The president of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta, has attended an Easter service in Darwin, in Australia's north.

It was his first public outing since an assasination attempt last month.

Dr Ramos-Horta is recovering from gun shot wounds after he was ambushed by rebels near his Dili home.

The president has attended an Easter mass at Darwin's Catholic cathedral.

"I made a point in coming to the cathedral and to thank the people of Australia, the people of Darwin and thank God for saving my life", he said.

Dr Mr Ramos-Horta is expected to return to Dili in the coming weeks.

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