East Timor's Xanana Gusmao to Step Down as Prime Minister

TEMPO.CO, Dili – East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has told his 53-member government during a dinner in Dili on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, that he will resign from his current position on February 1, 2015. 

During the meeting, Mr. Gusmao outlined his plans to step down in favor of a unity administration under a new leader. One of Mr. Gusmao’s ministers who attended the meeting told East Timor’s news agency Lusa that the dinner was a farewell party. 

Former health minister and opposition Fretilin party member Rui Araujo has been predicted to replace Mr. Gusmao, who has been running the office since 2007 after bitter political stand-off with then Fretilin prime minister Mari Alkatiri. 

Mr. Gusmao, 68, has expressed his intention to resign last year but then told Lusa that he needed to consult with President Taur Matan Ruak first. 

According to Lusa, the new government, which will run the country until 2017, will be announced next week. As reported by Lusa, the East Timor’s government aimed the restructuring at forming an effective and efficient administration that is focused on providing services for East Timor’s people. 

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD | LUSA | NATALIA SANTI