Objectives of the State

The fundamental objectives of the State shall be:

a) To defend and guarantee the sovereignty of the country;

b) To guarantee and promote fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens and the respect for the principles of the democratic State based on the rule of law;

c) To defend and guarantee political democracy and participation of the people in the resolution of national problems;

d) To guarantee the development of the economy and the progress of science and technology;

e) To promote the building of a society based on social justice, by establishing material and spiritual welfare of the citizens;

f) To protect the environment and to preserve natural resources;

g) To assert and value the personality and the cultural heritage of the East Timorese people;

h) To promote the establishment and the development of relations of friendship and co-operation among all Peoples and States;

i) To promote the harmonious and integrated development of the sectors and regions and the fair distribution of the national product;

j) To promote and guarantee the effective equality of opportunities between women and men.