sponsored agreement between Indonesia and Portugal and a referendum that showed a clear majority in favour of independence, Indonesia relinquished control of the territory.
On 20 May 2002, East Timor became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century, joining the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
