East Timor becomes the world's newest nation, as a declaration of independence ends 450 years of foreign rule.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan congratulates the people of East Timor on their perseverance in rebuilding their country.

Coverage of the independence process: articles, interviews and archive.

Speech by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, delivered in Dili, East Timor, on the occasion of East Timor's accession to independence, 19 May 2002.