E. Timor adopts draft constitution

Sun, 10 Feb 2002 | Source: AP

EAST TIMOR: The newly formed constituent assembly approved on Saturday a draft of the new constitution, which envisions a parliamentary system with a strong executive for the nascent republic.

The new constitution provides for a division of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government.

The president's role is defined as a largely symbolic, with the head of state dependent on the support of the political parties.

The charter states that the country will not have an official religion and politically neutral defense force.

Portuguese and local language Tetum will be the country's official languages, with English and Bahasa Indonesia to be used as working languages.--AP

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