Doctors say East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta is continuing to progress in his recovery from an assassination attempt. Ramos-Horta is being treated in an Australian hospital after being shot by rebel soldiers. Surgeon Phil Carson said he is optimistic for a full recovery.

Dr. Phil Carson: “He’s had two surgeries here, the last one this morning, and all the wounds are looking very healthy, and they all look like they should go on to untroubled healing. He is currently being watched carefully in the intensive care unit. Everything is well-monitored, and everything is stable, and everything is looking very, very good.”

Meanwhile, members of the Timorese governing party FRETILIN are denying any involvement in the attempt on Ramos-Horta’s life. FRETILIN Secretary General Mari Alkatiri called for political reconciliation.

Mari Alkatiri: “We need a normal political life in this country. Winning or not, the election is a different thing. We cannot really keep the situation of legitimacy and illegitimacy — to keep it forever, until 2012.”