East Timor president thanks rescuers

East Timorese president Jose Ramos-Horta has spoken publicly for the first time since an assassination attempt a month ago, to thank the medical staff who saved his life and other supporters.

In a videotaped message broadcast today, Mr Ramos-Horta says he is refraining from making any political comments at this stage but thanked those who prayed for him and cared for him after the February 11 assassination bid.

Mr Ramos-Horta was rushed to a hospital in the northern Australian city of Darwin after rebel troops shot him outside his home in the East Timorese capital of Dili.

He spent more than a week in a medically-induced coma and has undergone surgery five times, though doctors say he is expected to make a full recovery.