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.