E. Timor adopts draft constitution

E. Timor adopts draft constitution

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