E Timor head makes public speech

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East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta has spoken publicly for the first time since he was shot and seriously injured in a rebel attack last month.

Speaking from hospital in Darwin, Mr Ramos-Horta said he would not make any political comment but thanked all those involved in his recovery.

He also paid tribute to the Australian government for its support following the attack.

The president was shot outside his home in the capital, Dili, on 11 February.

The rebels - a group of former soldiers - also attacked Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao but he escaped uninjured.

Rebel search

Mr Ramos-Horta was flown to northern Australia hours after the shooting to undergo emergency surgery. Since then he has been making a slow but steady recovery.

"Today is the first time I am able to speak publicly, although I am refraining from making a political speech," he said.

"I wish to use this opportunity to thank all who prayed for me, who looked after me, who cared for me, following the assassination attempt on me."

He paid tribute to the Australian government, which sent more peacekeepers to East Timor in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

He also thanked Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who visited East Timor days in the aftermath of the shootings in a show of support for the troubled nation.

Mr Ramos-Horta is expected to remain in hospital for at least another week, doctors said.

The rebel leader, Alfredo Reinado, was killed in the attack on the president.

International and East Timorese troops are now working to round up the remaining rebels.