E. Timor joins UN as 191st member

E. Timor joins UN as 191st member

UNITED NATIONS: The tiny Southeast Asian nation of East Timor, the first country to be born in the 21st century, won a seat at the United Nations on Friday, swelling the world body's membership to 191.

The U.N. General Assembly welcomed East Timor -- which gained independence four months ago after breaking away from Indonesia following a bloody conflict -- as its newest member by acclamation.

"We wish the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (East Timor) and its people peace, prosperity and every success in their future, and I warmly welcome Timor-Leste to the United Nations," General Assembly President Jan Kavan of the Czech Republic said after the vote.

President Xanana Gusmao told the chamber he represented "a small people of great dignity and extraordinary bravery in the past, driven by total commitment to the present, and filled with great confidence in the future." -- Reuters