Timor Leste: Alkatiri Resigns
Tuesday, 27 June, 2006 | 12:52 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Dili: The tense situation in Timor Leste recently forced Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri to resign from his duties yesterday. In his official statement, the Fretilin Party Secretary General hoped by his resignation the crisis would soon come to an end.

“On the assumption that I am responsible, I've decided not to deepen the crisis,” he said during a press conference at his house in Dili. Since he fired around 600 dissatisfied soldiers last March, his opposition has been urging him to withdraw.

The resignation came only a day after the Fretilin Party, which dominates parliament, decided to maintain the functionary party. After resigning, Alkatiri said he will keep on in his role as a parliament member until the election in April 2007.

President Xanana Gusmao has not responded to the official statement, as of this story being released. However, according to a cabinet secretariat official, the President has officially received Alkatiri's resignation.

Jose Sarito Amaral (Dili) and Andree Priyanto