(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-02-12 09:40

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Monday condemned assassination attempts against East Timor's president and prime minister and said those responsible would be held accountable.

Bush said the United States remained committed to helping to strengthen democracy in Timor-Leste after President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot and critically wounded at his home in Dili by rebel soldiers. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped injury in another shooting.

"I strongly condemn the violent attacks," Bush said in a statement. "Those who are responsible must know that they cannot derail democracy in Timor-Leste (East Timor), and they will be held accountable for their actions."

He offered condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks. "We send our prayers for a rapid recovery to President Ramos-Horta and the others injured," Bush added.

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US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack earlier had called the attacks "reprehensible" and an attempt to "turn back the clock" for the people of Timor-Leste.

He said the Australian government was looking to see whether it could do anything to increase its forces on the ground to help with security in Timor-Leste.

Ramos-Horta, who shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, was taken to northern Australia for medical treatment. He was described as being in serious but stable condition and on life support under an induced coma.

The former Portuguese colony of almost 1 million people gained full independence in 2002 after a U.N.-sponsored vote in 1999, marred by violence, ended more than two decades of Indonesian occupation.