Xanana baby 1st in new registry

Xanana baby 1st in new registry

DILI (AP): East Timor's civil registry office opened on
Wednesday with the man widely expected to become the nation's
first president certifying his newly born child.

Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao registered the birth of his
baby boy at the office in the capital, Dilli. He was accompanied
by his Australian wife Kirsty Sword.

UN officials say that setting up and maintaining a registry is
essential for preparing the country for elections, which are
scheduled six months from now.

By the end of 2001, the United Nations, which currently
administers the nation, hopes the entire population will be
registered.

"East Timorese people are know happy because they can get
affirmation of their individual identification as East Timorese
citizens," Xanana said.