Gusmao tenders resignation from E. Timor's interim legislature
Gusmao tenders resignation from E. Timor's interim legislature
DILI (AP): East Timor's mercurial independence leader Jose
Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao tendered on Wednesday his resignation
as head of the territory's interim parliament, complaining that
political squabbling was hampering preparations for full
independence.
In a letter to East Timor's temporary UN administrator, Sergio
Vieira de Mello, Gusmao said that the National Council - which
consists of 36 members appointed by the United Nations - no
longer reflected the views of the East Timorese people.
"I, as president of the National Council, feel that any effort
toward trying to overcome the impasse is in vain due to the lack
of will on the part of (the Council's) members," Gusmao said in
his resignation letter.
The surprise move comes after an acrimonious debate in the
legislature about the shape of a future constitution. Gusmao
appears to have been angered that his own party, Fretilin,
blocked a proposal that all of East Timor's 600,000 people be
canvassed for their views.
The territory has been under UN administration since 1999,
when an overwhelming majority of its people voted for
independence from Indonesia, which had occupied the region since
1975.
Elections are due to be held in August for an 88-seat
constituent assembly that will draw up a new constitution.
Gusmao, who led Fretilin in its long battle against Indonesian
rule, is widely expected to become the country's first president
when it achieves full independence next year.
Wednesday's announcement was not the first time Gusmao has
resigned after disagreements with political rivals.
On Aug. 27, he announced his resignation from the territory's
main political coalition, the National Council of Timorese
Resistance. He changed his mind on the same day, however, saying
he had underestimated the strength of his popular support.
UN officials had no immediate comment, saying the letter had
been received late in the day. "We are unable to make a comment
as the transitional administrator and Xanana have not had an
opportunity to meet," Barbara Reis, UN spokesperson said.