E. Timor honors HK businessman

E. Timor honors HK businessman

EAST TIMOR: A Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist who helped East Timor during its violent break from Indonesia in 1999 was named the new nation's first ambassador-at-large, officials said on Tuesday.

Eric Hotung chartered a hospital ship crammed with about 300 tons (330 U.S. tons) of badly needed relief supplies for East Timor in September 1999, in response to a humanitarian catastrophe in the half-island territory.

"The government of East Timor chose Eric Hotung because he has done a lot for the country," said Renata de Jesus, an official from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

East Timor President Xanana Gusmao met Hotung on Tuesday to discuss his new duties, she said. --AP