U.S. President Barack Obama Monday congratulated Taur Matan Ruak for winning the run-off election in the East Timor presidential election last week. “I congratulate Taur Matan Ruak on his victory in [East Timor's] presidential election and the people of [East Timor] for successfully participating in a peaceful, free, and transparent election,” Obama said in a written statement. Obama called the United States' partnership with the nation “fundamental and enduring.” “It is based on shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights,” Obama said. The president promised to support Timorese efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and consolidate peace and security. Ruak won 61.23 percent of the vote in the run-off election, according to preliminary figures from the elections secretariat.
