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.