East Timor independence hero Xanana Gusmao resigned as prime minister today, stepping down ahead of an expected restructuring of the government next week.
Gusmao, 68, is a former guerrilla leader who spearheaded East Timor's drive for independence when Indonesian rule ended in 2002.
He was the first president of the new country, from 2002 to 2007, and then prime minister for more than seven years.
East Timor voted overwhelmingly in 1999 to end 24 years of brutal Indonesian occupation that had left more than 170,000 dead, but the country has struggled since then to develop economically. About half of the population of 1.2 million people live in poverty.
A government statement said that Gusmao, 68, submitted his resignation to President Taur Matan Ruak.
"Recently the prime minister encouraged all members of government to work calmly in this time of transition until the new government is sworn in," the statement said.
Gusmao is a former guerrilla leader who spearheaded East Timor's drive for independence when Indonesian rule ended.
He was the first president of the new country, from 2002 to 2007, and then prime minister for more than seven years.
East Timor voted overwhelmingly in 1999 to end 24 years of brutal Indonesian occupation that had left more than 170,000 dead, but the country has struggled since then to develop economically. About half of the population of 1.2 million people live in poverty.
The move was expected as local media reports said Gusmao has advised fellow lawmakers that he would step down.
An adviser to Gusmao, who did not want to give his name because he's not authorised to speak publicly about the resignation, said Gusmao felt now was the time to pass the responsibility of governing to the next generation.
He said it was part of a restructuring of the government that is expected to be announced next week. Under the proposal, the Cabinet would be reduced from 55 to 34 ministers and would become more inclusive, with opposition members among those appointed.
