East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta has made a great progress in his recovery after he was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt orchestrated by the rebels led by Alfredo Reinado.

Sitting in a chair at the Darwin hospital where he has undergone five operations, Ramos-Horta made his first public appearance after February 11 attack, in which he almost lost his life.

He did not issue a political statement. In a videotaped message broadcast on Wednesday, he wanted to express his gratitude to all those who helped him preserve his life, Voice of America reports.

“Today for the first time I am able to speak publicly although I am refraining from making a political speech. This being Easter week I wish to use this opportunity to thank all who prayed for me, who looked after me, who cared for me following the assassination attempt on me by Mr. Alfredo Reinado.”

On Monday, Ramos-Horta received the visit of the East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who was also targeted in the last month’s attack, but he escaped unharmed.

He said that the new rebel leader, Gastao Salsinha, who replaced Reinado, has been urged to surrender.

Ramos-Horta is due to remain in hospital for another 10 days and the medical staff seemed optimistic about his full recovery.

Arsenio Ramos-Horta, President’s brother, told the Sidney Morning Herald last night, that the President identified the man who shot him as being Marcelo Caetano. He said that Ramos-Horta brought Caetano into his house two years ago, when the latter was shot in the chest during a gun battle in Dili. Arsenio Ramos-Horta said his brother arranged care for Caetano, who stayed there for two weeks until he recovered.

Caetano is believed to be hiding in East Timor’s central mountains with other rebels, including Gastao Salsinha. The rebels said they will surrender only to the President.